Abstract: This invention is directed to a golf ball core that has hardness gradients created in its outer skin by the application of high temperatures from infrared radiation. The outer 0.001 to 0.040 inches of the core has a different hardness than the rest of the core. The skin can either be harder or softer than the rest of the core. The core can be compounded by materials that will only be reactive at temperatures produced by infrared radiation.

Abstract: The present invention includes an instructional golf ball including a spherical body having an outer surface with a plurality of dimples formed therein. Situated on the outer surface of the body is instructional indicia. Such instructional indicia include text for providing guidance as to the manner in which a user should play the golf ball. During use, a user might read the instructional indicia while addressing the golf ball, and address and/or strike the golf ball in the manner indicated by the instructional indicia.

Abstract: A golf ball includes, as a composing element, a hot-molded product of a rubber composition. The rubber composition contains a polybutadiene having 60 wt % or more of cis-1,4-bonds and 40 or more of a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4(100° C.)), unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, an organic peroxide, and a monophenol based antioxidant. The golf ball can be produced with good workability because of no burn at the time of kneading the rubber composition, while preventing a reduction in rebound characteristic.

Abstract: A mixture having good thermal stability, flow and moldability and suitable as a golf ball-forming material is obtained when a resinous component including a base resin of an ionomer resin or resins and optionally a non-ionomer thermoplastic elastomer is blended with specific proportions of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid derivative and a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups left unneutralized in the base resin and fatty acid. Using the same material, high-rebound golf balls can be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: Golf equipment having improved cut and shear resistance that includes a polyurea-based composition or polyurethane-based composition, preferably saturated and/or water resistant, formed of a prepolymer, a functionalized block copolymer, and optionally further cured or chain extended with a curing agent, where the prepolymer is incorporated at the terminal end of the functionalized block copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a photochromic compound. The photochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states according to exposure to U.V. radiation associated with direct sunlight. The photochromic golf ball is white when it is shielded from direct sunlight, but changes in color when it is directly exposed to direct sunlight. In a golf ball structure having a core, an outer cover, and a transparent coating, the photochromic compound is present either in the outer cover or the transparent coating.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core having a first density formed from a diene rubber composition including glass microspheres having an isotactic crush strength of about 5,000 psi or greater and having a true density of about 0.70 g/cm3 or less, the microspheres being present in an amount sufficient to lower the first density to about 1.05 g/cm3 or less; a cover; and an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, the intermediate layer having a density of from about 1.3 g/cm3 to about 1.9 g/cm3 and including a composition formed from a compatibilized blend of a non-ionic fluoropolymer and an acrylate-based polymer; wherein a ratio of the core density to the intermediate layer density is between about 0.81 to about 0.5.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one of a center, cover, or intermediate layer that includes a reaction product that includes a resilient polymer component, a free radical source, at one of a metallic mercaptobenzothiazole and optionally one or more of a cis-to-trans catalyst, a crosslinking agent, or a filler.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core formed from a composition comprising a metal salt of an unsaturated organic acid and at least one co-curing agent comprising an unsaturated imide or a metallic derivatives thereof; and a cover layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core having a diameter of between about 1.54 inches and about 1.57 inches, a compression of between about 70 and 80, and comprising a polybutadiene rubber composition comprising a magnesium salt of pentachlorothiophenol; a cover having a thickness of about 0.04 inches or less and comprising a castable polyurethane or polyurea composition; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer, the inner cover layer having a thickness of about 0.04 inches or less and selected from the group consisting of ionomers, vinyl resins, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, acrylic resins, thermoplastics, polyphenylene oxide resins, thermoplastic polyesters, thermoplastic rubbers, partially-neutralized polymers, highly-neutralized polymers, and fully-neutralized polymers.

