Patents by Inventor Vincent J. Simonds

Vincent J. Simonds 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).

  • Patent number: 6872154
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
  • Patent number: 6855077
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Publication number: 20040239000
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 6817853
    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 after their retraction subsequent to molding, the resulting voids are deep dimples. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux
  • Publication number: 20040224042
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball having one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding. The outwardly extending protrusion has a height greater than or equal to the thickness of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040166185
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples 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. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 6776731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for forming multi-layer golf balls, and more particularly to processes and equipment for forming multi-layer golf balls having one or more deep dimples that extend through the outer cover layer and into one or more matching depressions in the layers or components thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon
  • Patent number: 6769900
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 6755634
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball having one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding. The outwardly extending protrusion has a height greater than or equal to the thickness of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Publication number: 20040067801
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material selecting from the group consisting of a polybutadiene, a polyisoprene, or combinations thereof; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: The Top-Flite Golf Company
    Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Mark L. Binette, Michael John Tzivanis, John L. Nealon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Vincent J. Simonds
  • Patent number: 6699027
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples 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. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20040018894
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered. For a multi-layered cover, the inner cover layer is comprised of a hard, high modulus material and the outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus material and/or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyetheramide. Separately, the inner and/or outer cover layers are very thin in construction. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced playability characteristics (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: The Top-Flite Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Mark L. Binette, Michael John Tzivanis, R. Dennis Nesbitt, John L. Nealon, Vincent J. Simonds
  • Patent number: 6616551
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material comprising polybutadiene and polyisoprene; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Top-Flite Golf Company
    Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Mark L. Binette, Michael John Tzivanis, John L. Nealon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Vincent J. Simonds
  • Patent number: 6612941
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material comprising polybutadiene and polyisoprene; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. Preferably, the inner, high density, center component is produced without the use of a crosslinking agent or coagent, which is the reaction product of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc. The cover may be single or multi-layered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Top-Flite Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Mark L. Binette, Michael John Tzivanis, R. Dennis Nesbitt, John L. Nealon, Vincent J. Simonds
  • Patent number: 6609410
    Abstract: A high strain rate tester for elastomeric materials used in sports balls includes a base on which a sample of the material is mounted and a striker which delivers an impact to the sample, preferably in the vertical direction. A load cell adjacent to the sample measures the reaction force of the impact from the sample and an optical detector measures the displacement of the sample in the vertical direction. The force and displacement measurements are processed to determine the time dependent strain of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Axe, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas A. Veilleux
  • Publication number: 20030157998
    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 cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Vincent J. Simonds, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20030157997
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20030157996
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples 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. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20030155691
    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 cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20030153405
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon