Abstract: Sighting aids for golf balls that allow a golfer to sight a direction in which to hit or putt a golf ball and a method of producing the same and golf balls having sighting aids that have a certain degree of wrap determined by a sighting equation and surface coverage determine by a surface coverage equation.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein an outermost surface of the golf ball has a coefficient of friction of greater than 0.6.

Abstract: A casting system for a golf ball cover layer is disclosed. The system has a mix head that after dispensing the mixed material it is capable of pulling back any excess mixed material without the use of snuff-back valves. Alternatively, or additionally, the mix head of the present invention is capable of moving in one or more of directions x, y, and z. Furthermore, the system of the present invention is capable of adjusting the viscosity of the mixed material in the nozzle of the mix head. Additionally, the mix head is connected to a closed-loop flow controller that provides the mix head with accurate portions of precursors and curing agents.

Abstract: A polyurea-based curable coating for use with sports equipment, such as golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, footballs, billiard balls, baseballs, and the like, of which the coating may be cured over time, with heat, or a combination thereof, providing enhanced adhesion to equipment surfaces, improved abrasion resistance, and increased water resistance.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a golf ball having a foamed layer and the method for creating the foamed layer by the heating of blowing agents with infrared radiation. Either physical blowing agents can be de-volatized, or chemical blowing agents (both organic and inorganic) may be decomposed wherein the blowing agents are generated within the layer. The resultant layer is less dense than the core layer beneath it.

Abstract: Compositions for golf balls including oxirane functional endcapped polymers and, in particular, compositions formed from polyurethane-based or polyurea-based prepolymers that are endcapped with an oxirane functional group. The oxirane functionality is opened with a suitable curing agent to provide a composition that has flexibility via the prepolymer backbone and stiffness via the oxirane functional endcaps.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one non-surface layer that has been treated with a radiation source to effect a complete cure of the non-surface layer and methods for making same, wherein the radiation-curable non-surface layer includes a polymer component and, optionally, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, or both.

Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the expandable polymeric composition comprises a film-forming binder polymer latex, a dispersing agent, a plurality of polyspheres encapsulating expandable volatile substance, and at least one additive. The additive can be a defoaming agent, a solvent, a thickener, a plasticizer, or any combination thereof. Another expandable polymeric composition comprises a curable silicone composition comprising a liquid diorganopolysiloxane, a liquid organosilicon compound, a condensation catalyst and a blowing agent. Another the expandable polymeric composition comprises an aqueous acrylic based latex emulsion and an unencapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for creating a triple layer like golf ball core out of a single material. A thermoset material is cured for only a partial period of time in a compression mold, therein creating a short-cured core wherein the innermost region of the core is substantially softer than the outer region. Subsequently, the short-cured core is heated with infrared radiation to create a cure gradient in the skin of the core. This results in a relatively hard skin, which is at least 2 Shore D points harder than the rest of the core. The hardness gradients created in the skin are in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.040 inches.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover encasing the core, at least one coating layer encasing the cover, and at least one indicia layer immediate adjacent to the coating layer is provided. At least one of the indicia and coating layers comprises at least one two-part, reactive composition comprising at least one radiation-curable iso(thio)cyanate and at least one isocyanate-reactive chemical.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball, comprising spraying a thin layer of between about 0.001 inch to about 0.01 inch made from a rubber composition, wherein the rubber composition comprises liquid polybutadiene as the sole rubber component. The layer is cured by infrared radiation and increased layer thickness may be achieved by multiple sprayings oa the liquid polybutadiene. The molecular weight of the sprayable liquid polybutadiene is at least about 1,000 and the liquid polybutadiene is in a liquid state at room temperature.

Abstract: A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. An imager such as a camera captures a spectral image of the golf ball. The spectral image is captured line-by-line as the golf ball rotates. The lines are then packed together to form a three-dimensional spectral image of the golf ball showing full spectral information for every pixel. The resultant three-dimensional spectral image is then analyzed, such as using a pattern matching or threshold analysis tool. If a golf ball passes the inspection, it is permitted to advance in the processing. If the golf ball does not pass the inspection, it may be diverted. This inspection system is capable of detecting very subtle color differences, so the system is particularly applicable for use in inspecting primer coat coverage.

Abstract: A polyurea-based curable coating for use with sports equipment, such as golf balls, golf shoes, golf clubs, footballs, billiard balls, baseballs, and the like, of which the coating may be cured over time, with heat, or a combination thereof, providing enhanced adhesion to equipment surfaces, improved abrasion resistance, and increased water resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls, and in particular, to golf balls having at least one portion formed from at least one non-ionomeric, silane-crosslinked polyolefin materials that are formed in the presence of moisture or water during golf ball construction. The present invention also relates to methods of forming golf balls having at least one portion formed from at least one non-ionomeric, silane-crosslinked polyolefin materials that are formed in the presence of moisture or water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls, and in particular, to golf balls having at least one portion formed from at least one non-ionomeric, silane-crosslinked polyolefin materials that are formed in the presence of moisture or water during golf ball construction. The present invention also relates to methods of forming golf balls having at least one portion formed from at least one non-ionomeric, silane-crosslinked polyolefin materials that are formed in the presence of moisture or water.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a halogenated butyl rubber such as bromobutyl rubber or chlorobutyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a sulfonated butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may be blended with other polymers. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer is placed on to a core subassembly and cured by infrared radiation (IR). IR-curable moisture vapor barrier materials include, but not limited to, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber and single-pack castable polymers, among others. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, an outer layer of the golf ball may comprise a polymer that has a cured temperature greater than the softening temperature or melting temperature of the encased subassembly. Such outer layer may be cured by IR.