Abstract: A mixture having good thermal stability, flow and moldability and suitable as a golf ball-forming material is obtained when a resinous component including a base resin of an ionomer resin or resins and optionally a non-ionomer thermoplastic elastomer is blended with specific proportions of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid derivative and a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups left unneutralized in the base resin and fatty acid. Using the same material, high-rebound golf balls can be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, and at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein the core has a compression of less than about 60 and the intermediate layer is formed from a blend comprising a polyurethane material, wherein the golf ball has a compression of about 75 to about 85.

Abstract: A golf ball 1 has a core 2 and a cover 3. For molding a core 2, a rubber composition is extruded from a kneading machine, and cut at a predetermined length to obtain a preforming material. The preforming material is placed in a mold and the mold is clamped. An upper portion and lower portion of the mold mate for more than or equal to 15 seconds, and thereafter they are unclamped until a clearance between the upper and lower portions becomes from 3 mm to 8 mm, then, the mold is shut. The shutting time is determined to be from 0.5 second to 5.0 seconds. By this unclamping of the mold, a residual air in a spherical cavity is released, which results in elimination of defective products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-piece solid golf ball satisfying the following conditions (1) to (4): (1) a cover predominantly contains a polyurethane material; (2) the cover has a JIS C hardness of 72 to 89, and a thickness of 0.70 to 1.95 mm; (3) a core is formed from a rubber material containing an organic sulfur compound; and (4) a center portion of the core has a JIS C hardness of 58 to 68, a surface portion of the core has a JIS C hardness of 71 to 87, and a value obtained through subtraction of the JIS C hardness of the center portion of the core from the JIS C hardness of the surface portion of the core is 8 to 21. The golf ball exhibits excellent feeling on impact, controllability, cut resistance, scratch resistance, and durability against cracking caused by repeated hitting, and has improved flight performance; i.e., an improved carrying distance particularly upon being hit upwind.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photoluminescent golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises an encapsulated photoluminescent composition. The golf ball is clearly visualized at night and under overcast conditions, so that it can be easily found where it lands after tee shots or fairway shots. Additionally, the golf ball has excellent mechanical properties including surface smoothness, driver distance and strength, and offers improved luminescent properties including brightness and decay luminance. Additionally, the photoluminescent pigment has better physical and chemical compatibility with constituent materials of a golf ball, providing a more durable ball than is achieved with conventional photoluminescent pigments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a thermochromic compound. The thermochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states with temperature. The thermochromic golf ball may be white when it is warmed to higher than a thermochromic temperature point, but shows a characteristic color when it is cooled to lower than the point. In a two-piece or three-piece ball, the thermochromic compound is present in either the outer cover or a transparent coat applied to the cover. The thermochromic pigment changes color when a critical point temperature is reached, thereby alerting the golfer that the current temperature of the golf ball may have power performance characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball with favorable rebound and flight performances without impairing durability, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. There are provided a golf ball having a solid core and a cover surrounding the solid core, characterized in that the solid core is composed of a vulcanizate of a rubber composition containing a microcapsule having sulfur coated with a thermoplastic resin, and a method of manufacturing the same. A blended amount of the sulfur in the microcapsule form is preferably 0.01-10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a photochromic compound. The photochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states according to exposure to U.V. radiation associated with direct sunlight. The photochromic golf ball is white when it is shielded from direct sunlight, but changes in color when it is directly exposed to direct sunlight. In a golf ball structure having a core, an outer cover, and a transparent coating, the photochromic compound is present either in the outer cover or the transparent coating.

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 multi-piece golf ball comprising a core 3, a first intermediate layer 5, a second intermediate layer 7, and a cover 9, wherein the first intermediate layer 5 comprises a plurality of ribs 51 formed on the core 3; the second intermediate layer 7 is placed in concave portions surrounded by the ribs 51; and the cover 9 forms an outermost layer; with each of the ribs extending so that its width increases from the cover side to the core side; the concave portions being shaped into a funnel-like form by the side surfaces of the ribs; the hardness of the core 3, the first intermediate layer 5 and the second intermediate layer 7 being different from each other; and the hardness of the first intermediate layer 5 being greater than that of the second intermediate layer 9.

Abstract: A golf ball including a composition having an unsaturated polymer, at least two cross-linking agents, and a peptizer. The composition can be incorporated into the golf ball's core, intermediate layers, and cover layers, and can provide optimal performance and durability properties. The golf balls incorporating the composition are easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A golf ball including a composition having an unsaturated polymer, a cross-linking agent, and a peptizer, where the peptizer is a non-metal salt of an organosulfur compound. The composition can be incorporated into the golf ball's core, intermediate layers, and cover layers, and can provide optimal performance and durability properties. The golf balls incorporating the composition are easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A golf ball including a composition having an unsaturated polymer, a cross-agent, and a peptizer, wherein the cross-linking agent is present in less than about 0.45 weight per 100 parts by weight of the unsaturated polymer. The composition can be rated into the golf ball's core, intermediate layers, and cover layers, and can provide performance and durability properties. The golf balls incorporating the composition are manufacture.

Abstract: An improved mold and method of making a golf ball product is disclosed. The mold parts are flared outward towards the parting line, which creates a golf ball product having a flared area around the equator. The flared area is provided to facilitate post-mold processing steps, particularly buffing. Dimples are formed on the outer surface of the golf ball product, including the flared area. The flared area is removed, resulting in a spherical outer surface having uniform dimples throughout, including the equatorial region. Thus, the flared area allows for more an improved post-buff golf ball product.

Abstract: A golf ball including a composition having an unsaturated polymer, a cross-linking agent, a peptizer, and an accelerator. The composition can be incorporated into the golf ball's core, intermediate layers, and cover layers, and can provide optimal performance and durability properties. The golf balls incorporating the composition are easy to manufacture.

Abstract: A golf ball having favorable rebound performance and hit feeling with excellent durability, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A golf ball with a solid core formed of a rubber composition having an organic peroxide coated with a thermoplastic resin blended therein as a microcapsule, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The micro-encapsulated organic peroxide content is preferably 1-100 mass % with respect to the total organic peroxide.

Abstract: A method of playing golf including the steps of: obtaining a golf ball having a first state wherein the golf ball has a first performance characteristic and a second state resulting from immersion of the golf ball in water for a time period greater than two days and less than one hundred eighty days in which the golf ball has a second performance characteristic that is different than the first performance characteristic; striking the golf ball into an accumulation of water using a golf club; and allowing the golf ball to remain immersed in the accumulation of water for more than two days so that the golf ball is caused by the water to be changed from the first state into the second state in a time period less than one hundred eighty days.

Abstract: A golf ball which is excellent in durability, sufficient to be used in a golf practice range, wherein the golf ball includes a core, a cover covering the core, and a mark printed on the surface of the cover, wherein: the cover is formed from a mixture of an ionomer and an epoxy group-containing polymer and the mark is printed with an ink containing a pigment, an isocyanate compound, and a base resin which is curable with the isocyanate compound.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core; and a cover comprising an inner cover layer; an outer cover layer having a material hardness of 60 Shore D or less; and an intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers; wherein at least two of the inner, intermediate, and outer cover layers comprise a non-ionomeric material.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a portion formed from a golf ball-forming composition containing at least one kind selected from a crosslinked silicone rubber powder and a crosslinked silicone resin powder. Each of the crosslinked silicone rubber powder and the crosslinked silicone resin powder has an average particle size in a range of 60 to 500 &mgr;m. The golf ball is excellent in durability against repetitive hitting and adhesiveness of a coating film, and particularly, has a good resilience and a long flight distance in both a wide temperature range and a wide hitting head speed range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, shot feel, controllability 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 on the surface thereof, wherein 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 in Shore D hardness by not more than 7, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 8.0 mm, and a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the central point hardness of the center by 3 to 25, and a hardness in Shore D hardness of the cover is lower than the surface hardness of the intermediate layer by 0 to 15.

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

Abstract: A golf ball having an improved shot feel without deterioration in durability and flight performance is provided. The golf ball is constituted of at least two layers including a core and a cover. The core is formed of a rubber composition including 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, 0.01 to 0.5 parts by weight of sulfur and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of an organic sulfur compound. An amount of deformation of the core under a load from an initial load of 98 N to a final load of 1274 N is 2.5 to 6.0 mm. A difference determined by subtracting a center hardness of the core from a surface hardness of the core is at least 25 in terms of JIS-C hardness.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core; and a cover layer disposed concentrically about the core; wherein at least one of the core or the cover is formed of a polymer comprising lipid-based nanotubules in which an active compound is microencapsulated.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates and telechelic polymers having isocyanate-reactive end-groups such as hydroxyl groups and/or amine groups. These elastomer compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover is disclosed. At least a layer of the golf ball is made from a low compression, high coefficient of restitution material, and is being supported by a low deformation, high compression layer. The resulting golf ball has high coefficient of restitution at high and low impact speeds and low compression for controlled greenside play.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover is disclosed. At least a layer of the golf ball is made from a low compression, high coefficient of restitution material, and is being supported by a low deformation, high compression layer. The resulting golf ball has high coefficient of restitution at high and low impact speeds and low compression for controlled greenside play.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover is disclosed. At least a layer of the golf ball is made from a low compression, high coefficient of restitution material, and is being supported by a low deformation, high compression layer. The resulting golf ball has high coefficient of restitution at high and low impact speeds and low compression for controlled greenside play.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layered core golf ball that comprises a thermoplastic inner casing layer molded between two polybutadiene core layers to create a faster golf ball with less spin, by designing a ball that has more of the stored energy of the core released at impact. One inner casing layer and/or an outer core layer is comprised of a partially or fully neutralized ionomer.

Abstract: A golf ball having a multi-layered core comprising at least three core layers and a dimpled cover is disclosed. The core may have three layers, A, B and C, four layers, A, B, C and D, five layers, A, B, C, D and E or up to six layers, A, B, C, D, E and F. In accordance to the present invention, the radius or thickness of each core layer is at least twice as much as the adjacent outer core layer. One outer core layer can be a water vapor barrier layer to protect the ball from water vapor encroachment, which reduces the performance of the ball. Another outer core layer can be a thin dense layer with high specific gravity to increase the rotational moment of inertia to reduce the spin of the ball during flight. Another outer core layer can be a perforated spherical shell to increase the resilience and/or coefficient of restitution of the ball. Another outer core layer could be a cushioning layer to act as a shock absorber. The core layers may also have increasing or decreasing hardness.

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 towards a multi-layered golf ball cover, formed by a sandwich injection molding process, wherein the multi-layered cover comprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. The materials of the inner and outer layers may be the same as the intermediate layer, or they may be different with different properties. At least one of layers includes a foaming material.

Abstract: Golf balls having at least one layer formed from compositions including a polyamide a copolymer that lacks affinity for water formed from at least one dibasic acid and at least one diamine. The polyamide copolymer compositions may be mixed with ionomers or non-ionomers, including grafted or non-grafted metallocene catalyzed polymers.

Abstract: A golf ball with a center and a cover layer formed over the center is disclosed. The center exhibits a high velocity and is soft with a compression of less than about 75. The cover layer is soft with a Shore D hardness on the ball of less than about 58. The cover layer includes an ionomer component and a metallocene polymer component. The ionomer component can be a single ionomer or a blend of ionomers. The metallocene polymer component can be a single metallocene polymer or a blend of metallocene polymers.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising an elastic core, an intermediate layer of at least one layer, and a cover which is provided on its surface with a plurality of dimples, wherein the cover has a gage of 1.0-1.5 mm, the intermediate layer has a gage of 1.0-2.0 mm per layer, the golf ball in its entirety has a specific gravity of 1.128-1.145 g/cm3. On account of an optimum specific gravity in a relatively high range, the ball is improved in flight performance.

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: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover disposed concentrically about the core, wherein at least one of the core or the cover is formed of a polymer comprising thermally reversible covalent bonds. Additionally, a composition for sporting equipment formed of a polymer comprising thermally reversible covalent bonds.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises a hybrid material.

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 nozzle for an injection molding machine is disclosed. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, an inner nozzle, and an outer nozzle. The nozzle defines two independent flow paths therethrough. The nozzle can simultaneously discharge two materials. A method of using the nozzle and a resulting golf ball product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball wherein at least one portion of the golf ball is formed from a staged resin film that may contain fillers or additives to alter the physical or chemical characteristics of the ball, such as its weight distribution, its moment of inertia, and its moisture transmission properties. The invention also relates to methods of forming a golf ball having a portion formed from a staged resin film.

Abstract: A golf ball including a center, a translucent cover, and, optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover. The cover is preferably formed from a polyurethane composition or a reaction product of polyisocynate. The cover is further comprised at least one color stabilizer and/or an optical enhancer. Preferably, the inntermediate layer contributes to the overall appearance of the ball and can contain pigment and/or optical birghtners.

Abstract: A golf ball comprised of a ball precursor and a substantially translucent polyurethane cover. The cover has greater than 80% of an outer surface thereof covered by dimples.

Abstract: Golf balls having a portion or layer formed from a polymeric composite that preferably includes at least two polymers with distinct microstructures. In particular, the balls can include a polybutadiene having at least about 80 percent cis-isomer polybutadiene blended with a polybutadiene having at least about 50 percent trans-isomer polybutadiene. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layered core golf ball that comprises a center, a cover and at least two core layers formed around the center to create an inner ball, wherein the outermost core layer is relatively stiff and hard relative to the center. One intermediate core layer is comprised of a fully neutralized ionomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball which imparts a superior shot feeling to the golfer and exhibits stabilized repulsion performance when it is hit at any head speed. The solid golf ball of the present invention comprises a core containing at least one layer which is molded by vulcanizing the rubber composition including: (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) an organic peroxide, and (d) a bromine-substituted thiophenol compound represented by the formula, or a monovalent or divalent metal salt thereof: (wherein at least one of R1 to R5 is Br).

Abstract: A golf ball formed to have a low spin, high moment of inertia core assembly, which comprises a low specific gravity core and non-continuous high specific gravity intermediate layer. This core assembly is encased within a soft cover with Shore D hardness less than 65. The low specific gravity core is preferably made from a foamed polymer, and the non-continuous high specific gravity core is preferably a geodesic or polyhedron screen or a perforated shell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layered core golf ball that comprises a center, a cover and at least two core layers formed around the center to create an inner ball, wherein the outermost core layer is relatively stiff and hard relative to the center. At least the center or/and one core layer is comprised of an ionomer resin having a fully neutralized acid moiety.

Abstract: A golf ball containing a layer, which comprises nanosheets of exfoliated graphite dispersed in a polymeric matrix, is provided. Intercalated graphite is exfoliated by brief exposure to high heat to expand the thickness of the graphite. The expanded or exfoliated graphite is then mixed with monomers and polymerized in situ to form a polymer with a network of nanosheets of the exfoliated graphite dispersed therein. The exfoliated graphite advantageously retains its nanostructure during the polymerization process.