Abstract: An apparatus and method for demolding golf balls from a mold cavity are disclosed. More specifically, an apparatus and method for demolding a golf ball from a mold cavity subsequent to forming a cover layer without the use of ejector or knockout pins are disclosed. The molding apparatus utilizes an undercut configuration that, upon opening the molds after molding a golf ball, serves to impart a rotational force upon the ball and dislodge it from the molds.

Abstract: A golf ball with a dimple pattern designed to maximize flight characteristics employs dimples which are created by joining two or more intersecting surfaces. The invention provides for single radius or dual radius dimples, preferably including smaller radius cylinders tangentially arranged along the side of the larger cylinders. The intersection of the cylinders forms tri-cylinders, tri-semicylinders, bi-cylinders, quad-semicylinders, penta-semicylinders, or more generally n-cylinders depending upon the number of intersecting cylinders. The golf ball includes a plurality of single or dual radius dimples created by intersecting n-cylinders to create maximum turbulence on the ball during flight.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a non-planar parting line (25), a first false non-planar parting line (26a) and a second false non-planar parting line (26b). A first group 32 of parting dimples defines the non-planar parting line (25). A second group (33) of parting dimples defines the first false non-planar parting line (26a). A third group (34) of parting dimples defines the second false non-planar parting line (26b). A plurality of hexispheres (70) are defined by the non-planar parting line (25) the first false non-planar parting line (26a) and the second false non-planar parting line (26b).

Abstract: Various reaction injection molding (“RIM”) processes and molding equipment are disclosed. In particular, a multi-stage molding process and molding assembly is disclosed for the production of layers or cores on golf balls. The process utilizes a collection of molds, including shuttle molds and/or molding assist members, that readily enables reaction injection molding of layer(s) on golf ball cores or intermediate golf ball assemblies.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a non-planar parting line (25), a first false non-planar parting line (26a) and a second false non-planar parting line (26b). A first group 32 of parting dimples defines the non-planar parting line (25). A second group (33) of parting dimples defines the first false non-planar parting line (26a). A third group (34) of parting dimples defines the second false non-planar parting line (26b). A plurality of hexispheres (70) are defined by the non-planar parting line (25) the first false non-planar parting line (26a) and the second false non-planar parting line (26b).

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.

Abstract: A golf ball with a dimple pattern designed to maximize flight characteristics employs dimples which are created by joining two or more intersecting surfaces. The invention provides for single radius or dual radius dimples, preferably including smaller radius cylinders tangentially arranged along the side of the larger cylinders. The intersection of the cylinders forms tri-cylinders, tri-semicylinders, bi-cylinders, quad-semicylinders, penta-semicylinders, or more generally n-cylinders depending upon the number of intersecting cylinders. The golf ball includes a plurality of single or dual radius dimples created by intersecting n-cylinders to create maximum turbulence on the ball during flight.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball having traditional dimples and a tubular lattice structure is disclosed herein. The golf ball has dimples and a plurality of lattice members that form multi-faceted polygons. Each of the plurality of lattice members has an apex and the golf ball of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls. The interconnected lattice members form a plurality of polygons, preferably hexagons and pentagons. Each of the lattice members preferably has a continuous contour.

Abstract: Pinless molding of a cover (24) for a golf ball (20), and an apparatus and method for manufacturing a golf ball precursor product (22) for use in pinless molding is disclosed herein. Preferably the golf ball precursor product (22) comprises a core (26) and a mantle layer (28). The golf ball precursor product (22) preferably has a plurality of lobes (30) extending from an innersphere (27). The plurality of lobes (30) allow the golf ball precursor product (22) to be centered within a cover mold without the use of pins for centering.

Abstract: A process for reaction injection molding a polyurethane material for a layer of a golf ball is disclosed herein. The layer is preferably a cover for the golf ball. The process discloses preferred pressure parameters and mass flow parameters for reaction injection molding the layer. Such preferred pressure parameters include the difference from mix-head open to the shot mid-point, ??Pom, and the pressure difference from mix-head open to close, or ??Poc. The mass flow parameters include the percentage change in mass flow ratio from mix-head open to shot mid-point, or % MFRom, and the change in mass flow ratio from mix-head open to shot mid-point, or ?MFRom.

Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The molding equipment provides one or more selectively positionable knock-out pins along the surface of the molding chamber. These pins are specially tailored such that subsequent to molding, the resulting voids are traditional or deep dimples. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a golf ball are disclosed herein. The method and apparatus involve biasing a golf ball precursor product toward a first side of a mold cavity in anticipation of movement of the golf ball precursor product toward a second side of the mold cavity during the formation of a cover for the golf ball. In order to bias the golf ball precursor product, at least one of a second plurality of protrusions that extend inward from a second side of an interior surface wall has a length that is greater than each of a first plurality of protrusions that extend inward from a first side of the interior surface wall. A golf ball having greater cover concentricity is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided having a controlled variable moment of inertia. The golf ball includes a core defining at least one hollow channel. At least one movable weight is located within each hollow channel. The end of the hollow channel at the outer edge of the core is enclosed with a plug. The movable weight and plug may each further include a magnet or the hollow channel may include a placement member such as a spring to control the movement of the weight. When the present golf ball is struck, the spin rate forces the weights to move from the interior of the core outwardly towards the outer edge of the core, thereby varying the moment of inertia of the golf ball. A method of manufacturing the present golf ball is also provided. The golf ball also significantly reduces hooks and slices due to the gyroscopic effect of the moving weight(s) to the outer edge of the core.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1 550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.

Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a soccer ball, a volleyball, a basketball, a football or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside the ball and which is operable to pump ambient air into the ball. Energy absorbing foam panels are used at varying locations to maximize rebound performance by minimizing the rebound height differential. The foam panels may be of different types and/or thicknesses.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.

Abstract: A sport ball having an internal device such as an internal pump has a critical ratio that insures that rebound characteristics or coefficient of restitution of the ball, such as a basketball, will be acceptable for use. The invention also includes the method for evaluating design and/or quality control of a sport ball by measuring the internal vibration and determining the critical ratio of the sport ball.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer. The core defines at least one depression along its outer surface. The cover layer provides at least one aperture that extends through the cover layer to the core. The aperture of the cover is aligned with the depression of the core. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The aperture(s) may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the aperture that extends to the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.