Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4 and a cover 6 positioned outside the core 4. The cover 6 is molded in a mold having support pins by injection molding. A ratio (K/S) of a surface hardness K of the core 4 to an amount of compressive deformation S of the core 4 satisfies the following mathematical formula. 13.0?K/S?24.0 The cover 6 has a hardness H of not greater than 62. A product (?*V) of a latitude ? of each support pin and a volume V of the cover 6 is not less than 300.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a fatty acid (meth)acrylic acid salt in a golf ball layer. The fatty acid (meth)acrylic acid salt may be added to one or more portions of a golf ball including a core, intermediate, or cover layer. For example, in one embodiment, the fatty acid (meth)acrylic acid salt may be blended with a polybutadiene rubber material. In another embodiment, the fatty acid (meth)acrylic acid salt of the present invention may be blended with an ionomer. In some embodiments, the fatty acid (meth)acrylic acid salt may be blended with a formulation including both a polybutadiene rubber component and an ionomer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an excellent initial velocity when being hit at a head speed of 50 m/sec and an improved initial velocity when being hit at a head speed of 40 m/sec. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a core rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator and (x) a crosslinked rubber powder, and (x) the crosslinked rubber powder is formed from a rubber composition containing (a1) a base rubber, (b1) a co-crosslinking agent, (c1) a crosslinking initiator and (r) a resin component.

Abstract: To provide a non-aqueous photopolymerizable composition, which contains: a polymerizable monomer; a polymerization initiator; and a polyether-modified polysiloxane compound represented by the following general formula (1): <General Formula (1)> (CH3)3Si—O—[Si(CH3)2—O]a—[Si(CH3)(X)—O]b—Si(CH3)3 where X represents R(C2H4O)c(C3H6O)d—R?, R is a single bond or an alkylene group, R? is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and a to d each denote an average polymerization degree including a case where either c or d is 0.

Abstract: A golf ball having windings of strands made of a highly neutralized acid polymer is disclosed. The presence of a high acid content may cause the highly neutralized acid polymer to exhibit certain material properties. For example, the high acid content may cause an increased hardness and an increased flexural modulus. A high hardness may result in a golf ball exhibiting increased distance off the tee, or increased COR, among other desirable play characteristics. The hardness of the golf ball corresponds with the feel of the golf ball. The construction of a golf ball including wound strands may provide a soft feel. Thus, providing windings of bands made from a highly neutralized acid polymer may provide a golf ball with an increased distance off the tee and a soft feel.

Abstract: A golf ball having windings of strands made of a highly neutralized acid polymer is disclosed. The presence of a high acid content may cause the highly neutralized acid polymer to exhibit certain material properties. For example, the high acid content may cause an increased hardness and an increased flexural modulus. A high hardness may result in a golf ball exhibiting increased distance off the tee, or increased COR, among other desirable play characteristics. The hardness of the golf ball corresponds with the feel of the golf ball. The construction of a golf ball including wound strands may provide a soft feel. Thus, providing windings of bands made from a highly neutralized acid polymer may provide a golf ball with an increased distance off the tee and a soft feel.

