Patents by Inventor Mark L. Binette
Mark L. Binette has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230016475Abstract: Golf ball comprising a core, an outer layer and at least one adhesion promoting coating disposed between each of the core and the outer layer; the core comprising a rubber composition comprising at least one zinc-containing and/or magnesium-containing component; the outer layer comprising at least one ionomer; and the adhesion promoting coating comprising a waterborne dispersion comprised of at least one ethylene acid copolymer having an acid content of at least 15% by weight wherein the copolymer is at least partially neutralized with one or more neutralizing agent; wherein at least one neutralizing agent is selected from ammonia compounds and/or amine compounds. In a specific embodiment, the at least one neutralizing agent comprises i) mono and/or divalent metal compounds and ii) ammonia compounds and/or amine compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: January 19, 2023Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20220362634Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing molded golf balls and the resultant balls. The methods of this invention involve producing foamed polyurethane covers and these methods help reduce dimple distortions and other surface imperfections. These golf balls contain an inner core and outer foamed polyurethane cover. One or more intermediate layers can be disposed between the core and cover. In one embodiment, a castable liquid polyurethane composition containing a foaming agent is dispensed into mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form a foam cover for the ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Shawn Ricci, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20220362635Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. Polyurethane primer coatings and polyurethane top-coatings are applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover. Isocyanate-rich and polyol-rich polyurethane coatings can be applied. In one embodiment, multi-functional imine and amine compounds can be used to treat the golf ball. The resulting coating may contain polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids, copolymers, and blends thereof. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. Heat is used to cure the coatings. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 11497969Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. Polyurethane primer coatings and polyurethane top-coatings are applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover. Different coating methods can be used. Isocyanate-rich and polyol-rich polyurethane coatings can be applied. In one embodiment, the golf ball can be treated with a multi-functional isocyanate prior to applying the coatings. The polyurethane cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. Heat is used to cure the coatings. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 11458368Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and epoxy compound. Mixtures of multi-functional amines and imines, and multi-functional isocyanates, and epoxy curing agents; and solvent, can be applied to the outer cover. The resulting coating may contain polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids, copolymers, and blends thereof. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Michael Michalewich, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 11433278Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing molded golf balls and the resultant balls. The methods of this invention involve producing foamed polyurethane covers and these methods help reduce dimple distortions and other surface imperfections. These golf balls contain an inner core and outer foamed polyurethane cover. One or more intermediate layers can be disposed between the core and cover. In one embodiment, a castable liquid polyurethane composition containing a foaming agent is dispensed into mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form a foam cover for the ball.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Shawn Ricci, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20220273990Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. The outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane, a multi-functional hydroxyl compound, and a multi-functional compound selected from multi-functional amines and imines, and multi-functional isocyanates, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The cover composition can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Publication number: 20220249915Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
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Patent number: 11395943Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. Polyurethane primer coatings and polyurethane top-coatings are applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover. Isocyanate-rich and polyol-rich polyurethane coatings can be applied. In one embodiment, multi-functional imine and amine compounds can be used to treat the golf ball. The resulting coating may contain polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids, copolymers, and blends thereof. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)—light stabilizers, and other additives. Heat is used to cure the coatings. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Publication number: 20220226697Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane compound. Functionalized polydimethylsiloxane compounds also can be used to treat thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls with thermoplastic polyurethane covers have good physical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Michael Michalewich, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 11383137Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and multi-functional hydroxyl compound. Mixtures of multi-functional amines and imines, and multi-functional isocyanates, and solvent, can be applied to the outer cover to form at least a partially cross-linked cover. The cover composition can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Publication number: 20220184460Abstract: Golf balls having covers with decorative-effect coatings are provided. The golf balls are fashionable and decorative with unique appearances. In one embodiment, a golf ball comprising a core having at least one layer and cover having at least one layer is provided. The outer cover surface can have surface textured dimples and a decorative-effect first coating can be applied to this outer surface. A transparent second coating can be applied over the decorative-effect coating. In another embodiment, a semi-transparent metallic first coating overlies the outer cover surface and a decorative-effect second coating overlies the metallic coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 11344771Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
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Patent number: 11325008Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane compound. Functionalized polydimethylsiloxane compounds also can be used to treat thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls with thermoplastic polyurethane covers have good physical properties.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Michael Michalewich, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20210402262Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a foamed silicone composition are provided. Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of non-foamed silicone elastomer composition also are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core and cover structures can be made. The foamed silicones have good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The non-foamed silicone elastomers have high elongation, tensile strength, chemical/fluid-resistance, and weatherability properties. These compositions can be used to form any layer, for example, core, intermediate, or cover, in the golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 11192000Abstract: Methods for making multi-piece golf balls comprising at least one component made of ethylene-propylene diene copolymer (EPDM) rubber and the resulting balls are provided. The multi-piece golf ball includes a cover, preferably a dual-cover having inner and outer cover layers. The outer cover is preferably made of a liquid rubber composition based on liquid EPDM rubber. In one version, the ball sub-assembly is dipped in a bath containing liquid EPDM rubber to form the outer cover. In another version, a casting method is used and the liquid EPDM rubber is dispensed into mold cavities to form the outer cover. The inner core of the ball may be made of polybutadiene rubber and the outer core layer may be made of EPDM rubber. The resulting golf ball has high resiliency, a soft feel, and good weatherability.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette
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Publication number: 20210316190Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing molded golf balls and the resultant balls. The methods of this invention involve producing foamed polyurethane covers and these methods help reduce dimple distortions and other surface imperfections. These golf balls contain an inner core and outer foamed polyurethane cover. One or more intermediate layers can be disposed between the core and cover. In one embodiment, a castable liquid polyurethane composition containing a foaming agent is dispensed into mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form a foam cover for the ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Shawn Ricci, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20210308532Abstract: Buoyant dimpled golf ball having CoR ?0.810, specific gravity <1.00 g/cc, initial velocity ?250 ft/s, first aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.25 and about 0.30 and first aerodynamic force angle between about 29 degrees and 34 degrees at Reynolds Number of 230000 and spin ratio of 0.085; and second aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.26 and about 0.31 and second aerodynamic force angle between about 31 degrees and 36 degrees at Reynolds Number of 180000 and spin ratio of 0.101. Golf ball may additionally have third aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.27 and about 0.32 and third aerodynamic force angle between about 34 degrees and 39 degrees at Reynolds Number of 133000 and spin ratio of 0.133; and fourth aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.33 and about 0.38 and fourth aerodynamic force angle between about 38 degrees and 43 degrees at Reynolds Number of 89000 and spin ratio of 0.183.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Courtney N. Engle, Derek A. Ladd, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, William E. Morgan
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Patent number: 11117022Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a foamed silicone composition are provided. Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of non-foamed silicone elastomer composition also are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core and cover structures can be made. The foamed silicones have good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The non-foamed silicone elastomers have high elongation, tensile strength, chemical/fluid-resistance, and weatherability properties. These compositions can be used to form any layer, for example, core, intermediate, or cover, in the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 11103752Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made from silicone (polysiloxane) elastomers; silicone (polysiloxane) elastomer/polyurethane blends; polycarbonate-polysiloxane blends and copolymers; and polycarbonate-polysiloxane/polyurethane blends are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core and cover structures can be made. The polysiloxane compositions have good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The polysiloxane compositions also have high elongation, tensile strength, chemical/fluid-resistance, and weatherability properties. These compositions can be used to form any layer, for example, core, intermediate, or cover, in the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci