Abstract: Golf balls having cores with increased hardness gradients are provided. The cores have an increased “positive” hardness gradient (or a “hard-to-soft” hardness) where the outer surface of the core is harder than the center. The increased positive hardness gradient can be achieved by introducing a water-releasing agent into the core rubber formulation during the curing process. The resulting golf balls have reduced spin and sufficient impact durability.

Abstract: Golf balls having cores with increased hardness gradients are provided. The cores have an increased “positive” hardness gradient (or a “hard-to-soft” hardness) where the outer surface of the core is harder than the center. The increased positive hardness gradient can be achieved by introducing a water-releasing agent into the core rubber formulation during the curing process. The resulting golf balls have reduced spin and sufficient impact durability.

Abstract: Golf ball comprising: a subassembly; a moisture barrier film layer having a continuous and substantially uniform thermoformed thickness of less than 0.020 inches and consisting of first and second heat-induced pre-form film half shells having first and second inner surfaces that are sized, shaped and contoured to receive and conformally and adhesively mate onto and about the subassembly such that the moisture barrier film layer has a normalized Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (“‘nMVTR”) of less than 4.0 g/(m2·day); and at least one outer layer disposed about an outer surface of the moisture barrier film layer that has an nMVTR greater than the nMVTR of the moisture barrier film layer. Alternatively, the thermoformed thickness is from about 0.003 inches to less than 0.020 inches; or 0.0035 inches to 0.010 inches; or from about 0.01 inches to less than 0.020 inches; or from greater than about 0.0035 inches to 0.005 inches.

Abstract: A method of preparing a malleable and/or self-healing polymeric or composite material is provided. The method includes providing a polymeric or composite material comprising at least one alkene-containing polymer, combining the polymer with at least one homogeneous or heterogeneous transition metal olefin metathesis catalyst to form a polymeric or composite material, and performing an olefin metathesis reaction on the polymer so as to form reversible carbon-carbon double bonds in the polymer. Also provided is a method of healing a fractured surface of a polymeric material. The method includes bringing a fractured surface of a first polymeric material into contact with a second polymeric material, and performing an olefin metathesis reaction in the presence of a transition metal olefin metathesis catalyst such that the first polymeric material forms reversible carbon-carbon double bonds with the second polymeric material.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core and a cover of at least one layer. The core has a cross-sectional hardness which, letting (H?14) be a JIS-C hardness at a position 14 mm in from a surface toward a center of the core, (H?8) be a JIS-C hardness at a position 8 mm in from the surface toward the center of the core, (H?6) be a JIS-C hardness at a position 6 mm in from the surface toward the center of the core, and (H?4) be a JIS-C hardness at a position 4 mm in from the surface toward the center of the core, satisfies the formulas (1) H?14<70, (2) H?8<72, (3) H?6<75, and (3) H?4?H?8>8.

Abstract: Golf balls and a system for finding golf balls and methods for making golf balls and methods for using such balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased in the shell and a tag which is disposed within the core material and which has at least one perforation. The tag includes a diode and an antenna which are coupled together. Another exemplary golf ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased within the shell and a tag which is within the core material and which includes an electrical element which is coupled to an antenna; the tag is detectable over a range of at least 20 feet from a handheld device, and the golf ball has high durability and substantially complies with the golf ball specifications of the United States Golf Association.

Abstract: A high impact game ball with a core structure founded on a spherical member, a spherical casing concentrically disposed relative to the spherical member, at least one surface deviation disposed relative to the spherical member of the core structure, and at least one corresponding surface deviation disposed relative to the spherical casing in a mating relationship with the at least one surface deviation of the spherical member. A switching arrangement can be embedded in the spherical member for causing a response to be exhibited based on the occurrence of an activation condition, such as an impact or a remote activation signal. A plurality of positioning stays can project from the spherical member to ensure a concentric relationship relative to the spherical casing.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a ball component made of a material molded under heat from a rubber composition of (a) a base rubber which includes a polybutadiene of at least 40% cis-1,4 structure, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, (c) an organic peroxide, and (d) a halogenated thiophenol, and/or a metal salt thereof, which is prepared by reacting starting materials in a polar solvent then washing with water and drying. The golf ball of the invention uses as a ball component a material of exceptional resilience which is obtained by molding a rubber composition under applied heat. As a result, the ball as a whole has an excellent rebound.

Abstract: There are provided a golf ball molding die capable of manufacturing a golf ball having a satisfactory surface condition, and a golf ball manufactured by using the die. The present golf ball molding die comprises at least two die bodies within which a cavity for molding a golf ball is formed by jointing of the die bodies; and a pin accommodating hole provided in at least one of the die bodies, and is characterized in that at least one groove communicating directly with the cavity is provided in the wall surface of the pin accommodating hole.

Abstract: Compositions for golf balls including modified highly neutralized polymeric compositions that have improved processability including improved melt flow index and improved performance characteristics when included in a layer of a golf ball. In addition, the compositions of the invention have less moisture transmission and higher flexural modulus than non-modified highly neutralized polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and optionally a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of copolymers additionally comprising a fatty acid or fatty acid salt, and a heavy mass filler in an amount ranging from 10 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight of the material, with the heavy mass filler having a density greater than the copolymer. The golf ball component of the invention has soft feel and resilience that is maintained or improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition for obtaining golf ball having good processability, excellent rebound characteristics and excellent durability. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for golf ball comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide, a filler and a processing aid, wherein the base rubber comprises a polybutadiene (a) containing a cis-1,4 bond of not less than 80% and synthesized using lanthanide-containing catalyst, the organic peroxide comprises an organic peroxide having 10 hours half-life period temperature of 80 to 100° C., and the processing aid is fatty acid ester, fatty acid salt or the mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yellow-colored golf ball which can be manufactured without polluting the production line with a yellow pigment, exhibits a glossy appearance, and has superior visibility in a cloudy weather, even in a rainy weather where the golf balls become less visible. The golf ball of the invention consists of a golf ball body containing a yellow pigment and a clear paint film which is coating the surface of the golf ball body, and has the color tone which satisfies the following relation ship: L?85.0 and 75?b<90 specified by Lab color specification.

Abstract: A golf ball having an identification device (10) embedded in it comprises an aerial (14) and a coded chip (12), which are associated with a resilient member (16) arranged to dampen shock form impact. The resilient members is in the form of a diaphragm (16), to which the chip (12) and aerial (14) are separately connected. The above components, mounted on an insulating plate (11), are moulded in a capsule (20) which is then placed at the center of a golf ball core.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-layered, multi-piece golf ball that comprises a core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, wherein the core comprises a spherical body and ribs that are arranged on the surface of the spherical body and that have almost the same height as the thickness of the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer fills a plurality of concave portions formed on the surface of the spherical body while being surrounded by the ribs. This arrangement enables the golf ball to have both high ball bounce resilience and a soft feel when hit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf ball components and golf balls comprising high levels of pre-vulcanized or pre-crosslinked materials, as well as methods of making same. The pre-vulcanized or pre-crosslinked materials are typically thermoset materials that are fragmented or ground into a powder, exposed to high pressure, high temperature sintering (“HPHTS”) and molded into the desired shape.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprised of a polymer containing an acid group fully-neutralized by an organic acid or a salt, a cation source, or a suitable base thereof, the core having a first Shore D hardness, a compression of no greater than about 90, and a diameter of between about 1.00 inches and about 1.64 inches; and a cover layer comprising ionomeric copolymers and terpolymers, ionomer precursors, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, polybutadiene rubber, balata, grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, non-grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-site polymers, high-crystalline acid polymers and their ionomers, or cationic ionomers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a pressurized foamed inner, spherical center component comprising a first matrix material selected from the group consisting of thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof, a blowing agent and a cross-linking agent and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise an additional outer core layer(s) that surround the outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: A golf ball 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: 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: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a pressurized foamed inner, spherical center component comprising a first matrix material selected from the group consisting of thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof, a blowing agent and a cross-linking agent and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise an additional outer core layer(s) that surround the outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core, an outer core, and a cover is disclosed. The outer core surrounds the inner core, and the cover encases the cores. The inner core is preferably a pre-formed selectively weighted symmetrical, but non-spherical insert, which may be made from either a high or low specific gravity material to control the moment of inertia and spin rate of the ball. The outer core is over-molded around the pre-formed insert to form a spherical core. Alternatively, the inner core insert has outer pockets defined thereon. These pockets are adapted to receive the outer core materials, which may have either a high specific gravity or a low specific gravity.

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: 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 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: Two and three piece golf balls having improved rebound characteristics include cores and centers, respectively, that are comprised of polybutadiene rubber and inorganic fillers with specific gravities of about 5.4 or greater. The inorganic fillers may be selected from tungsten, bismuth, copper, bismuth oxide, nickel, cobalt, iron, steel, tin, chromium, zinc, bismuth subcarbonate, cupric oxide, barium tungstate, cuprous oxide or ferrous oxide.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprised of a polymer containing an acid group fully-neutralized by an organic acid or a salt, a cation source, or a suitable base thereof, the core having a first Shore D hardness, a compression of no greater than about 90, and a diameter of between about 1.00 inches and about 1.64 inches; and a cover layer comprising ionomeric copolymers and terpolymers, ionomer precursors, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, polybutadiene rubber, balata, grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, non-grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-site polymers, high-crystalline acid polymers and their ionomers, or cationic ionomers.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a one-piece golf ball or the solid core of a multilayer structure solid golf ball having a solid core enclosed with a cover directly or via an intermediate layer is provided comprising a base rubber, a dry preblend of an unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt with a solid rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100° C.) of 5-150, and an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A golf ball consisting of a core and a cover. The core has a diameter of between about 1.54 and about 1.58 inches and a compression of between about 22 and about 50. Additionally, the core includes a polybutadiene rubber having a Mooney viscosity of less than about 50 and a halogenated organosulfur compound present in an amount of at least about 2.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core is formed from a polymer composition comprising a mono or polyunsaturated long chain organic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having exceptional rebound characteristics and flight performance, as well as good shot feel.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of molding is disclosed which utilizes a three plate mold to form golf ball cores having dual parting lines. A method of stripping the cores from the mold and the flashing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball formed of a core and a cover, wherein the core has a diameter of at least about 1.50 inches and comprises a polybutadiene rubber composition comprising at least about 2.2 parts per hundred of a halogenated organosulfur compound, and wherein the cover has a thickness of less than about 0.1 inches and comprises a polyurethane composition.

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: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having exceptional rebound characteristics and flight performance, as well as good shot feel.

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: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having excellent flight distance, spin performance, shot feel and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover having many dimples, wherein the center and intermediate layer are formed from polybutadiene rubber, the center has a diameter of 25 to 40 mm, and a surface hardness of the center is higher than a central point hardness of the center by not less than 15, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 8.0 mm, and a surface hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the central point hardness of the center by 20 to 50, and the hardness difference (C−D) between the cover hardness (D) and the surface hardness of the intermediate layer (C) is within the range of 0 to 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball which gives a superior shot feeling to the golfer and exhibits stabilized repulsion performance when it is hit at any head speed.

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 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 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 core comprised of a polymer containing an acid group neutralized by an organic acid or a salt thereof, the organic acid or salt thereof being present in an amount sufficient to neutralize the polymer by at least about 80%, wherein the core has a first Shore D hardness, a compression of no greater than about 80, and a diameter of no less than about 1.53 inches; and a cover comprised of a material having a second Shore D hardness at least 10 points less than the first hardness.

Abstract: A one-piece solid golf ball including a matrix containing one or more rubber components in which butadiene rubber is a predominant component, and pulverized rubber obtained by pulverizing a one-piece solid golf ball predominantly containing butadiene rubber, wherein the pulverized rubber is incorporated in amount of 1-30 parts by mass on the basis of 100 parts by mass of the rubber components of the matrix. Also disclosed is a multi-piece golf ball including a core and one or more cover layers, the core including a matrix and pulverized rubber obtained by pulverizing a one-piece solid golf ball, the matrix containing one or more rubber components, wherein the pulverized rubber is incorporated in amount of 1-30 parts by mass on the basis of 100 parts by mass of the rubber components of the matrix.

Abstract: In a solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover, provided that a coefficient of restitution at a firing velocity of v m/s is designated by CORv, a ball structure prior to formation of the cover satisfies COR25-COR50≧0.100, and the ball satisfies COR50≧0.740 and COR25-COR50≧0.09. The golf ball's performance depends little on the head speed so that the flight performance of the ball when hit at a low head speed is improved while the flight performance when hit at a high head speed is little deteriorated.

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: A golf ball having an improved core that comprises solid projections to produce a partially hollow core that is sectioned into hollow pockets separated by solid walls, thereby providing a durable core that has a reduced specific gravity. The projections being flexible to allow the core to deform upon impact without fracturing or failing in use. The volume occupied by the projections is less than the volume of the voided areas.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising an elastic solid core and a resin cover, the cover includes at least an inner layer and an outer layer, the solid core undergoes a deflection of 1.1-4.0 mm under a load of 294 N, the cover inner and outer layers have a Shore D hardness of 45-70 and 35-55, respectively. The ball is provided with a multiplicity of dimples which are substantially uniformly arranged such that a great circle which does not intersect with the dimples is absent. The ball exhibits consistent flight performance when hit with a driver, suppresses reduction of spin when hit in the wet state with a short iron, and offers stable ready-to-strike conditions, flight performance and spin performance under any conditions covering from the fairway to the putting green.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting molded golf ball having a reduced spin rate. The golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers and a cellular or liquid core component. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. 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: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a rubbery elastic core and a cover enclosing the core and consisting of a plurality of resinous layers is provided. Among the plurality of cover layers, the outermost layer has a thickness of less than 1 mm and a Shore D hardness of 50-65 and an inner layer has a thickness of 0.5-2.0 mm and a Shore D hardness of 40-55. The ball is easy to control due to high-spin receptivity when hit with a short iron, and travels a distance due to restricted spin when hit with a small loft club like driver.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball includes a solid core, at least one intermediate layer, and a cover having at least one cover layer. The solid core has a compression deflection of 3.0 mm or more, the intermediate layer is mainly made from a thermoplastic resin and has a Shore D hardness of 45 to 55 and a specific gravity of 1.2 or less, and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 60 or more and a thickness of 1.6 to 2.3 mm. The golf ball further comprises a ratio of the compression deflection of a sphere composed of the solid core covered with the intermediate layer to the compression deflection of the solid core is more than 0.900 and less than 0.970; and a difference in JIS-C hardness between the surface and the center of the solid core is equal to or less than 5.