Patents by Inventor Shawn Ricci

Shawn Ricci 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).

  • GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20140323241
    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: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Golf ball having a thermosetting intermediate and outer cover and a thermoplastic inner cover
    Patent number: 8870685
    Abstract: A golf ball is formed including a core and a cover. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer and having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, and a non-ionomeric thermosetting polyurethane or polyurea intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer and the outer cover layer is formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOSET OUTER LAYERS WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20140309056
    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: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • METHODS FOR MAKING POLYUREA AND POLYURETHANE POLYMERS AND GOLF BALLS PREPARED THEREFROM
    Publication number: 20140308444
    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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • MULTI-LAYERED COES FOR GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM AND THERMOSET LAYERS
    Publication number: 20140309055
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • MULTI-LAYERED CORES HAVING FOAM INNER CORE FOR GOLF BALLS
    Publication number: 20140256469
    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 structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND POLYMERIC OUTER LAYERS WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS
    Publication number: 20140256473
    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: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Dual cured castable hybrid polyurethane / polyurea system for use in golf balls
    Patent number: 8829148
    Abstract: Compositions for golf balls that include polyurethane and polyurea linkages and that are crosslinked in the soft segments of the polymer backbone. In particular, the compositions of the invention, which are based on a polyurethane and/or polyurea prepolymers, have improved crosslink density from the crosslinking between the soft, unsaturated segments of the polymer backbone. The curative blend includes at least one isocyanate-reactive component and a free radical initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Randy Petrichko, Shawn Ricci
  • Golf ball having a cover layer with a purposed hardness gradient
    Patent number: 8809415
    Abstract: Compositions for golf balls that include polyurethane and/or polyurea linkages and that are crosslinked in the soft segments of the polymer backbone to improve the crosslink density and effect a hardness gradient throughout the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Randy Petrichko, Shawn Ricci, Edmund A. Hebert, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett
  • Castable hydrophobic polyurea compositions for use in golf balls
    Patent number: 8791224
    Abstract: Compositions for golf balls that are formed from the reaction product of an isocyanate-containing component and an amine-terminated component having an unsaturated backbone, which is cured with a curing agent. In particular, the compositions of the invention may be formed from a prepolymer having urea linkages and at least one carbon-carbon double bond in the backbone that is cured with an amine-terminated component resulting in golf balls having weight gain comparable to ionomers and less loss of COR as compared to ionomers and conventional polyurethanes after submersion in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Randy Petrichko, Shawn Ricci
  • Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover
    Patent number: 8758168
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover and at least on intermediate layer therebetween. The intermediate layer includes pigment which contributes to the color or appearance of the ball and the cover is at least partially transparent such that the intermediate layer is at least partially visible. The cover is also comprised of an optical enhancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Shawn Ricci
  • COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS
    Publication number: 20140141905
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise the reaction product of an isocyanate, a moisture-resistant polyamine, and an amine- or hydroxyl-terminated curing agent, and can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as the inner core, outer core, intermediate layer, inner cover, and/or outer cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Shawn Ricci, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich
  • GOLF BALL WITH TRANSLUCENT COVER
    Publication number: 20140106905
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a golf ball comprising a core and a cover and an optional intermediate layer disposed between the core and cover, wherein at least one of the core and the intermediate layer comprises any Pantone Matching System color including blue, green, yellow, pink, or orange having an L* value of about 80 or less; and wherein the cover comprises a translucent thermoset polyurethane material and an amount of pigment or dye such that the cover has any Pantone Matching System color including blue, green, yellow, pink, or orange that has an L* value of about 80 or less. The thermoset polyurethane material may be formed from an aliphatic isocyanate-based composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Edmund A. Hebert, Matthew F. Hogge, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl
  • GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140073458
    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: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Michalewich, Brian Comeau, Shawn Ricci, Manjari Kuntimaddi, Matthew F. Hogge, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson
  • THERMOSET POLYURETHANES BASED ON MOISTURE-RESISTANT POLYOLS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS
    Publication number: 20140004976
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci, Michael J. Sullivan
  • MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL WITH TRANSLUCENT COVER
    Publication number: 20140004975
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover and at least on intermediate layer therebetween. The intermediate layer includes pigment which contributes to the color or appearance of the ball and the cover is at least partially transparent such that the intermediate layer is at least partially visible. The cover is also comprised of an optical enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Shawn Ricci
  • Golf ball with translucent cover
    Patent number: 8617004
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a golf ball having at least a transparent or translucent cover and a core. The golf ball may also comprise an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover. The transparent or translucent cover may comprise a plurality of dimples on its surface as well as depressions other than dimples, such as stripes, text, or logos. Both the cover and the core may comprise an amount of dye or dyes. The cover may additionally comprise an amount of reflective particulates. The core may include a plurality of projections and/or depressions on its surface to provide more surface area for the adhesion of the cover to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Edmund A. Hebert, Matthew F. Hogge, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl
  • GOLF BALL HAVING A THEMOSETTING INTERMEDIATE AND OUTER COVER AND A THEMOPLASTIC INNER COVER
    Publication number: 20130331204
    Abstract: A golf ball is formed including a core and a cover. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer and having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, and a non-ionomeric thermosetting polyurethane or polyurea intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer and the outer cover layer is formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • METHODS FOR MAKING POLYUREA POLYMER AND GOLF BALLS PREPARED THEREFROM
    Publication number: 20130303697
    Abstract: Methods for making golf balls having a cover made from a polyurea composition are provided. The golf balls include a rubber core and intermediate layer made from an olefin-based ionomer composition. The methods for making the polyurea composition involve preparing an amine-terminated first polymer by reacting isocyanate compound A with a stoichiometric excess of polyamine. The first prepolymer is reacted with a stoichiometric excess of isocyanate compound B to form an isocyanate-terminated second prepolymer. The second prepolymer is then reacted with a chain extender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Michalewich, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Shawn Ricci
  • Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover
    Patent number: 8529376
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover and at least on intermediate layer therebetween. The intermediate layer includes pigment which contributes to the color or appearance of the ball and the cover is at least partially transparent such that the intermediate layer is at least partially visible. The cover is also comprised of an optical enhancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Shawn Ricci