Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover or mantle, or both, formed from an isophthalic acid polyamide composition and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of an isophthalic acid polyamide component and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.

Abstract: A paint composition comprising an aqueous resin having photo-curable functional groups in a molecule, a photoinitiator, and a crosslinker is suitable for use on golf balls since the composition is fully adherent to molded parts of ionomer resins and urethane resins commonly used in golf ball covers, eliminates a need for pre-treatment of the ball surface, and forms a cured coating having a high bond strength to the ball surface. The composition which is photo-curable ensures efficient operation in the golf ball manufacturing process. In a golf ball coated with the paint composition, the coating has abrasion durability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a four-piece solid golf ball having excellent flight performance and good shot feel at the time of hitting. The present invention relates to a four-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer formed on the core, an outer layer formed on the intermediate layer and a cover covering the outer layer, wherein the core has a surface hardness in JIS-C hardness of 67 to 85, a JIS-C hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the surface hardness of the core, and a JIS-C hardness of the outer layer is higher than the hardness of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer enclosing the core, and an outer layer enclosing the intermediate layer is characterized in that the intermediate layer is made of a thermoplastic resin composition, the intermediate layer on its surface has a Shore D hardness of at least 57, the intermediate layer has a specific gravity of 1.00-1.30 g/cm3, the outer layer has a specific gravity of at least 1.00 g/cm3, the core has a specific gravity of 1.05-1.20 g/cm3, the intermediate layer and the outer layer have a total gauge of up to 3.3 mm, [(core surface JIS-C hardness)−(core center JIS-C hardness)]≧16, [(intermediate layer surface JIS-C hardness)−(core surface JIS-C hardness)]≧0, and-18≧[(outer layer surface Shore D hardness)−(intermediate layer surface Shore D hardness)]<0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having a marking that can be directly printed on the surface of golf ball body without undercoating treatment when printing the marking and has good appearance and excellent durability after repeated hitting. The present invention relates to a golf ball having a marking printed with an ink composition on the surface thereof, wherein the ink composition comprises epoxy resin having a terminal OH group, polyisocyanate curing agent and a coloring agent as essential components, and the curing agent comprises 25 to 35% by weight of isocyanurate polyisocyanate derived from hexamethylene diisocyanate, 25 to 35% by weight of biuret polyisocyanate derived from hexamethylene diisocyanate and 35 to 50% by weight of isocyanurate polyisocyanate derived from isophorone diisocyanate.

Abstract: Golf ball 1 has the diameter D of 43.0 mm or greater and 50.0 mm or less. This golf ball 1 includes a core 2 and a cover 3. The core 2 is formed by crosslinking of a rubber composition. The cover 3 is composed of a resin composition. Dimples 4 are formed on the surface of the cover 3. The specific gravity of the cover 3 is 1.05 or greater and 1.50 or less. The moment of inertia of this golf ball 1 is equal to or greater than 85.0 gcm2, and particularly equal to or greater than 88.0 gcm2.

Abstract: A high CoR golf ball having predetermined moment of inertia is provided. A portion of the golf ball preferably contains substantially no filler, which contributes to the increased resilience of the ball. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the portion with substantially no filler is an outer core of the ball. The innermost core should have a high specific gravity. Additionally, the outermost layers of the ball may have a low specific gravity. Preferably, the portion with substantially no filler is relatively larger than other portions of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a four-piece solid golf ball having excellent flight performance and good shot feel at the time of hitting. The present invention relates to a four-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer formed on the core, an outer layer formed on the intermediate layer and a cover covering the outer layer, wherein the core has a surface hardness in JIS-C hardness of 67 to 85, a JIS-C hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the surface hardness of the core, and a JIS-C hardness of the outer layer is higher than the hardness of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A golf ball (1) has a dimple “A”, a dimple “a”, a dimple “B” and a dimple “b”. The dimple “A” and the dimple “a” have diameters equal to each other, and the dimple “B” and the dimple “b” have diameters equal to each other. The volume of the dimple “A” is greater than that of the dimple “a”. The volume of the dimple “B” is greater than that of the dimple “b”. A ratio of the number of the dimples having the smaller volume V1 than the volume V2 to the total number of the dimples is 10% to 90%. The sum of the dimple volumes is 480 mm3 to 620 mm3. The golf ball (1) has an excellent flight performance.

Abstract: A long distance, low initial spin golf ball is disclosed. The golf ball includes a high moment of inertia core assembly, which may comprise a low specific gravity core and an optional intermediate layer. This sub-assembly is encased within a high specific gravity cover with Shore D hardness in the range of about 40 to about 80. The core is preferably made from a highly neutralized thermoplastic polymer with its specific gravity reduced, and the cover preferably has high specific gravity fillers dispersed therein. The cover is preferably made from thermoset polyurethane or polyurea.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover disposed adjacent the core, wherein the cover comprises: an inner cover layer having a first thickness and being disposed directly about the core; an outer cover layer having a second thickness no greater than about 0.050 inches; and an intermediate cover layer having a third thickness and being disposed between the inner and outer cover layers; and wherein the outer cover layer comprises a composition formed of a reactive liquid material; and the combination of the first, second, and third thickness is no greater than about 0.125 inches.

Abstract: In connection with a golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate resin layer, and a cover, the invention provides a mold defining therein a spherical cavity for molding the resin layer. The mold is divided into a pair of mold halves each of which has at least three segments which are removably assembled to define the spherical cavity, each of the segments being provided on its cavity-defining surface with at least one projection. When the core is placed in the mold cavity, the projections support the core in place. The resin layer having perforations can be effectively molded and readily removed from the mold.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core having a compression greater than about 55; and an outer cover comprising an acid-functional polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer thereof, the outer cover having a Shore D hardness of at least about 25, a thickness of from at least about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches, and a specific gravity of at least about 0.7.

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 multi-piece golf ball includes a rubbery elastic core, a cover having a plurality of dimples on the surface thereof, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover. The intermediate layer is composed of a resin material which is harder than the cover. The elastic core has a hardness which gradually increases radially outward from the center to the surface thereof. The center and surface of the elastic core have a hardness difference of at least 18 JIS-C hardness units. This construction and combination of features improve the distance of the ball when struck with a driver, provide the ball with excellent spin characteristics and thus good controllability on approach shots, and gives the ball a good feel on impact, enabling the ball to meet the high expectations of skilled golfers.

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 composed of a center and an intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover formed on the core, wherein the center has a diameter of 10 to 20 mm and a central point hardness in JIS-A hardness of 30 to 90, the intermediate layer has a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of 50 to 70 the cover comprises polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer as a main component, and has a hardness in Shore D hardness of 40 to 60 and a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A golf ball bearing a mark having superior durability and glittering in a gold color is provided. The mark is obtained by printing with use of the ink having a resin and a metal powder including particles each having a main body of copper and a copper-zinc alloy portion on a surface of the main body. The preferable metal powder has a mean particle diameter of at most 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The golf ball having either a smooth or dimpled surface is disclosed including a sphere with peripheral channels spaced and intersected at distances on the surface, with part of the air flow on the front over-pressure area communicating with the rear depression of the ball in its forward movement, facilitating aerodynamic air circulation through it, resulting in reduced resistance, thereby facilitating rotation and lift, enhancing the advance of the ball.

Abstract: A rubber thread composition contains a natural rubber and a synthetic isoprene rubber. The synthetic isoprene rubber has a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 90%, a molecular weight distribution of the synthetic isoprene rubber has only a single peak, and a ratio Mw/Mn between a weight-average molecular weight Mw of the synthetic isoprene rubber and a number-average molecular weight Mn thereof is 2.5-3.7. A rubber thread is produced by shaping the rubber thread composition into a sheet, vulcanizing the sheet and cutting the sheet into threads. A thread-wound golf ball includes a center, a thread-wound core formed by winding the rubber thread around the center, and a cover wrapping the thread-wound core.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a multi-layer cover. The golf ball satisfies the following conditions (1) to (5): (1) the number of dimples is 360 to 492; (2) total volume enclosed by the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the volume of the golf ball, VR, is 0.715% to 0.825%; (3) total surface area of the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the surface area of the golf ball, SR, is not less than 70%; (4) value obtained through subtraction of the JIS C hardness of the surface portion of the core from the average JIS C hardness of the cover is 0 to 20; and (5) initial velocity is in excess of 77.7 m/s (255 ft/s).

Abstract: At step 1, a golf ball model is divided into a large number of elements composed of a large number of nodal points in the form of meshes; a physical property of a material for the golf ball is inputted; a simulation is executed by an analysis based on a finite element method, assuming that a golf club head collides with the golf ball; and a strain amount generated in the golf ball model at the time of the collision is computed. At step 2, a stress and a strain component of each element of the golf ball model and coordinate values of the nodal points of each element are outputted; and a value of a stress and a strain of each of six components of each element are computed momently. At step 3, the relationship between the stress and the strain of each component of each element is found from the value of the stress and the strain of each of the six components; and energy loss values of each element are computed.

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.

Abstract: A light-emitting golf ball for use in the dark, comprises a spherical body made from a transparent material with an outer casing, and light-emitting means containing chemiluminescent components made from a chemiluminescent material, which components emit light once they have been mixed with one another. The spherical body is provided with a cavity in which there are compartments which are separated from one another by a partition element. One of the chemiluminescent components is accommodated in each compartment. The partition element is of frangible design, in such a manner that an impact load exerted on the outer casing causes the partition element to break, after which the chemiluminescent components can mix with one another.

Abstract: A multi-piece golf ball includes a rubbery elastic core, a cover having a plurality of dimples on the surface thereof, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover. The intermediate layer is composed of a resin material which is softer than the cover. The elastic core has a hardness which gradually increases radially outward from the center to the surface thereof. The center and surface of the elastic core have a hardness difference of at least 21 JIS-C hardness units. This construction and combination of features improve the rebound energy, travel distance, durability and feel of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball keeping excellent hit feeling equivalent to that of a conventional solid golf ball, providing a large spinning quantity when driven with a short iron or the like, easy to stop and having high spinning retention. The solid golf ball according to the present invention consists of a core and a cover coating the core, and the cover is made of a mixture of ionomer resin, thermoplastic elastomer and a tackifier while Shore D hardness thereof is at least 40 and not more than 65.

Abstract: In connection with a golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate resin layer, and a cover, the invention provides a mold having a cavity wall defining a spherical cavity, wherein the core is placed in the cavity to define a space for molding the resin layer. The cavity wall is provided with a plurality of radially extending projections, the total cross-sectional area of the projections relative to the cavity wall and the total volume of the projections relative to the space volume are properly controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball, of which flight distance is improved by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount in initial flight performance, while maintaining soft and good shot feel, when hit at low head speed. The present invention relates to a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein hardness distribution of the center; hardness distribution between each layer and the contiguous layer in the golf ball; and a ratio of the golf ball surface area occupied by the dimple to the total surface area of the golf ball and the total of a periphery length of the dimple; are adjusted to specified ranges.

Abstract: A solid golf ball includes a core and a cover. The golf ball satisfies the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) the cover has a thickness of at least 2.5 mm; (2) the cover has a Shore D hardness of 59 to 62; and (3) a value obtained through subtraction of JIS C hardness of a center portion of the core from JIS C hardness of a surface portion of the core is at least 8.

Abstract: A golf ball intermediate layer consists essentially of a specified triblock copolymer or its hydrogenation product, a specified block copolymer, or mixtures of these. The layer unexpectedly provides for improved ball performance with respect to spin rate, feel, and durability, without the expected disadvantages of use of such a layer. The layer can be incorporated into a wide variety of known ball constructions.