Abstract: A golf ball having at least a core and a composite layer comprising a fibrous material and a matrix material is disclosed. The fibrous material may comprise a polymer, glass or metal. The matrix material preferably comprises a translucent polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the golf ball is subjected to induction heating to improve adhesion between adjacent ball layers. The golf ball may additionally comprise a translucent cover layer surrounding the composite layer or an intermediate layer disposed between the composite layer and the core.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing a golf ball. A golf ball made with this invention 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: A novel composition useful for golf ball covers that comprises a blend of a dilsocyanate/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: Disclosed is a golf ball, which includes a core and a polyurethane cover covering over the core. A composition of the cover includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer which contains, as its component, a compound having three or more reactive functional groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. The present invention can provide a golf ball having a cover excellent in abrasion resistance and resiliency.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, and an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a non-ionomeric fluoropolymer having a formula: wherein X1 to X12 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, CH3, CF3, linear or branched alkyl group, partially fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, linear or branched alkoxy group, partially fluorinated or perfluorinated alkoxy group, aromatic, or alicyclic; at least one of X1 to X4 comprises a fluorine; m ranges from 100 to 1 percent by weight of the fluoropolymer; n ranges from 0 to 50 percent by weight of the fluoropolymer; and o ranges from 0 to 35 percent by weight of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball can be prepared, possessing the performance characteristics of both a solid ball and a wound ball, by selecting the content and thickness of one or more of the layers, wherein the multi-layer golf ball comprises a center, an intermediate layer, a wound layer of tensioned material, and a cover, such that any one or more of the following are satisfied: (a) at least a portion of the intermediate layer includes a thermoset material; (b) the winding includes fiber, glass, carbon, polyether urea, polyether block copolymers, polyester urea, polyester block copolymers, isotactic-poly(propylene), polyethylene, polyamide, poly(oxymethyiene), polyketone, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), poly(acrylonitrile), diaminodicyclohexyhnethane, dodecanedicarboxylic acid, or copolymers or combinations thereof; (c) the thickness of the wound layer is less than about 1 mm; and (d) at least a portion of the cover includes a thermoset material.

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 thermoplastic composition of (a) an acid copolymer, (b) a salt of a high molecular weight, monomeric organic acid; (c) a thermoplastic polymer selected from copolyetheresters, elastomeric polyolefins, styrene diene block copolymers, elastomeric polyolefins thermoplastic polyurethanes and copolyetheramides; (d) cation source; and (d) optionally a filler. Also included is use of such compositions in components of one-, two- and three-piece golf balls or multi-layered golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: A golf ball and a method of making a golf ball that includes a center formed from a material including polybutadiene and having a high resilience, at least one cover layer formed of a material including polyurethane, and at least one wound layer of a tensioned material windings between the center and the cover. The polyurethane composition is formed from the reaction product of at least a prepolymer of a polyisocyanate and a polyol, and a diamine curing agent. The polybutadiene composition includes a butadiene polymer with a resilience index greater than about 40 and a weight average molecular weight greater than about 200,000. Such golf balls can have a coefficient of restitution that is optimized for low swing speed players. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls having liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball incorporates nanocomposite material, nanofiller material, or both, in its core, cover, or intermediate layers. Also, a method includes a step of blending into a composition for a golf ball nanocomposite material, nanofiller material or both. The nanocomposite and/or nanofiller materials impart favorable properties to materials used for golf balls, and they provide for greater versatility in usage than materials previously used. Particular compositions incorporating nanocomposite material also are described as suited for use in golf ball compositions.

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: In a thread-wound golf ball having a cover wrapped around a rubber thread layer formed by winding a rubber thread around a center, the volume ratio of the rubber thread layer to the thread-wound golf ball is 10-20%. When deformation formed by applying an initial load of 98N to a final load of 1274N to the center is A, and deformation formed by applying an initial load of 98N to a final load of 1274N to a thread-wound core having a rubber thread wound around the center is B, the difference therebetween (A−B) is 0.5-0.7 mm. The cover includes thermoplastic polyurethane based elastomer as the main material. The shore D hardness of the cover is 40-55.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, and an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a non-ionomeric fluoropolymer having a formula: wherein X1 to X12 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, CH3, CF3, linear or branched alkyl group, partially fluorinated or perfluorinated alkyl group, linear or branched alkoxy group, partially fluorinated or perfluorinated alkoxy group, aromatic, or alicyclic; at least one of X1 to X4 comprises a fluorine; m ranges from 100 to 1 percent by weight of the fluoropolymer; n ranges from 0 to 50 percent by weight of the fluoropolymer; and o ranges from 0 to 35 percent by weight of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A urethane-covered three-piece golf ball with a liquid-filled center, having a combination of center weight, thread windings, dimple configuration and compression that allows it to travel great distances, and to match the classic feel of ‘Balata’ balls, said combination at the same time complying with USGA regulations.

