Diverse Layer Between Spherical Core And Cover Patents (Class 473/374)
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Patent number: 12146056Abstract: Exemplary barrier additive compositions have useful barrier properties. An exemplary barrier additive composition includes a nylon 6, a compatibilizer including maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene or polypropylene, and an optional optical tracer. The barrier additive composition can be used in containers for liquid chemicals, such as petroleum derived products. Also disclosed are polymer blends and films that include the barrier additive composition, methods of making the barrier additive composition, and methods of making containers and films that include the barrier additive composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: BP Polymers, LLCInventor: Kevin J. Callahan
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Patent number: 12146032Abstract: A golf ball and golf ball composition are disclosed. The golf ball may include a core layer. The golf ball may further include a cover layer. The golf ball may contain any layer that includes a Zylon based material.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Manjari Kuntimaddi
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Patent number: 11872451Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent spin performance on approach shots under a wet condition and excellent spin performance on approach shots under a condition that there is grass between the golf ball and the dub face.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kuniyasu Horiuchi, Toshiyuki Tarao, Hidetaka Inoue, Kazuya Kamino
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Patent number: 11873416Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent spin performance on approach shots under a wet condition and excellent spin performance on approach shots under a condition that there is grass between the golf ball and the club face. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film composed of at least one layer and formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein an outermost layer of the paint film located at the outermost layer of the golf ball contains a base resin and a porous filler, the base resin contains a polyurethane obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate composition and a polyol composition, and the porous filler contains SiO2 in an amount of 50 mass % or more as a constituent component.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kuniyasu Horiuchi, Toshiyuki Tarao, Kazuya Kamino, Hidetaka Inoue
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Patent number: 11779813Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a main body 4 and a paint layer 6 positioned outside the main body 4. The main body 4 includes a spherical core 8, a mid layer 10 positioned outside the core 8, and a cover 12 positioned outside the mid layer 10. An indentation depth, measured when the paint layer 6 in a cross-section along a plane passing through a central point of the golf ball 2 is pressed by a force of 30 mgf in a direction perpendicular to the cross-section, is not less than 300 nm and not greater than 3000 nm. The paint layer 6 preferably has a thickness of not less than 5 ?m and not greater than 50 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Kamino, Hidetaka Inoue, Toshiyuki Tarao
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Patent number: 11712605Abstract: A golf ball includes a core, a mid layer, and a cover. An amount of compressive deformation C3 of the golf ball can be not less than 2.80 mm. The golf ball can satisfy the following mathematical formulas (1) and (2): C1>(124.8?Hs)/11.5??(1) C2?C1?(?1/6*C1+(68?H2)/20+(5?Hd)/100)*T2??(2), where C1 is an amount of compressive deformation (mm) of the core, C2 is an amount of compressive deformation (mm) of a sphere including the core and the mid layer, Hd is Hs?Ho, Ho is a hardness (Shore C) of a center the core, Hs is a hardness (Shore C) of a surface of the core, H2 is a hardness (Shore D) of the mid layer, and T2 is a thickness (mm) of the mid layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Takubo, Takahiro Sajima
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Patent number: 11433279Abstract: A golf ball can include a core, a mid layer, and a cover. The golf ball can satisfy the following mathematical formulas (1), (2), and (3): C1?(124.8?Hs)/11.5??(1) C2?C1?(?1/6*C1+(68?H2)/20+(5?Hd)/100)*T2?? (2) 10?H2*T2?H3*T3??(3), where C1 is an amount of compressive deformation (mm) of the core, C2 is an amount of compressive deformation (mm) of a sphere including the core and the mid layer, Hd is Hs?Ho, Ho is a hardness (Shore C) of a center the core, Hs is a hardness (Shore C) of a surface of the core, H2 is a hardness (Shore D) of the mid layer, H3 is a hardness (Shore D) of the cover, T2 is a thickness (mm) of the mid layer, and T3 is a thickness (mm) of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Sajima, Toshiyuki Takubo
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Patent number: 11376476Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an excellent flight performance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover covering the spherical core, wherein a hardness difference D1 (H75?H0) between a hardness H75 at a point radially located at a distance of 75% from a center of the spherical core and a center hardness H0 of the spherical core is 10 or more and 27 or less in Shore C hardness, and a hardness difference D2 (Hs?H75) between a surface hardness Hs of the spherical core and the hardness H75 at the point radially located at the distance of 75% from the center of the spherical core is 0 or more and 6.5 or less in Shore C hardness.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Chiemi Mikura, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Hikaru Nagakura, Ryota Sakamine
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Patent number: 11358032Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a main body 4 and a paint layer 6 positioned outside the main body 4. The main body 4 includes a spherical core 8, a mid layer 10 positioned outside the core 8, and a cover 12 positioned outside the mid layer 10. An indentation depth, measured when the paint layer 6 in a cross-section along a plane passing through a central point of the golf ball 2 is pressed by a force of 30 mgf in a direction perpendicular to the cross-section, is not less than 300 nm and not greater than 3000 nm. The paint layer 6 preferably has a thickness of not less than 5 ?m and not greater than 50 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Kamino, Hidetaka Inoue, Toshiyuki Tarao
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Patent number: 11291887Abstract: In a golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer and a cover, the core is formed primarily of a base rubber and has a diameter set in a specific range, and the intermediate layer and cover are each formed of resin materials. The core has an internal hardness such that, regarding the hardness at the core center, the hardnesses at positions located at 2 mm intervals from the core center outward up to 16 mm and the core surface hardness, the hardness differences therebetween are set within a specific range. The ball surface hardness is set so as to be higher than the surface hardness of the intermediate layer-encased sphere. This ball achieves a satisfactory distance on full shots not only with a driver, but also with a long iron or a middle iron, in addition to which it has an excellent durability to repeated impact.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Bridgestone Snorts Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Atsushi Komatsu
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Patent number: 11173349Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball travelling a great flight distance on driver shots, having enhanced controllability on approach shots under a wet condition, and being excellent in stain resistance and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body having a cover, and a paint film covering the golf ball body, wherein a 10% elastic modulus of the paint film is 75 kgf/cm2 or less, a storage modulus (E?150) at 150° C. of the paint film obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity of the paint film is 1.0×107 Pa or more, an indentation depth of the paint film measured with a nanoindenter in a state that the paint film is formed on the surface of the golf ball body is 1250 nm or more, and a material hardness of the cover is 50 or more in Shore D hardness.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Tarao, Mami Tanaka, Hidetaka Inoue
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Patent number: 11173348Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having enhanced controllability on approach shots from the rough and excellent stain resistance and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body having a cover, and a paint film covering the golf ball body, wherein a 10% elastic modulus of the paint film is 75 kgf/cm2 or less, a storage modulus (E?150) at 150° C. of the paint film obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity of the paint film is 1.0×107 Pa or more, an indentation depth of the paint film measured under a specific measuring condition in a state that the paint film is formed on the surface of the golf ball body is 1250 nm or more, and a material hardness of the cover is less than 50 in Shore D hardness.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Tarao, Mami Tanaka, Hidetaka Inoue
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Patent number: 11148010Abstract: A golf ball with a cover layer composed of a blend of non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s), hydroxyl-functionalized styrenic block copolymer and silane coupling agent (SCA). The amount of SCA is preferably between 0.01 and 2.0 weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The cover layer preferably has a Shore A hardness less than 90.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Hong G. Jeon, Vijay Chavan
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Patent number: 10967227Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 10894191Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball traveling a great flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and a cover covering the spherical core, wherein the golf ball has a ratio (t2/t1) of a time (t2) to a time (t1) of 1.05 or more in a hitting test using a driver (at a head speed of 40 m/sec), wherein the time (t1) is a time taken from a moment that the driver begins to contact with the golf ball to a moment that the golf ball reaches a maximum deformation amount, and the time (t2) is a time taken from the moment that the golf ball reaches the maximum deformation amount to a moment that the golf ball leaves the driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Ryota Sakamine, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Hikaru Nagakura, Takahiro Shigemitsu
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Patent number: 10799767Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 10773130Abstract: 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: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura, Jun Shindo
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Patent number: 10722756Abstract: In a golf ball having a core and a cover of at least one layer, the outermost layer of the cover is 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, and the resin composition has a melt flow rate of at least 3.0 g/10 min. 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: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takanori Tago, Atsushi Nanba
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Patent number: 10668329Abstract: Golf balls comprising a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is made from a thermoplastic composition preferably comprising a telechelic ionomer derived from alkyl-cis-cyclooctene and cis-cyclooctene. The telechelic ionomer composition also may be used to form intermediate layers. Blends of telechelic ionomers and polybutadiene rubbers or ethylene acid copolymers can be prepared. The telechelic ionomer compositions can be used to make a cover layer having good impact durability and shear resistance and that also helps provide the ball with high resiliency.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Erin C. McDermott, Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 10668334Abstract: Golf balls and golf ball components made using three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing systems are provided. The golf ball includes at least one three-dimensional piece. Preferably, a continuous liquid interface printing method is used to make the three-dimensional structure. Ultraviolet (UV)-light polymerizable materials are used in the method. The method may be used to make single-piece or multi-piece balls. For example, the ball may include an inner core produced by the liquid interface printing method. An outer core layer may be disposed about the inner core, and a cover comprising inner and outer cover layers may encapsulate the core assembly to form the finished golf ball. The outer core and cover layers may be made using conventional molding technologies or the methods of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Edmund A. Hebert, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 10486030Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 10434373Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 10427004Abstract: Golf ball comprising thermoplastic blend of (i) ionomer(s); (ii) different thermoplastic polymer(s); (iii) reactive crosslinker(s) consisting of maleic group-modified polymer(s), and/or glycidyl (meth)acrylate-modified polymer(s) (“PGM”); and (iv) catalyst(s); ionomer present in amount of about 45 wt % or greater, and PGM present in amount of from about 2 wt % to about 35 wt %. Thermoplastic polymer may be present in amount of from about 8 wt % to about 50 wt %; or from about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %; or from about 35 wt % to about 50 wt %. Amount of ionomer may be greater than amount of thermoplastic polymer. Thermoplastic polymer may be a polyurethane present in amount of greater than 20 wt % and up to about 40 wt %; and the PGM is present in amount of from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %. In some embodiments, PGM is present in an amount of from about 15 wt % to about 35 wt %.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich
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Patent number: 10328314Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two-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 thermoplastic composition comprising the non-acid polymer and plasticizer; and the outer core layer is made of a second thermoplastic composition. For example, an ethylene acid copolymer may be used to form the outer core layer. 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: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 10315077Abstract: A golf ball includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including an IC chip and an antenna; a protection layer surrounding the outer periphery of the RFID tag; a relaxation layer surrounding the outer periphery of the protection layer; a core surrounding the outer periphery of the relaxation layer; and a cover surrounding the outer periphery of the core. The curing temperature of the protection layer is 60° C. or less, and the protection layer is formed with a material having a hardness of Shore D 60 or more. The relaxation layer is formed with a thermoplastic elastomer-based material having a hardness with a difference from a hardness of a surface of the core on a side contacting the relaxation layer of Shore D 20 or less.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Komatsu
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Patent number: 10293216Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a foamed silicone composition are provided. Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of non-foamed silicone elastomer composition also are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core and cover structures can be made. The foamed silicones have good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The non-foamed silicone elastomers have high elongation, tensile strength, chemical/fluid-resistance, and weatherability properties. These compositions can be used to form any layer, for example, core, intermediate, or cover, in the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 10232224Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent resilience performance. The present invention provides a golf ball having a spherical core and at least one cover layer, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, and (c) a crosslinking initiator, provided that the rubber composition further contains (d) a metal compound in the case of containing only (b) the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent, wherein (c) the crosslinking initiator includes a peroxy ketal represented by the formula (1), and substituents represented by R1 and R2 have a bond dissociation energy of 435 KJ/mol or more.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Ayaka Shindo, Hiroshi Tadaoka, Chiemi Mikura, Kazuyoshi Shiga
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Patent number: 10226670Abstract: 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. At least one core layer has a plurality of projections disposed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
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Patent number: 10220262Abstract: Low compression multi-piece golf balls having a solid core comprising at least one layer made of a plasticized thermoplastic composition are provided. Preferably, the ball has a compression of less than 60 and more preferably less than 50. The ball includes a cover in addition to the core sub-assembly. For example, two-piece and three-piece golf balls may be made. The plasticized thermoplastic composition preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as butyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. In two-layered core constructions, the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers may have different hardness levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, John D. Farrell, Douglas S. Goguen
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Patent number: 10207156Abstract: A golf ball with a center core comprising polybutadiene and a clay material in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 weight percent of the center core is disclosed herein. Alternatively, the golf ball has a mantle layer with a blend of ionomer materials and a clay material in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 weight percent of the mantle layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Vijay Chavan, David Bartels
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Patent number: 10155137Abstract: A golf ball core for use in a multi-piece golf ball includes a solid sphere and between 100 and 300 spaced polygonal protrusions extending from the solid sphere in a radially outward direction. The sphere is substantially formed from an ionomeric material, and has a diameter (D) of between 24 mm and 32 mm. The polygonal protrusions extend from the sphere by a maximum distance of between 0.15 mm and 1.0 mm.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Feng Tay Enterprises Co., LTDInventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Aaron Bender, Nicholas A. Leech, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chen-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Shih-Kai Lin
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Patent number: 10150861Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a mono (meth)acrylate ester in a golf ball layer. The mono (meth)acrylate ester may be added to one or more portions of a golf ball including a core, intermediate, or cover layer. For example, in one embodiment, the mono (meth)acrylate ester may be blended with a polybutadiene rubber material. In another embodiment, the mono (meth)acrylate ester of the present invention may be blended with an ionomer. In some embodiments, the mono (meth)acrylate ester may be blended with a formulation including both a polybutadiene rubber component and an ionomer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 10137333Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered core assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the core assembly includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoset composition, an intermediate core layer; and surrounding outer core layer. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition 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. A second thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber may be used to form the outer core layer. The core layers have different hardness levels. In another embodiment, a two-layered core structure is provided. For example, the inner core and/or outer core layer may be made of the plasticized thermoplastic composition. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 10092796Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer having a first surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The center hardness is less than the first surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient of about 1 to 12 Shore C. An outer core layer has a second surface hardness. A cover layer is formed over the outer core layer. The second outer surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient of about 12 to 22 Shore C.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Dennis Britton
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Patent number: 10062027Abstract: A golf ball includes an RFID tag provided with an IC chip and an antenna. A protective layer surrounds the outer periphery of the RFID tag. A core surrounds the outer periphery of the protective layer. A cover surrounds the outer periphery of the core. The protective layer is formed by a material having a hardness equal to or more than 30 in Shore D. Further, the diameter of the protective layer is 3 to 30 millimeters, and the outer shape of the protective layer has an approximately spherical shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Atsushi Komatsu
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Patent number: 10029150Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface. The soft transition region has a thickness of about 4 mm or less and includes about 2 to 10 percent of a trans-polybutadiene isomer. An outer cover layer has a hardness of about 50 Shore M or greater. The core outer surface hardness is greater than the hardness at the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of about 10 to 48 Shore C. The core has a secondary gradient quotient, GQ?, of 1.5 to 7.25, GQ? being defined by the equation: G ? + T 10 × COR where G? is the positive hardness gradient in Shore C, T is the percent trans-polybutadiene isomer at the core outer surface, and COR is the coefficient of restitution of the core measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/s.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 10016661Abstract: Methods for making golf balls and golf ball components using three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing systems are provided. The golf ball includes at least one three-dimensional piece. Preferably, a continuous liquid interface printing method is used to make the three-dimensional structure. Ultraviolet (UV)-light polymerizable materials are used in the method. The method may be used to make single-piece or multi-piece balls. For example, the ball may include an inner core produced by the liquid interface printing method. An outer core layer may be disposed about the inner core, and a cover comprising inner and outer cover layers may encapsulate the core assembly to form the finished golf ball. The outer core and cover layers may be made using conventional molding technologies or methods of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Edmund A. Hebert, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 10010762Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing an increased spin rate on approach shots under a wet condition while maintaining a spin rate on approach shots under a dry condition. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein the paint film has a multi-layered construction composed of two or more layers, and a difference (Min?Mout) between a 10% elastic modulus (Min) of an innermost layer of the paint film and a 10% elastic modulus (Mout) of an outermost layer of the paint film is 25 kgf/cm2 or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Tarao, Hidetaka Inoue, Kazuya Kamino, Kosuke Tachibana
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Patent number: 9975006Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a transparent polyamide polymer and fatty acid salt are provided. In one preferred version, the polyamide composition consists essentially of a blend of 40 to 99% by weight transparent polyamide and 1 to 60% by weight fatty acid salt. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. The polyamide compositions have a good combination of properties including Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and compression.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 9925425Abstract: Golf ball having at least three layers comprising an ionomeric and/or HNP composition, wherein for each two adjacent layers, a relationship is established between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, each of T layers, wherein T?3, has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric/HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”; and wherein each of n inner layers of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (V(n+1)?Vn)/V(n+1)?(N(n+1)?Nn)/Nn.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones, Donald A. Serino
