Abstract: A golfball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises a plasticized polyurethane composition comprising at least one polyurethane and at least one hydrophobic plasticizer selected from the group consisting of phthalates, phosphate esters, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A golf ball that includes (a) a core comprising a center; (b) an outer cover layer; and (c) one or more intermediate layers; wherein at least one of the core, the outer cover layer, or the intermediate layer comprises a composition that includes (i) at least one polyalkenamer and at least one polyamide or (ii) at least one polyalkenamer. A method for making a golf ball comprising a core, one or more intermediate layers and an outer cover layer is also disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a blend comprising at least one polyalkenamer rubber and at least one polyamide; and injection molding the blend into a spherical mold to form the intermediate or outer cover layer. Also disclosed is a polymer composition that includes at least one polyalkenamer and at least one thermoplastic copolyamide elastomer.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball having a layer composed of a polyurethane/polyurea material formed from reaction injection molding a polyol component and an isocyanate component. The polyol component preferably comprises a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight of approximately 1000 and a 3,5-diethyl-2,4 toluenediamine. The layer is preferably a cover layer having a thickness ranging from 0.010 inch to 0.025 inch.

Abstract: Golf ball compositions, and components formed therefrom, including trifunctional materials, such as trifunctional isocyanates, polyols, and amines, that have improved performance and durability characteristics, e.g., improved heat resistance, improved resiliency, and dimensional stability.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a polyurethane cover, which is in excellent in abrasion resistance and durability without lowering the productivity. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed from a cover composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane containing a polyol having an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond as a constituent, and a crosslinking agent.

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. 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: 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 is directed to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a composition comprising an elastic protein. Golf balls of the present invention include one-piece, two-piece, and multi-layer golf balls. In two-piece and multi-layer golf balls of the present invention, the elastic protein-containing composition may be present in a core layer, a cover layer, an intermediate layer (in the case of multi-layer balls), or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a quinhydrone. The free radical initiator is generally present in the rubber composition in an amount of at least 0.05 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber. The quinhydrone is generally present in the rubber composition in an amount of at least 0.05 parts by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber. The rubber composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two-piece golf ball having a core and a cover, wherein the core comprises at least one unsaturated polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one co-cross-linking agent, and at least one peptizer (comprising one or more organic sulfur compounds, or one or more metal or non-metal salts of an organic sulfur compound), and optionally at least one weight adjusting filler. The improved two-piece balls have optimal velocity and distance performance, as well as excellent shot feel, the called “long and soft” combination. The balls also demonstrate excellent durability properties, and ease of manufacture.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a quinhydrone. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches.

Abstract: A low compression, resilient golf ball having a center including a material formed from the conversion reaction of sufficient amounts of polybutadiene, a free radical source, and a cis-to-trans catalyst to convert a portion of cis-isomer to trans-isomer in the polybutadiene, wherein said material has an amount of trans-isomer greater than the amount of trans-isomer present before the conversion reaction, and wherein the reaction product includes low levels or substantially no antioxidant.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a hydroquinone. A ratio of the amount of the hydroquinone present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, to the amount of free radical initiator present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, is generally from 0.05 to 2. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noncontact printing method for applying indicia, such as insignia or stripes, on at least one subsurface layer of a transparent or translucent cover golf ball, e.g. the core, or one or more intermediate layers. The indicia may be visible in ambient light or are only visible when exposed to specific non-ambient light wavelengths, e.g. ultraviolet wavelengths. Advantageously, this method of noncontact printing on subsurface golf ball layers substantially improves the durability of indicia because such indicia are protected from direct abrasion and club impacts by the cover. Moreover, unlike pad printing, noncontact printing forms indicia that are not susceptible to ink degradation because the indicia are solid markings created by very small discrete dots. In one embodiment, both the cover and the intermediate layer(s) may be transparent or translucent and thusly decorated to achieve previously unattainable image depth effects.

Abstract: Golf equipment having improved cut and shear resistance that includes a polyurea-based composition or polyurethane-based composition, preferably saturated and/or water resistant, formed of a prepolymer, a functionalized block copolymer, and optionally further cured or chain extended with a curing agent, where the prepolymer is incorporated at the terminal end of the functionalized block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball that contains an interpenetrating polymer network, or IPN, including at least two polymeric components. These IPNs may be present in any golf ball layer, although in an intermediate or cover layer in one preferred embodiment. The present invention is also directed to methods of forming a golf ball containing an IPN in one or more of the layers.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition for forming a golf ball or a component thereof is disclosed that includes the use of a non-conjugated diene monomer having two or more vinyl (CH2?CH—) terminal end groups. The composition produces a molded product exhibiting an enhanced combination of increased compression (i.e., softness) and resilience (C.O.R.).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer which includes a polymer composition containing at least 50 wt % of an acid polymer and at least 0.5 wt % of a polylactic acid, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total polymeric weight of the polymer composition. At least 70% of the acid groups of the acid polymer are neutralized by a cation source or a metal salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having at least one layer fonned from a saturated polyurethane composition. The polyurethane is the product of a reaction between an H12MDI/PTMEG-based prepolymer and a polycaprolactone curing agent. Golf balls of the present invention include one-piece, two-piece, multi-layer, and wound golf balls. The composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which is superior in durability to a golf ball having an ionomer resin cover which has conventionally been used. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball using a non-petroleum based material. The golf ball of the present invention comprises a core and a cover covering the core, wherein at least either the core or the cover includes, as a resin component, a polyester resin containing a non-petroleum based material as a constitutional component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core, an outermost cover layer and an intermediate layer therebetween. The intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin material obtained by blending together (I) a sodium ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer with (II) a magnesium ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer. The intermediate layer-forming resin material has a Shore D hardness of from 55 to 70, and the intermediate layer has a thickness of from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The outermost cover layer is formed primarily of a non-ionomeric resin material. The cover-forming resin material has a Shore D hardness of from 35 to 60, and the cover has a thickness of from 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The golf ball of the invention has a flight performance and controllability acceptable for use by professional golfers and skilled amateurs, and also has an excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a paint film which is obtained from an environment-friendly aqueous paint and is excellent in the durable adhesion. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body, and a paint film covering said golf ball body, wherein the paint film has a resin component which is a reaction product obtainable by reacting an aqueous polyurethane having a carboxyl group with an aqueous polycarbodiimide and the blending ratio of the aqueous polycarbodiimide to the aqueous polyurethane having the carboxyl group is ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 at a molar ratio of a carbodiimide group to a carboxyl group(carbodiimide group/carboxyl group).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising fast-chemical-reaction-produced component, such as a component which comprises a reaction injection molded polyurethane material. The golf ball has excellent light stability. Also disclosed is a method making a golf ball by forming a cover component of the ball by mixing two or more reactants that react and form a reaction product with a flex modulus of from about 1 to about 310 kpsi in a reaction time of about 5 minutes or less, the component having a thickness of at least 0.01 inches and a demold time of 10 minutes or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer which includes a polymer composition containing at least 50 wt % of an acid polymer and at least 0.5 wt % of a polyhydric alcohol, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total polymeric weight of the polymer composition. At least 70% of the acid groups of the acid polymer are neutralized by a cation source or a metal salt thereof.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core and at least one layer disposed about the core, wherein the core or the layer is formed from a composition including a base polymer, a crosslink initiator, and an additive, wherein the additive is both an inorganic-sulfur compound and a sulfuric acid amide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns reduced-yellowing thermoplastic or thermoset polymer compositions derived from the reaction of a diisocyanate, a polyol or polyamine, and a dicyandiamide. The present invention also concerns golf balls comprising the reduced-yellowing thermoplastic or thermoset polymer compositions derived from the reaction of a diisocyanate, a polyol or polyamine, and a dicyandiamide. The present invention also relates to a method for making a golf ball which includes using reduced yellowing compositions derived from the reaction of a diisocyanate, a polyol or polyamine, and a dicyandiamide. The resulting golf balls have similar processability and physical properties (such as resiliency and shear resistance) as golf balls made from conventional polyurethane or polyurea formulations, while exhibiting substantially improved resistance to yellowing.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, an outer cover layer, and, optionally, an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer is presently disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core and at least one layer disposed about the core, wherein the core or the layer includes a composition formed from a base polymer, a crosslink initiator, and at least one additive. The additive has at least one C—O—B linkage, the carbon in the linkage being a secondary or tertiary carbon. The additive is also selected from the group consisting of boranes, borates, boronates, borinates, heterocylic compounds having at least one boron atom as a ring member, boron-containing organosulfides, sulfur-containing silicocompounds, salts of such additives, and metal salts, organometallic salts, and non-metal salts of boron complexes.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, an outer cover layer, and, optionally, an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer is presently disclosed. At least one layer of the golf ball is formed from a composition free of cystine and comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amino acids other than cystine, aromatic amino acids, halogenated amino acids, and amides thereof, peptides thereof, conjugates thereof, esters thereof, salts thereof, and isomers thereof having amine and acid groups. The outer cover layer may comprise a polyurethane or polyurea composition. At least one portion of the golf ball comprises a composition that enhances physical properties and/or performance characteristics (e.g., coefficient of restitution) of the golf ball. Preferably, the coefficient of restitution of the core is 0.8 or greater.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples, wherein the core is made primarily of a rubber material and has a diameter of at least 31 mm, the envelope layer and intermediate layer are each made primarily of the same or different resin materials and the cover is made primarily of polyurethane; the envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have an optimized thickness relationship; the core, envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have optimized hardness relationships; and the core surface and core center have a large hardness difference therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to resilient golf balls and portions thereof including compositions containing zinc dimethacrylate and zinc pentachlorothiophenol, and methods for making same. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one of a center, cover, or intermediate layer that includes a reaction product that includes a resilient polymer component, a free radical source, zinc dimethacrylate and at least one halogenated organosulfur compound having the following general formula I: where R1-R5 can be substituted or unsubstituted C1-C8 alkyl groups; halogen groups; thiol groups (—SH), carboxylated groups; sulfonated groups; and hydrogen; in any order.

Abstract: A golf ball having an indicia composed of a novel metallic ink is disclosed herein. The first indicia is preferably composed of a vacuum metallized pigmented ink having a particle size ranging from 10 microns to 12 microns. The ink is preferably an aluminum based ink. The golf ball is preferably a two-piece solid golf ball or a three-piece solid golf ball. The novel ink preferably has a viscosity above about 300 centipoise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having a resilient core made of rubber, a cover of one or more layer encasing the core, and at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein the cover is made primarily of polyurethane, the intermediate layer is made primarily of ionomer, and the core has a surface hardness which is higher than the material hardnesses of the cover and the intermediate layer. The golf ball is able to limit the distance of travel more than official balls currently in use and, in spite of being a limited-distance golf ball, imparts a relatively soft and good ball feel on impact, in addition to which it has an excellent scuff resistance and, by minimizing the extent of decrease in the distance traveled by the ball when hit with an iron, minimizes the effect on golf play by amateur golfers.

Abstract: A golf ball incorporates nanofiller material 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 golf ball aims to facilitate discerning of flying distance of a hitting golf ball for golfers. It has a solid ball inside, a reflective layer coated on the surface of the solid ball and a transparent layer formed on the reflective layer. When the golf ball is hit and flies, the layer structure of the reflective layer and transparent layer can reflect light projecting thereon so that the golf ball looks brighter, and the golfers can clearly see the flying distance and dropping location of the golf ball.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer which encloses the core, an intermediate layer which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover which encloses the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, the envelope layer is formed primarily of a specific resin mixture, the intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin material, and the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane. The intermediate layer and the cover have surface hardnesses (Durometer D hardness) which satisfy the relationship: intermediate layer surface hardness>cover surface hardness. The golf ball has an excellent flight performance and controllability that are acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers, while also having an excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact and an excellent scuff resistance.

Abstract: Provided is a ball for leisure and sports of a new concept which is an application of a golf game. The ball relates to a modified golf ball which includes an external member having air vent holes and a core member of a rib form, in which a flight distance is shortened due to resistance of air when struck and in flight. The external member of the modified golf ball is configured to have a spherical outer cover integrated with and overlapped with the outer surface of a hemispherical inner cover. Since the modified golf ball is lightly flied when struck but its flight distance is shortened due to resistance of air, an effect of saving a land can be obtained in view of a practical use of the land, when a golf playing field is constructed.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, has a diameter of at least 31 mm, and has a hardness which gradually increases from a center to a surface thereof, the hardness difference in JIS-C hardness units between the core center and the core surface being at least 15 and, letting (I) be the average value for cross-sectional hardnesses at a position 15 mm from the core center and at the core center and letting (II) be the cross-sectional hardness at a position 7.5 mm from the core center, the hardness difference (I)?(II) therebetween in JIS-C units being not more than ±2. The envelope layer and the intermediate layer are each formed primarily of the same or different resin materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and from 10 parts to 120 parts of an oily substance, by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber. The base rubber is a polybutadiene having a Mooney viscosity of 40 or greater. The rubber composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball comprising a polyurethane material formed by the reaction of a diisocyanate and polybutadiene diol. In a multi-piece golf ball any of a core, a cover, and optionally one or more mantle layers disposed therebetween, comprises a polyurethane formed by the reaction of a diisocyanate and polybutadiene diol. One preferred form of the invention is a golf ball having a cover layer comprising a polybutadiene diol-based polyurethane. Another preferred form of the invention is a golf ball comprising a polybutadiene diol-based polyurethane that is formed by reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A method for selecting the spin characteristics of a fluid filled golf ball and a golf ball incorporating these properties is disclosed herein. One aspect is a method for optimizing the spin and flight characteristics of a fluid containing golf ball which selects an internal fluid material having a viscosity that matches the cover hardness of the golf ball as to obtain the desired spin and flight characteristics of the golf ball.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the resilience and the shot feeling of the golf ball to be obtained by reducing the content of trans-1,4-bond in a golf ball using for a core a polybutadiene having a high content of cis-1,4-bond. The golf ball of the present invention has a core comprising at least one layer or more and a cover covering the core, at least one layer of the core obtained by molding a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene obtained by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of a catalyst containing a metallosalen complex and aluminoxane, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, and (c) a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a one-piece golf ball or for a solid core of a solid golf ball having a multilayer construction in which the core is enclosed directly, or with an intermediate layer, by a cover includes (a) 100 parts by weight of a base rubber, (b) 10 to 60 parts by weight of a co-crosslinking agent, (c) 5 to 80 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, (d) 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, (e) 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, (f) 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of sulfur, and (g) 1 to 10 parts by weight of a binary copolymer consisting of a polyolefin component and a polyamide component. Golf ball rubber compositions and golf balls made using such compositions have a good resilience and excellent durability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a golf ball that contains an interpenetrating polymer network, or IPN, which includes at least two polymeric systems, in one or more of the layers. The first polymeric system may include a polyurethane-based or polyurea-based system having blocked isocyanate groups and the second polymeric system may include an epoxy-based or acrylic-based system, wherein the two systems are polymerized or cured simultaneously or sequentially to form an IPN.

Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a spherical center 10, a mid layer 12 covering this center 10, a reinforcing layer 6 covering this mid layer 12, and a cover 8 covering this reinforcing layer 6. Base polymer of the mid layer 12 is an ionomer resin. Base polymer of the cover 8 is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. The cover 8 has a thickness Tc of equal to or less than 1.2 mm, and particularly equal to or less than 0.8 mm. The difference (Ho?Hc) between the central hardness Ho of the center 10 and the hardness Hc of the cover 8 is 1 or greater and 30 or less. The cover 8 has a hardness Hc of 15 or greater and 40 or less. The product (Tc·Hc) of the thickness Tc (mm) of the cover 8 and the hardness Hc of the cover 8 is equal to or less than 25.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball having excellent shot feel, controllability, rebound characteristics, scuff resistance, yellowing resistance and productivity. The present invention relates to a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a core composed of a center and an intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover formed on the core, wherein the cover comprises a mixture of polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer as a base resin.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core comprising a center; an outer cover layer; and one or more intermediate layers, wherein at least one of the core, the outer cover layer, or the intermediate layer comprises a composition that includes at least one specialty propylene elastomer. The specialty propylene elastomer is preferably present in the outer cover layer and/or the intermediate layer. Also disclosed is a composition that includes at least one ionomer and at least one specialty propylene elastomer, wherein the ionomer is present in an amount of about 95 to about 5 weight percent and the specialty propylene elastomer is present in an amount of about 5 to about 95 weight percent, based on the total weight of all polymers in the composition. The specialty propylene elastomer/ionomer composition can be used to make the outer cover layer and/or the intermediate layer of a golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls, and in particular, to golf balls having at least one portion formed from at least one non-ionomeric, silane-crosslinked polyolefin materials that are formed in the presence of moisture or water during golf ball construction. The present invention also relates to methods of forming golf balls having at least one portion formed from at least one non-ionomeric, silane-crosslinked polyolefin materials that are formed in the presence of moisture or water.

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.