Diverse Layer Between Spherical Core And Cover Patents (Class 473/373)
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Publication number: 20150045149Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a three-layer cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness of about 66 to 90 Shore C; an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a hybrid thereof, and an intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The outer cover layer has a hardness of about 52 to 85 Shore C. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness of about 74 to 100 Shore C and greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The thermoplastic inner cover comprises a highly-neutralized ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by about 100%.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
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Publication number: 20150045148Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a soft, low compression center; a soft, flexible outer cover layer; and a relatively hard, high compression intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is greater than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Douglas E. Jones
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Publication number: 20150038265Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20150038266Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core with a two-layer construction consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer and having also, over the core, a cover of two or more layers that includes an intermediate layer and an outermost layer, the core inner layer is formed primarily of a specific thermoplastic elastomer, the core outer layer is formed of a rubber material, and both the hardness relationship between the core inner layer and the core outer layer and the hardness relationship between the intermediate layer and the outermost layer are optimized. This golf ball allows even amateur golfers who do not have a high head speed to impart sufficient deformation to the ball and thus achieve an excellent flight performance and a comfortable feel at impact, and also has an excellent durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Atsuki KASASHIMA
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Publication number: 20150038264Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
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Publication number: 20150031475Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoplastic composition, preferably including: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness 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 at given compressions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 8939849Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a relatively hard outer core surrounding a relatively soft, low compression inner core are provided. The inner core generally has a compression of less than 50 and the inner core and outer core generally have a combined dual core compression of 50 or greater. The outer core generally has a Shore C hardness of 80 or greater. A cover, which can be a single-, dual-, or multi-layer cover, is provided to surround the outer core. A moisture barrier layer is optionally provided between the outer core and the cover. The moisture vapor transmission rate of the moisture barrier layer is preferably less than the moisture vapor transmission rate of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert
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Publication number: 20150024873Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert
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Publication number: 20150018125Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball which has a core with a two-layer structure composed of an inner layer and an outer layer, and has over the core a cover of two or more layers that includes an intermediate layer and an outermost layer, the core inner layer is formed primarily of a specific thermoplastic elastomer, the core outer layer is formed of a rubber composition consisting primarily of a rubber material, and the hardness relationship between the core inner layer and the core outer layer and the hardness relationship between the intermediate layer and the outermost layer have been optimized. This golf ball has an excellent flight performance on full shots with a driver (W#1) and also has good controllability in the short game and a good durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Atsuki KASASHIMA
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Publication number: 20150018124Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer. The core defines an outer surface that includes a plurality of polygonal land potions substantially aligned on a common sphere, which has a diameter of between 22 mm and 32 mm. The intermediate layer has a radially inward-facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and has a radial thickness of between 4 mm and 9 mm. The outer surface of the core defines a first set of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, and a second set of annular grooves disposed about a second axis. Each of the first and second set of annular grooves extend radially inward from the common sphere, and the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
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Publication number: 20150011331Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of depressions extending from a spherical land portion. Each depression has a maximum depth relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially inward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
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Publication number: 20150011332Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a spherical land portion. Each protrusion has a maximum height relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially outward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
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Publication number: 20150011333Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Douglas E. Jones
