Abstract: The invention is directed to golf ball core compositions comprising at least one natural or synthetic rubber and at least one high Vicat softening temperature thermoplastic material, methods of preparing the compositions, and golf ball cores and golf balls including the compositions. The compositions of the invention are made by mixing at least one natural or synthetic rubber and at least one thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer at a first temperature; cooling the mixture to a second temperature which is below an activation temperature of a free-radical initiator; adding the free-radical initiator to the first mixture to form a second mixture; and heating the second mixture to a third temperature that to facilitate crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention provide a golf ball which can improve the mold releasing property in a press molding to ensure an increased productivity without decreasing a flight performance and durability. The golf ball has a part including a vulcanized rubber composition. The vulcanized rubber composition includes 100 parts by weight of a base rubber and 100 parts by weight or less of unsaturated carboxylic acid compounds. The unsaturated carboxylic acid compounds includes Component (A) of magnesium (meth) acrylate, and Component (B) of &agr;, &bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic alkyl ester. The content ratio of the Component (A) to the Component (B) (A/B) is 0.2 to 4.

Abstract: A golf ball utilizing a high density core component, which is preferably part of a multicomponent core assembly is disclosed. The high density core component is preferably in the form of a metal sphere. The golf balls exhibit a unique combination of a relatively high coefficient of restitution, a controlled moment of inertia, and a relatively high spin rate during short distance shots. It is preferred that the high density core component be utilized in conjunction with a multi-layer cover assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for use in molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions are composed of a particular type of solid polybutadiene which has the effect of increasing the resiliency of the resulting molded cores. Also disclosed are improved golf ball cores, and balls utilizing such cores, formed from particular ultra-high Mooney viscosity polybutadiene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball which attains long flying distance and is superior in hit feeling and durability. The present invention provides a solid golf ball in which at least a portion thereof is made of rubber, wherein the rubber portion is a crosslinked, molded rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent and peroxides, the base rubber comprising a polybutadiene modified with a tin compound and having a cis content of 40% or more.

Abstract: A golf ball and a method of making a golf ball, having a cover and a core, wherein the golf ball has at least one layer formed of a compatibilized blend of about 4 percent to 95 percent of at least one ionomer resin; about 95 percent to 4 percent of at least one non-ionic polymer; and about 1 to 15 phr, based on 100 parts ionomer resin and non-ionic polymer, of at least one non-carboxylic acid compatibilizer of functionalized block and graft polymers and oligomers, wherein at least one portion of the non-carboxylic acid compatibilizer is miscible with the at least one ionomer and at least one portion of the non-carboxylic acid compatibilizer is miscible with the at least one non-ionic polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball cover stock based on a heated mixture of (a) an ionomer resin, (b) polyethylene, and (c) an epoxy group-modified polyolefin or (d) a low molecular weight polyethylene wax. Component (c) or (d) improves the dispersion of polyethylene in the ionomer resin so that a larger amount of polyethylene may be blended in micro-dispersion form. A golf ball having a cover made of the cover stock is durable and wear resistant and offers a good feel when hit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins. Each high acid ionomer resin utilized in the blend of the cover composition comprises generally of greater than 16% by weight acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25% by weight acid and more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5% by weight acid. The acid groups of the high acid ionomers utilized in the cover compositions of the invention are partially (i.e. generally 10-75 percent, preferably 30-70 percent) neutralized by metal ions such as by sodium, zinc and magnesium ions. When the blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby, exhibits properties of improved distance without sacrificing characteristics such as playability and/or durability when compared to low acid ionomer and/or low acid/high acid ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball and to a process for forming a golf ball having at least one layer, where the layer is formed of a saponified polymer/oxa acid blend, having from about 65 to about 99 parts of at least one saponified polymer and from about 35 to 1 parts of at least one oxa acid, based on 100 parts by weight of the saponified polymer/oxa acid blend. The layer may be foamed or unfoamed, and may form at least a portion of any of the cover, the core, or a mantle layer situated between the cover and the core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layer structure golf ball having a thread rubber layer, which has good shot feel and controllability as well as satisfactory flight performance and cut resistance. The golf ball includes a thread wound core and a cover covering the thread wound core, wherein the cover is formed from a heated mixture of: (A) an ionomer resin, (B) a thermoplastic elastomer having a carboxyl group or a thermoplastic elastomer having a terminal OH group, and (C) a block copolymer having a styrene-butadiene-styrene structure in which the polybutadiene block contains epoxy groups, or a block copolymer having styrene-isoprene-styrene structure in which the polyisoprene block contains epoxy groups, the cover has a flexural modulus of from 50 to 300 MPa and a Shore D-scale hardness of from 40 to 60.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting molded golf ball having a reduced spin rate. The golf ball of the present invention has an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability and resilience.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers and a cellular or liquid core component. The metal in the mantle layer may be formed from steel, titanium, chromium, nickel, and alloys thereof. The cellular core may utilize at least one material selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene/ZDA mixtures, polyurethanes, polyolefins, ionomers, metallocenes, polycarbonates, nylons, polyesters, and polystyrenes. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit is improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball, and significantly increases the moment of inertia of the golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for use in molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions are composed of polypropylene powder resins which have the effect of increasing the hardness of the resulting molded cores without increasing the weight upon curing, thereby allowing for a reduction in the amount of crosslinking agents utilized and increasing the amount of fillers incorporated therein. The addition of the polypropylene powder resins to the core compositions lowers the cost of the molded core, while maintaining the proper weight and compression. The present invention is also directed to golf balls produced utilizing the improved core compositions. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for reducing the amount of crosslinking agents utilized to formulate a core composition through the incorporation of polypropylene powder resins.

Abstract: This invention provides a golf ball constituting or having a core layer, intermediate layer and/or cover layer consisting in whole or in part of a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) composition. The invention also provides methods for making such a ball. The compositions of the core layer, intermediate layer and/or cover layer may be foamed or unfoamed. The poly(trimethylene terephthalate) may comprise from about 1 to about 100 percent by weight of the core layer, intermediate layer and/or cover layer. In addition, the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) material may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf ball cores, intermediate layers and/or covers.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer or layers, includes an anionic polymer. The anionic polymer has at least one of a neutralizable hydroxyl or dealkylable ether group, at least a portion of which are neutralized or dealkylated by a metal ion to provide anionic moieties. The anionic polymer compositions of the present invention can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: A low compression golf ball comprising a core formed from a mixture, substantially free of zinc oxide, said mixture comprising polybutadiene, a metal salt of a material selected from the group consisting of diacrylates, dimethacrylates, and monomethacrylates, and calcium oxide, wherein the amount of the calcium oxide is sufficient to provide a core compression of less than 70, and a cover having a Shore D hardness of less than 65.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center, a cover, and optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein at least one of the center, the cover, and the at least one intermediate layer is formed with a polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of a prepolymer of at least one polyol and at least one polyisocyanate, and a curing agent of at least one diol. A polyurethane composition, suitable for forming golf equipment, said composition comprising a reaction product of a prepolymer of at least one polyol and at least one polyisocyanate, and a curing agent of at least one diol.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core, intermediate layer, cover and/or coating comprising in whole or in part of an anionic polyurethane or polyurea ionomer. The anionic polyurethane or polyurea ionomer preferably comprises a sulfonate or carboxylate group. The anionic polyurethane or polyurea ionomer may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf balls, cores, intermediate layers and covers. The composition can be foamed or unfoamed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from at least one soft magnesium ionomer having a flexural modulus of no more than 4,000 psi, where the layer has a hardness of no more than 90 Shore C, and is substantially free of any ionomers neutralized by a metal ion other than magnesium. The layer may also contain at least one hard magnesium ionomer. The hard magnesium ionomer is typically a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic or methacrylic acid, having an acid content of from about 10 to about 30 percent by weight, wherein from about 30 to about 70 percent of the acid groups are neutralized with magnesium cations, and has a flexural modulus of at least about 50,000 psi and a Shore D hardness of at least about 60. The preferred soft magnesium ionomer is a copolymer of ethylene, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and n-butylacrylate or iso-butylacrylate, having an acid content of from about 7 to about 15 percent by weight, and no more than about 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball further comprises at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf balls having a cover, a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers between the cover and the core, wherein at least one of the cover, the core and, if present, the intermediate layer(s), is formed of an ion-containing polymer composition, particularly a zwitter-ion or ionene polymer. The zwitter-ion polymers contain both cationic and anionic species on the polymer backbone or as a pendant group on the polymer backbone. The ionene polymers are contain only a cationic portion attached to the polymer backbone and are associated with another ion. These ion-containing polymer compositions can be used to provide improved characteristics to golf balls made therefrom. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the compositions in golf balls.

Abstract: A hollow golf ball comprising a hollow core and a cover layer that possesses good shot feel, an increased moment of inertia, and a high launch angle at the time of hitting. Immediately after impact, the hollow golf ball has a small spin amount. The specific hollow core reduces the rate of spin dumping between the ascending and descending of the ball, which results in increased flight distance. The hollow golf ball has a hollow core and a cover layer formed on the core, wherein the hollow core is composed of a hollow portion having a diameter of 5 to 30 mm and a core outer layer portion surrounding said hollow portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of using cationic ionomers in the composition of inner layers of golf balls. Further, this invention relates to golf balls comprising one or more inner layers and which incorporate polyurethane or polyurea ionomers. The golf ball with inner layers comprising cationic ionomers has improved ball feel and initial velocity through the addition of an alkylating agent such as t-butyl chloride to introduce ionic interactions in the polyurethane or polyurea and thereby produce cationic type ionomers.

Abstract: A rubber composition for solid golf balls comprising: (a) 50 to 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene rubber with a 1,4-cis bond content of 80% or more, a 1,2-vinyl bond content of 2.0% or less, and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the number average molecular weight (Mn) of 3.5 or less, (b) 0 to 50 parts by weight of a diene-type rubber other than the component(a), provided that the total amount of the component (a) and component (b) is 100 parts by weight, (c) 10 to 50 parts by weight of a cross-linking monomer, (d) 20 to 80 part by weight of inorganic filler, and (e) an effective amount of an organic peroxide. The solid golf balls prepared from the rubber composition provide a good shot feeling, run a long distance, and exhibit superior durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball, comprising a cover, a core and optional intermediate layers, wherein the various ball components are formed from compositions comprising compatible blends of a relatively hard polyamide, in the form of a homopolymer, copolymer or block copolymer, with a relatively soft ionomer resin. The compositions include a substantially compatibilizer-free blend of about 10% to 80% of an ionomer resin and about 90% to 20% of at least one polyamide polymer, with the proviso that the polyamide polymer is not a block polyamide copolymer comprising main-chain polyether blocks. The present invention also relates to a golf ball comprising a cover layer, a core layer and at least one intermediate layer interposed there-between, wherein at least one of said layers consists essentially of up to about 99 wt. % of an ionomer and about 100 wt. % to about 1 wt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of gel material in a golf ball. In one aspect of the invention discrete gel particles form an integral structural and functional role in the hard-cover, mantle or core elements of a golf ball to provide an additional ways of varying the playability properties of a golf ball. In one embodiment the invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a mantle dispersed with discrete voids filled with gel to provide a heterogeneous mixture of at least one gel material and at least one non-gel material. In another embodiment of the invention 10 parts of ground down silica gel material, 50 parts Iotek® 1002, 50 parts Iotek® 1003, and 0.025 parts UM Blue to provide a composite mantle. In this embodiment the degree of measured compression (and good guide to deformability and initial spin rate when struck by a golf club) is increased with a commitment decrease in Shore C/D hardness.

Abstract: The solid golf ball of the invention is a one-piece golf ball or a multi-piece golf ball having a solid core enclosed directly in a cover or with an intermediate layer disposed therebetween. The one-piece golf ball or the solid core and/or intermediate layer of the multi-piece golf ball is formed of a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, and a sulfur halide. Owing to the optimal degree of deformation and high resiliency of the elastic rubber portion therein, the solid golf ball has an excellent feel and an excellent flight performance.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover, a wound golf ball comprising a solid center, thread rubber and a cover, or a one-piece golf ball. The solid core, the solid center or the one-piece golf ball is formed mainly of a heated mixture of (A) a thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer having a Shore D hardness of 25-60, a tan &dgr; value of 0.01-0.15 in the temperature range of −10° C. to 20° C. as determined by viscoelasticity measurement, and a Tg≦−20° C. and (B) an olefin elastomer, modified olefin elastomer, styrene-conjugated diene block copolymer or hydrogenated or modified styrene-conjugated diene block copolymer having a JIS A hardness of 20-80. The golf ball is unsusceptible to compression set and plastic deformation and has a high resilience, pleasant feel and increased distance.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball which comprises a core consisting of an inner layer core and an outer layer core and a cover layer for covering the core, wherein the diameter of the inner layer core is 20 to 35 mm, the thickness of the outer layer core is 2 to 11 mm, the Shore D hardness (A) of the surface of the inner layer core and the Shore D hardness (B) of the surface of the outer layer core satisfy relational expressions, 15≦(A)≦50, 35≦(B)≦70 and (A)≦(B), and the cover layer is made from a resin composition comprising 50 to 90 parts by weight of an ionomer resin and 50 to 10 parts by weight of diene-based rubber. This multi-piece solid golf ball is excellent in impact resilience, flying performance, shot feeling and durability.

Abstract: Golf ball compositions, which contain olefinic polymers produced by use of single-site catalysts. Such polymers can be functionalized with a post-polymerization reaction. The single-site catalyzed polymers may be blended with ionomers, other grafted or non-grafted single-site catalyzed polymers, thermoplastics, non-single-site polymers, or other non-ionomeric polymers. The compositions can be foamed or unfoamed. Golf balls that employ at least one layer of these compositions in any of the golf ball cover, core, or a mantle situated between the cover and the core provide ball properties and performance similar to and in some cases better than the state of the art ionomer based golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and excellent durability. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball comprising a core and a cover formed on the core, the core being obtained by vulcanizing and molding a rubber composition, wherein the rubber composition contains as co-crosslinking agent zinc acrylate having a particle size distribution of 0.1 to 5 .mu.m and an average particle size of 1 to 4.5 .mu.m.

Abstract: A golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics, excellent shot feel and good controllability at approach shot which contains a core and a cover formed on the core, wherein the cover is formed from a base resin mainly containing the mixture of an ionomer and polybutadiene having trans-1,4-structure of at least 60%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having good shot feel, good controllability, high rebound characteristics and good flight performance. The golf ball of the present invention is composed of a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover contains an ionomer, prepared by neutralizing a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic or methacrylic acid and an acrylic ester with magnesium ion, in an amount of 5 to 100% by weight based on the total resin amount of the cover.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the cover is composed mainly of a blend of a soft ionomer in the form of a magnesium ion neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/acrylate terpolymer and a hard ionomer in the form of a magnesium ion neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The blend has a Shore D hardness of 44-60. The ball is minimized in restitution loss and has an increased initial velocity, spin receptivity, good hitting feel, and scuff resistance.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a cover which covers the core, wherein a ratio between the primary natural frequency (CF.sub.1) of the core and the primary natural frequency (BF.sub.1) of the golf ball satisfies a following mathematical relation:0.30.ltoreq.CF.sub.1 /BF.sub.1 .ltoreq.0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward more durable golf ball cores and more durable golf balls. The golf balls of this invention comprise a cover and a core wherein the core may further comprise a center and one or more layers of a mantle disposed between the center and the cover. The core, the mantle or the layers of the mantle, comprise a mixture of one or more thermoset rubber materials and at least one compatible, modified, non-ionic polyolefin. The non-ionic polyolefin that is modified may be a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, block copolymer or a mixture thereof that is present at about 0.5 to about 10 parts per hundred of the thermoset rubber material used in the core or core layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover such that the golf ball, when struck such as in play, exhibits a reduced spin rate. The cover may include a single cover layer or multiple cover layers. In a particularly preferred aspect, the golf ball comprises a mantle or inner layer that defines a hollow interior. The hollow mantle along with one or more resilient outer core layers constitutes the soft core. The golf ball of the present invention may also utilize an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability and resilience.

Abstract: A process for forming a golf ball cover composition, which process comprises: a) forming a polymer comprising (1) a first monomeric component comprising an olefinic monomer having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) a second monomeric component comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid based acrylate class ester having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and (3) an optional third monomeric component comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, an anhydride monomer, an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, an olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and a vinyl ester or vinyl ether of an alkyl acid having from 4 to 21 carbon atoms; b) applying a sufficient amount of heat to the polymer to convert it to a substantially molten state; c) adding an inorganic metal base to the molten polymer to form a mixture; and d) saponifying the mixture to form a polymer salt particularly adapted for forming improved golf ball covers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having excellent shot feel at the time of hitting and excellent controllability at approach shot, while keeping the characteristics inherent to the solid golf ball, i.e. excellent flight performance. The present invention related to a solid golf ball comprising a core and a cover formed on the core, wherein the core is obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, a vulcanization initiator and a filler, a calculated volume content of the co-crosslinking agent is 10.0 to 16.0% by volume, a total calculated volume content of the base rubber and the co-crosslinking agent is 96.2 to 98.0% by volume, based on the total rubber composition for the core, and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 50 to 67.

