Patents by Inventor Michael Michalewich

Michael Michalewich 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).

  • Publication number: 20170050086
    Abstract: Golf balls having at least one layer comprising a polymer composition comprising a reaction mixture of a base polymer and at least one regenerating-type multi-functional antioxidant. A regenerating-type multi-functional antioxidant has at least two differing moieties selected for example from the group consisting of phenols, phosphites, amines or combinations thereof, and is macromolecular, having a molecular weight of at least 2,000 g/mol. and up to 2,000,000. The at least one layer may comprise at least one regenerating-type multi-functional antioxidant in an amount of from 0.10 to about 2.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the base polymer, or of less than 0.50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the base polymer, or of less than 0.095 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the base polymer. The base polymer can comprise ionomer resin composition(s), polyurethane composition(s) and/or rubber composition(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich
  • Publication number: 20170036070
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from foamed and non-foamed thermoset compositions. For example, the intermediate core can be formed from a thermoset rubber so there are adjoining foam core layers (inner and intermediate) and the outer core layer can be formed from a non-foamed thermoset rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20170021232
    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: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20160375313
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising at least one layer having a Shore D material hardness of from about 10 to about 55 and consisting of a millable polyurethane rubber composition comprising rubber consisting of: at least one polyether-based millable polyurethane rubber; at least one polyester-based millable polyurethane rubber; at least one polycaprolactone-based millable polyurethane rubber; or combinations thereof; wherein the millable polyurethane rubber composition is vulcanized. The rubber may be mixed/compounded with additional non-rubber ingredients such as at least one cross linking agent, peroxide initiator, filler, antioxidant, processing agent, light stabilizer, colorant, adhesion promotor, isocyanate and/or polyol, or combinations thereof. The at least one layer may be a cover layer, with a second layer, formed from at least one of a thermoset urethane or a thermoplastic material, being adjacent to an inner surface of the cover layer and meanwhile disposed about a polybutadiene-containing core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Shawn Ricci, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20160367867
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having a cover in which the dimples have two distinct hardness regions. The cover of the present invention is formed from a castable formulation including at least one prepolymer that incorporates some degree of unsaturation in the backbone of the polymer, at least one curative, and at least one free radical initiator. The present invention also explores the methods of making such golf balls. The methods of the present invention allow for the production of a golf ball dimple with two distinct hardnesses to be formed using a single castable formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael R. Madson, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9505025
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising: a core; a casing layer surrounding the core; and a cover layer surrounding the casing layer and being formed from a cover composition that is produced by a reaction of a prepolymer and a chain extender, wherein the prepolymer is formed from the reaction product of: (i) an isocyanate comprising an allophanate (“ICA”) and having an average NCO functionality in the range of 1.9 to 2.8 and (ii) a polyol-containing component or an amine-containing component or a blend thereof; and wherein the chain-extender is selected from the group consisting of amine-terminated chain-extenders, hydroxyl-terminated chain-extenders, and mixtures thereof. The ICA may comprise a reaction product of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), at least one monoalcohol, and a bismuth-containing catalyst. The ICA may have an average equivalent weight of from about 200 to about 350; and the prepolymer may have an average equivalent weight of from about 420 to about 840. The cover has a thickness of at least about 0.010 in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9468812
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9457235
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core has a positive hardness gradient, the intermediate core has a positive hardness gradient, and the outer core has a zero or negative hardness gradient. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20160279481
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core made of a foamed silicone composition and a cover are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core structures can be made. Preferably, a dual-core having has a silicone foam inner core (center) and surrounding silicone foam outer core layer is made. The core layers can have different hardness gradients. The silicone foam center and outer core layer have good thermal stability and durability and provide the ball with good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Shawn Ricci, John D. Farrell, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Publication number: 20160243406
    Abstract: Multi-layered 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 core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9375613
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9375612
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core made of a foamed silicone composition and a cover are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core structures can be made. Preferably, a dual-core having has a silicone foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer is made. The silicone foam center has good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The surrounding outer core layer may be made from non-foamed or foamed compositions. For example, silicone foams, polyurethanes, polybutadiene rubber, or highly neutralized olefin acid copolymers may be used in the outer core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Shawn Ricci, John D. Farrell, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Publication number: 20160166886
    Abstract: A golf ball having improved adhesion comprising: a core; a first layer surrounding the core; a tie layer surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the first layer and consisting of a mixture of a polyfunctional aziridine compound and a solvent; and a second layer that is different than the first layer formed about the tie layer. The first layer may consist of a non-urethane composition whereas the second layer consists of at least one urethane composition. The first layer may comprise a non-urethane composition whereas the second layer consists of at least one urethane composition. The first layer may consist of a non-urethane composition while the second layer comprises a urethane composition. The first layer may comprise an ionomer for example. The solvent may be aprotic. Alternatively, the solvent may be protic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20160144242
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition, preferably polyurethane foam, are provided. The ball includes a dual-layered core having a foam inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. The outer core layer may be made from a non-foamed thermoset material such as polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes an inner cover, preferably made from an ionomer composition comprising an O/X-type acid copolymer, wherein O is ?-olefin, and X is a C3-C8 ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. The outer cover may be made from a non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic material such as polyurethane. Preferably, the specific gravity of the inner cover is greater than the specific gravity of the outer core, which is greater than the specific gravity of the inner core. The finished ball has good distance and low-spin properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Shawn Ricci, Mark L. Binette, Michael Michalewich
  • Publication number: 20160129315
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9333396
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a casing layer surrounding the core, a cover layer disposed about the casing layer, and three coating layers CL1, CL2, and CL3 disposed about the cover layer, wherein the respective compositions and color appearances of the cover, casing, CL1, CL2, and CL3 each contribute a color appearance to an overall golf ball color appearance CAOA having a color stability difference ?Ecmc as measured in the CIELAB color space in a QUV after 24 hrs of less than 1.5 units, or less than 1.2 units, or less than 1.15 units or up to 1.0 units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Matthew F. Hogge, Manjari Kuntimaddi, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Patent number: 9327168
    Abstract: Methods for making golf balls having a cover made from polyurea and polyurethane compositions are provided. The methods for making the polyurea and polyurethane composition involve preparing an amine-terminated or hydroxyl-terminated first prepolymer by reacting a first isocyanate compound with a stoichiometric excess of polyamine or polyol (depending on the type of prepolymer desired). The first prepolymer is then reacted with a stoichiometric excess of a second isocyanate compound to form an isocyanate-terminated second prepolymer. The second prepolymer is then reacted with a chain extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9327166
    Abstract: Multi-layered 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 core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Publication number: 20160114220
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane golf ball compositions. The compositions are prepared by adding a UV absorber to a polyol prior to reacting the polyol with an isocyanate to form a prepolymer, which is then reacted with a curing agent to form the polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Michalewich, Brian Comeau, Shawn Ricci, Manjari Kuntimaddi, Matthew F. Hogge, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson
  • Publication number: 20160101325
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci