Abstract: Golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core includes between 2 and 20 smaller spheres that are surrounded by a second core composition having at least one different physical property than the composition(s) forming the smaller spheres. The smaller spheres can be entirely surrounded by the second core composition; or, at least two smaller adjacent spheres may each be partially surrounded by the second core composition while also being in partial contact with each other.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a low spin rate on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (d) a RAFT agent, (b) the co-crosslinking agent contains an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof, and (d) the RAFT agent is a compound represented by the formula (1): in the formula (1), R represents a monovalent organic group, and Z represents a monovalent organic group.

Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.

Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.

Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.

Abstract: A golf ball with a center core comprising polybutadiene and a clay material in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 weight percent of the center core is disclosed herein. Alternatively, the golf ball has a mantle layer with a blend of ionomer materials and a clay material in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 weight percent of the mantle layer.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoplastic composition such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided that includes at least two layers of material disposed between a spherical core and a cover layer, wherein the elastic modulus of each is within three orders of magnitude of each adjacent layer or core. The spherical core can be a hollow metal core. This results in a golf ball that is legal for play and capable of drive distances essentially equivalent to those of currently available high performance golf balls, but also provides a golf ball that has less hook and slice during play.

Abstract: Multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and an outermost layer encasing the intermediate layer, the envelope layer-encased sphere, the intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the core surface and center satisfy specific relationships.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoplastic composition such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the core, an intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship. Also, the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the surface and center of the core satisfy specific relationships. This golf ball, when used by mid- and high-level amateurs, enables the golfer to maintain an adequate distance on shots with a driver and achieve a good distance on iron shots, has a good spin performance on approach shots and has a good feel on impact. In addition, the ball has an excellent scuff resistance when struck with a grooved wedge.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a unitary core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. The golf ball also includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The soft transition region has a thickness of up to 4 mm and a negative hardness gradient of about 5 Shore C to about 15 Shore C. The unitary core has an overall negative hardness gradient of up to 20 Shore C.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface; a hardness of the outer surface is greater than a hardness of the geometric center. An inner core region is disposed about the geometric center and has a first hardness that is less than those of the geometric center and the outer surface; an outer core region is adjacent the outer surface and has a second hardness that is greater than those of the geometric center and the outer surface; and an intermediate core region is disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extends radially from about 5 mm to about 15.75 mm from the geometric center and has at least a third hardness and a fourth hardness, each of which are related to the first hardness and the second hardness in various ways.

Abstract: A golf ball having a golf ball core, one or more intermediate layers and a cover layer is disclosed. The golf ball core may include an inner core having radial appendages. The radial appendages may protrude from the inner core in a spherically symmetrical pattern. The radial appendages may be formed from the same material as the inner core. The one or more intermediate layers may surround the inner core and fill the voids between the radial appendages.

Abstract: A method of recycling a multi-material inner part of a golf ball includes a variety of steps. The inner part and cover are separated from one another. The inner part is pulverized into pieces. The pieces are placed in a liquid to separate the pieces of one material from the pieces of the other materials. A ball designed for use in such a system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having at least one component made of a rubber composition comprising substantially oriented nanostructures are provided. For example, the nanostructures may be in the form of nanofibers, nanorods, nanotubes, and nanoparticles. The multi-piece golf ball contains a core, which may have a dual-core construction including a center and surrounding outer core layer or other multi-layered structure. Preferably at least one of the core layers is formed from a polybutadiene rubber composition comprising the nanostructures. The polybutadiene rubber may be chemically or non-chemically modified. The polybutadiene preferably has a cis-bond content of at least 80%.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a cover that includes a plurality of layers over the core. A reacting layer changes when exposed to a particular atmospheric or environmental agent. A protecting layer protects the reacting layer from exposure to the agent. A top layer covers the other layers, though the top layer, the protecting layer, and the reacting layer may be intermingled with each other to varying degrees. Upon deterioration of the top layer and the protecting layer, the reacting layer becomes exposed to the agent and undergoes a change. This change alerts a golfer to the deterioration of the ball.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball includes molding a golf ball core through at least one of injection molding and compression molding, and subsequently volumetrically contracting the core. Once the core is contracted, an intermediate layer is formed about the core, and the core is subsequently allowed to expand to an intermediate state such that the core applies a contact pressure against an inner surface of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprising an inner core center and an outer core layer disposed over the inner core center. The inner core center has a deflection of greater than 0.210 inch under a load of 100 kilograms, and the entire the core has a deflection ranging from 0.130 inch to 0.105 inch under a load of 100 kilograms. A mantle layer is disposed over the core and a cover is disposed over the mantle.

Abstract: A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient.

Abstract: A multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: A golf ball is made from a plurality of layers. A core is formed of a soft material. A medial layer surrounds the core and is formed of a precompressed rubber. A cover surrounds the medial layer. A compression layer may be used to precompress the medial layer.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one non-surface layer that has been treated with a radiation source to effect a complete cure of the non-surface layer and methods for making same, wherein the radiation-curable non-surface layer includes a polymer component and, optionally, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, or both.

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: A multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to increase adhesion between two adjacent layers. The process comprises roughening the surface of one layer followed by chlorination of the roughened surface and joining of the layers, or treating the surface of one layer with a silicone-based adhesion promoter and joining the layers. In one preferred embodiment the process comprises roughening the surface of one layer, followed by chlorination of the roughened surface, joining of the layers and post-treatment of the molded layers at an elevated temperature for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one non-surface layer that has been treated with a radiation source to effect a complete cure of the non-surface layer and methods for making same, wherein the radiation-curable non-surface layer includes a polymer component and, optionally, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball, of which flight distance is improved by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount in initial flight performance, while maintaining soft and good shot feel when hitting at low head speed. The present invention relates to a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, intermediate layer and cover, wherein the center has a deformation amount of 3.5 to 5.5 mm, a hardness difference (HS?HC) from a central point hardness (HC) of 10 to 40 and a surface hardness HS of 36 to 50, base resins of the intermediate layer and cover are formed from thermoplastic resin, and the intermediate layer has a hardness HM of 36 to 50, the cover has a hardness HL of 58 to 69, a hardness difference (HS?HM) is 0 to 15, and (HL?HM) is 10 to 28.

Abstract: Golf ball 1 has a core 2, a mid layer 3 and a cover 4. The mid layer 3 comprises a matrix of which base material is a rubber or a synthetic resin, and solid particles which are dispersed in this matrix. Hardness Hg of the solid particles is greater than hardness Hm of the matrix. Difference between both hardness (Hg?Hm) is greater than 5. Particle size D of the solid particles is 0.5 mm or greater. A ratio “D/T”, i.e., a ratio of the particle size D of the solid particles to the thickness T of the mid layer is equal to or greater than 0.1. A proportion of the solid particles occupied in the mid layer 3 is 5% by weight or greater and 50% by weight or less. Hardness Hg of the solid particles is equal to or greater than 40. Hardness Hm of the matrix is equal to or greater than 30.

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 butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a halogenated butyl rubber such as bromobutyl rubber or chlorobutyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a sulfonated butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may be blended with other polymers. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer is placed on to a core subassembly and cured by infrared radiation (IR). IR-curable moisture vapor barrier materials include, but not limited to, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber and single-pack castable polymers, among others. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, an outer layer of the golf ball may comprise a polymer that has a cured temperature greater than the softening temperature or melting temperature of the encased subassembly. Such outer layer may be cured by IR.

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: A multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: Golf ball 1 has a core 2, a mid layer 3 and a cover 4. The mid layer 3 is composed of a matrix of which base material is a rubber or a synthetic resin, and solid particles which are dispersed in the matrix. Hardness (Shore D) Hm of the matrix is greater than hardness Hg of the solid particles. Difference between both hardness (Hm?Hg) is 5 or greater. Particle size D of the solid particles is 0.5 mm or greater. A ratio “D/T”, i.e., a ratio of the particle size D to the thickness T of the mid layer is 0.1 or greater. A proportion of the solid particles occupied in the mid layer 3 is 3% by weight or greater and 40% by weight or less. Hardness Hm of the matrix is 30 or greater. Hardness Hg of the solid particle is 40 or less.

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: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle and a cover, the solid core is made of a rubber composition comprising a base rubber containing a polybutadiene synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, a small amount of organic peroxide, an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, an organic sulfur compound and an inorganic filler. The mantle is made of a thermoplastic resin composition. The cover is made primarily of a mixture of an ionomer resin-containing resin composition and an inorganic filler. This construction provides the golf ball with a combination of outstanding flight performance and soft feel with cover's scuff resistance and crack durability, that is unprecedented.

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 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 provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having good shot feel, excellent flight performance and excellent controllability.

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: 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: A golf ball made by a process that prevents the cover from cracking due to thermal expansion of the core during the cover formation process. The method includes the forming a core. One or more optional boundary layers can be applied to the surface of the core. The core and any boundary layers are pre-heated such that the core and any boundary layer undergo volumetric thermal expansion. After the pre-heating, the cover of the ball is formed over the core and any boundary layer. The method of the present invention also decreases cover molding cycle times for golf balls.

Abstract: A golf ball having a high rotational moment of inertial core assembly is disclosed. The core assembly may comprise a low specific gravity core and non-uniform thickness, high specific gravity intermediate layer. This sub-assembly is preferably encased within a soft cover. The low specific gravity core is preferably made from a foamed polymer or from a polymer with its specific gravity reduced, and the non-uniform thickness, high specific gravity core preferably has outer projections, inner projections or both disposed thereon. The projections increase the durability of the intermediate layer, thereby allowing polymers with high flexural modulus to be used as the intermediate layer. Alternatively, the inner and outer projections may extend circumferentially to form webs or ribs on the intermediate layer to increase its stiffness. The ball may comprise a second non-uniform thickness layer, wherein one or both of the intermediate layers comprise high specific gravity materials.

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: A golf ball comprising a center comprising a polybutadiene having a molecular weight of greater than 200,000 and a resilience index of at least about 40; and a cover layer comprising a polyurethane composition formed from a prepolymer having no greater than 7.5 percent by weight unreacted isocyanate groups.

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 is described that includes a spherical core, an inner cover or mantle layer, and an outer cover layer. A wide array of ionomeric materials are noted for use in the various cover layers. The mantle and the outer cover layers exhibit different Shore D hardness values and at least one of the layers includes a heavy weight filler material to enhance the interior perimeter weight of the ball. In several particular versions of the golf balls, the filler material is present in an amount of at least 10% by weight based upon the weight of the layer or layers within which the filler material is incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball that provides improved playing characteristics by providing a cushioning interface between a center and subsequent layers. The ball can include a center, a soft intermediate layer, and a cover, although various constructions and modifications are possible. The intermediate layer can include an elastomeric latex or solution that will dry to form a soft film on the surface of the center. Such a soft rubber interlayer can serve as a cushioning interface to help improve durability and softness of the ball upon club impact. In another embodiment, the thin intermediate layer includes a responsive viscoelastic composition that exhibits an increase in viscosity under shear forces.

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

Abstract: 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.