Diverse Cover And Interior Patents (Class 473/377)
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6729975
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf ball is disclosed. A cover is molded through use of either a thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group or a thermoplastic resin containing a compound having two or more groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. Subsequently, a polyisocyanate compound is caused to permeate into the surface layer of the cover to thereby cause the reaction between the polyisocyanate compound and the group(s) capable of reacting with the isocyanate group. As a result, a modified layer having excellent properties is formed at the surface of the cover formed from thermoplastic resin. In this case, a non-yellowing polyurethane resin is preferably used as the thermoplastic resin having a group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group, and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) is preferably used as the polyisocyanate compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Keisuke Ihara, Hirotaka Shimosaka, Yutaka Masutani, Atsuki Kasashima
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6723008
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers enclosing the solid core, the solid core has a deflection of at least 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hirotaka Shimosaka, Yasushi Ichikawa, Rinya Takesue
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6716117
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover consisting of inner and outer layers, the cover inner layer is composed mainly of an ionomer resin, and the cover outer layer is composed mainly of another thermoplastic elastomer. A thermoplastic resin-base adhesive layer is interposed between the cover inner and outer layers, or a thermoplastic resin-base adhesive is blended in the inner and/or outer layer cover stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ichikawa, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Rinya Takesue
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6713565
    Abstract: It has been unexpectedly discovered that cis-1,4-polybutadiene that is synthesized utilizing Zeigler-Natta catalyst systems has superior characteristics for utilization in solid golf ball cores if the polymerization is terminated utilizing a carboxylic acid of the structural formula RCOOH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Craig William Burkhart, Michael Lester Kerns, Kenneth Floyd Castner, Michael Joseph Rachita, Michael Paul Mallamaci
  • Golf ball with moisture exposure indicator
    Publication number: 20040058753
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Performance Indicator, LLC
    Inventor: Robert T. Winskowicz
  • Polyurethane covered golf ball
    Publication number: 20040058751
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction and the resulting low modulus golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The novel golf ball cover compositions of the invention comprise a blend of a relatively low amount of at least one hard ionomeric resins and a relatively large amount (i.e. from about 75 to about 85-90 percent) of at least one soft ionomer resin. When the cover compositions of the invention are utilized to manufacture golf balls, the golf balls produced thereby, exhibit properties of improved playability at low swing speeds without substantial sacrifices in durability and/or distance characteristics when compared to known hard-soft ionomer blends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt, Terence Melvin
  • Golf balls including solution blended polymeric composite and method of making same
    Patent number: 6710114
    Abstract: Golf balls having a portion or layer formed from a polymeric composite that preferably includes at least two polymers with distinct microstructures. In particular, the balls can include a polybutadiene having at least about 80 percent cis-isomer polybutadiene blended with a polybutadiene having at least about 50 percent trans-isomer polybutadiene. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Laurent C. Bissonnette, Roman D. Halko, David A. Bulpett, Michael P. Mallamaci
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6705958
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core, and a cover made from a cover material containing an ionomer resin and also barium sulfate and titanium dioxide added in a total amount ranging from 10 to 25 parts by mass on the basis of 100 parts by mass of the ionomer resin. A flexural amount of the core, measured by applying a load of 980 N thereto, is in a range of 4.0 to 5.5 mm. A ratio of a melt-flow rate to a specific gravity (melt-flow rate/specific gravity) of the cover material is in a range of 1.6 or more. A Shore D hardness of the cover is in a range of 55 to 65.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Yutaka Masutani, Hisashi Yamagishi
  • Resilient, shear resistant polyurethane compositions for golf ball covers
    Patent number: 6699957
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyurethane elastomer comprising the reaction product of: A) at least one aliphatic diisocyanate monomer; B) at least one high molecular weight polyol; C) at least one low molecular weight diol comprising an aromatic moiety; and D) at least one saturated diol curing agent. These elastomers are useful as components of golf ball covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent J. Gajewski, Glen C. Proctor
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Publication number: 20040038753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, spin performance and shot feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Akira Kato
  • Solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6692381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having exceptional rebound characteristics and flight performance, as well as good shot feel. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball comprising at least one layer of a core, and at least one layer of a cover formed on the core, wherein at least one of the layers of the core is formed by vulcanizing and press-molding a rubber composition comprising (a) a base rubber comprising polybutadiene rubber containing a cis-1,4-bond of not less than 99%, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, and (c) an organic peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seigou Sakagami, Akihiro Nakahara, Satoshi Mano
  • Golf ball with foam core and filled cover
    Patent number: 6688991
    Abstract: A long distance, low initial spin golf ball is disclosed. The golf ball includes a high moment of inertia core assembly, which may comprise a low specific gravity core and an optional intermediate layer. This sub-assembly is encased within a high specific gravity cover with Shore D hardness in the range of about 40 to about 80. The core is preferably made from a highly neutralized thermoplastic polymer with its specific gravity reduced, and the cover preferably has high specific gravity fillers dispersed therein. The cover is preferably made from thermoset polyurethane or polyurea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6676542
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, spin performance, shot feel and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core composed of a center and an intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover formed on the core, wherein the center has a diameter of 10 to 20 mm and a central point hardness in JIS-A hardness of 30 to 90, the intermediate layer has a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of 50 to 70 the cover comprises polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer as a main component, and has a hardness in Shore D hardness of 40 to 60 and a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Keiji Moriyama
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6672976
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a multi-layer cover. The golf ball satisfies the following conditions (1) to (5): (1) the number of dimples is 360 to 492; (2) total volume enclosed by the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the volume of the golf ball, VR, is 0.715% to 0.825%; (3) total surface area of the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the surface area of the golf ball, SR, is not less than 70%; (4) value obtained through subtraction of the JIS C hardness of the surface portion of the core from the average JIS C hardness of the cover is 0 to 20; and (5) initial velocity is in excess of 77.7 m/s (255 ft/s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Golf ball and rubber composition therefor
    Patent number: 6670422
    Abstract: A rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a base rubber containing 5-30% by weight of syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene and at least 40% by weight of cis-1,4-polybutadiene, 5-10 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt, up to 2 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, and 10-30% by weight based on the weight of the metal salt of an initiator can be molded and vulcanized into a rubber product having a specific gravity of less than 1 and is suitable for the manufacture of golf balls for practice over water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Sasaki, Jun Shindo
  • Dendritic macromolecule compositions for use in golf balls
    Publication number: 20030236137
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core, a cover, and, optionally, an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the core, cover layer, or optional intermediate layer includes at least one dendritic macromolecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Kevin M. Harris, Murali Rajagopalan, Shenshen Wu, Manjari Kuntimaddi
  • Multilayer golf ball with filled inner layer having dual core, liquid core, or wound core
    Patent number: 6663509
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core, a triple core, a cellular core, a liquid core, or a wound core; an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer; and at least 50 parts by weight of a non-ionomeric polyolefin material disposed in an inner layer within the ball. The dual or triple cores comprise an interior spherical center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof; a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof; and an optional outer core layer that surrounds the core component. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: R. Dennis Nesbitt, Mark L. Binette, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Rubber compound for golf ball and golf ball
    Patent number: 6664319
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided that includes a molded resilient inner core made of a rubber compound and a polymeric cover surrounding the inner core. The rubber compound is a halo-butyl rubber polymer and a carbon black filler in an amount of 80% to 100% by weight of the total rubber component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Waggle Pty LTD
    Inventors: Virendra Kumar Bahl, Steven Joseph Fisher
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6656060
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a solid core and a cover of at least one layer; wherein each of a specific gravity of the solid core and a specific gravity of the cover is nearly equal to a value (S) of a relation expression given by S=W/[(&pgr;/6)×D3], where W is a weight of the golf ball and D is a diameter of the golf ball. The golf ball can enhance the durability to increase the carry of the ball with less variations in carry of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Masutani, Junji Hayashi, Hisashi Yamagishi
  • Solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6652393
    Abstract: A solid golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer is characterized in that the cover layer is formed by carrying out a crosslinking reaction on a rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a base rubber which is composed mainly of a mixture of (A) a polybutadiene of at least 40% cis-1,4 structure with (B) a syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, (C) at least 5 parts by weight of methacrylic acid, (D) at least 5 parts by weight of a metal oxide, and (E) at least 0.1 part by weight of a polymerization initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting
    Patent number: 6648778
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting golf ball having a reduced spin rate. In this regard, a core is provided and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a golf ball exhibiting enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt
  • Golf ball and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 6648779
    Abstract: The golf ball has a solid core and a cover surrounding the core. The solid core is formed of a rubber composition that has a co-crosslinking agent and preferably an organic sulfur compound blended therein, with a portion of the co-crosslinking agent and the organic sulfur compound being micro-encapsulated within a thermoplastic resin, and a remaining portion of the co-crosslinking agent being in a non-encapsulated state. This improves dispersibility of the co-crosslinking agent and the organic sulfur compound within the rubber composition, and enables adjustment of the crosslinking pattern of the rubber molecule main chains. Thus, resilience and durability of the golf ball are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Yokota
  • Thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball with improved resiliency
    Patent number: 6645091
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center, a cover, and optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein at least one of the cover and the at least one intermediate layer is formed with a thermoplastic polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of at least one polyol and at least one diisocyanate, and a curing agent consisting essentially of at least one diol having the formula: HOH2CH2C(OH2CH2C)nO—X—O(CH2CH2O)mCH2CH2OH; wherein n and m, each separately have a value of 0, 1, 2, or 3, X is o-phenylene, m-phenylene, p-phenylene, 1,2-cyclohexyl, 1,3-cyclohexyl, 1,4-cyclohexyl; and mixtures a thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Shenshen Wu, Murali Rajagopalan
  • Golf ball cores comprising a halogenated organosulfur compound
    Patent number: 6635716
    Abstract: A golf ball formed of a core and a cover, wherein the core has a diameter of at least about 1.50 inches and comprises a polybutadiene rubber composition comprising at least about 2.2 parts per hundred of a halogenated organosulfur compound, and wherein the cover has a thickness of less than about 0.1 inches and comprises a polyurethane composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Voorheis, Murali Rajagopalan
  • Initial velocity dual core golf ball
    Patent number: 6634964
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the core has an outer diameter of no greater than about 1.62 inches; the cover layer comprises an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer having a material hardness of less than about 60 Shore D; and at least one of the core or the cover comprises high-Mooney-viscosity rubber, high-Mooney-viscosity rubber regrind, or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael D Jordan, Jeffrey L. Dalton, Christopher Cavallaro
  • Low modulus golf ball compositions and methods for making same
    Publication number: 20030195062
    Abstract: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Laurent Bissonnette, David A. Bulpett, Derek A. Ladd
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6632149
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having improved flight performance, controllability and good shot feel at the time of hitting. The multi-piece solid gold ball has a core having at least one layer, an intermediate layer formed on the core, and a cover covering the intermediate layer. When thickness of the intermediate layer is represented as X (mm) and JIS-C hardness of the intermediate layer is represented as Y, then X is 0.3 to 1.5 mm, X and Y have a correlation represented 10X+55≦Y≦10X+75, and the JIS-C hardness of the cover is 70 to 93.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunari Yoshida
  • Golf ball with dual cover
    Publication number: 20030190976
