Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf ball cover compositions containing metal cation neutralized carboxylic acid based copolymers and/or alkali metal cation neutralized ethylene copolymers such as ethylene alkyl acrylates. Golf balls produced with the cover molded thereon exhibit desired properties of distance and high coefficient of restitution without substantially sacrificing and/or improving characteristics like playability and durability when compared to existing ionomeric resin covers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover or mantle, or both, formed from a composition comprising a polyamide-ionomer graft copolymer and a method of making the same. Polyamide-ionomer graft copolymers include a polyamide component and an ionomeric component. In a preferred form, polyamide-ionomer graft copolymers have a polyamide component backbone and ionomeric components grafted thereto. Golf balls according to the invention may also be formed from a composition or material that includes a blend of a polyamide-ionomer graft copolymer and an ionomer. Such blends are preferably employed as a mantle or a cover of a golf ball. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. Materials comprising polyamide-ionomer graft copolymer are a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf ball cover compositions containing metal cation neutralized carboxylic acid based copolymers and/or alkali metal cation neutralized ethylene copolymers such as ethylene alkyl acrylates. Golf balls produced with the cover molded thereon exhibit desired properties of distance and high coefficient of restitution without substantially sacrificing and/or improving characteristics like playability and durability when compared to existing ionomeric resin covers.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed comprising a core having a unique surface configuration and a cover disposed about the core. The unique surface configuration is preferably a protuberant surface. Protuberant surface configurations are preferably provided by a plurality of geometrical shaped projections, which extend outwardly from the surface. A protuberant surface provides a protuberant interface between the layer, i.e., the core, having the protuberant surface and a layer disposed immediately thereon. A protuberant interface is more efficient in terms of energy transfer compared to traditional smooth spherical golf ball layers. Additionally, a golf ball having desired performance characteristics may be formed by the incorporation of a unique protuberant interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover formed from a polyamide composition and a method of making the same. More specifically, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of a polyamide component including polyphthalamide and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover formed from a polyamide composition and a method of making the same. More specifically, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of a polyamide component and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: A technique for preparing polyamide-ionomer graft copolymers is disclosed which involves first preparing a copolymer from a polyamide and an ionomer precursor, and then neutralizing the ionomer precursor. Also disclosed is a technique for preparing a polyamide and ionomer blend by first blending a polyamide and an ionomer precursor together, and then neutralizing the ionomer precursor. Golf balls utilizing these compositions and related methods of forming are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover formed from a polyamide composition and a method of making the same. More specifically, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of a polyamide component and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover formed from a polyamide composition and a method of making the same. More specifically, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of a polyamide component and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball is disclosed having a mantle assembly, comprising a core and one or more mantle layers disposed about the core, and a cover disposed about the mantle assembly. At least one of the one or more mantle layers of the mantle assembly has a unique surface configuration. The unique surface configuration is preferably a protuberant surface. Protuberant surface configurations are preferably provided by a plurality of geometrical shaped projections, which extend outwardly from the surface. A protuberant surface provides a protuberant interface between the layer having the protuberant surface and a layer disposed immediately thereon. A protuberant interface is more efficient in terms of energy transfer compared to traditional smooth spherical golf ball layers. Additionally, a golf ball having desired performance characteristics may be formed by the incorporation of a unique protuberant interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover or mantle, or both, formed from a composition comprising a polyamide-ionomer graft copolymer and a method of making the same. Polyamide-ionomer graft copolymers include a polyamide component and an ionomeric component. In a preferred form, polyamide-ionomer graft copolymers have a polyamide component backbone and ionomeric components grafted thereto. Golf balls according to the invention may also be formed from a composition or material that includes a blend of a polyamide-ionomer graft copolymer and an ionomer. Such blends are preferably employed as a mantle or a cover of a golf ball. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. Materials comprising polyamide-ionomer graft copolymer are a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover formed from a polyamide composition and a method of making the same. More specifically, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of a polyamide component and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core, and a gamma irradiated, ionomeric, dimpled cover having a Shore D hardness of 55 or less as measured on a non-dimpled portion of the cover, the dimples maintaining their shape when the cover is subjected to heat treatment at 160.degree.-180.degree. F. for at least one hour. In making the golf ball, the dimpled cover is subjected to gamma irradiation in a dosage sufficient to increase the vicat softening point in degrees Fahrenheit of the cover by at least 2.5%.