Patents by Inventor Terence Melvin
Terence Melvin 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: 6887173Abstract: Inflatable articles with self-contained mechanisms, such as sporting equipment, medical equipment, recreational devices and toys, preferably any inflatable article with at least one mechanism for inflating or adding pressure to the article, or for deflating or removing pressure from the piece of equipment, such that the mechanism is located inside the article are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Russell Asset Management, Inc.Inventors: Matthew K. Lacroix, Terence Melvin, Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, III, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler
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Publication number: 20040058751Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6676537Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: The Top-Flite Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Terence Melvin
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Publication number: 20030032507Abstract: Inflatable articles with self-contained mechanisms, such as sporting equipment, medical equipment, recreational devices and toys, preferably any inflatable article with at least one mechanism for inflating or adding pressure to the article, or for deflating or removing pressure from the piece of equipment, such that the mechanism is located inside the article are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Matthew K. Lacroix, Terence Melvin, Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler
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Patent number: 6478698Abstract: A new configuration for dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the dimple having a raised contour which is still below the surface of the ball. The contoured portion may comprise many shapes including a crescent or a sinusoidal configuration. Moreover, the contoured portion may have different portions having different depths. The contours within at least some of the dimples on the surface of the ball alter the air flow across the golf ball surface to reduce drag and increase the distance the ball will travel.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Terence Melvin, Thomas A. Veilleux
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Patent number: 6475417Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6468168Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6432342Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved molded golf ball core constructions and methods for improving the molded golf ball core construction. The molded golf ball comprises a molded spherical core having a soft skin integral therewith, and a cover molded over the core. The soft skin is formed by controlling exothermic molding temperatures. A slug is placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. A steam set point is set, and steam is applied for a 25-30 minute period such that a maximum mold temperature exceeds the steam set point. In the alternative, the core surface may be softened by first immersing a slug in water prior to subjecting the slug to conventional molding conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6379269Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Terence Melvin, Michael J. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20020045492Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: Spalding Sports Worlwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Terence Melvin
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Publication number: 20020010035Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6299550Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising a spherical shell which includes at least an inner first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, the second layer being sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer, and a core which substantially fills the spherical shell, the core comprising at least one of a liquid, a gel and a melt. The sum of the thickness of the first layer, second layer and third layer is 0.10-0.30 inches. The core at least substantially fills the spherical shell without stressing the spherical shell. The spherical shell, as opposed to the core, is primarily responsible for the high initial velocity obtained when the golf ball is struck by a golf club so as to allow the golf ball to be driven long distances both in the air and on the ground when it lands. A method of making the golf ball also is disclosed. The golf ball is particularly well-suited for use by players seeking a long distance ball with a low spin rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Molitor, Terence Melvin, Michael J. Sullivan, Joseph E. Stahl
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Publication number: 20010021677Abstract: A new configuration for dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the dimple having a raised contour which is still below the surface of the ball. The contoured portion may comprise many shapes including a crescent or a sinusoidal configuration. Moreover, the contoured portion may have different portions having different depths. The contours within at least some of the dimples on the surface of the ball alter the air flow across the golf ball surface to reduce drag and increase the distance the ball will travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventors: Terence Melvin, Thomas A. Veilleux
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Patent number: 6193616Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6176793Abstract: A new configuration for dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the dimple having a raised contour which is still below the surface of the ball. The contoured portion may comprise many shapes including a crescent or a sinusoidal configuration. Moreover, the contoured portion may have different portions having different depths. The contours within at least some of the dimples on the surface of the ball alter the air flow across the golf ball surface to reduce drag and increase the distance the ball will travel.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 6113831Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf ball core constructions and methods for forming the golf ball core construction. The golf ball comprises a molded spherical core having a soft skin integral therewith, and a cover molded over the core. The soft skin is formed by controlling exothermic molding temperatures. A slug is placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. A steam set point is set, and steam is applied for a 25-30 minute period such that a maximum mold temperature exceeds the steam set point. In the alternative, the core surface may be softened by first immersing a slug in water prior to subjecting the slug to conventional molding conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 5976443Abstract: The present invention is directed to molded golf ball core constructions and methods for improving the molded golf ball core construction. The molded golf ball comprises a molded spherical core having a soft skin integral therewith, and a cover molded over the core. The soft skin is formed by controlling exothermic molding temperatures. A slug is placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. A steam set point is set, and steam is applied for a 25-30 minute period such that a maximum mold temperature exceeds the steam set point. In the alternative, the core surface may be softened by first immersing a slug in water prior to subjecting the slug to conventional molding conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Lisco, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 5865697Abstract: A ball comprising an interior layer; an intermediate layer having a plurality of spacer panels extending radially outwardly from the interior layer, the panels each having interior edge located adjacent to the interior layer and an exterior edge and lateral side edges therebetween coupled to lateral side edges of adjacent panels in a waffle-like configuration to form a plurality of recesses extending downwardly from the exterior edges to thereby form a grid pattern of recesses with an exterior surface formed from the free exterior edges; and an exterior layer adjacent to the exterior surface of the intermediate layer for entrapping pockets of air within the recesses.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Lisco, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Molitor, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 5766098Abstract: A two-piece golf ball of improved playing characteristics comprisinga core having a weight of substantially 34.4 grams anda cover having a weight of substantially 11.1 grams. The ball has a total weight of no more than 46.0 grams and a dimple pattern covering at least 70.0% of the surface of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Lisco, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Molitor, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Joseph F. Stiefel, Terence Melvin
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Patent number: 5733206Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved molded golf ball core constructions and methods for improving the molded golf ball core construction. The molded golf ball comprises a molded spherical core having a soft skin integral therewith, and a cover molded over the core. The soft skin is formed by controlling exothermic molding temperatures. A slug is placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. A steam set point is set, and steam is applied for a 25-30 minute period such that a maximum mold temperature exceeds the steam set point. In the alternative, the core surface may be softened by first immersing a slug in water prior to subjecting the slug to conventional molding conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Lisco, Inc.Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Michael J. Sullivan, Terence Melvin