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Patent number: 8915800Abstract: A golf ball comprising: an inner core having a compression of less than about 60; at least one intermediate layer surrounding the inner core, having a hardness of at least about 55 Shore D, a specific gravity and a flexural modulus such that each of the hardness, specific gravity and flexural modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than a hardness, a specific gravity, and a flexural modulus of the inner core; and a cover surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, having a flexural modulus and a Shore D hardness that are greater than a flexural modulus and a hardness of the inner core. In one embodiment, a ratio of the flexural modulus of the cover in ksi to the Shore D hardness of the cover is less than 1 and/or least one of the inner core, intermediate layer and cover comprises a partially or fully neutralized ionomer.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert
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Patent number: 8912286Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed polymer composition comprise a first unsaturated polymer or polymer precursor, and an effective amount of a peptizer. The peptizer typically comprises a heteroaryl or a heterocyclic compound, other than morpholine as disclosed in assignee's prior applications. Disclosed polymer compositions are useful for making sports equipment, such as at least one layer of a golf ball, often a core. Because the compositions are useful for making golf balls, materials commonly known for making such golf balls can be used in combination with the polymer composition. A method for forming a golf ball also is disclosed. The method comprises providing disclosed compositions and then forming at least one component of a golf using the composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Patent number: 8911305Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of ?1 to ?15 Shore C.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau
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Publication number: 20140349781Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The inner core layer has a first outer surface Shore D hardness and an outer diameter of about 0.8 to 1.40 inches. A thermoplastic outer core layer is formed around the inner core layer, has a second outer surface Shore D hardness, and is formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, a magnesium salt of oleic acid, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer. The golf ball includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The first outer surface Shore D hardness is greater than the second outer surface Shore D hardness and the outer core layer has a thickness of about 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8894509Abstract: A cross-sectional shape of each of dimples 8 of a golf ball 2 is a wave-like curve. The wave-like curve has two first curves 14, two second curves 16, two third curves 18, and one fourth curve 20. Each first curve 14 and each third curve 18 are upwardly convex. Each second curve 16 and the fourth curve 20 are downwardly convex. Each first curve 14 is connoted to a land 10 at an edge Ed. Each second curve 16 is connected to the first curve 14 at a first inflexion point 22. Each third curve 18 is connected to the second curve 16 at a second inflexion point 24. The fourth curve 20 is connected to the third curves 18 at third inflexion points 26. In the wave-like curve, the upwardly convex curves 14 and 18 and the downwardly convex curves 16 and 20 are alternately arranged.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Hyoungchol Kim, Masahide Onuki, Keiji Moriyama, Hirotaka Nakamura
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Publication number: 20140342849Abstract: A golf ball comprising: a core; at least one intermediate layer encasing the core; at least one cover layer encasing the at least one intermediate layer; wherein the cover layer is translucent; and wherein at least one of the core, intermediate layer and cover comprises a visually enhancing means comprising a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; and (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide. The visually enhancing means highlights a contrast between two golf ball layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: William E. Morgan, Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge
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Patent number: 8888611Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which has an increased dry spin rate and wet spin rate on approach shots without sacrificing the processability into the cover. The present invention provides a golf ball cover material having shear loss moduli G1? (Pa), G2? (Pa), and G3? (Pa) that satisfy following equations when measured using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus at following conditions. log G1??7.09??(1) log G2??7.17??(2) log G3??7.14??(3) G1? measuring conditions: shear mode, oscillation frequency: 10 Hz, temperature: 0° C., strain: 0.05%; G2? measuring conditions: shear mode, oscillation frequency: 10 Hz, temperature: ?30° C., strain: 0.05%; and G3? measuring conditions: shear mode, oscillation frequency: 10 Hz, temperature: 0° C., strain: 5%.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Kazuyoshi Shiga, Toshiyuki Tarao, Keiji Ohama
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Publication number: 20140335974Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball has a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and an outer layer which encases the envelope layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is made of an elastomer. The envelope layer is formed of an inner envelope layer and an outer envelope layer, and the intermediate layer is formed of an inner intermediate layer and an outer intermediate layer. Letting the average hardness of the core be expressed by the following formula: average core hardness (Shore D)=[core surface hardness (Shore D)+core center hardness (Shore D)]/2, the outer layer has a hardness (Shore D) which is higher than the average core hardness and each of the envelope layers and the intermediate layers is softer than the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Junji UMEZAWA
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Patent number: 8877875Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that satisfies both of the flight distance at the shot with a driver, a long iron, and a middle iron and the controllability at the approach shot with a short iron and is also excellent in the abrasion resistance of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Kazuya Kamino, Keiji Ohama, Toshiyuki Tarao
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Publication number: 20140315659Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer including a thermoplastic highly-neutralized ionomer formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The inner core has a geometric center hardness and a surface hardness to define a first hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core layer has an interior hardness and an outer surface hardness to define a second hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. A slope of the second hardness gradient is greater than a slope of the first hardness gradient.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 8858365Abstract: Disclosed herein is a six piece golf ball wherein each part of the golf ball has certain characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Eric Michael Loper, Dean A. Snell
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Patent number: 8852025Abstract: 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: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert
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Publication number: 20140295995Abstract: A golf ball has an inner core layer including a thermoplastic highly-neutralized ionomer and having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed about the inner core and includes a homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core has an interior hardness less than an outer surface hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient. An inner and outer cover layers are disposed about outer core layer. The first and second hardness gradients each have a slope and the slope of the second hardness gradient is less than the slope of the first hardness gradient such that a ratio of the first and second slopes is 0.8 to 0.85.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 8845457Abstract: Golf balls having a core comprising a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and geometric center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of at least 10 Shore C. In a second version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. The inner core has a positive hardness gradient, while the outer core has a zero; negative; or positive hardness gradient.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, Douglas S. Goguen, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 8846794Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball which includes (I) a first member composed of a material molded under heat from a rubber composition of (a) a base rubber composed primarily of a mixture of at least 60 wt % of a polybutadiene having a stress relaxation time (T80), as defined below, of less than 4 seconds and up to 40 wt % of a polybutadiene having a stress relaxation time (T80) of at least 4 seconds, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (c) an organic peroxide; and (II) a second member composed of a specific, highly-neutralized, resin composition. The golf ball of the invention, by being thus constituted, has an excellent resilience for the ball as a whole, a good, soft, feel on impact, and imparts an excellent spin performance, thereby enabling an increased distance to be achieved. In addition, it has a high manufacturability.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Shindo, Kae Iizuka
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Patent number: 8845456Abstract: A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has 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 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd
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Patent number: 8840491Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a soft, low compression center; a soft, flexible outer cover layer; and a relatively hard, high compression intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is greater than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Douglas E. Jones
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Publication number: 20140274472Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball has a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The envelope layer is formed of an inner envelope layer, an intermediate envelope layer and an outer envelope layer. The inner, intermediate and outer envelope layers, the intermediate layer and the cover are each formed primarily of a resin material which may be of the same or different types, and the core is formed primarily of a rubber material. The golf ball has an excellent flight performance and also excellent controllability in the short game. In addition, it has a good feel on impact and an excellent scuff resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Junji UMEZAWA
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Publication number: 20140274471Abstract: This invention pertains to a golf ball which includes a core, optionally one or more intermediate layers; and an outer cover layer, and where one or more of the outer cover or intermediate layers includes a high acid carboxylated elastomer composition, which has an elastomer backbone and one or more carboxy and which is the reaction product of a carboxylated elastomer and an amine containing compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Publication number: 20140256469Abstract: 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 core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANYInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
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Publication number: 20140256470Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples, wherein the core is made primarily of a rubber material and has a diameter of at least 31 mm, the envelope layer and intermediate layer are each made primarily of the same or different resin materials and the cover is made primarily of polyurethane; intermediate layer and cover have an optimized thickness relationship; the core, envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have optimized hardness relationships; and the core surface and core center have a large hardness difference therebetween. The golf ball has excellent flight performance and controllability acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers, while also having excellent durability to cracking upon repeated impact and excellent scuff resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Akira KIMURA
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Publication number: 20140256471Abstract: A golf ball includes a core including a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer. The inner core has a surface hardness of about 40 to 80 Shore C and a center hardness of about 30 to 75 Shore C. The center hardness is less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. A cover is formed over the core and includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core includes a highly-neutralized ionomer formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The outer core layer comprises a polybutadiene rubber and has a positive hardness gradient of less than 25 Shore C.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, William B. Lacy, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett
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Patent number: 8821315Abstract: Provided is a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover having a plurality of dimples. The core has a hardness which gradually increases from a center to a surface thereof, the hardness difference in JIS-C hardness units between the core center and the core surface being at least 15 and, letting (I) be the average value for cross-sectional hardnesses at a position about 15 mm from the core center and at the core center and letting (II) be the cross-sectional hardness at a position about 7.5 mm from the core center, the hardness difference (I)?(II) in JIS-C units being not more than ±2. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have hardnesses which satisfy the condition: cover hardness>intermediate layer hardness>envelope layer hardness.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
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Patent number: 8808111Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a solid core having an inner core layer and an outer core layer encased by a cover of one or more layer. The inner core layer has a JIS-C cross-sectional hardness of from 60 to 83 at any single point on a cross-section, and has a cross-sectional hardness difference between any two points on the cross-section of within ±5. The ball has specific relationships between the hardness of the inner core layer 1 mm inside a boundary between the inner core layer and the outer core layer, the hardness of the outer core layer 1 mm outside the boundary, and the surface hardness of the outer core layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Umezawa, Kae Iizuka, Daisuke Arai, Hiroshi Higuchi
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Patent number: 8808110Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a solid core having an inner core layer and an outer core layer encased by a cover of one or more layer. The inner core layer has a JIS-C cross-sectional hardness of from 60 to 83 at any single point on a cross-section obtained by cutting the inner core layer in half, and has a cross-sectional hardness difference between any two points on the cross-section of within ±5. The ball has specific relationships between the hardness of the inner core layer 1 mm inside a boundary between the inner core layer and the outer core layer, the hardness of the outer core layer 1 mm outside the boundary, and the surface hardness of the outer core layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Umezawa, Kae Iizuka, Daisuke Arai, Hiroshi Higuchi
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Patent number: 8809428Abstract: The present disclosure relates to golf balls having components including intermediate layers and outer cover layers prepared from blends of polyamides mixed with one or more functional polymer modifiers. The functional polymer modifier incorporates a copolymer or a terpolymer having a glycidyl group, hydroxyl group, maleic anhydride group or carboxylic group, or a mixture of these. When used in golf ball covers or mantles, these materials exhibit improved impact durability when compared to analogous balls but having ionomeric- or polyurethane-based layers of similar hardness.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Patent number: 8802778Abstract: The invention provides golf ball materials which include, in admixture, (A) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound, (B) one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of multi-component polyamides, and (C) an acid-containing polymer, and additionally includes, if the oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound (A) does not include a zinc cationic species, (D) a zinc ionomer. The invention also provides methods for preparing such golf ball materials, and golf balls made with the materials. The golf ball materials are multi-component polyamide blend compositions having an excellent flow and processability and a suitable hardness, making them ideal as materials for obtaining high-performance golf balls which are endowed with outstanding durability and scuff resistance without any loss in rebound resilience.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Egashira, Jun Shindo, Eiji Takehana
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Patent number: 8801544Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The inner core layer has a first outer surface Shore D hardness and an outer diameter of about 0.8 to 1.40 inches. A thermoplastic outer core layer is formed around the inner core layer, has a second outer surface Shore D hardness, and is formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, a magnesium salt of oleic acid, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer. The golf ball includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The first outer surface Shore D hardness is greater than the second outer surface Shore D hardness and the outer core layer has a thickness of about 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8795570Abstract: A durable, injection moldable, thermoplastic elastomer that has the favorable resilience, feel, spin, barrier, and UV stability performance attributes is disclosed herein. An OBC grafted with silane provides a good cover shear durability (cut/tear/abrasion resistance). This invention combines the benefits of OBCs and silane crosslinking technology to yield a golf ball cover with a desirable combination of properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Shane Parnell, Carl A. Brown
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Patent number: 8790197Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having a center, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, wherein the intermediate layer has a thickness less than 1.2 mm, the envelope layer has a hardness Hs of 60 or more, the intermediate layer has a hardness Hm from 40 to 60, and the cover has a hardness Hc less than 40 in Shore D hardness, and the hardness Hs, Hm and Hc satisfy a following mathematical expression: Hs>Hm>Hc, and the intermediate layer composition has a flexural modulus from 150 MPa to 450 MPa, a maximum loss factor (tan ?) between ?20° C. and 0° C. of 0.08 or less, a rebound resilience of 55% or more.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Satoko Okabe, Kazuya Kamino
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Publication number: 20140206477Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover including a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a material hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D; a thermoset outer cover layer comprising a castable polyurea and having a material hardness of 20 to 60 Shore D; and a thermoset intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness substantially the same as the inner cover layer hardness and greater than the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover includes one or more high- or low-acid ionomers and, optionally, a maleic anhydride modified polyolefin. The intermediate layer is formed from a castable liquid polybutadiene rubber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
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Patent number: 8784238Abstract: Compositions for golf balls including modified highly neutralized polymeric compositions that have improved processability including improved melt flow index and improved performance characteristics when included in a layer of a golf ball. In addition, the compositions of the invention have less moisture transmission and higher flexural modulus than non-modified highly neutralized polymers.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan, Pamela V. Arnold
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Patent number: 8785561Abstract: A golf ball that includes (a) a core comprising a center; (b) an outer cover layer; and (c) one or more intermediate layers; wherein at least one of the core, the outer cover layer, or the intermediate layer comprises a composition that includes (i) at least one polyalkenamer and at least one polyamide or (ii) at least one polyalkenamer. A method for making a golf ball comprising a core, one or more intermediate layers and an outer cover layer is also disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a blend comprising at least one polyalkenamer rubber and at least one polyamide; and injection molding the blend into a spherical mold to form the intermediate or outer cover layer. Also disclosed is a polymer composition that includes at least one polyalkenamer and at least one thermoplastic copolyamide elastomer.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
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Patent number: 8784236Abstract: A multi-piece golf ball comprising at least one component made of a polybutadiene rubber/ionomer resin blend is provided. The ball preferably contains a dual-core comprising an inner core and surrounding outer core layer. Preferably, the polybutadiene rubber/ionomer resin blend is used to form the outer core layer. The center hardness of the inner core is preferably greater than the outer surface hardness of the outer cover layer. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good impact durability.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
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Publication number: 20140200098Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Eric Michael Loper, Dean A. Snell
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Publication number: 20140194221Abstract: A golf ball has a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover whose respective surface hardnesses have been set so as to satisfy certain specific relationships. In addition, the respective initial velocities measured for the core, a sphere composed of the core peripherally covered by the envelope layer (envelope layer-encased sphere), a sphere composed of the core peripherally covered by the envelope layer and the intermediate layer (intermediate layer-encased sphere), and the ball itself have been set so as to satisfy certain specific relationships. This golf ball is able to exhibit an excellent flight performance not only when struck by mid head-speed golfers, but even when struck by low head-speed golfers, in addition to which it also has a good feel at impact and an excellent durability to repeated impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Atsuki KASASHIMA
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Patent number: 8772409Abstract: Compositions comprising the reaction product of: (a) a polyalkenamer; and (b) an organic modifier that includes at least one carbon to carbon unsaturated bond and at least one functional group selected from carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, epoxy, (meth)acrylate, vinyl, ester, isocyanate, carbonyl, urethane, anhydride, or a metal salt thereof. Also disclosed are golf balls that include (i) a core, (ii) at least one intermediate layer, and (iii) at least one cover layer, wherein at least one of the core, intermediate layer or cover layer includes the polyalkenamer/functionalized organic modifier composition as a majority ingredient.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon