Patents by Inventor Michael J. Tzivanis
Michael J. Tzivanis 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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Patent number: 7128864Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Vincent J. Simonds, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
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Patent number: 7118496Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
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Patent number: 7086965Abstract: 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 one or more polyurethane materials. 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Jr., Mark L. Binette, John L. Nealon
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Patent number: 7083534Abstract: A golf ball (20) approaching zero land area is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has an innersphere with a plurality of lattice members (40) and a plurality of deep depressions (99). Each of the plurality of lattice members (40) has an apex and the golf ball (20) of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls. The interconnected lattice members (40) preferably form a plurality of polygons, preferably hexagons and pentagons. Each of the lattice members (40) preferably has a continuous contour.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Steven S. Ogg, Thomas F. Bergin, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 7070726Abstract: A process for making a golf ball with one or more deep dimples is disclosed. The process utilizes a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. At least one portion of the material flow channel has a plurality of bends and at least one branching intersection adapted to promote turbulence in a liquid flowing therethrough. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
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Patent number: 7066843Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 7048534Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
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Patent number: 7033157Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
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Patent number: 7026430Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a golf ball by mixing a polyisocyanate copolymer and at least one other reactant, such as a polyol, to form a reaction product and reaction injection molding the reaction product to form at least one of a core and cover component. Preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes an aromatic polyisocyanate and an aliphatic polyisocyanate. Most preferably, the polyisocyanate copolymer includes a copolymer of toluene diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Viktor Keller, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, William M. Risen, Jr., Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 6986721Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball having one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding. The outwardly extending protrusion has a height greater than or equal to the thickness of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
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Patent number: 6969477Abstract: A process for producing golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Vincent J. Simonds, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
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Patent number: 6958020Abstract: A golf ball (20) approaching zero land area is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has an innersphere with a plurality of lattice members (40) and a plurality of deep depressions (99). Each of the plurality of lattice members (40) has an apex and the golf ball (20) of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls. The interconnected lattice members (40) preferably form a plurality of polygons, preferably hexagons and pentagons. Each of the lattice members (40) preferably has a continuous contour.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Steven S. Ogg, Thomas F. Bergin, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 6935970Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
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Patent number: 6932931Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
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Patent number: 6905427Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 6896629Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer. The core defines at least one depression along its outer surface. The cover layer provides at least one aperture that extends through the cover layer to the core. The aperture of the cover is aligned with the depression of the core. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The aperture(s) may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the aperture that extends to the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon
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Patent number: 6872154Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
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Patent number: 6855077Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
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Patent number: 6855076Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
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Publication number: 20040239000Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson