Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having improved spin performance on wedge shots under a wet condition such as rain by controlling the formulation of the paint film. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film covering the golf ball body, wherein the paint film contains a base resin and a porous filler, and the porous filler contains SiO2 as a constituent in an amount of 50 mass % or more.

Abstract: A golf ball having a core and a cover that is formed of a resin composition which includes (A) a polyurethane or a polyurea and (B) a styrenic resin material, when dropped from a height of 3 m and made to collide with a metal plate, has velocities 200 ms before and 200 ms after contact that satisfy the condition: (incident velocity)?(rebound velocity)?0.80 m/s. The ball has a good controllability on approach shots without a loss in the distance achieved on shots with a driver, and thus is particularly useful to professional golfers and skilled amateurs.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a cover 8 positioned outside the core 4, and a paint film 10 positioned outside the cover 8. The paint film 10 includes an inner layer 12 and an outer layer 14 positioned outside the inner layer 12. A 10% modulus Mo of the outer layer 14 is lower than a 10% modulus Mi of the inner layer 12. A difference (Mi-Mo) between the modulus Mi and the modulus Mo is not less than 25.0 kgf/cm2. The cover 8 has a Shore D hardness Hc of not less than 50 and not greater than 65. The cover 8 has a thickness Tc of not less than 0.80 mm and not greater than 1.80 mm.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a spherical core, a mid layer, an inner cover, and an outer cover. A hardness Hm of the mid layer is greater than a hardness Hinc of the inner cover which is greater than a hardness Houc of the outer cover. A difference (Hm?Houc) is greater than 25. A volume Vm of the mid layer is greater than a volume Vinc of the inner cover which is greater than a volume Vouc of the outer cover. A ratio [(Vm+Vinc+Vouc)/V] of a sum (Vm+Vinc+Vouc) relative to a volume V of an entirety of the golf ball is less than 0.30. A ratio (Vm/Vouc) is greater than 1.50. A product (Vm*Hm) and a product (Vouc*Houc) meet the following relationship: [(Vm*Hm)/(Vouc*Houc)]>3.0.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the core is formed primarily of a thermoplastic elastomer, the envelope layer is formed of a rubber composition containing primarily a rubber material, the intermediate layer is formed of a resin composition containing primarily an ionomer, and the cover is formed of a resin composition containing primarily a urethane. The relationships among the specific gravities and the surface hardnesses of the respective layers are optimized. This golf ball enables an increased distance on full shots with a driver and improved controllability in the short game to be achieved, and also makes it possible to obtain a further reduction in the spin rate on full shots.

Abstract: A durable, injection moldable, thermoplastic elastomer that has the favorable resilience, feel, spin, barrier, and UV stability performance attributes is disclosed herein. An OBC grafted with silane provides a good cover shear durability (cut/tear/abrasion resistance). This invention combines the benefits of OBCs and silane crosslinking technology to yield a golf ball cover with a desirable combination of properties.

Abstract: A durable, injection moldable, thermoplastic elastomer that has the favorable resilience, feel, spin, barrier, and UV stability performance attributes is disclosed herein. An OBC grafted with silane provides a good cover shear durability (cut/tear/abrasion resistance). This invention combines the benefits of OBCs and silane crosslinking technology to yield a golf ball cover with a desirable combination of properties.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided that includes a coating. The coating is designed to allow a golfer to modify or increase the tackiness of the coating. The coating changes tackiness when exposed to a soaking material. A method of determining a desirable length of soak is also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer disposed about the core, the cover layer comprising a cover inner surface, a cover outer surface, a treated cover region, and an untreated cover region, the treated cover region extending inward from the cover outer surface a depth D.sub.CTr, the untreated cover region disposed between the cover inner surface and the treated cover region and having a depth D.sub.CUTr, the treated cover region comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, wherein the treated cover region comprises a hardness .alpha. and the untreated cover region comprises n regions of hardness wherein n.gtoreq.1 and wherein at least one of the n regions of hardness has a hardness H.sub.1 that is different than the hardness .alpha., and wherein each of said n regions of hardness further comprise a depth D.sub.CUTn such that D.sub.CTr.ltoreq.(1/n)(D.sub.UT1+D.sub.UT2+ . . . +D.sub.UTn).

Abstract: The invention is directed to golf ball comprising a core and a cover disposed about the core, the cover comprising at least one cover layer comprising an cover outer surface and a cover inner surface, the cover outer surface comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the cover outer surface further comprising a hardness ? and the cover inner surface comprising a hardness ?, wherein the hardness ? is different than the hardness ?. In another embodiment, the at least one cover layer comprises a treated cover region and an untreated cover region, the treated cover region extending inward from the cover outer surface a depth of about 1% or greater of a distance between the cover outer surface and the cover inner surface, and the untreated cover region being disposed about the cover inner surface and adjacent the treated cover region.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide A method for producing a golf ball that is excellent In the durability of the mark, the adhesion of the paint Film and the productivity. In the present invention, since the curing agent contained in the paint covering the mark is used to cure the resin component forming the mark, there is no increase in the viscosity or the gellation of the ink for printing the mark, and thus the mark is printed well during the production of the golf ball.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less, and particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf items formed from a sulfur-containing composition. The sulfur-containing composition comprises the reaction product of four reactable components: (a) polyisocyanates and polyisothiocyanates; (b) polyols and polythiols; (c) epoxides and episulfides; and (d) amines and anilines; wherein at least one of the four reactable components contains a sulfur atom. The present invention also relates to methods, e.g., reaction injection molding processes and castable molding processes, for forming such golf items.

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: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball having excellent shot feel, controllability, rebound characteristics, scuff resistance, yellowing resistance and productivity. The present invention relates to a three-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 cover comprises a mixture of polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer as a base resin.

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 game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. By selective exposure to radiation, the thermoplastic polyurethane cover is crosslinked and its hardness is increased. Typically, increases in hardness values of at least 2 units on the Shore D scale are realized upon exposure to 3.5 Mrads of gamma radiation.

Abstract: A golf ball excellent in wear resistance and abrasion resistance is provided without sacrificing various characteristics such as rebound performance, spin performance, cut resistance and feeling at the time of hitting. The golf ball is formed of a core and a cover covering the core. The cover is formed by mixing 1–50 parts by mass of a ternary composite made of a rubber component, a polyolefin component and a nylon component in 100 parts by mass of at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, a polyamide resin and an olefin resin.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a paint film which is excellent in the adhesion, the durability and the coloring-resistance. The golf ball of the present invention comprises a paint film formed on the surface of a golf ball body, wherein the paint film contains 0.05 to 5 parts by mass of a phosphorus stabilizer with respect to 100 parts by mass of a resin component.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the intermediate layer has a gage G1 of 0.8–2 mm and a Shore D hardness of 50–65, the cover has a gage G2 of 0.5–1.3 mm and a Shore D hardness of 37–53, and the intermediate layer gage G1 and the cover gage G2 satisfy [G1/(G1+G2)]×100?45%. Upon full shots with a driver, the ball gains a reduced spin rate and an increased initial velocity, which lead to an increase in travel distance.

Abstract: A layer of a golf ball is formed of a golf ball-forming composition in which a silicone rubber powder, silicone resin powder or composite powder thereof is blended in an elastomer, resin or butadiene rubber base. The composition is easy to remove from a mold after molding, and the golf ball has advantages including high durability against consecutive strikes, and good feel and rebound even at low temperature.

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: The disclosed invention provides a golf ball including a core and a cover of at least two layers, wherein the at least one cover layer includes an inner cover layer of at least one ionomer resin and an outer cover formed from a polymer blend including at least one grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymer and at least one ionomer neutralized with a metal cation, and optionally, a non-grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymer.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprises a heated mixture having a melt index of at least 1.0 dg/min, which mixture is composed of (A) a thermoplastic resin, (B) a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of at least 280, and (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups in components A and B. The material including a highly neutralized ionomer resin has good thermal stability, flow characteristics and moldability. The invention is also directed at high-rebound golf balls which can be easily and efficiently manufactured using the same material.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of improved polyurethane ionomers with other polymers and methods for making the same. It was found that the blends of polyurethane anionomers obtained by using the method of the invention had improved physical properties than those made by conventional methods.

Abstract: Golf ball covers and intermediate layers incorporate the reaction product of a thermoplastic urethane and a modified isocyanate to form a crosslinked polyurethane. The layers exhibit the ease of processing of a thermoplastic urethane, with the superior mechanical properties of a thermoset urethane.

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 golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, and, optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the cover or the intermediate layer comprise a thermoplastic polycarbonate-urethane copolymer.

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 comprising a core and a cover disposed concentrically about the core, wherein at least one of the core of the cover is formed of a composition comprising a microencapsulated healing agent.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover and a core, and at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover and the core, wherein the cover is formed from a blend comprising of a segmented polyurethane elastomer copolymers of polyether (or ester)-ester and polyether (or ester)-amide.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core of one or more layers, a cover layer of one or more layers and a mantle layer disposed between the core and the cover. The mantle layer comprises a thermoplastic material, preferably having a hardness of greater than 60 Shore D and a Bashore resilience of greater than 34 and the cover is comprised of urethane.

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: A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture.

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: A golf ball superior in resilience performance, cut resistance and spin performance is provided. The golf ball is composed of a core and a cover surrounding the core. The cover is formed of a composition having 0.5-20 parts by weight of organic short fiber blended with respect to 100 parts by weight of a polymer component having thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. Thermoplastic resin may also be blended in the polymer component. The cover composition has a flexural rigidity of 80-300 MPa, and the cover surface has a Shore D hardness of 41-56.

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 is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture.

Abstract: There is provided a golf ball bearing highly fashionable marks representing a brand name and a play number, both of which are excellent in visibility. The golf ball has two sorts of marks printed on its ball body surface. The two marks have similar colors and a CIE L*a*b* color difference (&Dgr;E) between the colors of theses marks is in the range of 5 to 50.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core of one or more layers, a cover layer of one or more layers and a mantle layer disposed between the core and the cover. The mantle layer comprises a thermoplastic material, preferably having a hardness of greater than 60 Shore D and a Bashore resilience of greater than 34 and a vicat point of greater than 350° F.

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: 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: A golf ball which produces high spin rate and accordingly readily stops even when being shot from a rough or in the rain is provided. Such a golf ball is constituted of a core and a cover and the cover has a loss tangent of 0.15 to 0.70 at −10° C. in a temperature distribution curve for dynamic viscoelasticity measured in a tensile mode under conditions of temperature increasing rate of 4° C./min, frequency of 10 Hz and initial strain of 1.0 mm.