Abstract: Disclosed herein is novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and optionally a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of copolymers additionally comprising a fatty acid or fatty acid salt. The golf ball component of the invention has soft feel and resilience that is maintained or improved.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition for forming a golf ball or a component thereof is disclosed that includes the use of a non-conjugated diene monomer having two or more vinyl (CH2?CH—) terminal end groups. The composition produces a molded product exhibiting an enhanced combination of increased compression (i.e., softness) and resilience (C.O.R.).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material of the invention. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and, optionally, a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises a thermoplastic material according to the invention. The thermoplastic material comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of acid and alkyl acrylate copolymers, which additionally comprise a fatty acid or fatty acid salt. A golf ball comprising a component that incorporates the thermoplastic material of the invention has a soft feel and resilience that is maintained or improved compared to a standard golf ball.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material of the invention. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and, optionally, a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises a thermoplastic material according to the invention. A thermoplastic material of the invention comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of an acid copolymer, a copolymer comprising a metallocene-catalyzed alpha-olefin and a softening comonomer, and a fatty acid or fatty acid salt.

Abstract: A golfball comprising a liquid core and a reaction-injection-molded (RIM) cover material is disclosed. The liquid core comprises a core shell defining a hollow region, the hollow region containing a fluid. The reaction-injection-molded material may be a reaction-injection-molded polyurethane, a reaction-injection-molded polyurea, a reaction-injection-molded polyurethane/polyurea blend, or mixtures thereof. A golfball with a liquid core and RIM cover exhibits variable spin characteristics and a larger spin decay.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition for forming a golf ball or a component thereof is disclosed that includes the use of a metal thiosulfate, either alone or in combination with one or more halogenated organic sulfur compounds, such as halogenated thiophenol (HTP), or salts thereof. The composition produces a molded product exhibiting an enhanced combination of increased compression (i.e., softness) and/or resilience (C.O.R.).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered. For a multi-layered cover, the inner cover layer is comprised of a hard, high modulus material and the outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus material and/or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyetheramide. Separately, the inner and/or outer cover layers are very thin in construction. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced playability characteristics (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided having a controlled variable moment of inertia. The golf ball includes a core defining at least one hollow channel. At least one movable weight is located within each hollow channel. The end of the hollow channel at the outer edge of the core is enclosed with a plug. The movable weight and plug may each further include a magnet or the hollow channel may include a placement member such as a spring to control the movement of the weight. When the present golf ball is struck, the spin rate forces the weights to move from the interior of the core outwardly towards the outer edge of the core, thereby varying the moment of inertia of the golf ball. A method of manufacturing the present golf ball is also provided. The golf ball also significantly reduces hooks and slices due to the gyroscopic effect of the moving weight(s) to the outer edge of the core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball comprising at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. It is preferred to also utilize a multi-layer cover in conjunction with the silicone material(s). The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises at least 75% of a soft copolymer formed from a polyolefin, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a monomer of the acrylate ester class. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises at least 75% of a soft copolymer formed from a polyolefin, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a monomer of the acrylate ester class. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball further comprises at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball further comprises at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: This invention relates to golf balls having a relatively soft cover and soft core which, in combination, provide golf balls with PGA compression ratings under 70 and a cover Shore D hardness of about 57 or less having good play “feel” and a soft sound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved multi-layer golf ball compositions and the resulting regulation balls produced using these compositions. In this regard, a smaller and lighter core is produced and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a molded golf ball exhibiting enhanced interior perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association. In one aspect, a golf ball having a particular moment of inertia is provided, ranging from 0.390 to 0.480 oz. in.2 The balls utilize components having particular dimensions and weights such as a core having a diameter of 1.28 to 1.57 inches and a weight of 18 to 38.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer comprising an ionomer and having Shore D hardness of about 65 or less, and an outer cover layer having a different composition than the inner cover layer, comprising an ionomer, and having a Shore D hardness of more than 65. The sum of the thickness of the inner cover layer and the thickness of the outer cover layer is greater than 0.090 inches. A method for making the golf ball also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball comprising at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. It is preferred to also utilize a multi-layer cover in conjunction with the silicone materia(s). The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.