Abstract: A clear paint for golf balls includes essentially a base polymer including a polyurethane resin, and a graft polymer including a comb polymer having a backbone portion formed of an acrylic resin and a branch portion formed of polyorganosiloxane. The backbone portion of the comb polymer has at least one hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, shot feel, controllability and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the center has a diameter of 25 to 40 mm, and a surface hardness of the center is higher than a central point hardness of the center in Shore D hardness by not more than 7, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 8.0 mm, and a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the central point hardness of the center by 3 to 25, and a hardness in Shore D hardness of the cover is lower than the surface hardness of the intermediate layer by 0 to 15.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates and telechelic polymers having isocyanate-reactive end-groups such as hydroxyl groups and/or amine groups. These elastomer compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates and telechelic polymers having isocyanate-reactive end-groups such as hydroxyl groups and/or amine groups. These elastomer compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates and telechelic polymers having isocyanate-reactive end-groups such as hydroxyl groups and/or amine groups. These elastomer compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates and telechelic polymers having isocyanate-reactive end-groups such as hydroxyl groups and/or amine groups. These elastomer compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: Sports equipment incorporate thermoplastic compositions including urethane and a nitroso reaction product of a nitroso compound and a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate. The invention allows for the processing advantages of a thermoplastic urethane with the superior performance characteristics of a cross-linked polyurethane.

Abstract: A short-range golf ball made of one or more of a variety of materials in such a manner that upon exposure to natural weather conditions (such as ultraviolet solar radiation, dew, rain, wind, or dirt), the golf ball material will quickly oxidize, degrade, disintegrate, melt or otherwise decompose to leave products harmless to, or beneficial to, the natural environment. Such breakdown products should be non-toxic to animals and plants and should not contaminate water supplies, soil or other parts of the ecological system. The short-range golf ball preferably has a maximum range of less than 100 yards.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover and a core, and optionally at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover and the core, wherein the cover or the intermediate layer or both are formed from a blend comprising a thermoplastic silicone-urethane copolymer. The silicone content of the silicone-urethane copolymer is between 1 and 20 percent by weight.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a golf ball of unitary molded construction, wherein the golf ball is foamed from a composition that comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, and a blowing agent, and wherein the golf ball has (i) a diameter that ranges from about 1.6 to about 2.4 inches, (ii) a weight that ranges from about 10 to about 28 grams, and (iii) a coefficient of restitution value that ranges from about 0.30 to about 0.45.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber composition for forming a core of a solid golf ball, the composition containing a base rubber (A); a filler (B); an organic peroxide (C); and a dry blend and/or a solvent slurry blend (D) of an unsaturated carboxylic acid metallic salt and a metal-containing organic sulfur compound represented by the following formula (1): (wherein X represents a halogen atom, each of m and n represents an integer of 0 to 5 inclusive, and M represents a divalent metallic atom). The rubber composition exhibits high curing rate, and can be cured within shorter time, whereby productivity of a core can be improved.

Abstract: A novel composition useful for golf ball covers that comprises a blend of a diisocyanate/polyol polyurethane prepolymer with a curing agent comprising a blend of slow-reacting diamine with a fast-reacting diamine such as dimethylthio 2,4-toluenediamine and diethyl 2,4-toluenediamine, respectively. A golf ball cover made with this composition exhibits the characteristic feel and playability of a balata cover with superior durability characteristics (cut and shear resistance) which exceed those of a balata or ionomer cover.

Abstract: Golf balls and compositions for use in ball cores, covers and intermediate layers incorporate syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having crystallinity and other specified physical properties. Golf balls incorporating the compositions of the present invention provide flexibility in golf ball design to improve ball performance, such as hit feel and spin rate, without adversely affecting shear-cut resistance of the ball. Also, methods for making golf balls include preparing a composition comprising syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having crystallinity, and then incorporating the composition into a golf ball. The methods can include injection molding only, or injection and compression molding. When the composition being molded incorporates crosslinking agents, co-crosslinking agents, or crosslinking accelerators, preferred methods include inducing partial or total crosslinking of the composition at preferred steps of making the golf balls.