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 golf ball includes, as a composing element, a hot-molded product obtained from a rubber composition which includes a main rubber containing 10 to 90 mass % of a polybutadiene, an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and an organic peroxide. The polybutadiene has 60% or more of cis-1,4-bonds. Further, letting a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4(100° C.)) of the polybutadiene be ML and a viscosity of a toluene solution containing 5 mass % of the polybutadiene at 25° C. be &eegr;(mPa·s), ML and &eegr; satisfy a relationship of &eegr;≧20×ML−600.

Abstract: The present invention describes a golf ball with a center, at least one wound layer, optionally, at least one intermediate layer, and at least one cover layer. The center is at least about 1 inch in diameter and includes polybutadiene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene, or styrene-propylene-diene rubber. The at least one wound layer includes one or more of polyether urea, polyester urea, polyester block copolymers, polyethylene, polyamide, polyketon, poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide), or polyisoprene. The at least one intermediate layer includes polybutadiene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene, or styrene-propylene-diene rubber. The at least one cover layer includes a thermoplastic resin or a thermoset material. This unique construction gives the ball characteristics both of a wound and a solid construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thread wound golf ball having long flight distance, while maintaining the characteristics peculiar to the conventional thread wound golf ball, i.e. good shot feel. The present invention related to a thread wound golf ball comprising a solid center, a thread rubber layer formed on the solid center, and a cover covering the thread rubber layer, wherein the solid center has a diameter of 30 to 38 mm and a surface hardness in JIS-C hardness of 65 to 90, the surface hardness is higher than a center hardness in JIS-C hardness of the solid center by not less than 12, the cover is formed from a base resin mainly comprising ionomer resin, and has a flexural modulus of 200 to 600 MPa and a Shore D hardness of 60 to 80.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core formed from a polybutadiene having Mooney viscosity of about 40 to about 65 and a salt of a halogenated thiophenol, and having a compression of about 30 to about 60; a first cover layer including a highly neutralized ethylene copolymer having a Shore D hardness of less than about 65; and a second cover layer including a thermoset or thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore D hardness of about 40 to about 55.

Abstract: A golf ball including, as a composing element, a hot-molded product obtained from a rubber composition. The rubber composition includes: a polybutadiene obtained by mixing a polybutadiene (a) with a polybutadiene (b) at a mass ratio [(a)/(b)] ranging from 70/30 to 10/90, an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and an organic peroxide. The polybutadiene (a) contains 60% or more of cis-1,4-bonds and has a Mooney viscosity [ML1+4(100° C.)] of 10 or more and less than 50, and is synthesized by using a group VIII element catalyst, and the polybutadiene (b) contains 60% or more of cis-1,4-bonds and has a Mooney viscosity [ML1+4(100° C.)] of 50 or more, and is synthesized by using a rare earth element based catalyst.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core consisting of a center core and an outer core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, the solid core is molded from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber composed of (a) 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.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, the solid core is molded from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber composed of (a) 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, being synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, having a specific Mooney viscosity in combination with (b) a diene rubber other than component (a), (c) an unsaturated carboxylic acid, (d) an organosulfur compound, (e) an inorganic filler, and (f) an organic peroxide; the inner cover layer has a specific Shore D hardness and the outer cover layer has a specific Shore D hardness, and the outer cover layer has a lower Shore D hardness than the inner cover layer. This combination of features gives the ball a good, soft feel upon impact and an excellent spin performance that provides increased distance.

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: A thread-wound golf ball 1 producing excellent hit feeling, large carry and superior spin performance is provided having a rubber thread layer 3 formed by winding rubber thread around a center 2, which is further coated with a cover 4. The volume proportion of the rubber thread layer to the golf ball is in the range of 10 to 20%. The difference (A−B) is in the range of 0.5 to 0.7, where A represents deformation (mm) from an initial load of 98N to a final load of 1274N applied on the center, and B represents deformation (mm) from the initial load of 98N to the final load of 1274N applied on a threaded core formed by winding rubber thread around the center. Shore D hardness of the cover is in the range of 50 to 60.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, the solid core is molded from 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 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; and the outer cover layer has a lower Shore D hardness than the inner cover layer. This combination of features gives the ball a good, soft feel upon impact and an excellent spin performance that provides increased distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thread wound golf ball having long flight distance, while maintaining the characteristics peculiar to the conventional thread wound golf ball, i.e. good shot feel and excellent spin performance. The present invention related to a thread wound golf ball comprising a solid center, a thread rubber layer formed on the solid center, and a cover covering the thread rubber layer, of which the cover has many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the solid center has a diameter of 35 to 38 mm and a deformation amount of not less than 0.5 mm to less than 1.5 mm when applying from an initial load of 9.8 N to a final load of 294 N, the cover has a Shore D hardness of 40 to 55, and a dimple volume rate and the cover hardness in Shore D hardness is adjusted to a specified range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making a golf ball which comprises a center, at least one cover layer, and at least one layer of windings between the center and the cover having at least two threads. Preferably, the threads of the present invention have different physical or chemical properties and are wound onto the center of the golf ball simultaneously. The threads may be wound with varying tensions or angles. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls with liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making a golf ball which comprises a center, at least one cover layer, and at least one wound layer of a tensioned material windings between the center and the cover. Such golf balls have a coefficient of restitution that is optimized for low swing speed players. Since these players usually swing the club at the ball at low swing speeds, and thus get less distance from the ball off the tee, greater ball resiliency tends to provide greater distance and velocity off the tee. Preferably, the golf ball has a core having a thin wound layer of thread. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls having liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.

Abstract: The invention includes a golf ball having a core, a hoop-stress layer of high tensile elastic modulus material wrapped or wound about the core, at least one outermost layer of a thermoset material having a thickness of greater than about 0.065 inches. A binding material can be used in conjunction with the hoop-stress layer to facilitate positioning of the hoop-stress layer around the core for easier manufacturing.

Abstract: A method of casting a portion of a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a single component that is blocked and stable at a first predetermined temperature and becomes unblocked at a second predetermined temperature, wherein said second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature; and reacting said single component at the second predetermined temperature to form the surrounding layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the cover having a thickness of less than about 0.08 inches, the core having a compression of less than about 90 and is formed from a composition comprising a base rubber, a metal salt acrylate or diacrylate, an initiator, a highly-neutralized polymer, and at least one of a low modulus ionomer or an acid terpolymer of the formula: having a dynamic shear storage modulus at 23° C.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core or the cover is formed from a composition comprising at least one acid functional polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making the golf ball, which comprises a center and at least one fused, wound layer. The fused wound layer can be a cover layer or an intermediate layer. In one embodiment, the fused wound layer surrounds the center to form a wound core and a cover surrounds the core. In another embodiment the fused wound layer forms the outer surface of the ball. The method of the present invention allows the characteristics of the wound layer to be altered and controlled after the wound layer has been formed. In the method, fusing occurs by applying heat alone or with pressure to the wound core. In one embodiment, fusing can occur during formation of the cover layer. In one embodiment, single, double, multi-ply or multi-strand thread is used. The cross-sectional shape and area of the thread can be, for example, rectangular or circular.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, the solid core is molded from 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 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; and the outer cover layer has a higher Shore D hardness than the inner cover layer. This combination of features gives the ball a good, soft feel upon impact and excellent flight performance.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, the solid core is molded from 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 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; and the outer cover layer and the inner cover layer have a hardness difference of up to 5 Shore D hardness units. This combination of features gives the ball a good feel upon impact, durability and improved flight performance.

Abstract: A wound-core golf ball having a polyurethane cover is disclosed. The polyurethane cover is formed by curing a composition including an isocyanate group terminated polyurethane prepolymer containing a residual polyisocyanate monomer in an amount of not more than 0.1 mass %; and an aromatic polyamine compound. Use of this isocyanate group terminated polyurethane prepolymer enables the homogeneous curing reaction even at the low temperature, thus the golf ball which has the polyurethane cover exhibiting excellent performance is obtained.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise nano particles, flaked glass, flaked metals or ceramic particles to increase the layer's resistance to the transmission of moisture through the layer. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a soft, high specific gravity layer to increase the moment of inertia of the golf ball. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a multi-layer thermoplastic film. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may be positioned adjacent to a wound layer such that the moisture vapor barrier layer penetrates into the interstitial spaces in the wound layer to minimize the transmission of moisture vapor through the wound layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball and to a process for forming a golf ball having at least one layer, where the layer is formed of a saponified polymer/oxa acid blend, having from about 65 to about 99 parts of at least one saponified polymer and from about 35 to 1 parts of at least one oxa acid, based on 100 parts by weight of the saponified polymer/oxa acid blend. The layer may be foamed or unfoamed, and may form at least a portion of any of the cover, the core, or a mantle layer situated between the cover and the core.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise nano particles, flaked glass, flaked metals or ceramic particles to increase the layer's resistance to the transmission of moisture through the layer. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a soft, high specific gravity layer to increase the moment of inertia of the golf ball. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a multi-layer thermoplastic film. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may be positioned adjacent to a wound layer such that the moisture vapor barrier layer penetrates into the interstitial spaces in the wound layer to minimize the transmission of moisture vapor through the wound layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball and a method of winding that includes measuring and controlling thread stress directly, rather than maintaining and controlling the level of tension on the threads. The golf ball includes a center, a wound layer that surrounds the center to form a wound core, and a cover that surrounds the wound core. The wound layer is formed of at least one thread, and the wound layer includes a plurality of radially extending sections, each section has a thread stress. The stress within each section is substantially constant, but at least two radially extending sections have different stresses. The method for winding thread onto a golf ball center to form a wound core comprises the steps of measuring a stress within a portion of the thread; winding the thread about the golf ball center while applying a force on the thread to form a plurality of portions with predetermined thicknesses and varying the stress between the portions.

Abstract: A thread rubber exhibiting good impact resilience and reduced in breakage during a winding step, and a golf ball employing such thread rubber are provided. The thread rubber composition for a golf ball has 0.5-7.0 parts by weight of sulfur and 0.5-5.0 parts by weight of vulcanization accelerator blended with respect to 100 parts by weight of a rubber component including either one of polyisoprene rubber, natural rubber and polybutadiene rubber, or a mixture thereof. The rubber component has a cis-1,4 bond content of from 90.0% to 93.8%. The blended amount of the sulfur is made greater than the blended amount of the vulcanization accelerator.

Abstract: A thread rubber exhibiting good impact resilience in an elongated state, and a golf ball using such thread rubber are provided. The vulcanized thread rubber composition is obtained by vulcanizing a thread rubber composition including at least 50 wt % of polyisoprene rubber having a cis 1,4 bond content of 80-95% and a trans 1,4 bond content of 2-4% within a rubber component. In the vulcanizate, a ratio of a crosslinked density of polysulfide bonds with respect to a total crosslinked density is more than 70%. The golf ball is made using this vulcanized thread rubber composition.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a polysulfide rubber Polysulfide rubber may be applied to the golf ball in a liquid form curable at an elevated temperature or at room temperature. The liquid form may be mixed from two or more components prior to being applied to the ball. The liquid form may have water mixed therein before being applied to the ball. Alternatively, the liquid form may be applied to the ball without any additional mixing.

Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball can be prepared, possessing the performance characteristics of both a solid ball and a wound ball, by selecting the content and thickness of one or more of the layers, wherein the multi-layer golf ball comprises a center, an intermediate layer, a wound layer of tensioned material, and a cover, such that any one or more of the following are satisfied: (a) at least a portion of the intermediate layer includes a thermoset material; (b) the winding includes fiber, glass, carbon, polyether urea, polyether block copolymers, polyester urea, polyester block copolymers, isotactic-poly(propylene), polyethylene, polyamide, poly(oxymethyiene), polyketone, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), poly(acrylonitrile), diaminodicyclohexyhnethane, dodecanedicarboxylic acid, or copolymers or combinations thereof; (c) the thickness of the wound layer is less than about I mm; and (d) at least a portion of the cover includes a thermoset material.