Abstract: A golf ball having a cover composed of a polyurethane formed from a p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI) based polyurethane prepolymer is disclosed herein. The PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer is formed from a PPDI and a polyol such as polycaprolactone. The PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer is cured with a curative such as a 1,4 butane diol and glycol. The PPDI-based polyurethane cover may be either thermoset or thermoplastic. The PPDI-based polyurethane cover has a high flexural modulus at a lower hardness which gives a better feel yet maintains good distance, higher Bashore resilience, higher tensile strength, higher tear resistance, improved elongation, and better playability and control. These benefits and improvements are exhibited even though the cover of the present invention is thinner than those of conventional golf balls. The present invention also provides new golf balls having durable thin covers thereby enabling golf balls with large cores.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball includes an inner sphere (1), at least one enclosure layer (2), a cover inner layer (4), and a cover outer layer (5). The inner sphere has a deflection of 3.5-8.0 mm under a load of 100 kg. The enclosure layer is formed of an ionomer resin with a high acid content. The cover outer layer has a Shore D hardness of 40-60, and the cover inner layer has a lower Shore D hardness of 10-50 than the outer layer. The golf ball is improved in flight distance, spin performance, scuff resistance and durability against repetitive shots while giving a soft pleasant feel when hit with any club ranging from a driver to a putter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls comprising at least a cover layer and a core layer, wherein at least one layer is a blend, the ionomeric component of which comprises from about 97 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of at least one high acid ionomer resin and from about 3 wt. % to <15 wt. % of at least one very low modulus ionomer (VLMI) resin. Up to about 70 wt. % of at least one standard ionomer resin may be included in the blend, if desired. The copolymer ionomers of the invention include E/X/Y copolymers where E is ethylene, X is a softening comonomer present in from 0 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the polymer, and Y is acrylic or methacrylic acid present in from about 5 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of the polymer, wherein the acid moiety is neutralized from about 1% to about 90% to form an ionomer by at least one cation. In the ethylenic high acid copolymer ionomer, Y is present from 16.5 wt. % to about 35 wt.

Abstract: A three-layered solid golf ball structure includes a core, an intermediate layer, and an outer shell. The intermediate layer is formed from a material compounded from a thermosetting elastomer and an amorphous alloy so as to attribute high strength and high elasticity to the golf ball. The specific weight and hardness of the golf ball can also be adjusted to achieve preferred sense of striking, a farther flying distance, and a longer useful life.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball designed for longer travel relative the compression of the ball. The golf ball includes: (1) a flexible inner core, preferably comprised of crosslinked synthetic rubber, (2) a perforated barrier shell positioned outside of, and surrounding, the inner core to lessen deformation of the ball when the ball is struck by a golf club, (3) a flexible outer core, preferably comprised of crosslinked, synthetic rubber or windings, positioned outside of and surrounding the perforated barrier shell, and (4) an outer cover, preferably comprised of ionomeric resin material, positioned outside of and surrounding the outer core. The perforated barrier shell reduces deformation of the golf ball upon impact by a golf club and is preferably formed as a sphere centered in the golf ball, preferably having a diameter equal to one-half the diameter of the golf ball.

Abstract: Ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid ionomers which have been modified with relatively low levels of a stearic acid moiety, particularly metal stearates and especially calcium stearate have improved resilience for a given level of hardness or PGA Compression values. The improvement is seen in bulk material when measurements are made on solid neat spheres. When used as cover material, the improvement is more manifest for softer material, and is less, or disappears, for typical mixed metal ionomer hard covers. The stearic-modified ionomers or ionomer blends are especially useful when the ionomer is formulated for use as a golf ball core, center, one-piece ball and as a soft golf ball cover. For covers, softer ionomer compositions will show an improvement.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards golf balls comprising at least a cover and a core, and optionally one or more intermediate layers, wherein the cover and/or the intermediate layer(s) are formed from a high crystalline copolymer or its ionomer derivatives and blends thereof, wherein the high crystalline copolymer is formed from an ethylene/carboxylic acid copolymer comprising about 5 to about 35 percent by weight acrylic or methacrylic acid, wherein the copolymer is polymerized at a temperature of about 130.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. at pressures of at least 20,000 psi to about 50,000 psi, wherein up to about 70 percent of the acid groups are neutralized with a metal ion.

Abstract: In a wound golf ball comprising a solid center, thread rubber winding and a cover, the cover is formed to a multilayer structure including an outer layer having a specific gravity of 0.95-1.2 and an inner layer having a higher hardness than said outer layer and a specific gravity of 1.1-1.4. The ball is improved in distance, spin and durability.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover and a core, and optionally at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover and the core, wherein the cover, the intermediate layer or both are formed from a blend comprising an oxa acid compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an organic moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl, carbocyclic, and heterocyclic groups. Additionally, the present invention is directed towards a golf ball cover and/or intermediate layer formed from a blend comprising at least two components, the first component comprising at least one oxa acid composition of Formula I, while the second component is a polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, and an acid copolymer or its ionomer derivatives or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the cover is predominantly constructed of a blend of (A) a coordination ionic copolymer of a divalent metal ion crosslinked form of an ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid/unsaturated carboxylate terpolymer and an amine compound and (B) a metal ion crosslinked form of an ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer. The ball has improved restitution and feel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.