Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer or layers, includes an anionic polymer. The anionic polymer has at least one of a neutralizable hydroxyl or dealkylable ether group, at least a portion of which are neutralized or dealkylated by a metal ion to provide anionic moieties. The anionic polymer compositions of the present invention can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core, intermediate layer, cover and/or coating comprising in whole or in part of an anionic polyurethane or polyurea ionomer. The anionic polyurethane or polyurea ionomer preferably comprises a sulfonate or carboxylate group. The anionic polyurethane or polyurea ionomer may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf balls, cores, intermediate layers and covers. The composition can be foamed or unfoamed.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer(s), is formed of an ion-containing polymer composition, particularly a zwitter-ion or ionene polymer. The zwitter-ion polymers contain both cationic and anionic species on the polymer backbone or as a pendant group on the polymer backbone. The ionene polymers are contain only a cationic portion attached to the polymer backbone and are associated with another ion. These ion-containing polymer compositions can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the compositions in golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having a core surrounded by an outer cover. The outer cover is formed of conventional materials such as a natural or synthetic resin and in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of hard particles is disposed within the outer cover such that a predetermined number of the hard particles protrude from an outer surface of the outer cover. Preferably, the plurality of hard particles comprises diamond particles and the plurality of diamond particles are present in the golf ball cover such that about 1% to about 40% of the total outer surface area of the outer cover is occupied by the plurality of diamond particles.

Abstract: A three-piece thread wound golf ball including a central solid core portion composed mainly of polybutadiene having a Shore D hardness of 55-75 and increased diameter (34.3-38.1 mm) and reduced specific gravity (1.20-1.25) compared to traditional three-piece wound golf balls. The solid core portion is wound with an elastomeric thread material to achieve a core and winding layer diameter of 39.1-40.6 mm. A dimpled cover portion formed of a thermoplastic material overlies the winding layer. The three-piece thread wound golf ball construction provides desirable increased moment of inertia and spin characteristics for the ball. The resulting golf ball characteristics are such that when hit with a driver, other woods or the longer iron clubs it performs like a distance two-piece golf ball; when hit with mid-iron clubs it performs like a two-piece Hi-spin or a soft covered multi layered golf ball; and when hit with short iron clubs it performs much like a Balata wound golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a golf ball having a reduced spin rate. The present invention is also directed to an improved golf ball comprising at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. It is preferred to also utilize a multi-layer cover in conjunction with the silicone materials. The golf ball of the present invention may also utilize an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability and resilience.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the core is formed primarily of polybutadiene rubber, the intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin having an Izod impact strength of at least 50 J/m and provided on its outer surface with a plurality of recesses, and the cover is provided on its inner surface with a plurality of protrusions. The resin of which the cover is made has a higher Shore D hardness and a lower melting point than the intermediate layer-forming resin. Due to the embedment of the protrusions in the recesses, the golf ball has improved performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a multi-layer cover. The golf ball has a core, an inner cover layer, an intermediate cover layer, and an outer cover layer, each cover layer having a different hardness than each adjacent cover layer. The sum of the thickness of the inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer and outer cover layer is 0.05-0.50 inches. A method for making the golf ball also is disclosed.

Abstract: Golf ball compositions, which contain olefinic polymers produced by use of single-site catalysts. Such polymers can be functionalized with a post-polymerization reaction. The single-site catalyzed polymers may be blended with ionomers, other grafted or non-grafted single-site catalyzed polymers, thermoplastics, non-single-site polymers, or other non-ionomeric polymers. The compositions can be foamed or unfoamed. Golf balls that employ at least one layer of these compositions in any of the golf ball cover, core, or a mantle situated between the cover and the core provide ball properties and performance similar to and in some cases better than the state of the art ionomer based golf balls.

Abstract: A thread-wound golf ball has a wound core consisting of a center with a diameter of 29-37 mm and a rubber thread layer with a thickness of 1.0-2.5 mm. A cover enclosing the wound core is of two-layer construction comprising a relatively soft inner cover layer and a relatively hard outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of 55-65. The inner and outer cover layers combined have a thickness of 2.0-5.0 mm. This construction gives the golf ball an excellent scuff resistance when hit with an iron club, as well as an improved spin, feel, and flight performance upon a full shot with a driver.

Abstract: In a thread-wound golf ball comprising a two-layer structure center ball consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer, a rubber thread layer, and a cover, the center ball has a diameter of 30-36 mm and a weight of 19.5-31.5 g. The center ball outer layer has a specific gravity of 1.0-1.2, a Shore D hardness at least 5 units lower than the inner layer, and a thickness of 1-6 mm. The cover has a thickness of 1-3 mm. This construction and combination of characteristics gives the golf ball excellent spin, control, flight performance, and distance at all club head speeds, and especially increased distance when hit by a low head-speed golfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having good shot feel, good controllability, high rebound characteristics and good flight performance. The golf ball of the present invention is composed of a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover contains an ionomer, prepared by neutralizing a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic or methacrylic acid and an acrylic ester with magnesium ion, in an amount of 5 to 100% by weight based on the total resin amount of the cover.

Abstract: A solid golf ball has a solid core and a cover formed of a resin composition comprising the reaction product of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with an isocyanate compound. The ball is efficiently moldable and meets such requirements as a pleasant feel, ease of control, high resilience, and minimized scuffs by iron shots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward more durable golf ball cores and more durable golf balls. The golf balls of this invention comprise a cover and a core wherein the core may further comprise a center and one or more layers of a mantle disposed between the center and the cover. The core, the mantle or the layers of the mantle, comprise a mixture of one or more thermoset rubber materials and at least one compatible, modified, non-ionic polyolefin. The non-ionic polyolefin that is modified may be a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, block copolymer or a mixture thereof that is present at about 0.5 to about 10 parts per hundred of the thermoset rubber material used in the core or core layer.

Abstract: A golf ball having a cover composed of a polyurethane formed from a p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI) based polyurethane prepolymer is disclosed herein. The PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer is formed from a PPDI and a polyol such as polycaprolactone. The PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer is cured with a curative such as a 1,4 butane diol and glycol. The PPDI-based polyurethane cover may be either thermoset or thermoplastic. The PPDI-based polyurethane cover has a high flexural modulus at a lower hardness which gives a better feel yet maintains good distance, higher Bashore resilience, higher tensile strength, higher tear resistance, improved elongation, and better playability and control. These benefits and improvements are exhibited even though the cover of the present invention is thinner than those of conventional golf balls. The present invention also provides new golf balls having durable thin covers thereby enabling golf balls with large cores.

Abstract: A three-layered solid golf ball structure includes a core, an intermediate layer, and an outer shell. The intermediate layer is formed from a material compounded from a thermosetting elastomer and an amorphous alloy so as to attribute high strength and high elasticity to the golf ball. The specific weight and hardness of the golf ball can also be adjusted to achieve preferred sense of striking, a farther flying distance, and a longer useful life.

Abstract: A golf ball, comprising:a core;an inner cover layer formed over the core, the inner cover layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60 as measured on the curved surface thereof, andan outer cover layer formed over the inner cover layer, the outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of no more than 53 as measured on the curved surface thereof,at least one of the inner and outer cover layers comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polycarbonates, reaction-injection-molded polyurethanes, and styrene-butadiene elastomers,the golf ball having a PGA compression of 100 or less and a coefficient of restitution of at least 0.750.

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 an oxa acid compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an organic moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, carbocyclic, and heterocyclic groups. Additionally, the present invention is directed towards a golf ball cover and/or intermediate layer formed from a blend comprising at least two components, the first component comprising at least one oxa acid composition of Formula I, while the second component is a polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, and an acid copolymer or its ionomer derivatives or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A coating composition for a golf ball which comprises a non-yellowing polyisocyanate and a hydroxyl group-containing polyester obtained by reacting a polyhydric alcohol, at least a part of which has an alicyclic structure in the molecule, with a polybasic acid component, and a golf ball whose body is coated with the above coating composition. When said coating composition is used, a high durability is achieved even when a white enamel coating is omitted from the lower layer part of the coating and the coating step can be shortened.

Abstract: A thread-wound golf ball includes a core having a center ball and a rubber thread layer and a cover. The cover of the ball has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer, each made from differing cover stock formulations of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.

Abstract: A solid golf ball includes a cover which is mainly formed from a resin blend of (a) 50-90% by weight of a salt of an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer having an unsaturated carboxylic acid content of 10 to 20% by weight wherein at least 20 mol % of the carboxyl group is neutralized with a metal ion and (b) 50-10% by weight of an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylate-unsaturated carboxylic acid terpolymer having an unsaturated carboxylate content of 12 to 45% by weight and an unsaturated carboxylic acid content of 5.5 to 10% by weight. The cover has a hardness of 60 to 80 on JIS C hardness scale. The golf ball has many advantages including a pleasant feel, ease of spin, ease of control, high repulsion and resistance to peeling.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides novel golf ball compositions which contain olefinic based ionomers and non-ionic olefinic copolymers produced by use of metallocene catalysts. These compositions exhibit improved mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties, and can be foamed or unfoamed. Golf balls that employ at least one layer of these blends in any of the golf ball cover, core, or a mantle situated between the cover and the core provide ball properties and performance similar to and in some cases better than the state of the art ionomer based golf balls.

Abstract: In a golf ball colored other than white, the color tone thereof as represented in accordance with the CIELAB color system has an L value of not less than 80, an a value of -30 to +30, and a b value of -30 to +30. The golf ball is preferably colored blue, green, pink, yellow, or orange. Usually, the cover layer of the golf ball is colored in order to color the golf ball. The golf ball does not cause a golfer to feel mental or visual incompatibility while addressing the ball, looks white as viewed from a distance, but looks other than white as viewed at close range to thereby distinguish itself from other balls. Also, the golf ball has improved fashionable features as compared with conventional color balls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball, comprising a cover, a core and optional intermediate layers, wherein the various ball components are formed from compositions comprising a polyamide, in the form of a homopolymer, a copolymer or mixtures thereof. The compositions include a blend of about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of at least one sulfonated and/or phosphonated polymer and about 99 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of at least one polyamide polymer. The polyamides of the present invention comprise polyamides and polyamide copolymers, such as polyamide block copolymers. The sulfonated and/or phosphonated polymer preferably comprises sulfonated thermoplastic elastomers, sulfonated thermoplastic polymers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball having excellent shot feel, control properties as well as satisfactory flight performance and cut resistance. The golf ball of the present invention has a core and a cover for covering the core, wherein the cover has a stiffness modulus of 100 to 250 MPa, and is prepared from a resin composition comprising, as a base resin, a mixture of the following resin (A) and resin (B) in a weight ratio of 60:40 to 90:10:resin (A): an ionomer resin (i) obtained by neutralizing with metal ion at least a part of carboxyl groups in a copolymer of ethylene and an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, or a mixture of the ionomer resin (i) and an ionomer resin (ii) obtained by neutralizing with metal ion at least a part of carboxyl groups in a terpolymer of ethylene, an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid and an .alpha., .beta.

Abstract: A thread-wound golf ball includes a core having a center ball and a rubber thread layer and a cover. The cover is composed primarily of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer of an aliphatic and/or alicyclic diisocyanate. The golf ball is prepared by impregnating the rubber thread layer with a urethane dispersion and injection molding the cover over the treated core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved multi-layer golf balls. In this regard, a smaller and lighter core is produced and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a molded golf ball exhibiting enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. A wide array of shapes and sizes of the patterns may be used. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides novel golf ball compositions which contain non-ionic olefinic copolymers produced by use of metallocene catalysts, wherein the metallocene catalyzed polymers have been functionalized with a post-polymerization reaction. The grafted metallocene catalyzed polymers may be blended with ionomers, non-grafted metallocene catalyzed polymers, or other non-ionomeric polymers. These compositions exhibit improved mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties, and can be foamed or unfoamed. Golf balls that employ at least one layer of these compositions in any of the golf ball cover, core, or a mantle situated between the cover and the core provide ball properties and performance similar to and in some cases better than the state of the art ionomer based golf balls.

Abstract: A wound golf ball has a wound core enclosed with a multilayer cover. The wound core consists of a center ball and a thread rubber layer. The multilayer cover includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and an adhesive layer therebetween. The adhesive layer forms a firm joint between the cover inner and outer layers whereby the ball is improved in restitution, spin and durability. The outer cover is formed of a non-yellowing thermoplastic polyurethane. The cover outer layer is injection molded on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer structured golf ball having high initial velocity at low head speed region and excellent flight performance, while maintaining the characteristics inherent in conventional thread wound golf balls, i.e. good shot feel, wherein the multi-layer structured golf ball has (a) a solid core having a diameter of 23 to 37 mm, and a deformation amount of 2.5-10 mm with a load of 10 kgf to 130 kgf (b) an intermediate cover having a thickness of 0.5 to 5.0 mm and formed from a thermoplastic resin on the solid core, (c) a thread rubber layer having a thickness of 1.0 to 5.0 mm, formed on the intermediate cover, and (d) an outer cover covering the thread rubber layer, formed from a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A golf ball having a dimpled surface is coated with a paint layer having a constant film thickness even at the edges of the dimples wherein the paint layer comprises a polyurethane and/or epoxy resin, and 0.1 to 3% by weight based on the paint resin solids content of silica, clay, calcium carbonate or a mixture thereof optionally surface-treated with a silane coupling agent, silicone oil, fatty acid, organic acid salt or ammonium salt.

Abstract: A golf ball has a coating layer formed by dispersion coating at the surface portion thereof. For example, a two-piece golf ball is produced by enclosing a solid core with a cover material; forming, by dispersion coating, a white coating layer made of a thermoplastic resin on the surface of the cover material; conducting mark stamping on the coating layer; forming, by dispersion coating, a transparent coating layer made of a thermosetting resin as an outermost layer; and then conducting dimple processing. The coatings have thicknesses in the range of 15-250 .mu.m. Even when the coating layer at a surface portion is formed relatively thick, the coating layer allows the dimples to be precisely shaped and sharp edged and can be given sufficient durability and functions to improve travel properties, spin properties, and feel on impact.

Abstract: A thread wound golf ball having good shot feel and controllability as well as excellent flight performance which comprises a center composed of a vulcanized molded article of a rubber composition, a thread rubber layer formed on the center and a cover covering the thread rubber layer, wherein the center has a diameter of from 30 to 38 mm and a deformation amount, formed by applying an initial load of 10 kg to a final load of 30 kg to the center, of from 1 to 2.5 mm and the cover is formed from a heated mixture of an ionomer resin, an maleic anhydride-modified thermoplastic resin and an epoxidated thermoplastic resin having a JIS-A hardness of 30 to 90.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after significant immersion in water to indicate that the ball has been recovered from a water hazard and 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 immersion in water. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A golf ball having a cover is provided. The cover is formed of a cover stock comprising a thermoplastic resin or elastomer and fibrous aluminum borate whiskers. The cover is durably resistant to damages by iron shots.

Abstract: A golf ball constructed of a molded outer cover defining an outer diameter of the golf ball of about 1.8 to 2.5 inches, and preferably between 1.8 and 2.2 inches. One or more inner materials within the golf ball is of a sufficient density to allow the golf ball to float in water. The golf ball may comprise an inner core of a light weight material of sufficient density to allow the golf ball to float. The golf ball will have the characteristics and feel of a conventional golf ball while being able to float. The increased size of the golf ball will give the beginning golfer an easier target to strike with the club face thereby improving his or her confidence in ball striking ability. The increased size will also increase the wind resistance and thereby overemphasizing balls hit with improper spin, resulting in quicker learning time. Better golfers can use this feature to practice and perfect cut and draw shots. The golf ball may used during actual rounds of golf or in training on the driving range.

Abstract: A golf ball cover is produced from a composition comprising an isocyanate-functional prepolymer and a curing agent of a polyamine or glycol, and an organic compound having at least one epoxy group such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a coating layer which has a thickness of 50-700 .mu.m and is formed at the surface portion of the golf ball. When a three-piece golf ball, for example, is prepared, a solid core is enclosed with a cover material having a two-layer structure composed of inner and outer cover layers, and mark stamping is then performed on the cover material. Subsequently, a transparent coating layer having a thickness of 50-700 .mu.m and made of a thermoplastic resin is formed as an outermost layer. It is possible to impart a desired surface hardness and surface friction coefficient to the golf ball without taking account of the overall structure of the golf ball and the relationship between the hardness of the core and the hardness of the cover, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing of the golf ball, especially, in designing of the surface hardness and the surface friction coefficient.

Abstract: A golf ball has a coating layer made of a thermoplastic resin and formed by hot-melt coating at the surface portion thereof. For example, a two-piece golf ball is produced by enclosing a solid core with a cover material; conducting mark stamping directly on the surface of the cover material; forming, by hot-melt coating, a transparent coating layer made of a thermoplastic resin as an outermost layer; and then conducting dimple processing. The coating has a thickness in the range of 15-700 .mu.m. The coating allows the dimples to be precisely shaped and sharp edged and can be given sufficient durability and functions to improve spin properties and travel properties.

Abstract: A golf ball having a would center and a dimple less outer surface having a constant diameter of 1.75 inches and a smoothness which is determined by rolling a golf ball between upper and lower parallel glass plates supported by four support legs and monitoring any changes in an amount of forced needed to roll the ball between the plates for detecting the presence of an imperfection upon the surface of the ball or an out-of-round ball.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, wherein the outer cover layer comprises a thermoset material formed from a castable, reactive liquid, said outer layer having a thickness of less than 0.05 inches and said inner cover layer comprises a high flexural modulus material. The golf balls of the present invention are believed to provide a "progressive performance" from driver to wedge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball cover composition comprising: a) from about 45 to 55 weight percent of a first high acid ionomer having an acid content of about 19 weight percent and, b) from 55 to 45 weight percent of an ionomer selected from the group consisting of i) a second high acid ionomer having acid groups neutralized with a different metal ion than said first high acid ionomer, and ii) an ionomer containing about 15 weight percent acid groups.

Abstract: A thread rubber for thread wound golf balls having a high impact resilience and high strength, wherein the thread rubber is obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition which comprises (a) a rubber component selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, a synthetic high-cis-polyisoprene rubber and a mixture thereof, (b) at least one specific diaryl disulfide, (c) a vulcanizing agent, and (d) antioxidant; the compound (b) being present in an amount of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the rubber component (a).

Abstract: A golf ball has a multiplicity of dimples formed in its surface. It is assumed that the ball has a phantom sphere and spherical surface when the ball surface is free of dimples. A tangent angle .theta. is 5.degree..ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.20.degree. wherein .theta. is defined between a tangent at an arbitrary point on an edge of an individual dimple to the phantom spherical surface and a tangent at that point to the actual ball surface. A percent dimple volume Vr is 0.8%.ltoreq.Vr.ltoreq.1.1% wherein Vr is the sum of the volumes of the entire dimples divided by the volume of the phantom sphere. This dimple design prevents lowering of spin susceptibility by repetitive hits without detracting from the dimple effect of increasing flight distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layer structure golf ball having a thread rubber layer, which has good shot feel and attains long flight distance. The golf ball comprises a center made of a vulcanized molded article of a rubber composition, a thread rubber layer formed on the center and a cover formed on the thread rubber layer, whereinthe center has a diameter of from 35 to 38 mm and a deformation amount, formed by applying a load to the center within the range from an initial load of 130 Kg to a final load of 130 Kg, of from 3.5 to 6 mm, andwhen the deformation amount of the center is defined as deformation amount (A) and a deformation amount of the golf ball, formed by applying a load to the golf ball within the range from an initial load of 10 Kg to a final load of 130 Kg, is defined as deformation amount (B), the deformation amounts (A) and (B) meet the following equation:Deformation amount (A)-deformation amount (B)=0.5 to 3 mm.

Abstract: A golf ball which maintains a good shot feel and attains a long flight distance which comprises a solid center, a thread rubber layer formed by winding a thread rubber around the solid center and a cover formed on the thread rubber layer, wherein the solid center has a diameter of 30 to 38 mm and a surface hardness, measured by a JIS-C hardness tester, of 40 to 80, the difference in hardness between the center and surface of the solid center being within 5, the cover being formed of a base resin containing an ionomer resin as a main component and the cover having a flexural modulus of 300 to 600 MPa and a hardness, measured by a Shore D-scale hardness tester, of 60 to 80.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover formed on the core, wherein the cover is formed from a mixture of an ionomer resin and an epoxy group containing a polymer or an OH group containing a soft elastomer and has a thickness of from 0.4 to 1.85 mm, a flexural modulus of from 100 to 1,500 kgf/cm.sup.2 and a shore D hardness of from 30 to 65.

Abstract: A golf ball having:a core; anda cover having an exterior surface with a plurality of dimples;wherein the core, the cover, and the dimples are correlated with respect to each other such that the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.791 measured at an incoming velocity of 143.8 ft/sec, an initial velocity greater than 255 ft/sec when tested under the conditions set forth in the Initial Velocity rule for golf balls established by the United States Golf Association, and the ball travels less than 280 yards when tested under the conditions set forth in the Overall Distance Standard for golf balls established by the United States.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls which have a lift to weight ratio greater than 1 when the ball is hit at a speed of 150 ft/sec and a spin rate of 3,000 rpm to enhance the lofting time of the ball and thereby provide the golfer with a slow swing speed increased distance and improved trajectory. The golf ball has a core and a cover. The cover has dimples ranging in number from 100 to 1,000 and having a total volume of less than 1.5% of the ball volume on its exterior surface. The dimples have diameters between 0.04 and 0.3 inch and depths between 2/1,000 and 20/1,000 of an inch. The golf ball weight ranges from 1.35 ounces (38.3 grams) 1.55 ounces (43.97 grams). The cover material has a flexural modulus of less than 65,000 p.s.i.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover including at least two layers is improved in overall performance including flight performance, flight distance, spin, control and feel when an outermost layer of the cover has a gage of 0.01-0.05 mm and a Shore D hardness of 48.degree.-55.degree.. The core may be solid or wound. An inner layer of the cover has a Shore D hardness in the range of 58-70 and a thickness of 1.2-4.0 mm. The outer layer may be a thin film wrapped on the inner layer.