Patents by Inventor Michael J. Sullivan

Michael J. Sullivan 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).

  • Patent number: 10486030
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10478674
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core; an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and having a thickness of about 0.005 inches to 0.40 inches and a surface hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater; and an outer cover layer formed from a thermoset material and having a thickness of about 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches and a surface hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The thermoplastic composition has a first melt flow index at 280° C. under a 10-kg load of less than about 35 g/10 min and a second melt flow index at 265° C. under a 5-kg load of less than about 10 g/10 min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10478675
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition and a layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20190344127
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190344125
    Abstract: 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, ultraviolt (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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 10471308
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having a dual-layered core and cover of at least one layer are provided. The dual-core construction includes a non-foamed inner core (center) made of a thermoplastic or thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. An outer core layer comprising a foamed composition, such as polyurethane foam, is disposed about the inner core. In one version, the foamed outer core layer is made of a relatively soft foam composition having low flex modulus and density. The foamed outer core layer may specific gravity gradient within the layer, wherein the outer surface specific gravity is greater than the midpoint specific gravity. A cover may be disposed about the core structure. For example, an inner cover made of ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and outer cover made of polyurethane may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20190329099
    Abstract: A coated golf ball includes a single or dual core and a cover layer formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The TPU cover preferably has a first polyurethane coating layer and a second polyurethane coating layer disposed about the first polyurethane coating layer. In a preferred embodiment, he first polyurethane coating layer includes unreacted isocyanate groups and has an isocyanate index of at least about 120. Preferably, the first polyurethane coating layer has an isocyanate index of at least about 150, more preferably, at least about 200, and most preferably at least about 250.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 10457128
    Abstract: Systems for a truck box cover and more particularly to a truck box cover system configured to transform to suit multiple load types and still protect the load from outside elements. The truck box cover system has a plurality of electrically controlled telescoping columns and sides made of compliant material for raising and lowering the cover and maintaining a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190321687
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The inner and outer core layers can have different hardness gradients. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 10449420
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least three layers, including at least one thermoset layer and at least one thermoplastic layer. The innermost core layer is relatively small, having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.30 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 10441849
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising layer(s) comprised of neutralized acid polymer composition consisting of mixture of: (a) low molecular weight acid-containing wax(es); (b) non-acid polymer(s) including at least one low molecular weight non-acid wax such as high density oxidized polyethylene homopolymers; ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers; polypropylene maleic anhydride copolymers; polypropylene homopolymers; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; high density oxidized homopolymers; oxidized copolymers; polyethylene micronized waxes; polytetrafluoroethylene micronized waxes; emulsifiable low molecular weight non-acid waxes; non-emulsifiable low molecular weight non-acid waxes; and/or chemically modified low molecular weight non-acid waxes; and (c) organic acid(s) or salt thereof. Molecular weight of each low molecular weight acid-containing wax is about 500 to 7000, or up to 30,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 10441854
    Abstract: Golf balls having a multi-layered core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam center. The foam inner core preferably includes a fully-foamed center region and a partially or completely-collapsed foam outer region. The hardness of the fully-foamed region is different than the hardness of the collapsed foam region. Non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic materials such as polybutadiene rubbers or ethylene acid copolymer ionomer may be used to form the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered. The foam cores have good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci, John D. Farrell
  • Patent number: 10434373
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190299064
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10427008
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a composite composition comprising functionalized nano-structures. The functionalized nano-structures may be selected from the group consisting of functionalized polymer nano-structures, functionalized metallic nano-structures, and functionalized elemental nano-structures. For example, the functionalized nano-structures may comprise functionalized graphene, functionalized carbon nanotube, and/or functionalized polyamide nano-fiber. The functionalized nano-structures may be mixed/blended or otherwise combined with conductive nanoshelled structures in the composite composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10428216
    Abstract: Golf ball having CoR of at least 0.700 and compression of at least 50 and comprising a layer of a mixture of thermoset or thermoplastic composition and a plurality of conductive nanoshelled structures such as conductive hollow nanoshells and/or nanorice particles. Conductive nanoshelled structures may be included in amount of from about 2 wt % to greater than 50 wt. % of total weight of mixture. Diameter of each conductive nano shelled structure at widest cross-section may be up to 1000 nm. Each conductive hollow nanoshell may have shell thickness to longitudinal diameter ratio of from about 1:3 to about 1:100. Each nanorice particle may have longitudinal diameter of up to 1000 nm. Shell thickness can be from 1 nm to 100 nm and may be controlled. A layer consisting of mixture may have specific gravity that differs from specific gravity of a layer consisting of the thermoset or thermoplastic composition portion of mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Erin C. McDermott
  • Patent number: 10427004
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising thermoplastic blend of (i) ionomer(s); (ii) different thermoplastic polymer(s); (iii) reactive crosslinker(s) consisting of maleic group-modified polymer(s), and/or glycidyl (meth)acrylate-modified polymer(s) (“PGM”); and (iv) catalyst(s); ionomer present in amount of about 45 wt % or greater, and PGM present in amount of from about 2 wt % to about 35 wt %. Thermoplastic polymer may be present in amount of from about 8 wt % to about 50 wt %; or from about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %; or from about 35 wt % to about 50 wt %. Amount of ionomer may be greater than amount of thermoplastic polymer. Thermoplastic polymer may be a polyurethane present in amount of greater than 20 wt % and up to about 40 wt %; and the PGM is present in amount of from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %. In some embodiments, PGM is present in an amount of from about 15 wt % to about 35 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich
  • Patent number: 10427007
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermoplastic matrix and discrete particles of crosslinked polymer dispersed within the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink
  • Patent number: 10427005
    Abstract: Golf ball constructions incorporating at least one layer comprising a polycyclopentene rubber having advantageously modified end groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 10427003
    Abstract: Golf ball having CoR of at least 0.700 and Atti compression of at least about 50 and comprising layer consisting of mixture of thermoset or thermoplastic composition and plurality of particulates, at least a portion surface-treated with alkoxylated siloxanes and/or polyether-modified siloxanes, and may be selected from titanium dioxide particles, barium sulfate particles, zinc sulfide particles, and/or zinc oxide particulates. At least some particulates are contacted with compound having the formula: Compound (I) may be included in amount of 0.01 to 2% by weight based on total weight of portion of plurality being contacted. The plurality may be included in mixture in amount such that layer has specific gravity of from 0.5 to about 10.0, tensile strength of from about 300 psi to about 50,000 psi, and elongation at break of from about 20% to about 1000%, each being greater than that of the thermoset or thermoplastic composition portion of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich