Diverse Layer Between Spherical Core And Cover Patents (Class 473/373)
-
Patent number: 10449420Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least three layers, including at least one thermoset layer and at least one thermoplastic layer. The innermost core layer is relatively small, having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.30 inches.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
-
Patent number: 10441852Abstract: A golf ball comprising: (a) a core; (b) an inner mantle layer; (c) an intermediate mantle layer; (d) an outer mantle layer; and (e) at least one cover layer; wherein the core has a PGA compression of less than 70, and the core/inner mantle layer/intermediate mantle layer combined construct has a PGA compression of at least 30.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Eric Michael Loper, Dean A. Snell
-
Patent number: 10413783Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a three-layered cover assembly are provided. For example, a cover assembly having an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer may be prepared. At least one of the cover layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
-
Patent number: 10406403Abstract: Provided is a bismuth golf ball with improved carry distance and fracture strength by adding a nano bismuth reformed by using plasma or a nano bismuth alloy manufactured by using the nano bismuth to a resin composition as a base material as compared with a bismuth golf ball in the related art. Since the nano bismuth golf ball has a more densified internal structure due to a higher content of bismuth as compared with the bismuth golf ball, the resilient elasticity is improved, and thus, the carry distance is increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: VOLVIK INC.Inventors: Yoo Seok Hong, In Hong Hwang, Kyung Ahn Moon
-
Patent number: 10398943Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, an intermediate core layer, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof dispersed in a thermoset polymeric matrix. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a first thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a second thermoplastic composition. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
-
Patent number: 10376743Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Petra Petrich, David Bartels, Hong G. Jeon, Carl Brown
-
Patent number: 10376744Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Petra Petrich, David Bartels, Hong G. Jeon, Carl Brown
-
Patent number: 10363461Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the core, an intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship. Also, the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the surface and center of the core satisfy specific relationships. This golf ball, when used by mid- and high-level amateurs, enables the golfer to maintain an adequate distance on shots with a driver and achieve a good distance on iron shots, has a good spin performance on approach shots and has a good feel on impact. In addition, the ball has an excellent scuff resistance when struck with a grooved wedge.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
-
Patent number: 10350459Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a low spin rate on driver shots and a high spin rate on approach shots. The present invention provides a golf ball having a low hardness part having a hardness in a range from 5 to 40 in Shore D hardness or a lowest hardness point in a core hardness distribution in a region located at a distance from 36.0% to 65.0% of a radius of the golf ball from a center point of the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Shigemitsu, Hidetaka Inoue
-
Patent number: 10343024Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyester composition containing a polyester thermoplastic elastomer and plasticizer are provided. The plasticizers help reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composition and various plasticizers may be used. For example, the composition may include alkyl oleate plasticizers such as ethyl oleate and octyl oleate. Polyester-ether block copolymers are particularly preferred. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyester composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
-
Patent number: 10343023Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 10328312Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-layered core are provided. The ball further includes single or multi-layered covers. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, and a surrounding outer core layer. The core layers may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and combinations and alloys thereof preferably dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene. These multi-layered core constructions with metal-containing centers have selective specific gravity relationships between the different layers. This helps provide the ball with good flight distance and spin control. The resulting balls have good resiliency and other playing performance properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
-
Patent number: 10322316Abstract: In a golf ball having a core and a cover of at least one layer, the core and/or at least one layer of the cover are formed of a resin composition that includes (A) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, and (B) 1 to 30 parts by weight of a compound having a fluorene skeleton, or a derivative thereof. This resin composition for golf balls has an improved injection-moldability and thus enables the ball to achieve both a reduced spin rate and a good durability (scuff resistance).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takanori Tago, Atsushi Nanba
-
Patent number: 10300341Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively hard inner cover and relatively soft outer cover. Alternatively, the cover assembly may include a relatively soft inner cover with a relatively hard outer cover. Three-layered covers comprising an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer also may be prepared. Preferably, at least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 10300345Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition, preferably polyurethane foam, are provided. The ball includes a dual-layered core having a foam inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. The outer core layer may be made from a non-foamed thermoset material such as polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes an inner cover, preferably made from an ionomer composition comprising an O/X-type acid copolymer, wherein O is ?-olefin, and X is a C3-C8 ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. The outer cover may be made from a non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic material such as polyurethane. Preferably, the specific gravity of the inner cover is greater than the specific gravity of the outer core, which is greater than the specific gravity of the inner core. The finished ball has good distance and low-spin properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Shawn Ricci, Mark L. Binette, Michael Michalewich
-
Patent number: 10293214Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent abrasion resistance and spin performance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball having a spherical core and a cover covering the spherical core, wherein the cover contains a polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane comprises, as a constituent component, (A) a polyisocyanate component and (B) a polyol component containing (b1) a polyrotaxane, and wherein (b1) the polyrotaxane has a cyclodextrin, a linear molecule piercing through the cyclic structure of the cyclodextrin, and a blocking group located at both terminals of the linear molecule to prevent disassociation of the cyclodextrin, and at least a part of hydroxyl groups of the cyclodextrin is modified with a caprolactone chain via —O—C3H6—O— group.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Mami Tanaka, Toshiyuki Tarao
-
Patent number: 10279222Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball traveling a great flight distance on driver shots and an excellent shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core, an intermediate layer covering the spherical core, and a cover covering the intermediate layer, wherein a material hardness (Hm) of a resin composition constituting the intermediate layer ranges from 65 to 80 in Shore D hardness, a material hardness (Hc) of a resin composition constituting the cover ranges from 57 to 72 in Shore D hardness, a hardness difference (Hm?Hc) between the material hardness (Hm) and the material hardness (Hc) is more than 0, and the intermediate layer has a surface hardness satisfying a hardness difference (HmsC?HmsD) between a hardness thereof shown in Shore C hardness (HmsC) and a hardness thereof shown in Shore D hardness (HmsD) of 27 or less.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Kamino, Kosuke Tachibana
-
Patent number: 10258835Abstract: Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 10245471Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 10238921Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-layered core and dual-layered cover are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, and a surrounding outer core layer. The core layers may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and combinations and alloys thereof preferably dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene. The multi-layered cores and covers have selective specific gravity relationships between the different layers. This helps provide the ball with good flight distance and spin control. The resulting balls have good resiliency and other playing performance properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
-
Patent number: 10220263Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An ionomeric inner cover layer is formed about the core and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The golf ball includes an outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C. The geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 60 to 80 Shore C. The core has an outer surface hardness greater than a geometric center hardness by about 5 to 19 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd
-
Patent number: 10213654Abstract: Multi-layered, golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. The core also includes a structural insert such as, for example, a solid shell, perforated shell, a lattice or mesh, or a central hub with extending arms, and the like. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values. The ball further includes a cover having at least one layer. By adjusting the respective specific gravity values of the core layers, the Moment of Inertia (MOI) of the ball can be increased or decreased. In one embodiment, the ball has generally good flight distance and low spin rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 10207155Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a low spin rate on driver shots and a high spin rate on approach shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical center, at least two envelope layers covering the spherical center, and a cover covering the envelope layers, wherein an envelope layer (Es1) formed from a material having a lowest material hardness among a center constituent material and envelope layers constituent materials, is disposed in a region located at a distance from 36.0% to 65.0% of a golf ball radius from a center point of the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Shigemitsu, Hidetaka Inoue
-
Patent number: 10207157Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, an intermediate core layer, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. In one preferred embodiment, each core layer has a positive hardness gradient. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a first thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber, and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a second thermoset composition. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
-
Patent number: 10195489Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core composed of a spherical inner core layer and an outer core layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, wherein the inner core layer has a hardness difference (Hs1?Ho) between a surface hardness (Hs1) and a center hardness (Ho) of 5 or less in JIS-C hardness, the outer core is such that R2 of a linearly approximated curve obtained from a least square method is 0.95 or higher, when JIS-C hardness, measured at nine points obtained by dividing a thickness of the outer core in a radius direction of the spherical core into equal parts having 12.5% intervals therebetween, is plotted against distance (%) from a border point between the outer core layer and the inner core layer, and the intermediate layer has a slab hardness which is greater than a slab hardness of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Isogawa, Kosuke Tachibana, Takahiro Shigemitsu
-
Patent number: 10195491Abstract: A golf ball 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 plasticizer.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 10188911Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6, and a cover 8. A hardness H75 at a point to which a distance from a central point of the core 4 is 75% of a radius of the core 4 is greater than a hardness H0 at the central point of the core 4. A difference D1=(H75?H0) is not less than 10.0 and not greater than 27.0 in Shore C hardness. A hardness Hs at a surface of the core 4 is greater than the hardness H75. A difference D2=(Hs?H75) is not less than 0 and not greater than 6.5 in Shore C hardness. The hardness H75 is less than a Shore C hardness HmC of the mid layer 6. A Shore D hardness HmD of the mid layer 6 is greater than a Shore D hardness Hc of the cover 8.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hidetaka Inoue, Kazuya Kamino
-
Patent number: 10166442Abstract: Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 10159873Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Vijay Chavan, David Bartels
-
Patent number: 10143893Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core and cover are provided. The ball contains a small, heavy inner core and surrounding outer core layer. The inner core preferably contains metal powder such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, nickel, iron, tin, and bronze particles dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymeric matrix. For example, a polybutadiene rubber matrix may be used. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core contains elemental iron powder. Preferably, the particles have a weight average size in the range of about 10 ?m to about 450 ?m. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the inner core has a structure with projecting members. For example, the outer surface may contain multiple projecting ribs with gaps located between the ribs. The ball includes a cover surrounding the core structure. The cover may be multi-layered.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
-
Patent number: 10130848Abstract: A golf ball including a dual core comprising an inner core having a first outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface, and an outer core layer having a second outer surface disposed about the inner core. An inner cover layer and an outer cover layer are formed over the core. The second outer surface is greater than the first outer surface to define a dual core overall positive hardness gradient of about 25 Shore C to 35 Shore C and has a secondary gradient quotient, GQ?, defined by the equation: 6 ? G ? + T 10 × COR ? 7 where G? is the overall positive hardness gradient in Shore C, T is the percent of trans-polybutadiene isomer at the core outer surface, and COR is the coefficient of restitution measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/s.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
-
Patent number: 10124216Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from foamed and non-foamed thermoset compositions. For example, the intermediate core can be formed from a thermoset rubber so there are adjoining foam core layers (inner and intermediate) and the outer core layer can be formed from a non-foamed thermoset rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
-
Patent number: 10103359Abstract: The present invention refers to a multilayer barrier film capable of encapsulating a moisture and/or oxygen sensitive electronic or optoelectronic device, the barrier film comprises at least one nanostructured layer comprising reactive nanoparticles capable of interacting with moisture and/or oxygen, the reactive nanoparticles being distributed within a polymeric binder, and at least one ultraviolet light neutralizing layer comprising a material capable of absorbing ultraviolet light, thereby limiting the transmission of ultraviolet light through the barrier film.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCHInventors: Senthil Kumar Ramadas, Soo Jin Chua, Lin Karen Ke
-
Patent number: 10099089Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition having an excellent rebound resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition containing an ionomer resin as a resin component. In a DSC measurement (a measuring atmosphere: a nitrogen atmosphere, a measuring temperature range: from ?50° C. to 150° C., and a temperature rising rate: 10° C./min) of the golf ball resin composition of the first embodiment, a first endothermic peak and a second endothermic peak appear, and a peak top temperature (Ti) of the first endothermic peak is equal to or lower than a peak top temperature (Tm) of the second endothermic peak and the peak top temperature (Ti) ranges from 60° C. to 70° C.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Shiga, Masanori Taguchi, Takahiro Shigemitsu, Shoichi Kutsumizu, Yohei Miwa
-
Patent number: 10086236Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition having high resilience and flexibility. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition, comprising (A) at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a binary copolymer, (a-2) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of a binary copolymer, (a-3) a ternary copolymer, and (a-4) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of a ternary copolymer, (B) a saturated fatty acid, (C) an unsaturated fatty acid, and (D) an unsaturated aliphatic polycarboxylic acid; comprising (B) the saturated fatty acid, (C) the unsaturated fatty acid and (D) the unsaturated aliphatic polycarboxylic acid in a total amount ranging from 80 parts by mass to 200 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of (A) the resin component; and having a neutralization degree of more than 80 mole %.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Shiga, Hiroshi Tadaoka, Masanori Taguchi, Takahiro Shigemitsu
-
Patent number: 10086237Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core comprising polybutadiene, and an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material, a graphene material and a carbon nanotube material (CNT) is disclosed herein. Improved durability of the core by using a mixture of graphene and CNT can result in higher mean time to fail (MTTF) upon repeated impact in a high speed testing device, or with a golf club in normal play.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Vijay Chavan, David Bartels
-
Patent number: 10080927Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls including a layer formed from a composition comprising a relatively soft or low modulus HNP, a layer formed from a composition comprising a relatively hard or high modulus HNP, an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition, and an outer cover layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones
-
Patent number: 10076684Abstract: Low compression golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least three layers, including at least one thermoset layer and at least one thermoplastic layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 10052526Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Douglas E. Jones
-
Patent number: 10046207Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the core, an intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship. Also, the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the surface and center of the core satisfy specific relationships. This golf ball, when used by mid- and high-level amateurs, enables the golfer to maintain an adequate distance on shots with a driver and achieve a good distance on iron shots, has a good spin performance on approach shots and has a good feel on impact. In addition, the ball has an excellent scuff resistance when struck with a grooved wedge.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
-
Patent number: 10039959Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Vijay Chavan, David Bartels
-
Patent number: 10035047Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a three-layered core assembly are provided. Preferably, at least one of the core layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core is made of a first thermoset composition, for example, polybutadiene rubber; and the intermediate core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition; and the outer core is made of a second thermoset composition. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The core assembly has a relatively high resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
-
Patent number: 10029152Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a three-layered cover assembly are provided. For example, a cover assembly having an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer may be prepared. At least one of the cover layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Mark L Binette, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
-
Patent number: 10029158Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a face portion, a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion. The golf club head may include an interior cavity that is at least partially filled with a polymer material from at least one port connected to the interior cavity. The golf club head may include at least one weight portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLCInventors: Robert R. Parsons, Michael R. Nicolette, Bradley D. Schweigert
-
Patent number: 10016660Abstract: A unique method of embedding an RFID chip into the core of a golf ball and using it in the application of a limited flight range ball for use in a range setup that can receive and monitor RFID signals is disclosed herein. The density of the core material is adjusted in relation to the mass of the RFID chip. The golf ball with an embedded RFID chip conforms to a mass limitation of the USGA.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Vince Simonds, David M. Bartels, Grady C. Crahan, Craig Schnell
-
Patent number: 10016659Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center, an intermediate core layer, and an outer core layer. At least one layer of the multi-layer core is a high specific gravity layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
-
Patent number: 10010764Abstract: Multi-layered, golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. The core also includes a structural insert such as, for example, a solid shell, perforated shell, a lattice or mesh, or a central hub with extending arms, and the like. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values. The ball further includes a cover having at least one layer. By adjusting the respective specific gravity values of the core layers, the Moment of Inertia (MOI) of the ball can be increased or decreased. In one embodiment, the ball has generally good flight distance and low spin rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 9999808Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively hard inner cover and relatively soft outer cover. Alternatively, the cover assembly may include a relatively soft inner cover with a relatively hard outer cover. Three-layered covers comprising an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer also may be prepared. Preferably, at least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
-
Patent number: 9993691Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover with a plurality of dimples thereon, the core is a two-layer core consisting of an inner core layer and an outer core layer each formed primarily of a base rubber, the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the cover layer are each composed of at least one layer and formed primarily of a synthetic resin material, and the initial velocities and surface hardnesses of the core, the envelope layer-encased sphere and the intermediate layer-encased sphere are designed within specific ranges. This golf ball satisfies at a very high level the flight and control performances expected for use by professional golfers and skilled amateurs, has the ability to move forward on a straight path particularly on full shots, and also has an excellent scuff resistance.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
-
Patent number: 9987522Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition excellent in resilience. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in rebound resilience and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition comprising: (A) at least one resin component selected from the group consisting of (a-1) a binary copolymer, (a-2) a binary ionomer resin, (a-3) a ternary copolymer, and (a-4) a ternary ionomer resin, (B) a saturated fatty acid, and (C) an unsaturated fatty acid, wherein a total content of (B) the saturated fatty acid and (C) the unsaturated fatty acid ranges from 100 parts by mass to 200 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of (A) the resin component.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Shiga, Hiroshi Tadaoka, Masanori Taguchi, Takahiro Shigemitsu