Abstract: An amusement device, in the form of a ball, having associated therewith a sound mechanism adapted to be initiated upon impact of the ball. The amusement device may also have provided a biassed weight which enables the device to travel along an unexpected trajectory.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a solid core and a cover of at least one layer; wherein each of a specific gravity of the solid core and a specific gravity of the cover is nearly equal to a value (S) of a relation expression given by S=W/[(&pgr;/6)×D3], where W is a weight of the golf ball and D is a diameter of the golf ball. The golf ball can enhance the durability to increase the carry of the ball with less variations in carry of the ball.

Abstract: A method for improving the feel and rebound velocity of a golf ball, the method comprising preparing a golf ball from a rubber composition that comprises a rubber, from about 3 to about 12 parts by weight of a processing additive per 100 parts by weight rubber, from about 18 to about 32 parts by weight of a multi-functional crosslinking agent per 100 parts by weight rubber, from about 0.2 to about 1.0 parts by weight of a cure initiator per 100 parts by weight rubber, from about 0 to about 25 parts by weight zinc oxide per 100 parts by weight rubber, and from about 0 to about 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating and marking the equator of a golf ball. A rotation plate shaped to support a golf ball is provided in a housing. The housing encloses a motor and the motor is attached to the rotation plate and is capable of imparting spin on the rotation plate. A guard has a ring and a cross-beam with a marking opening defined therein extending from the ring. A means for supplying power to the motor and controlling the motor are provided.

Abstract: The golf ball has a solid core and a cover surrounding the core. The solid core is formed of a rubber composition that has a co-crosslinking agent and preferably an organic sulfur compound blended therein, with a portion of the co-crosslinking agent and the organic sulfur compound being micro-encapsulated within a thermoplastic resin, and a remaining portion of the co-crosslinking agent being in a non-encapsulated state. This improves dispersibility of the co-crosslinking agent and the organic sulfur compound within the rubber composition, and enables adjustment of the crosslinking pattern of the rubber molecule main chains. Thus, resilience and durability of the golf ball are improved.

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: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having good shot feel, excellent durability and excellent flight performance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core having at least one layer, an inner cover formed on the core and an outer cover formed on the inner cover, of which the outer cover has many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein a surface hardness in JIS-C hardness of the core is higher than a center hardness in JIS-C hardness of the core by less than 5, the inner cover has a hardness in Shore D hardness of less than 53 and the hardness of the inner cover is higher than the surface hardness of the core, and a hardness of the outer cover is higher than that of the inner cover.

Abstract: A golf ball printing ink is provided which ensures a sufficient pot life, requires a shortened drying time after printing, and yields a mark having a clear appearance and superior durability. Also provided are a printing method using the ink, a golf ball bearing a mark printed with the ink, and a method of manufacturing a golf ball. The golf ball printing ink includes a solvent, a resin in a solid state at ordinary temperature or a reactive curing resin which is curable through reaction with a curing agent, and an ultraviolet-curing resin. The method of manufacturing a golf ball includes the steps of: printing a mark on a surface of a golf ball body with use of the ink; irradiating the mark with ultraviolet ray after the printing; and applying a clear paint to the golf ball body after the ultraviolet ray irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming golf equipment, or a portion thereof, preferably for forming one or more layers of a golf ball, including: providing a first reactable component containing an isocyanate-containing compound, and a second reactable component containing at least one polyol, polyamine, or epoxy-containing compound; mixing the reactable components together to form a reactive mixture; and injecting the reactive mixture into a cavity or mold having a desired shape within a time sufficient to avoid substantial polymerization, gelation, or solidification.