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Patent number: 9839812Abstract: A golf ball of one aspect of the present invention includes a spherical core, one or more cover members to cover the core, and a coating layer to coat a cover member configuring an outermost layer of the one or more cover members. A plurality of dimples is formed in the cover member of the outermost layer. Roughness is produced on a surface of the coating layer after applying a coat over the cover member of the outermost layer. An average value Fa (mm) of maximum depths of the plurality of dimples and arithmetic average roughness Ra (?m) on the surface of the coating layer, satisfy a relational expression: ?1.5×Fa+0.8?Ra??1.5×Fa+1.8.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventor: Takahiro Sajima
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Patent number: 9839814Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls comprising a single- or dual-layer core, an intermediate layer, and an outer cover layer are disclosed. The intermediate layer is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer composition and has a surface hardness which is greater than the center hardness of the core and less than the outer surface hardness of the core. The outer surface hardness of the outer cover layer is greater than the outer surface hardness of the core.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett
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Patent number: 9789369Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball traveling a great distance on driver shots and on iron shots.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Hironori Takihara, Kosuke Tachibana, Takahiro Sajima, Kohei Mimura
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Patent number: 9782633Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls including a layer formed from a relatively soft or low modulus HNP composition and a layer formed from a relatively hard or high modulus HNP composition. Optionally, the soft (or low modulus) HNP composition and/or the hard (or high modulus) HNP composition is plasticized or is replaced with a different plasticized acid copolymer composition.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones
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Patent number: 9764195Abstract: Low compression multi-piece golf balls having a solid core comprising at least one layer made of a plasticized thermoplastic composition are provided. Preferably, the ball has a compression of less than 60 and more preferably less than 50. The ball includes a cover in addition to the core sub-assembly. For example, two-piece and three-piece golf balls may be made. The plasticized thermoplastic composition preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as butyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. In two-layered core constructions, the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers may have different hardness levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, John D. Farrell, Douglas S. Goguen
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Patent number: 9731167Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball striking a good balance between flight distance on driver shots and spin rate on approach shots, and excellent in stain resistance and shot feeling. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a paint film, wherein a base resin of the paint film contains a polyurethane obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate composition and a polyol composition containing a urethane polyol having a polyether diol with a number average molecular weight in a range from 800 to 3,000 as a constituent component, and the following requirements are satisfied: Mp?200×X?75 Mp?100 Minm?Moum>40 Moum?Mc<5 Tinm?Toum>Tc>Tp (Tinm×Minm)/(Toum×Moum)>2.0 (Toum×Moum)/(Tc×Mc)<3.0 (Tc×Mc)/(Tp×Mp)>10.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Kosuke Tachibana, Kazuhiko Isogawa, Toshiyuki Tarao
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Patent number: 9669267Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer having a first surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The center hardness is less than the first surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient of about 1 to 12 Shore C. An outer core layer has a second surface hardness. A cover layer is formed over the outer core layer. The second outer surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient of about 12 to 22 Shore C.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Dennis Britton
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Patent number: 9669264Abstract: 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: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Douglas E. Jones
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Patent number: 9610477Abstract: Golf ball comprising at least one layer having a Shore D material hardness of from about 10 to about 55 and consisting of a millable polyurethane rubber composition comprising rubber consisting of: at least one polyether-based millable polyurethane rubber; at least one polyester-based millable polyurethane rubber; at least one polycaprolactone-based millable polyurethane rubber; or combinations thereof; wherein the millable polyurethane rubber composition is vulcanized. The rubber may be mixed/compounded with additional non-rubber ingredients such as at least one cross linking agent, peroxide initiator, filler, antioxidant, processing agent, light stabilizer, colorant, adhesion promotor, isocyanate and/or polyol, or combinations thereof. The at least one layer may be a cover layer, with a second layer, formed from at least one of a thermoset urethane or a thermoplastic material, being adjacent to an inner surface of the cover layer and meanwhile disposed about a polybutadiene-containing core.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Mark L. Binette, Shawn Ricci, Michael Michalewich, Douglas S. Goguen, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 9583326Abstract: A focusing ionization device includes a ball having a surface with a plurality of dimples and a metal needle located at one side of the ball and capable of generating corona discharge. The focusing ionization device is adapted for being disposed in a mass spectrometer in a way that the ball is located at a spray path of gaseous analytes and the metal needle is located adjacent to a sample inlet of a mass analyzer. When the gaseous analytes pass through the ball, the gaseous analytes can be gathered around the metal needle, which in turn are ionized to produce analyte ions to be transmitted into the mass analyzer by a potential difference. Therefore, the focusing ionization device of the present disclosure can effectively enhance the amount of the analyte ions entering into the mass analyzer, thereby improving ion transmission efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: NATIONAL CHUNG HSING UNIVERSITYInventors: Maw-Rong Lee, Yen-Hsien Li