Abstract: A solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a multi-layer cover assembly enclosing the core is disclosed. The core includes a center core component and one or more core layers enclosing the center core component. The multi-layer cover includes an inner cover layer generally disposed about the core and an outer cover layer enclosing the inner cover layer. In a preferred aspect, the present invention golf ball has a moment of inertia less than 0.43 oz. in2 and a coefficient of restitution of at least 0.760.

Abstract: A golf ball core formed from a composition including a (i) cobalt catalyzed polybutadiene and (ii) a blend of lanthanide catalyzed polybutadienes having Mooney viscosities of about 30-70.

Abstract: A golf ball utilizing a high density core component, which is preferably part of a multicomponent core assembly is disclosed. The high density core component is preferably in the form of a metal sphere. The golf balls exhibit a unique combination of a relatively high coefficient of restitution, a controlled moment of inertia, and a relatively high spin rate during short distance shots. It is preferred that the high density core component be utilized in conjunction with a multi-layer cover assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core assembly and a cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset polymeric material, a thermoplastic polymeric material, or combinations thereof. The center component comprises one or more density adjusting filler materials dispersed throughout the polymeric material. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The cover layer is either a single cover layer or a multi-layer cover assembly and preferably includes a polyurethane material. It is preferred that the inner and outer cover layers differ in hardness by at least 5 on the Shore D scale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction and the resulting low modulus golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The novel golf ball cover compositions of the invention comprise a blend of a relatively low amount of at least one hard ionomeric resins and a relatively large amount (i.e. from about 75 to about 85-90 percent) of at least one soft ionomer resin. When the cover compositions of the invention are utilized to manufacture golf balls, the golf balls produced thereby, exhibit properties of improved playability at low swing speeds without substantial sacrifices in durability and/or distance characteristics when compared to known hard-soft ionomer blends.

Abstract: A game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. Various types of game balls are described including golf balls and softballs. By selective exposure to radiation, the thermoplastic polyurethane cover is crosslinked and its hardness is increased. Typically, increases in hardness values of at least 2 units on the Shore D scale are realized upon exposure to 3.5 Mrads of gamma radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball and method for making the same. The game ball has an ionomeric cover which includes a combination of ionomeric crosslinks and covalent crosslinks. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover such that the golf ball, when struck such as during play, exhibits a reduced spin rate. The golf ball may comprise one or more mantle layers including one or more metals, ceramic, or composite materials. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate disposed within the interior of the ball. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. The golf ball of the present invention may also have an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability and resilience.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component. The dual core comprises an interior center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting golf ball having a reduced spin rate. In this regard, a core is provided and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a golf ball exhibiting enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a solid core component that includes a relatively hard central portion and a relatively soft skin portion surrounding the central portion. Various preferred embodiment golf balls are disclosed utilizing this core configuration. A golf ball comprising the noted core component having a wound layer disposed about the core skin portion is described. Another preferred embodiment relates to the use of the noted core component having a multi-layer cover assembly surrounding the core. Various methods for producing such golf ball core components are disclosed.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers and a cellular or liquid core component. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball, and significantly increases the moment of inertia of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed that includes a core assembly comprising a center core component and at least one core layer and a cover comprising at least one layer. The center core component preferably is formed from a sulfur-cured polybutadiene. The core layer component preferably is formed from a peroxide-cured polybutadiene and a metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid such as zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides enhanced playability characteristics (i.e., spin and feel) without sacrificing distance or durability properties. The sulfur-cured center core component exhibits a remarkable combination of properties—a high resiliency coupled with being very soft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for use in molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions are composed of one or more certain types of polybutadiene, which has the effect of increasing the resiliency of the resulting molded cores and greatly facilitates processing of the compositions and forming the cores. Also disclosed are improved golf ball cores, and balls utilizing such cores, formed from particular ultra high Mooney viscosity polybutadiene. In another aspect, golf balls having particular cover compositions are disclosed. Such cover compositions include at least one sodium ionomer and at least one zinc ionomer. Also disclosed are golf balls having a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in a frequency range of 3100 Hz or less after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours.

Abstract: 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 at least 75% of a soft copolymer formed from a polyolefin, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a monomer of the acrylate ester class. 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball utilizing a core that comprises at least two particular types of polybutadiene. In one aspect, a combination of a polybutadiene obtained from a cobalt catalyst is used in conjunction with a polybutadiene obtained from a neodymium catalyst. Also disclosed are golf balls comprising particular cover compositions. In one aspect, a cover composition is disclosed that includes a sodium ionomer, a magnesium ionomer, and a zinc ionomer. The golf balls exhibit improved distance while providing a soft sound and feel.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers that define a hollow interior within the ball. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric hollow spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for use in molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions are composed of polypropylene powder resins which have the effect of increasing the hardness of the resulting molded cores without increasing the weight upon curing, thereby allowing for a reduction in the amount of crosslinking agents utilized and increasing the amount of fillers incorporated therein. The addition of the polypropylene powder resins to the core compositions lowers the cost of the molded core, while maintaining the proper weight and compression. The present invention is also directed to golf balls produced utilizing the improved core compositions.