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer comprising an ionomer and having Shore D hardness of about 65 or less, and an outer cover layer comprising an ionomer and having a Shore D hardness of at least 60. The outer cover layer is harder than the inner cover layer. The core preferably comprises a high molecular weight polybutadiene that exhibits an ultra high Mooney viscosity. The sum of the thickness of the inner cover layer and the thickness of the outer cover layer is greater than 0.090 inches. A method of making the golf ball also is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
  • Resin composition for golf ball and golf ball
    Patent number: 6624221
    Abstract: A resin composition comprising, in admixture, (A) a specific thermoplastic resin component, (B) at least one wax component selected from among (b-1) a fatty acid having 20-80 carbon atoms and/or a derivative thereof and (b-2) an oxidized natural wax and/or derivative having a neutralization value of 60-190 mg KOH/g, and optionally, (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acid groups in the thermoplastic resin component (A) and/or the wax component (B) is improved in flow, moldability and heat resistance and thus suitable to form a layer of a golf ball which exhibits improved rebound and distance properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rinya Takesue, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Golf ball with moisture exposure indicator
    Patent number: 6623382
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Performance Indicator, LLC
    Inventor: Robert T. Winskowicz
  • Golf ball composition
    Publication number: 20030176241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid golf ball having a diameter of less than about 1.70 inches, including a core formed from a rubber base material having a resilience index of at least about 40 and an outer diameter of at least about 1.58 inches, and a cover disposed about the core formed of a material having a Shore D hardness of less than about 65.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Cavallaro, Jeffrey L. Dalton, Michael D. Jordan, Herbert C. Boehm, Samuel A. Pasqua
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6620060
    Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball having a core, a cover and a lattice structure aerodynamic pattern. The core has a diameter of 1.53 inches to 1.55 inches, and a PGA compression of 60 to 75 points. The cover has a thickness of 0.060 inch to 0.090 inch. The cover has a Shore D hardness less than 58 as measured on the golf ball. The golf ball has a COR that is greater than 0.782 points at 143 feet per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Steven S. Ogg, Michael S. Yagley, David M. Bartels, Pijush K. Dewanjee, Geoffrey P. M. Goodman
  • Wound golf ball with high resilience for low swing speed players
    Patent number: 6620058
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making a golf ball which comprises a center, at least one cover layer, and at least one wound layer of a tensioned material windings between the center and the cover. Such golf balls have a coefficient of restitution that is optimized for low swing speed players. Since these players usually swing the club at the ball at low swing speeds, and thus get less distance from the ball off the tee, greater ball resiliency tends to provide greater distance and velocity off the tee. Preferably, the golf ball has a core having a thin wound layer of thread. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls having liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Roman D. Halko, Laurent Bissonnette
  • Two-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6616548
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece solid golf ball having long flight distance, high spin amount at approach shot and excellent controllability, while maintaining good shot feel. The present invention relates to a two-piece solid golf ball comprising a core and a cover covering the core, wherein a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the core is higher than a center hardness in Shore D hardness of the core by 15 to 40, the cover is formed from a cover composition comprising a blend of ionomer resin and high rebound characteristics thermoplastic elastomer, the cover has a Shore D hardness of 40 to 60, and the cover hardness is lower than the surface hardness of the core by 1 to 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Takashi Sasaki
  • Method of improving impact resistance in golf ball core formulations
    Patent number: 6613842
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the cover having a thickness of less than about 0.08 inches, the core having a compression of less than about 90 and is formed from a composition comprising a base rubber, a metal salt acrylate or diacrylate, an initiator, a highly-neutralized polymer, and at least one of a low modulus ionomer or an acid terpolymer of the formula: having a dynamic shear storage modulus at 23° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Murali Rajagopalan
  • Three-piece solid golf ball
    Publication number: 20030153403
    Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball, of which flight distance is improved by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount in initial flight performance, while maintaining soft and good shot feel, when hit at low head speed. The present invention relates to a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein hardness distribution of the center; hardness distribution between each layer and the contiguous layer in the golf ball; and a ratio of the golf ball surface area occupied by the dimple to the total surface area of the golf ball and the total of a periphery length of the dimple; are adjusted to specified ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Seiichiro Endo, Keiji Ohama
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6602152
    Abstract: A golf ball including a sold core and a cover is provided. A deformed amount of the solid core, measured by applying a load of 980 N thereto, is in a range of 4.0 to 6.0 mm. A JIS-C hardness of the cover is in a range of 75 to 95. A JIS-C hardness (Sh) of a surface of the core and a JIS-hardness (Ch) of a center portion of the core satisfy a relationship of 1.55×Ch−16≦Sh≦1.55×Ch−10. A JIS-C hardness (Vh) of the cover and a JIS-C hardness (Sh) of the surface of the core satisfy a relationship of 0.9×Vh−70≦Vh−Sh≦0.9×Vh−50. The hardnesses of the center portion of the core, the surface of the core, and the cover become higher in this order. With this configuration, the golf ball can exhibit a high carrying performance, a good controllability, a desirable very soft feeling of hitting, and an excellent durability against continuous hitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Yasumasa Shimizu
  • Golf ball and method of producing the same
    Patent number: 6602151
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing golf balls improved the adhesion between a ball body and a coated film on the ball body without the need of expensive and large scale facilities. The inventive method comprises the steps of: applying an adhesion enhancing agent containing a silyl component and a solvent to a surface of a ball body; drying the coated surface to form an adhesion enhancing layer having the silyl component; and applying a paint to the adhesion enhancing layer. The silyl component is capable of remaining 30 weight % or more after an elapse of one hour at a temperature of 25° C. The method is applicable to the batch operating process of manufacturing golf balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: Sumitomo Rubber Industries Limited, Wayaku Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoto Maruoka, Kaichiro Wayaku
  • Golf ball with high density center
    Publication number: 20030144081
    Abstract: A high CoR golf ball having predetermined moment of inertia is provided. A portion of the golf ball preferably contains substantially no filler, which contributes to the increased resilience of the ball. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the portion with substantially no filler is an outer core of the ball. The innermost core should have a high specific gravity. Additionally, the outermost layers of the ball may have a low specific gravity. Preferably, the portion with substantially no filler is relatively larger than other portions of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Antonio U. Desimas
  • Co-injection molded double covered golf ball
    Publication number: 20030139228
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layered golf ball, at least the inner cover having multiple layers formed by a sandwich injection molding process, wherein each multi-layered cover comprises an inner layer and an outer layer of a first material and an intermediate layer therebetween of a second material. The materials having different properties. An embodiment of the invention includes both covers being multi-layered formed by the sandwich injection molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Cavallaro, Michael D. Jordan
  • Golf ball with high coefficient of restitution
    Patent number: 6595872
    Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball that has a coefficient of restitution at 143 feet per second that is greater than 0.8015, and an USGA initial velocity less than 255.0 feet per second. The golf ball is preferably a solid three-piece golf ball with a thermosetting polyurethane cover, an ionomer blend intermediate layer and a polybutadiene core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Yagley, Steven S. Ogg, Pijush K. Dewanjee, David M. Bartels
  • Selectively weighted golf ball
    Patent number: 6595874
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core, an outer core, and a cover is disclosed. The outer core surrounds the inner core, and the cover encases the cores. The inner core is preferably a pre-formed selectively weighted symmetrical, but non-spherical insert, which may be made from either a high or low specific gravity material to control the moment of inertia and spin rate of the ball. The outer core is over-molded around the pre-formed insert to form a spherical core. Alternatively, the inner core insert has outer pockets defined thereon. These pockets are adapted to receive the outer core materials, which may have either a high specific gravity or a low specific gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Herbert C. Boehm
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6592471
    Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle, and a cover, the mantle is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore D hardness of 30-52, the cover is formed of a thermoplastic resin loaded with a particulate inorganic filler, the solid core has a surface JIS C hardness 10-22 units greater than a center JIS C hardness, and the golf ball has an inertia moment of 82.5-85.5 kg·cm2. The ball is improved in durability and feel when hit with clubs of different types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Yasumasa Shimizu, Akira Kawata
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Publication number: 20030130064
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, shot feel, controllability and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the center has a diameter of 25 to 40 mm, and a surface hardness of the center is higher than a central point hardness of the center in Shore D hardness by not more than 7, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 8.0 mm, and a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the central point hardness of the center by 3 to 25, and a hardness in Shore D hardness of the cover is lower than the surface hardness of the intermediate layer by 0 to 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Akira Kato, Satoshi Iwami
  • Hollow golf ball
    Patent number: 6589124
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow golf ball having good shot feel at the time of hitting by making impact force small, while keeping excellent flight performance. Improved shot feel at the time of hitting by improving an impact absorption, while keeping excellent flight performance. The present invention relates to a hollow golf ball comprising: a hollow core composed of a hollow portion and one or more hollow core outer layers formed from a core composition comprising rubber component, resin component or the mixture thereof, and a cover formed on the hollow core, wherein, when a secondary natural frequency of the hollow golf ball is expressed as X and a deformation amount, when applying from an initial load of 10 kgf to a final load of 130 kgf on the hollow golf ball, is expressed as Y, a difference of X−Y is within the range of 0.1 to 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoto Maruoka, Akihiro Nakahara, Kazuo Hochi
  • Golf ball compositions and method of making same
    Patent number: 6586511
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball and to a process for forming a golf ball having at least one layer, where the layer is formed of a saponified polymer/oxa acid blend, having from about 65 to about 99 parts of at least one saponified polymer and from about 35 to 1 parts of at least one oxa acid, based on 100 parts by weight of the saponified polymer/oxa acid blend. The layer may be foamed or unfoamed, and may form at least a portion of any of the cover, the core, or a mantle layer situated between the cover and the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Kevin M. Harris
  • Multi-piece solid golf ball
    Publication number: 20030119606
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having soft and good shot feel and excellent flight performance when hit by a golfer who swings a golf club at low head speed. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein hardness distribution of the core; hardness distribution between each layer and the contiguous layer in the golf ball; a ratio of a thickness of the cover to that of the intermediate layer; a ratio (X/D) of the total periphery length (X) to a diameter of the golf ball; and a ratio (VD/VG) of the total volume of the dimples (VD) to a volume of the phantom sphere (VG) assuming that the golf ball is a true sphere having no dimples on the surface thereof; are adjusted to specified ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Keiji Ohama, Takahiro Sajima, Seiichiro Endo
  • Solid golf ball
    Patent number: 6583229
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having exceptional rebound characteristics and flight performance, as well as good shot feel. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball comprising at least one layer of a core, and at least one layer of a cover formed on the core, wherein at least one of the layers of the core is formed by vulcanizing and press-molding a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, co-crosslinking agent, organic peroxide, filler and specific organic sulfur compound which contains substituent groups having a substituent constant of not less than 1.42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Mano, Masatoshi Yokota, Kiyoto Maruoka, Seigou Sakagami, Tetsuo Yamaguchi
  • Low modulus golf ball compositions and methods for making same
    Patent number: 6575848
    Abstract: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Laurent Bissonnette, David A. Bulpett, Derek A. Ladd
  • Golf ball
    Patent number: 6575849
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a cover made from a cover material mainly containing an ionomer resin and also an inorganic filler having a specific gravity of 3.50 or more in an amount of 10 to 25 parts by mass on the basis of 100 parts by mass of the ionomer resin. A flexural amount of the core, measured by applying a load of 980 N thereto, is in a range of 4.7 to 5.3 mm. A specific gravity of the cover material is in a range of 1.050 to 1.100, a thickness of the cover is in a range of 1.5 to 2.0 mm, and a Shore D hardness of the cover is in a range of 57 to 63. A weight of the golf ball is in a range of 45.0 to 46.0 g, and a flexural amount of the golf ball, measured by applying a load of 980 N thereto, is in a range of 3.7 to 4.3 mm. A weight (W) of the golf ball and an inertia moment (MI) thereof satisfy a relationship of 1.53×W+13.32≦MI≦1.61×W+11.02.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Yutaka Masutani, Hisashi Yamagishi