Containing Metal Patents (Class 473/372)
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Publication number: 20120157232Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer, wherein at least the core or the layer includes a reaction product of an acidic polymer and an aminoalcohol. In another embodiment, there is disclosed a golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer, wherein at least the core or the layer includes a polyurethane ionomer made by reacting a hydroxyl-functional acidic polymer with an isocyanate, wherein the hydroxyl-functional acidic polymer is a reaction product of an acidic polymer and an aminoalcohol. In a further embodiment, there is disclosed a golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer, wherein at least the core or the layer includes a composition made from: (a) a reaction product of an acidic polymer and an aminoalcohol; and (b) at least one additional material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Patent number: 8202925Abstract: Described are golf balls comprising cores or intermediate layers prepared from thermoplastic compositions having coefficients of restitution equal to or greater than 0.83 and PGA compression greater than 100. Also described is a composition comprising or prepared from (a) at least one aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the organic acid is unsaturated and linear; (b) an ethylene acid copolymer consisting essentially of copolymerized comonomers of ethylene and from 18 to 24 weight % of copolymerized comonomers of at least one C3 to C8 ?,? ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, based on the total weight of the ethylene acid copolymer, having a melt index from about 200 to about 600 g/10 minutes; wherein the combined acid moieties of (a) and (b) are nominally neutralized to a level from about 120% to about 200%; and optionally (c) filler.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: James R. De Garavilla
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Publication number: 20120142453Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in flying performance, in particular, to provide a golf ball traveling a great flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball having 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) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (d) a carboxylic acid, provided that the rubber composition further contains (e) a metal compound in the case of containing only (b) the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: SRI SPORTS LIMITEDInventors: Chiemi MIKURA, Kazuhisa FUSHIHARA, Mikio YAMADA, Shun KURIHARA, Ayaka SHINDO
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Patent number: 8193283Abstract: Disclosed are golf balls having soft, resilient bimodal ionomeric covers with improved softness and scuff resistance and methods for their preparation. The soft, resilient bimodal ionomeric covers comprise at least partially neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized terpolymers (molecular weight between about 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (molecular weight between about 2,000 and 30,000).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: John Chu Chen
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Publication number: 20120129629Abstract: A golf ball includes, as a constituent element thereof, a molded and crosslinked product obtained from a rubber composition containing (A) a base rubber which includes a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 wt %, (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, (C) an organosulfur compound, (D) one or more organic peroxide selected from the group consisting of peroxyketals and/or dialkyl peroxides, and (E) one or more organic peroxide selected from the group consisting of hydroperoxides. In the golf ball, the value obtained by subtracting a center hardness of the molded and crosslinked product from a surface hardness thereof, expressed as the JIS-C hardness, is at least 20. The golf ball has a reduced spin rate on shots with a driver and therefore is able to follow a reliable trajectory that does not tend to dip or to rise in a high arc, enabling an increased distance to be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yuichiro Ozawa
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Publication number: 20120122609Abstract: A golf ball material composed of a polymer material that contains spherical inorganic particulates, which is well adapted for use in at least one component of a golf ball composed of one or more layers. The golf ball material of the invention improves the flight performance of golf balls compared with polymer materials containing amorphous inorganic particulates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshinori EGASHIRA, Jun Shindo, Eiji Takehana
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Publication number: 20120115639Abstract: Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula H?11.889 Ln(M)+47, where H is the hardness of the composition, in JIS-C, and M is the flexural modulus of the composition, in ksi; or a softness/stiffness relationship represented by the formula if M<110, then H?8.5218 Ln(M)+32.5 if M?110, then H?72.5, where H is the hardness of the composition, in Shore D, and M is the flexural modulus of the composition, in ksi. The compositions preferably comprise an ionomer having an acid content of 9 wt % or less and a high level of fatty acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20120088603Abstract: A golf ball composition having a copolymer with an acid content modified by a nucleating agent is described. The nucleating agent modifies the flexural modulus of the acid copolymer and is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium succinate, sodium glutarate, sodium caproate, sodium 4-methylvalerate, aluminum phenyl acetate, sodium cinnamate, and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Michael D. Jordan
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Publication number: 20120077620Abstract: A golf ball having a very low compression and a high COR is disclosed herein. The core preferably comprises a single neodymium-catalyzed polybutadiene, and has a diameter ranging from 1.575 inch to 1.62 inch with a compression ranging from 20 to 45. The cover preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.038 inch to 0.045 inch, and a Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 58. The golf ball preferably has a coefficient of restitution of at least 0.780, and a compression ranging from 35 to 50.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANYInventors: STEVEN S. OGG, DAVID M. BARTELS
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Publication number: 20120071271Abstract: A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: E.I.DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventors: John Chu Chen, Janice V. Granato, Matthew S. Hall, Peter A. Morken
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Publication number: 20120071273Abstract: A golf ball core that includes a center point having a first hardness value and/or first specific gravity value, and a surface having a second hardness value and/or second specific gravity value. The first hardness value, or first specific gravity value, is different from the second hardness value, or second specific gravity value, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Hyun Jin Kim, Hong Guk Jeon, Kelvin Tsugio Okamoto
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Publication number: 20120046125Abstract: Golf balls containing a core having at least one layer; a composite layer comprising a first substantially transparent polymeric matrix; and a cover comprising a second substantially transparent polymeric matrix are provided. The ball contains at least one decorative insert member that can be seen through the layers. The decorative insert (for example, charm or jewelry piece) is sandwiched between the composite and cover layers. One portion of the insert is embedded in each layer. Light-reflective fillers, colored pigments, and dyes may be added to the layers to create different optical effects. The resulting ball has a unique and appealing appearance while maintaining its good playing properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan
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Publication number: 20120046124Abstract: Golf balls containing a composite layer comprising a substantially transparent polymeric matrix with at least one embedded decorative insert member (for example, charm or jewelry piece) are provided. The ball further includes a core that may comprise a reflective material such as white pigment. A cover structure comprising a second substantially transparent polymeric matrix surrounds the composite layer. The decorative insert can be seen through the layers. Various light-reflective fillers, color pigments, and dyes may be added to the layers to create different optical effects. The resulting ball has an aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining its good playing performance properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan
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Patent number: 8119712Abstract: Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a rubber composition comprising a benzenetrisamide nucleating agent are provided. The rubber composition preferably contains a free-radical initiator agent, cross-linking agent, and fillers along with the base rubber and nucleating agent. Golf balls of various constructions may be made including two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece balls. The composition is used preferably to form a golf ball core having improved resiliency, durability, toughness, and impact strength.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett
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Publication number: 20120010021Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball traveling a greater distance by improving the properties of the spherical core. 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 base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, a crosslinking initiator, a filler and a polynuclear aromatic organic sulfur compound or a derivative thereof, and the spherical core has a specific hardness distribution without decreasing hardness from a central point toward a surface of the spherical core in JIS-C hardness.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Kazuhisa Fushihara, Kazuhiko Isogawa
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Patent number: 8093337Abstract: Golf balls including cores formed from polybutadiene reaction products having a percent change in dynamic stiffness from 0° C. to ?50° C. of less than 130 percent where the reaction products include a resilient polymer component, a crosslinking material, a cis-to-trans catalyst, and a free radical source. The golf balls may be formed with polyurethane covers, covers formed from castable reactive liquid materials, among other materials. The golf balls may also include an intermediate layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Shenshen Wu, Edmund A. Hebert, Laurent Bissonnette, David A. Bulpett, Murali Rajagopalan, Peter Voorheis, Mark N. Wrigley
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Patent number: 8071684Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball material which is made of an ionomer composition that includes a phenolic resin component. The invention provides also a golf ball composed of a core and a cover layer, or a core, a cover layer and at least one intermediate layer therebetween, wherein the golf ball material is used in at least one layer of the core or cover. The invention additionally provides a method for preparing the golf ball material by using (i) or (ii) below: (i) melt blending an ionomer and a phenolic resin; (ii) melt blending an ionomer base resin, a metal cation source and a phenolic resin. The golf ball material of the invention has improved properties, including rebound resilience, durability, and a higher hardness. By using this golf ball material as the material for an essential part of a golf ball, the golf ball properties can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Egashira, Jun Shindo, Eiji Takehana, Hiroyuki Nagasawa
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Publication number: 20110287860Abstract: A golf ball with one or more thermosetting rubber core layers, intermediate layers and cover layers. At least one of the ball's layers has a moisture vapor barrier property, and the thermosetting rubber layers follow a cis- or a trans-polybutadiene gradient from the center of the ball to its cover. Each of the core layer, intermediate layer and cover layer comprises a cross-linked thermoset rubber composition having a primary rubber component of polybutadiene having a polydispersity of no greater than about 2 or a weight average molecular weight Mw greater than about 400,000 in an amount of greater than about 80% by weight and a crosslinking initiator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Eric D. Bartsch, Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8058331Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer surrounding the core, where at least one of the core and the cover layer includes a polymer composition of a highly neutralized acid polymer and a sugar ester HLB modifier such that the sugar ester HLB modifier is present from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of the polymer composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20110244985Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core and the cover comprises about 10 wt % or greater of a renewable polymer composition comprising an ultra high molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate compound having the formula: —OCR1R2(CR3R4)nCO— wherein n is an integer, and wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are selected from the group comprising saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals, halo- and hydroxy-substituted radicals, hydroxy radicals, halogen radicals; nitrogen-substituted radicals, oxygen-substituted radicals, or hydrogen atoms. In one embodiment, the golf ball also comprises about 90 wt % or less of a non renewable polymer composition. The golf ball may also comprise an intermediate layer disposed about the core and adjacent the cover, wherein at least one of the core, the cover and the intermediate layer comprises the renewable polymer composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Kevin M. Harris, Murali Rajagopalan
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Publication number: 20110244984Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core and the cover comprises about 10 wt % or greater of a renewable polymer composition comprising an ultra high molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate compound having the formula: —OCR1R2(CR3R4)nCO— wherein n is an integer, and wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are selected from the group comprising saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals, halo- and hydroxy-substituted radicals, hydroxy radicals, halogen radicals; nitrogen-substituted radicals, oxygen-substituted radicals, or hydrogen atoms. The ultra high molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate compound is coupled with the at least one non renewable polymer composition by at least one of dipole-dipole coupling, ion-dipole coupling, ion-ion coupling and coupling via hydrogen bonding. In one embodiment, the golf ball comprises about 90 wt % or less of the non renewable polymer composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Kevin M. Harris, Murali Rajagopalan
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Patent number: 8025593Abstract: A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is less than the second surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C and less than the inner surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20110207554Abstract: A multiple-piece golf ball includes a core positioned at the center of the golf ball; an intermediate layer surrounding the core; a cover further surrounding the intermediate layer; at least one high specific gravity member having a higher specific gravity than the core, the intermediate layer and the cover. The at least one high specific gravity member is arranged such that a moment of inertia of the golf ball with respect to an x-axis Ix and a moment of inertia of the golf ball with respect to a y-axis Iy are substantially the same, a moment of inertia of the golf ball with respect to a z-axis Iz is greater than Ix and Iy, and the difference between Iz and Ix or Iy is at least approximately 3. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis intersect orthogonally at the center of the golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsushi NANBA, Hiroshi HIGUCHI
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Publication number: 20110159992Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern a golf ball including a core having a center, an outer cover layer, and optionally one or more intermediate layers. At least one or more of the core, outer cover layer or one or more intermediate layers includes a sulfonated polyisoprene ionomer having the general formula: where A is an isoprene repeating unit having the formula —(CH2—C(CH3)?CH—CH2)—, B is an isoprene repeating unit or other monomer repeating unit, m is greater than 10, and n is greater than 2, and X is selected from one or both of the following groups; i) Li+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Mg2+ or ii) an ammonium cation having the general formula [NR1R2R3R4]+. R1, R2, R3 and R4 are selected from one or both of the following hydrogen, a C1-C20 aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic moiety.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Publication number: 20110159993Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern a golf ball, including a core having a center, an outer cover layer, and optionally one or more intermediate layers, where at least one or more of the core, outer cover layer, or one or more intermediate layers if present, includes an isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer having the general formula where n is greater than 10 and having a weight average molecular weight Mw of greater than about 2,000. The present invention also relates to golf ball including a core having a center, an outer cover layer; and optionally one or more intermediate layers, where at least one or more of the core, outer cover layer, or one or more intermediate layers if present, includes an isobutylene maleic anhydride ionomer formed by hydrolysis and neutralization of the isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Publication number: 20110136587Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer disposed about the core, wherein at least one of the core and the layer comprises a thermoplastic or thermoset composition comprising a reaction product of a polyurethane or polyurea prepolymer comprising at least one isocyanate and a curative comprising a blend of at least one aliphatic diamine and at least one polyaspartic ester formed from reactants comprising at least one aliphatic primary polyamine and at least one maleic or fumaric diester, and wherein the thermoplastic or thermoset composition comprises a gel time of about 90 seconds or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Shawn Ricci, Brian Comeau, Randy Petrichko, David A. Bulpett, Murali Rajagopalan
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Publication number: 20110130216Abstract: Golf balls and systems for applying one or more polymer layers to a golf ball construct are disclosed. As but one example of disclosed systems, methods for injection molding a golf ball cover surrounding a core and having a maximum wall thickness of about 0.030 inch are disclosed. In but one example of such methods, a viscous polymer can be injected into a mold defining a cavity. A core portion or mantle portion of a golf ball can be substantially centered relative to the cavity. A plurality of spaced-apart radial film gates can be circumferentially positioned relative to the cavity. The viscous polymer can be conveyed into the cavity through the plurality of radial film gates and into a volume defined between the core portion or mantle portion and the mold so as to form a substantially uniformly distributed polymer layer. The polymer layer can solidify. A golf ball construct can be removed from the mold cavity. In some implementations, the golf ball construct comprises an outer cover of a golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Jeremy Kim, Hyun J. Kim
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Publication number: 20110130217Abstract: A golf ball having a very low compression and a high COR is disclosed herein. The core preferably comprises a single neodymium-catalyzed polybutadiene, and has a diameter ranging from 1.575 inch to 1.62 inch with a PGA compression ranging from 20 to 45. The cover preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.038 inch to 0.045 inch, and a Shore D hardness ranging from 50 to 58. The golf ball preferably has a coefficient of restitution of at least 0.780, and a PGA compression ranging from 35 to 50.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANYInventors: STEVEN S. OGG, DAVID M. BARTELS
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Publication number: 20110124438Abstract: A golf ball with at least one core layer, at least one intermediate layer, and at least one cover layer. Any combination of the layers of the golf ball may feature a visually enhancing means. The cover layer is preferably translucent and provides a view to the intermediate layer and/or the core layer. The intermediate layer has a non-uniform thickness. The core may comprise a non-spherical insert. The intermediate layer and the core layer may affect the spin rate of the golf ball. The intermediate layer may be used to indicate the alignment of the golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: William E. Morgan, Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge
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Silane-based gradient-initiating solution for thermoplastic core having a positive hardness gradient
Patent number: 7927526Abstract: A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a silane having the formula: wherein R? is a non-hydrolysable organofunctional group, X is a hydrolysable group, and n is 0-24, such that the hardness of the outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau -
Publication number: 20110086729Abstract: The invention provides a molded polymer material which is obtained by subjecting a polymer composition that includes (A) at least one polymer containing ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (B) at least one diene polymer, (C) at least one metal cation source, and (D) at least one organic peroxide, and has a chemical structure arrived at by neutralizing some or all of the carboxyl groups in component A with component C in the presence of component B, to molding and crosslinking under the influence of radicals generated by decomposing component D. The molded polymer material has a high resilience, a high hardness and a good durability, making it well-suited for use in golf balls.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., LtdInventors: Jun SHINDO, Atsushi Nanba
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Publication number: 20110065529Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a solid core formed of a rubber composition and a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, which method includes the steps of treating a surface of the core with a solution containing a halogenated isocyanuric acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and covering the treated core with a cover material. The invention also provides a golf ball obtained by such a method. Golf balls obtained by this method have a good feel and a good scuff resistance, and also have a high durability to impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi OHIRA, Shinichi Hinomoto, Junji Umezawa, Hideo Watanabe
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Patent number: 7897671Abstract: A method of making a golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises homo and copolymers of poly(dimethyl siloxane) ionomers, and their blends for improved resiliency and abrasion resistant golf balls.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan, Kevin M. Harris
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Patent number: 7897670Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises homo and copolymers of poly(dimethyl siloxane) ionomers, and their blends for improved resiliency and abrasion resistant golf balls.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan, Kevin M. Harris
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Patent number: 7879937Abstract: The invention provides a molded polymer material which is obtained by subjecting a polymer composition that includes (A) at least one polymer containing ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (B) at least one diene polymer, (C) at least one metal cation source, and (D) at least one organic peroxide, and has a chemical structure arrived at by neutralizing some or all of the carboxyl groups in component A with component C in the presence of component B, to molding and crosslinking under the influence of radicals generated by decomposing component D. The molded polymer material has a high resilience, a high hardness and a good durability, making it well-suited for use in golf balls.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Shindo, Atsushi Nanba
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Publication number: 20110009212Abstract: Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a rubber composition comprising a benzenetrisamide nucleating agent are provided. The rubber composition preferably contains a free-radical initiator agent, cross-linking agent, and fillers along with the base rubber and nucleating agent. Golf balls of various constructions may be made including two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece balls. The composition is used preferably to form a golf ball core having improved resiliency, durability, toughness, and impact strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett
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Publication number: 20100317463Abstract: Golf balls having a core and containing at least one surrounding layer made from a functionalized ethylene copolymer having a linear or substantially linear structure are provided. The core may be made of a polybutadiene rubber material. The functionalized ethylene copolymer composition may be used to form any layer in the golf ball structure such as, for example, an outer core, intermediate layer, inner cover, and/or outer cover. The composition may be blended with ionomeric or non-ionomeric resins such as polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, polycarbonates, polyesters, and polyacrylates to form the layer. The resulting layers provide the golf ball with improved resiliency and impact durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Murali Rajagopalan
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Publication number: 20100298066Abstract: Disclosed embodiments involve a novel blend composition for use in sports equipment, particularly for use in golf ball manufacture. The composition comprises three components, (A), (B), and (C). Component (A) can be selected from polymer(s) comprising an ethylene moiety and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or phosphoric acid groups. Component (B) is a compound having a formula (R2N)m—R?—(X(O)nORy)m and component (C) is a basic metal ion salt having the ability to neutralize some, or all of the acidic groups present in components (A) and (B). The blend composition can also comprise an additional polymer and/or the reaction product of one or more ionomers and component (B). In particular embodiments, the blend composition is used in golf balls, comprising a core; an outer cover layer; and 0-5 intermediate layers; wherein one or more of said core, outer cover, and/or intermediate layers, if present, includes the blend composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventor: Hyun Jin Kim
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Patent number: 7829604Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball composed of a hot-molded material obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition made primarily of a base rubber and an unsaturated carboxylic acid or salt thereof, wherein the rubber composition additionally includes a vulcanized rubber powder from which soluble ingredients have been removed by liquid washing. The golf ball of the invention is able to increase the hardness (deflection) of the core and has an excellent durability, in addition to which it effectively re-uses vulcanized rubber powder that is a waste material and so is industrially beneficial by lowering manufacturing costs and reducing the burden on the environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiro Wachi
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Publication number: 20100261551Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least first areas containing a plurality of first dimples and second areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas together forming a spherical polyhedron shape, the first dimples comprising spherical dimples having a first, spherical chord depth and the second dimples comprising truncated spherical dimples having a second, truncated chord depth, and the second dimples are of larger radius than the first dimples and have a truncated chord depth which is less than the spherical chord depth of the first dimples.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield, Rocky Lee
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Publication number: 20100240468Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer surrounding the core, where at least one of the core and the cover layer includes a polymer composition of a highly neutralized acid polymer and a sugar ester HLB modifier such that the sugar ester HLB modifier is present from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of the polymer composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20100222156Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core comprising at least one layer, a cover disposed about the core, the cover comprising at least one cover layer comprising a cover inner surface and a cover outer surface, the cover layer further comprising a treated cover region and an untreated cover region, the treated cover region extending inward from the cover outer surface a depth DCTr, the untreated cover region disposed between the cover inner surface and the treated cover region and having a depth DCUTr, the treated cover region comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, wherein the treated cover region comprises a hardness ? and the untreated cover region comprises n regions of hardness wherein n?1 and wherein at least one of the n regions of hardness has a hardness H1 that is different than the hardness ?, and wherein each of said n regions of hardness further comprise a depth DCUTn such that DCTr?(1/n)(DUT1+DUT2+ . . . +DUTn).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 7776947Abstract: A golf ball composition having a copolymer with an acid content modified by a nucleating agent is described. The nucleating agent modifies the flexural modulus of the acid copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael D. Jordan
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Patent number: 7772315Abstract: A golf ball made from a composition that includes at least one triboluminescent material. In one embodiment, the golf ball includes a core; an outer cover layer; one or more intermediate layers; and a coating layer disposed on the outer cover layer, wherein at least one of the core, the outer cover layer, the intermediate layer, or the coating layer comprises at least one triboluminescent material. In another embodiment, the golf ball includes a core; 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 at least one triboluminescent material.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Jae Lee, Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon, Dean A. Snell, Mike Ferris
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Patent number: 7767759Abstract: The present invention relates to a blend composition, suitable for use in golf ball manufacture, which is the reaction product of (A) a polymer of ethylene and/or an alpha olefin and one or more ?, ?-ethylenically unsaturated C3-C20 carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids or phosphoric acids; (B) a compound having both amine and carboxylic acid functionality or a derivative of these functional groups; and (C) a basic metal ion salt, which has the capacity to neutralize some or all of the acidic group present in blend components (A) and (B). When (A) is a polymer comprising one or more ?, ?-ethylenically unsaturated C3-C20 carboxylic acids it comprises a high molecular weight component having a molecular weight from about 80,000 to about 500,000.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventor: Hyun Jin Kim
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Publication number: 20100173726Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core comprising an outer surface and a geometric center, the outer surface being treated with and comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the outer surface further having a first hardness and the geometric center having a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is the same as or different than the second hardness.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20100173727Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the core further comprising an untreated region extending radially from the geometric center a predetermined distance DUTr and a treated region disposed about the untreated region and extending inward from the outer surface a predetermined depth DTr. The treated region has been exposed to and comprises a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition wherein the treated region comprises a first hardness and the untreated region comprises a second hardness different than the first hardness.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20100160078Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls and golf ball components comprising a blend of one or more ionomers mixed with one or more metal or ammonium salts of chelating agent. The resulting modified ionomer compositions have improved processability as shown by the increase in melt flow index (I2) as compared to the unmodified ionomer analogs while demonstrating an increase in resiliency or speed as shown by increasing COR, while maintaining or showing only a slight increase in hardness as measured by Shore D.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Patent number: 7723427Abstract: A golf ball which is formed from a vulcanized rubber compound composed of 100 parts by weight of a rubber base material, 10 to 60 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, 5 to 80 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, the rubber base material being composed of a first polybutadiene accounting for 50 to 95 wt % and a second polybutadiene accounting for 5 to 50 wt %, both polybutadiene being synthesized by using a rare earth element-based catalyst, the first polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4 (100° C.)) no lower than 50 and the second polybutadiene containing no less than 60 wt % of cis-1,4 bonds and having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+, (100° C.)) no higher than 45. The golf ball is characterized by good rebound resilience and good workability with which it is produced.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Nobuyuki Kataoka, Atsushi Nanba, Hiroto Sasaki
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Publication number: 20100125001Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball material which is made of an ionomer composition that includes a phenolic resin component. The invention provides also a golf ball composed of a core and a cover layer, or a core, a cover layer and at least one intermediate layer therebetween, wherein the golf ball material is used in at least one layer of the core or cover. The invention additionally provides a method for preparing the golf ball material by using (i) or (ii) below: (i) melt blending an ionomer and a phenolic resin; (ii) melt blending an ionomer base resin, a metal cation source and a phenolic resin. The golf ball material of the invention has improved properties, including rebound resilience, durability, and a higher hardness. By using this golf ball material as the material for an essential part of a golf ball, the golf ball properties can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori EGASHIRA, Jun Shindo, Eiji Takehana, Hiroyuki Nagasawa