Abstract: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a hot-molded product of a rubber composition comprising a base rubber composed of (a) 20-100 wt % of a polybutadiene having a high cis-1,4 content, a minimal 1,2 vinyl content, and a viscosity &eegr; of up to 600 mPa·s at 25° C. as a 5 wt % toluene solution, and satisfying a certain relationship between Mooney viscosity and polydispersity index Mw/Mn, in combination with (b) 0-80 wt % of another diene rubber, (c) an unsaturated carboxylic acid, (d) an organosulfur compound, (e) an inorganic filler, and (f) an organic peroxide. The hot-molded product has a difference in JIS-C hardness between the center and surface thereof of more than 15 and up to 40 units. The composition and hardness characteristics of the hot-molded product provide the golf ball with a soft feel upon impact and an excellent rebound.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a golf ball of unitary molded construction, wherein the golf ball is foamed from a composition that comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, and a blowing agent, and wherein the golf ball has (i) a diameter that ranges from about 1.6 to about 1.75 inches, (ii) a weight that ranges from about 10 to about 15 grams, and (iii) a coefficient of restitution value that ranges from about 0.33 to about 0.42.

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 pressurized foamed inner, spherical center component comprising a first matrix material selected from the group consisting of thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof, a blowing agent and a cross-linking agent 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 an additional outer core layer(s) that surround the outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: A golf ball having an indicia produced by ink jet printing is disclosed. An ink composition containing a coloring agent and a resin is dispensed on a transfer medium, using an ink jet printer, to form an indicia. The indicia is transferred from the transfer medium to the dimpled surface of a golf ball. In another form of the invention, an indicia is applied directly to a golf ball, without a transfer medium. In this method, an indicia receiving layer is applied on at least a portion of the golf ball surface, then the indicia is printed directly on the indicia receiving layer using an ink jet printer. The indicia on the golf ball has an impact resistance suitable for use in competitive play.

Abstract: A coating composition for a golf ball is comprised of a slippery, transparent or white, non-sticky lubricant film, and a method for applying same to a golf ball comprises the steps of applying the lubricant to an external surface of the golf ball prior to striking the ball with a golf club, and applying the coating uniformly to the external surface of the golf ball and to a sufficient degree as to reduce the friction between said external surface and the atmosphere or ground when propelled through the atmosphere or along the ground, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball that has a coefficient of restitution at 143 feet per second that is greater than 0.8015, and an USGA initial velocity less than 255.0 feet per second. The golf ball is preferably a solid three-piece golf ball with a thermosetting polyurethane cover, an ionomer blend intermediate layer and a polybutadiene core.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover is manufactured by the steps of (A) enclosing the core with a thermoplastic resin and (B) tailoring the thermoplastic resin layer by applying heat and pressure thereto, for adjusting the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer to 0.3-1.0 mm. A golf ball whose cover layer has a very thin and uniform thickness as well as an improved outer appearance is manufactured. The golf ball can derive the rebound and other characteristics of the core to the maximum extent.

Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball and methods for preparing a portion thereof including a core having at least one core layer, a mantle having at least one layer including an amount of reinforcing polymer component and a resilient polymer component disposed concentrically adjacent the core, and at least one cover layer disposed concentrically adjacent the mantle, wherein the layer of the mantle is sufficiently rigid to inhibit the resilient polymer component from substantially altering shape prior to crosslinking. The invention also includes an elastomeric composition including a polybutadiene having a high molecular weight average and a predominantly 1,4-cis content, a free-radical initiator, and a reinforcing polymer component having a sufficiently low viscosity at a mixing temperature to permit substantially uniform dispersion of the polymer component with the polybutadiene and having a crystalline melting point sufficiently low to permit mixing while avoiding substantial crosslinking.

Abstract: A dimple pattern for a golf ball with multiple sets of dimples is disclosed herein. Each of the multiple sets of dimples has a different diameter. A preferred set of dimples is twelve different dimples. The dimples may cover as much as eighty-seven percent of the surface of the golf ball. The unique dimple pattern allows a golf ball to have shallow dimples with steeper entry angles. In a preferred embodiment, the golf ball has 382 dimples covering ninety percent of the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, spin performance, shot feel and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover covering the core, wherein the center has a diameter of 37 to 41 mm, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and a hardness in Shore D hardness of 55 to 70, the hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the center and a hardness in Shore D hardness of the cover, and a specific gravity of the intermediate layer is lower than that of the center and cover, the cover comprises polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer as a main component, and has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: There is provided a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high launch angle and an increased flight distance, characterized in a ratio of a primary natural frequency of the golf ball in a direction in which the ball deforms (in a longitudinal direction) (fn) and a primary natural frequency of the ball in a vibration mode in a direction of torsion, i.e., a ratio fc/fn provided in a range: 2.22≦(fc/fn)≦2.45. This relationship is satisfied by a golf ball for example having a core formed of a plurality of layers and having a center smaller in complex modulus than the core's outermost layer or having a cover with a complex modulus adjusted to have a large value.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers enclosing the solid core and formed on the surface with a plurality of dimples, the solid core in its entirety has a hardness distribution falling within the range of JIS-C hardness 50-85, the difference between maximum and minimum JIS-C hardnesses in the solid core falls within 5%, the cover inner layer has a JIS-C hardness of 70-90, the cover outer layer has a JIS-C hardness of 60-80, the sum of high-speed region dimple operative volumes HDOV of respective dimples is 170-310, the sum of low-speed region dimple operative volumes of respective dimples LDOV is 200-310, and the overall dimple volume is 260-360 mm3.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover and a core, and optionally at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover and the core, wherein the cover, the intermediate layer or both are formed from a blend comprising a thermoplastic silicone-urethane copolymer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and excellent durability, and showing good workability when producing. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball composed of at least one layer of a rubber material as a component, wherein the rubber material is formed from the rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide and an inorganic filler, and the rubber composition comprises 10 to 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene containing a cis-1,4 bond of not less than 80%, having a Mooney viscosity of not less than 50 to less than 65 ML1+4 (100° C.), a ratio (Mw/Mn) of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn) of 2.5 to 3.5 and Mw of 50×104 to 70×104, synthesized using lanthanide-containing catalyst, based on 100 parts by weight of the base rubber.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-piece golf ball which includes a core and a cover having a thickness of 1.0 to 3.0 mm. The core is made from a rubber composition containing a main rubber component which mainly contains polybutadiene. The cover is made from a material mainly containing an ionomer resin in which at least one kind of silicone powder selected from a silicone rubber powder, a silicon resin powder, and a composite powder thereof is dispersedly blended. The core has a hardness corresponding to a deflection in a range of 3.3 to 6.0 mm under an applied load of 100 kg. The cover has a Durometer D hardness in a range of 55 to 70.

Abstract: A two-piece golf ball includes a core and a cover having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The core has a hardness corresponding to a deflection in a range of 3.0 to 5.5 mm under a load of 100 kg. The cover has a Durometer D hardness 45 to 55. Dimples numbering 300 to 550 pieces are formed in the surface of the golf ball so that a dimple total volume ratio VR, which is a ratio of the total of volumes of dimple spaces under the planes surrounded by edges of the dimples in the surface of the golf ball to the total volume of a virtual ball as a result of assumption that no dimple is formed in the surface of the golf ball, is 0.85% or less. The two-piece golf ball is excellent in resilience, flight distance characteristic, controllability, and feel of hitting.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a golf ball of unitary molded construction, wherein the golf ball is foamed from a composition that comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, and a blowing agent, and wherein the golf ball has (i) a diameter that ranges from about 1.6 to about 1.75 inches, (ii) a weight that ranges from about 10 to about 15 grams, and (iii) a coefficient of restitution value that ranges from about 0.33 to about 0.42.

Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thread wound golf ball having long flight distance, while maintaining the characteristics of good shot feel and excellent spin performance. The golf ball of the present invention comprises a thread wound core composed of a solid center and a thread rubber layer formed on the solid center, and a cover covering the thread wound core, wherein if the diameter of the solid center is A (mm), a thickness of the thread rubber layer is B (mm) and a thickness of the cover is C (mm), A, B and C satisfy a correlation represented by the following four formulae: 36.5≦A ≦39.0, 1.0≦B≦2.0, 1.0≦C≦2.0, B+C≦3.5 and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 50 to 60.

Abstract: A composition including a non-silicone material, a silicone material, and a crosslinking agent. The composition forms a structure selected from the group consisting of an interpenetrating network structure and a thermoplastic vulcanizate structure.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core; an intermediate layer formed from a polymer blend including a first material having a flexural modulus of between about 65,000 psi and about 120,000 psi and a second material including a grafted-metallocene polymer; and a cover layer formed from a castable reactive liquid material.