Abstract: A golf ball (1) comprises a core (3) and a cover (5). The core (3) has a six-layer structure having first to sixth layers (7) to (17). A value of (T1/T2) is greater than 2.10 and is equal to or smaller than 2.50, wherein time series data on force in a z direction which is applied to a load cell provided on a back face of a collision plate inclined by 22 degrees with respect to a horizontal direction when the golf ball (1) impacts the collision plate at a speed of 35 m/s in a vertically upward direction are represented by Fn(t), time series data on force in an x direction are represented by Ft(t), a time taken after a start of the impact before the Fn(t) is first changed from a positive number to zero is represented by T1 and a time taken after the start of the impact before the Ft(t) is first changed from a positive number to a negative number is represented by T2. The golf ball (1) has a higher back spin rate during hitting on the same conditions than that of a conventional golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center and at least one cover layer, formed from the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by: i) placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and ii) molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one of the top or bottom mold plates from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.

Abstract: A method of coating a game ball with a rapidly curing polyurethane coating system is described herein. The coating system comprises a mixture of a polyol, an isocyanate, a solvent and a high level of catalyst which accelerates the curing process. The coating is a two-part polyurethane system which is preferably applied by spraying. The coating is particularly well-suited for use on golf balls, and also can be applied to other game balls such as softballs, baseballs, cricket balls.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the core has an outer diameter of no greater than about 1.62 inches; the cover layer comprises an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer having a material hardness of less than about 60 Shore D; and at least one of the core or the cover comprises high-Mooney-viscosity rubber, high-Mooney-viscosity rubber regrind, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball having a core, a cover and a lattice structure aerodynamic pattern. The core has a diameter of 1.53 inches to 1.55 inches, and a PGA compression of 60 to 75 points. The cover has a thickness of 0.060 inch to 0.090 inch. The cover has a Shore D hardness less than 58 as measured on the golf ball. The golf ball has a COR that is greater than 0.782 points at 143 feet per second.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having improved flight performance, controllability and good shot feel at the time of hitting. The multi-piece solid gold ball has a core having at least one layer, an intermediate layer formed on the core, and a cover covering the intermediate layer. When thickness of the intermediate layer is represented as X (mm) and JIS-C hardness of the intermediate layer is represented as Y, then X is 0.3 to 1.5 mm, X and Y have a correlation represented 10X+55≦Y≦10X+75, and the JIS-C hardness of the cover is 70 to 93.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball which comprises a core, a cover and at least one improved intermediate layer disposed between core and the cover. The intermediate layer a composite of at least two dissimilar materials that is radially oriented and transversely isotropic so that the layer provides unique performance properties when the ball is struck with different clubs.

Abstract: A golf ball satisfies the following conditions (1) to (6): (1) the number of dimples is 360 to 492; (2) total volume enclosed by the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the volume of the golf ball, VR, is 0.715% to 0.825%; (3) the total surface area of the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the surface area of the golf ball, SR, is not less than 70%; (4) the cover has a Shore D hardness of 53 to 63; (5) the difference obtained through subtraction of JIS C hardness of the surface portion of the core from JIS C hardness of the cover is 0 to 20; and (6) initial velocity is in excess of 77.7 m/s (255 ft/s).

Abstract: A resin composition comprising, in admixture, (A) a specific thermoplastic resin component, (B) at least one wax component selected from among (b-1) a fatty acid having 20-80 carbon atoms and/or a derivative thereof and (b-2) an oxidized natural wax and/or derivative having a neutralization value of 60-190 mg KOH/g, and optionally, (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acid groups in the thermoplastic resin component (A) and/or the wax component (B) is improved in flow, moldability and heat resistance and thus suitable to form a layer of a golf ball which exhibits improved rebound and distance properties.

Abstract: A golf ball with core composition comprising polybutadiene, zinc oxide, copper and a metal salt of a material selected from the group consisting of diacrylates, dimethacrylates and monomethacrylates is described. The amount of the copper is sufficient to reduce the compression of a molded golf ball core by at least about 5 compression points compared to a molded core consisting of the same mixture wherein at least one other filler is substituted in place of the copper.