Diverse Layer Between Spherical Core And Cover Patents (Class 473/373)
  • Patent number: 8188186
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent durability and flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising: a core consisting of a center and one or more intermediate layers covering the center; and a cover covering the core, wherein, at least one piece or one layer of said intermediate layers is formed from a highly elastic intermediate layer composition that contains a highly elastic resin (A) having a flexural modulus in a range from 700 MPa to 5000 MPa and an ionomer resin (B) having a flexural modulus in a range from 150 MPa to 1000 MPa in an amount ratio ((A)/(B)) of the highly elastic resin (A) to the ionomer resin (B) being (20 mass % to 80 mass %)/(80 mass % to 20 mass %) (the total is 100 mass %).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Satoko Okabe
  • Publication number: 20120129630
    Abstract: A golf ball comprises (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, and the material flexural modulus (FM) of the core and the various layers follows the relationship FM(core)<FM(inner mantle)>FM(intermediate)<FM(outer mantle)>FM(cover), or the relationship FM(core)<FM(inner mantle)<FM(intermediate)>FM(outer mantle)>FM(cover).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Michael Loper, Dean A. Snell
  • Publication number: 20120129631
    Abstract: Golf balls having multi-layered covers, wherein at least one of the cover layers is substantially transparent, are provided. The cover includes an inner cover layer made of an ionomer composition; an intermediate cover layer made of an aromatic polyurethane composition; and outer cover layer made of an aliphatic polyurethane composition, wherein the total thickness of the multi-layered cover is no greater than 0.110 inches. In one version, the outer cover layer is substantially transparent and the underlying intermediate cover layer is colored. In another version, both the outer and intermediate cover layers are substantially transparent. Light-reflective fillers such as pearlescent pigments, glitter, and metallics may be added to the cover layers. The resulting ball has pleasing decorative effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
  • Publication number: 20120122610
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20120122611
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-layer golf ball comprising at least one core or core layer, at least one intermediate layer, and at least one cover layer. The core has a diameter of about 1.20 to about 1.56 in. and a PGA compression of about 40 to about 90. The intermediate layer comprises a modified ionomeric polymer, and it has a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.10 in. and a Shore D hardness of about 30 to about 70. The cover layer has a Shore D hardness of about 40 to about 75. The multi-layer golf balls of the present invention provide high driver ball speed and/or a high Coefficient of Restitution, while maintaining excellent shot feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Dean A. Snell, Hyun Jin Kim, Eric Loper
  • Publication number: 20120108360
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball is composed of a solid core encased by a cover of one or more layer, which solid core has an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core layer is formed primarily of a thermoplastic resin, and has a cross-sectional hardness difference of within ±5 between any two points on a cross-section obtained by cutting the inner core layer in half. The outer core layer is formed of a rubber composition made primarily of polybutadiene rubber. The solid core has a diameter of from 35 to 42 mm. 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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji UMEZAWA, Kae Iizuka, Daisuke Arai, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8168710
    Abstract: A golf ball having a core, a cover layer, and an optional intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover layer is disclosed and described. One or more of the core, the cover layer, or the intermediate layer is formed of a highly neutralized polymer blend of an acid copolymer and a metallocene-catalyzed copolymer, an olefinic block copolymer, a sufficient amount of a suitable cation source and a fatty acid or salt of a fatty acid. The highly neutralized polymer blend is neutralized from 80% to 100% while still retaining processability. Further, the core can have a diameter of 0.5 inches to about 1.62 inches and an Atti compression less than or equal to 105. The cover layer can have a material hardness between about 30 and 70 Shore D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan, Kevin M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20120100932
    Abstract: 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 cover has a material hardness which is higher than the core center hardness. One of the inner layers has a material hardness which is higher than either or both of the cover material hardness and the average core hardness (defined as the arithmetic mean of the core surface hardness and the core center hardness).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Junji Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20120100933
    Abstract: 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 cover has a material hardness which is the same as or lower than the core center hardness. One of the inner layers has a material hardness which is higher than either or both of the cover material hardness and the average core hardness (defined as the arithmetic mean of the core surface hardness and the core center hardness).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo WATANABE, Junji UMEZAWA
  • Publication number: 20120094783
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having a center and at least one intermediate layer covering the center and a cover, wherein at least one of the intermediate layer is formed from a composition comprising, as a resin component, (A) a polyamide copolymer containing (a-1) a polymerized fatty acid, (a-2) sebacic acid and/or azelaic acid, (a-3) a polyamine component as an essential component, and (B) at least one member selected from (b-1) a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (b-2) a metal ion-neutralized product of a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, (b-3) a ternary copolymer composed of an olefin, an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, and (b-4) a metal ion-neutralized product of a ternary copolymer composed of an olefin, an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Satoko OKABE
  • Patent number: 8158708
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a material which includes an ionomer blend composition containing a polysilsesquioxane, has a good inorganic filler dispersibility and a good moldability (mold releasability), and has an excellent scuff resistance and coefficient of restitution. The invention also provides a golf ball made using such a material. The ionomer blend composition is an ionomer-based material wherein the polysilsesquioxane and the ionomer are at least partly chemically bonded therebetween, and which has excellent properties such as coefficient of restitution and scuff resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Egashira, Jun Shindo, Eiji Takehana
  • Patent number: 8157674
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol such that the geometric center has a hardness of 50 to 60 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 85 to 95 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C, an inner surface having a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the inner core outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of greater than 20 Shore C, and the hardness of the outer core outer surface is lower than the hardness of its inner surface to define a negative hardness gradient of ?1 to ?5 Shore C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 8152655
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 8152654
    Abstract: A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is substantially the same as the second surface hardness and the inner surface hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8152653
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous composition throughout, the core having a diameter of 1.20 inches or less, a compression of 45 or less, and a coefficient of restitution of 0.780 or greater. An outer cover having a thickness of 0.04 inches or less and having a material Shore D hardness of 55 or less is present along with an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the outer cover. The intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.14 inches or greater and a Shore D hardness of 60 to 70. The outer surface of the core has a first hardness and the geometric center of the core has a second hardness, the first hardness being substantially the same as or lower than the second hardness to define a “negative” hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8152656
    Abstract: A golf ball having a reduced distance while maintaining the appearance of a normal high performance trajectory. The golf ball has a core, an inner cover layer, and a cover. The core has a diameter of from about 1.300 to 1.620 inches, while the ball has a weight from 1.30 to 1.620 ounces, a diameter from 1.670 to 1.800 inches and a maximum Coefficient of Restitution from about 0.600 to about 0.790 as measured at 125 ft/sec incoming ball velocity. The ball has a drag to weight ratio of greater than 2.4 at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a spin ratio of about 0.095.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20120083364
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less, and particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: THOMAS J. KENNEDY, III, MICHAEL J. TZIVANIS, VIKTOR KELLER, WILLIAM M. RISEN, JR., MARK L. BINETTE, JOHN L. NEALON
  • Publication number: 20120071273
    Abstract: A golf ball core that includes a center point having a first hardness value and/or first specific gravity value, and a surface having a second hardness value and/or second specific gravity value. The first hardness value, or first specific gravity value, is different from the second hardness value, or second specific gravity value, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Hyun Jin Kim, Hong Guk Jeon, Kelvin Tsugio Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20120071272
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball in which an intermediate layer formed of a highly neutralized resin mixture obtained by using two nonionic resins of differing weight-average molecular weights and breadths of molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) as the base resin and adding thereto an organic acid or a metal salt thereof and a basic inorganic metal compound capable of being neutralized is combined with a cover formed of an ionic resin having a weight-average molecular weight in a specific range and a breadth of molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) in a specific range. The golf ball material of the invention has an excellent rebound and durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kae IIZUKA, Eiji TAKEHANA
  • Publication number: 20120071274
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an opaque core, a composite cover layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer cover layer is provided. The composite cover layer and outer cover layer are formed from a translucent polymeric matrix, and a fibrous material is embedded in the translucent polymeric matrix of the composite cover layer. In one version, the fibrous material comprises a woven or non-woven mat. In another version, the fibrous material comprises a shape memory alloy. In yet another version, the fibrous material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the metal material is subjected to induction heating to improve adhesion between adjacent ball layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: William E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8137212
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core having a treated surface and a cover layer having a plurality of dimples, wherein the cover layer is disposed concentrically about the core and bonded to the core preferably without an adhesive. The multilayer golf balls may alternatively or additionally be formed such that at least one layer of the core has a treated surface and is bonded, preferably without an adhesive, to an adjacent layer. The golf balls may be prepared by forming a first portion of a golf ball, wherein the first portion has a surface, treating the surface of the first portion to increase the adhesion thereof, and bonding at least a portion of a second portion concentrically about the surface of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Edmund A. Hebert, Mitchell E. Lutz, Thomas Mydlack
  • Patent number: 8124681
    Abstract: Golf balls including at least one layer formed from high moisture barrier nanocomposite compositions that have increased moisture resistance and generally include a nanocomposite including an intercalated clay and at least one resin having a barrier property, a polyolefin resin, and a compatilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Murali Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 8119735
    Abstract: A golf ball having a cover having a pearlescent effect is disclosed. The cover comprises a first thermoplastic and a second thermoplastic having an index of refraction that differs from an index of refraction of the first thermoplastic by at least about 0.5 percent. The cover further comprises a compatibilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Edmund A. Hebert, Murali Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 8119714
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-layer golf ball comprising at least one core or core layer, at least one intermediate layer, and at least one cover layer. The core has a diameter of about 1.20 to about 1.56 in. and a PGA compression of about 40 to about 90. The intermediate layer comprises a modified ionomeric polymer, and it has a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.10 in. and a Shore D hardness of about 30 to about 70. The cover layer has a Shore D hardness of about 40 to about 75. The multi-layer golf balls of the present invention provide high driver ball speed and/or a high Coefficient of Restitution, while maintaining excellent shot feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean A. Snell, Hyun Jin Kim, Eric Loper
  • Patent number: 8119712
    Abstract: Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a rubber composition comprising a benzenetrisamide nucleating agent are provided. The rubber composition preferably contains a free-radical initiator agent, cross-linking agent, and fillers along with the base rubber and nucleating agent. Golf balls of various constructions may be made including two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece balls. The composition is used preferably to form a golf ball core having improved resiliency, durability, toughness, and impact strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett
  • Patent number: 8106115
    Abstract: A golf ball material composed of (A) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound in the form of a particulate or a master batch capable of neutralizing at least some of the acid groups in an acid-containing polymer blend, (B) one or more polymer selected from among diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers, and (C) an acid-containing polymer is prepared by mixing component A in a blend of components B and C. The golf ball material has a good heat resistance, flowability and processability, and can be used to produce high-performance golf balls having durability, scuff resistance and optimal hardness without a loss of rebound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Egashira, Eiji Takehana
  • Publication number: 20120021851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a golf ball comprising a core of at least one layer, a cover of at least one layer and optionally at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the core, cover and intermediate layer comprises a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide. The color effect providing pigment may have a particle size of from about 5 ?m to about 200 ?m. In one embodiment, the layer or surface coating comprising the color effect providing pigment further comprises at least one of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, an ionomer material, and a highly neutralized polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew F. Hogge
  • Publication number: 20120010022
    Abstract: A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is less than the second surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C and less than the inner surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8093337
    Abstract: Golf balls including cores formed from polybutadiene reaction products having a percent change in dynamic stiffness from 0° C. to ?50° C. of less than 130 percent where the reaction products include a resilient polymer component, a crosslinking material, a cis-to-trans catalyst, and a free radical source. The golf balls may be formed with polyurethane covers, covers formed from castable reactive liquid materials, among other materials. The golf balls may also include an intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Shenshen Wu, Edmund A. Hebert, Laurent Bissonnette, David A. Bulpett, Murali Rajagopalan, Peter Voorheis, Mark N. Wrigley
  • Publication number: 20110319192
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball intermediate layer resin composition with an excellent resilience and fluidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball intermediate layer resin composition with a high hardness and durability. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball traveling a great distance with an ionomer intermediate layer. The present invention provides a golf ball intermediate layer resin composition comprising, (A) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; (B) a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and (C) a zinc compound, wherein a content ratio ((A)/(B)) of (A) component to (B) component ranges from 50/50 to 80/20 in a mass ratio and a content of (C) component ranges from 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Takahiro SHIGEMITSU
  • Patent number: 8084541
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising an ionomer and a polyamine or a tertiary polyamide. The polyamine and the tertiary polyamide have a molecular weight of greater than 500 Da and do not contain an ester moiety or a primary amine moiety. The polyamine comprises at least three moieties that are tertiary amines or hindered secondary amines, and the polyamide comprises tertiary amide moieties and no secondary or primary amide moieties. The compositions may optionally include a filler. Further provided are articles such as golf balls and films containing these compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Peter A. Morken, Charles John Talkowski
  • Publication number: 20110312441
    Abstract: A golf ball including a highly-neutralized thermoplastic inner core layer having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a first hardness gradient, an outer core layer formed from a homogenous thermoset composition and having an interior hardness substantially less than an outer surface hardness to define a second hardness gradient, an inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer. Both the first and second hardness gradients are positive and a slope of the second hardness gradient is greater than a slope of the first hardness gradient to define a shallow hardness gradient inner core and a steep hardness gradient outer core layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 8075422
    Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed comprising a thermally expandable microsphere encapsulating foaming agent wherein the expandable polymeric composition expands from 5% to 200% of its pre-expand thickness when the expandable polymeric composition is exposed to a triggering environmental factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Matthew F. Hogge
  • Publication number: 20110300968
    Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball including a center portion, at least two intermediate tiers sequentially surrounding the center portion, and an outer tier surrounding the intermediate tiers, which comprises: said outer tier having a thickness in a range of 0.8˜1.4 mm, and an a hardness (Shore D) in a range of 40˜50; among the intermediate tiers, said first intermediate tier formed just below the outer tier, having a thickness in a range of 1.0˜2.0 mm and a hardness (Shore D) in a range of 50˜65; each intermediate tier formed just below the first intermediate tier having a thickness in a range of 1.3˜1.5 mm, and a hardness (Shore D) in range of 30˜70; the radius of the center portion is in a range of 5˜18 mm, and a hardness (Shore D) in a range of 30˜70; and a moment of inertia value of the golf ball is less than 83 g·cm2. According to the golf ball of the present invention, an iron spin force is excellent as compared to a conventional golf ball for a match, and the flying distance is almost same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: VOLVIK INC.
    Inventors: Hui Tak RYU, Jeong Su Kim, Gyu Tak Lee, Chan Rae Kim, Jae Ho Lee, Gi Min Ryu, Gyeong An Moon
  • Patent number: 8071684
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball material which is made of an ionomer composition that includes a phenolic resin component. The invention provides also a golf ball composed of a core and a cover layer, or a core, a cover layer and at least one intermediate layer therebetween, wherein the golf ball material is used in at least one layer of the core or cover. The invention additionally provides a method for preparing the golf ball material by using (i) or (ii) below: (i) melt blending an ionomer and a phenolic resin; (ii) melt blending an ionomer base resin, a metal cation source and a phenolic resin. The golf ball material of the invention has improved properties, including rebound resilience, durability, and a higher hardness. By using this golf ball material as the material for an essential part of a golf ball, the golf ball properties can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Egashira, Jun Shindo, Eiji Takehana, Hiroyuki Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 8058331
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer surrounding the core, where at least one of the core and the cover layer includes a polymer composition of a highly neutralized acid polymer and a sugar ester HLB modifier such that the sugar ester HLB modifier is present from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of the polymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110275456
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a thermoplastic inner core layer having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a “positive hardness gradient.” An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core, the outer core being formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a surface hardness less than a hardness at a point about 0.5 to 2 mm from an interface between the inner core and the outer core layer to define a shallow “negative hardness gradient.” An inner cover layer is formed over the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is formed over the inner cover layer. The “positive hardness gradient” of the inner core is up to about 10 Shore C and the shallow “negative hardness gradient” of the outer core layer is less than about 10 Shore C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 8053524
    Abstract: A golf ball material composed of (A) an olefin-containing thermoplastic polymer having an acid content of at least 0.5 wt % but less than 5.0 wt %, (B) a resin composition which includes one or more selected from the group consisting of diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers, and (C) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, making it suitable for injection molding. The golf ball material is ideal for the production of high-performance golf balls endowed with durability, scuff resistance and optimal hardness without a loss of rebound in the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Egashira, Eiji Takehana
  • Patent number: 8047932
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the core further comprising an untreated region extending radially from the geometric center a predetermined distance DUTr and a treated region disposed about the untreated region and extending inward from the outer surface a predetermined depth DTr. The treated region has been exposed to and comprises a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition wherein the treated region comprises a first hardness and the untreated region comprises a second hardness different than the first hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20110263352
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition containing an ionomer resin with an excellent resilience and fluidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball using an ionomer resin for an intermediate layer, with an excellent shot feeling, durability and resilience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Takahiro SHIGEMITSU
  • Patent number: 8043168
    Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a center 8, a mid layer 10 and a cover 6. The base polymer of the mid layer 10 includes an ionomer resin as a principal component. The surface hardness H1s of the center 8 is greater than the hardness H2 of the mid layer 10. The Shore D hardness H3 of the cover 6 is equal to or greater than 57. The weight W2 of the mid layer 10 is greater than the weight W3 of the cover 6. The total weight (W2+W3) of the weight W2 of the mid layer 10 and the weight W3 of the cover 6 is 8.4 g or greater and less than 12.0 g. The total volume (V2+V3) of the volume V2 of the mid layer 10 and the volume V3 of the cover 6 is equal to or less than 10.0 cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Isogawa, Tsutomu Hirau
  • Patent number: 8038547
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball composed of a core, an outermost cover layer and one or more intermediate layer therebetween. At least one intermediate layer includes a mixture composed of a base polymer made of, in a specific ratio, (a) a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer, (b) a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyester elastomers, thermoplastic block copolymers and thermoplastic polyurethanes, and (c) a thermoplastic block copolymer containing end blocks modified by a functional group having reactivity with an ionomer resin, both end blocks being formed of different comonomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Manami, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20110244985
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core and the cover comprises about 10 wt % or greater of a renewable polymer composition comprising an ultra high molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate compound having the formula: —OCR1R2(CR3R4)nCO— wherein n is an integer, and wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are selected from the group comprising saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals, halo- and hydroxy-substituted radicals, hydroxy radicals, halogen radicals; nitrogen-substituted radicals, oxygen-substituted radicals, or hydrogen atoms. In one embodiment, the golf ball also comprises about 90 wt % or less of a non renewable polymer composition. The golf ball may also comprise an intermediate layer disposed about the core and adjacent the cover, wherein at least one of the core, the cover and the intermediate layer comprises the renewable polymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin M. Harris, Murali Rajagopalan
  • Publication number: 20110244986
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in resilience and durability, with a good moldability of the intermediate layer. The present invention provides a golf ball having a center, a cover, and an intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein the intermediate layer is formed from an intermediate layer composition having a flexural modulus ranging 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, and a slab hardness ranging from 40 to 60 in Shore D hardness, and the intermediate layer composition comprises, as a resin component, 30 mass % to 70 mass % of (A) a modified polyester elastomer having a Shore A hardness of 95 or less; 70 mass % to 30 mass % of (B) a binary ionomer resin having a Shore D hardness of 65 or more, a flexural modulus of 300 MPa or more, and a melt flow rate (190° C., 2.16 kg) of 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Satoko OKABE, Kazuhiko Isogawa, Keiko Matsuhisa
  • Publication number: 20110237348
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that decrease the spin rate on the driver shots while suppressing the decrease in the spin rate on the approach shots in a golf ball having a urethane cover. The present invention provides a golf ball having a core consisting of a center and at least one intermediate layer covering the center, and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover contains polyurethane, and has a slab hardness of 85 or less in JIS A hardness, the core has a surface hardness of 60 or more in Shore D hardness, the intermediate layer has a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and a resin component constituting the intermediate layer has a hardness from 62 to 68 in Shore D hardness, a flexural modulus from 300 MPa to 500 MPa, and a maximum storage modulus E? between ?30° C. to 0° C. ranging from 1,000 MPa to 2,000 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Satoko OKABE
  • Patent number: 8025593
    Abstract: A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is less than the second surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C and less than the inner surface hardness by at least 5 Shore C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8026334
    Abstract: Golf equipment having improved cut and shear resistance that includes a polyurea composition, preferably saturated and/or water resistant, formed of a polyurea prepolymer and a curing agent, wherein the polyurea prepolymer includes an isocyanate and an amine-terminated compound, and wherein the curing agent includes a hydroxy-terminated curing agent, amine-terminated curing agent, or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Shenshen Wu, David A. Bulpett, Murali Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 8025592
    Abstract: Golf balls including at least one non-surface layer that has been treated with a radiation source to effect a complete cure of the non-surface layer and methods for making same, wherein the radiation-curable non-surface layer includes a polymer component and, optionally, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: RE42752
    Abstract: A three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center core, an intermediate layer, and a cover. The center core (1) has a diameter of at least 29 mm, a hardness in the range of 45-80 JIS C and a specific gravity of less than 1.4. The intermediate layer (2) has a thickness of at least 1 mm, a specific gravity of less than 1.2, and a hardness of at least 85 on JIS C scale. The cover (3) has a thickness of 1-3 mm and a hardness of 50-85 JIS C. The ball has a good total balance of properties in that feeling and controllability are improved at no sacrifice of flying performance and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Yoshinori Egashira, Tadatoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: RE42801
    Abstract: A three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center core, an intermediate layer, and a cover. The center core (1) has a diameter of at least 29 mm, a hardness in the range of 45-80 JIS C and a specific gravity of less than 1.4. The intermediate layer (2) has a thickness of at least 1 mm, a specific gravity of less than 1.2, and a hardness of at least 85 on JIS C scale. The cover (3) has a thickness of 1-3 mm and a hardness of 50-85 JIS C. The ball has a good total balance of properties in that feeling and controllability are improved at no sacrifice of flying performance and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Yoshinori Egashira, Tadatoshi Yamada