Diverse Cover And Interior Patents (Class 473/377)
  • Publication number: 20140045612
    Abstract: A golf ball having at least a core and a composite layer comprising a fibrous material and a matrix material is provided. The matrix material preferably comprises a translucent polymer. Preferably, the fibrous material comprises fiber flock. Preferably, the fiber flock comprises fiber segments having a length less than one inch. The fiber segments may have substantially equal dimensions. In other instances, the fiber segments are of unequal dimensions. The golf balls preferably includes a translucent cover layer surrounding the composite layer and an intermediate layer disposed between the composite layer and the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140045623
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided that has a cover layer with an increased hardness. The golf ball may have an inner core made from a highly neutralized polymer. The golf ball may have a four-piece construction, including an inner core, an outer core, a mantle layer, and the cover layer. The cover layer may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic polyurethane cover layer may be formed of a material having a plaque hardness of at least about 44 Shore D. For example, the cover layer may be formed of a material having a plaque hardness of from about 44 to about 50 Shore D, or about 46 Shore D in particular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Molinari, Nicholas Yontz, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 8648133
    Abstract: The invention provides a rubber composition for golf balls which includes (A) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 wt %, (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (C) a thiourea of the general formula wherein R is independently at each occurrence a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbons. The golf ball rubber composition of the invention enables a high-quality molded and crosslinked product having a suitable hardness and a high resilience to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd., Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Ozawa, Tsuyoshi Nakajima, Teppei Mori, Yusuke Yamagata, Takahiro Iwai
  • Publication number: 20140018192
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface; a hardness of the outer surface is greater than a hardness of the geometric center. An inner core region is disposed about the geometric center and has a first hardness that is less than those of the geometric center and the outer surface; an outer core region is adjacent the outer surface and has a second hardness that is greater than those of the geometric center and the outer surface; and an intermediate core region is disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extends radially from about 5 mm to about 15.75 mm from the geometric center and has at least a third hardness and a fourth hardness, each of which are related to the first hardness and the second hardness in various ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Patent number: 8629228
    Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern a golf ball, including a core having a center, an outer cover layer, and optionally one or more intermediate layers, where at least one or more of the core, outer cover layer, or one or more intermediate layers if present, includes an isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer having the general formula where n is greater than 10 and having a weight average molecular weight Mw of greater than about 2,000. The present invention also relates to golf ball including a core having a center, an outer cover layer; and optionally one or more intermediate layers, where at least one or more of the core, outer cover layer, or one or more intermediate layers if present, includes an isobutylene maleic anhydride ionomer formed by hydrolysis and neutralization of the isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
  • Publication number: 20140011610
    Abstract: Biodegradable materials and methods of their manufacture. Certain embodiments of the biodegradable materials include a crustacean shell material, at least one of gelatin, glycerin, and sorbitol, and water, wherein the biodegradable material is characterized in that, when it is exposed to water for an extended period of time, the material at least partially decomposes. Particular embodiments may comprise additional components including sorbitol and glycerin in the case of biodegradable golf ball embodiments, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander G. Caddell, Carin Poeschel Orr, David J. Neivandt
  • Publication number: 20140011611
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising: geometric center and outer surface; inner core region disposed about the geometric center, outer core region adjacent the outer surface, and intermediate core region disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extending radially from about 10 mm to about 16 mm from the geometric center. A first hardness is disposed within the inner core region, a second hardness is disposed within the outer core region, and a third hardness of from about 40 Shore C to about 95 Shore C (or about 30 Shore D to about 70 Shore D) is disposed within the intermediate core region and is greater than each of the first and second hardnesses. At least one hardness in the outer core region is substantially the same as or less than a hardness in the inner core region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Patent number: 8622851
    Abstract: A colored golf ball satisfies the following conditions: (i) a color difference ?E* between the inside layer and the ball of at least 30; (ii) the inside layer has a lightness L* value, expressed in the L*a*b* color system based on JIS 28729, of at least 82; (iii) the ball has a lightness L* value of at least 50; (iv) the lightness L* value of the ball?the lightness L* value of the inside layer; (v) the inside layer has a transparency which is up to 10% in terms of total transmittance and up to 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; (vi) the cover has a transparency which is at least 50% in terms of total transmittance and at least 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; and (vii) the inside layer has a haze (H), mentioned in JIS K7105 (1981), of at least 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Atsuki Kasashima, Kae Iizuka, Takashi Ohira
  • Publication number: 20130324324
    Abstract: A recyclable golf ball is disclosed. The structure of the disclosed golf ball and/or the materials used to make the golf ball may enhance the ability to recycle the golf ball. As a result, the disclosed golf ball may decrease waste and the costs associated with acquiring and/or processing new materials. The golf ball may be made of materials that make it easier to separate the materials in a used golf ball for recycling. The golf ball may be made of materials having different densities. The golf ball may be made of materials having different melting points. The golf ball may be made of materials mixed with a magnetic additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Takahisa Ono, Hsin Cheng, Bradley C. Tutmark, Yasushi Ichikawa, Aaron Bender, Nicholas Yontz
  • Publication number: 20130324325
    Abstract: A golf ball with interlocking layers is disclosed. The interlocking layers are generally provided to inhibit slippage of the adjacent layers, particularly between incompatible materials that are difficult to adhere together. Thus, the interlocking layers inhibit the development of dead spots within the ball, which occurs when the layers delaminate. A method of making a golf ball with interlocking layers using a dual molding process is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerby LaVar Maxwell
  • Patent number: 8592526
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally safe golf ball having excellent resilience. The present invention provides a golf ball having constituting members, wherein at least a part of the constituting members is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (d) an organic sulfur compound, wherein the organic sulfur compound includes a disubstituted compound of thiophenol, disulfide and/or thiophenol metal salt with Br, F or CF3 only at ortho positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Fushihara, Yumi Kanemitsu, Mikio Yamada
  • Patent number: 8586678
    Abstract: The invention relates to golf ball formulations formed from blends of linear and branched polybutadienes catalyzed with neodymium that have improved properties and processing characteristics. Golf ball components may be formed from the blends to provide high coefficient of restitution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20130296076
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core and a cover of at least one layer. The core has a cross-sectional hardness which, letting R (mm) be the radius of the core, A be the JIS-C hardness at a center of the core, B be the JIS-C hardness at a position R/3 mm from the core center, C be the JIS-C hardness at a position R/1.8 mm from the core center, D be the JIS-C hardness at a position R/1.5 mm from the core center, and E be the JIS-C hardness at a surface of the core, satisfies the formulas (1) B?A<D?B, (2) C?A?8, and (3) E?B?15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Akira KIMURA, Toru OGAWANA, Ryota NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 8568250
    Abstract: Generally disclosed is a golf ball having a core and a cover layer. The cover layer includes areas that are hard, and areas that are soft. The hard areas make up 20% to 60% of the total surface area of the cover layer, preferably 30% to 50%. The hard areas may correspond to the dimples, while the soft areas may correspond to the land between the dimples. The hard areas may be at least about 3 units on the Shore D scale harder than the soft areas, preferably at least about 5 units. The hard areas may be formed in various geometric shapes, or in the shape of a graphic or logo, and be visibly colored. As a result of the arrangement of the hard areas and the soft areas, the golf ball simultaneously achieves good flight distance and good feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Yasushi Ichikawa, Chia-Chyi Cheng
  • Patent number: 8556749
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a single layer core being formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, the inner core region has a first hardness (IC1h), the outer core region has a second hardness (OC2h), the intermediate core region has third and fourth hardnesses (IMC3h) and (IMC4h), respectively, such that the third hardness is less than the first and second hardnesses, represented by the relationships (IMC3h)<(IC1h) and (IMC3h)<(OC2h), and the fourth hardness is greater than the first and second hardnesses, represented by the relationships (IMC4h)>(IC1h) and (IMC4h)>(OC2h), and hardness of the outer surface (OSh) is greater than a hardness of the geometric center (GCh), represented by the relationship (OSh)>(GCh).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Publication number: 20130260919
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core made from a highly neutralized polymer that has been mixed with a hardness modifier. The modifier may be a process oil or a plasticizer. In particular, the modifier may be a naphthenic process oil, a paraffinic process oil, a phthalate plasticizer, a trimellitate plasticizer, an adipate plasticizer, a sebacate-based plasticizer, a maleate-based plasticizer, and blends thereof. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a golf ball that includes changing the hardness of a highly neutralized polymer core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Seisuke Tomita
  • Publication number: 20130256321
    Abstract: A method and system for making a golf ball core is disclosed. The method may generally include forming a golf ball core out of a raw core material. The golf ball core may be rapidly heated to begin curing (or vulcanizing) from the outermost surface toward the center of the golf ball core. Before curing the entire golf ball core, the golf ball core may be quenched to stop the curing process. As a result, the golf ball core may include an outer cured zone and an inner uncured zone. In this state, the golf ball core may be incorporated into a finished golf ball to be sold to consumers. Following a set of instructions provided with the golf ball, the consumer may heat the golf ball and a cure indicator to customize the properties of the golf ball core, and, thus, the characteristics of the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Bender
  • Publication number: 20130244813
    Abstract: A high performance golf ball includes a resin inner core, a rubber outer core, and a cover. The resin inner core is made of highly neutralized polymer, and may include a blend of different highly neutralized polymers. The cover is a two layer cover, with a hard inner cover and a thermoplastic polyurethane outer cover. The ball as a whole has properties to maximize performance and aesthetic properties, such as feel and sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Yasushi Ichikawa, Arthur Molinari, Chien-Hsin Chou, Jun Ichinose, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Publication number: 20130237344
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a solid core encased by a cover of one, two or more layers, which ball has specific hardness relationships among various areas on a core cross-section obtained by cutting the solid core in half. The golf ball has both a reduced spin rate and a good initial velocity on shots, particularly when struck in a high head-speed range, and thus is able to achieve an increased distance. A good feel on impact can also be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji UMEZAWA, Hiroshi HIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20130237345
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a solid core encased by a cover of one, two or more layers, which ball has specific hardness relationships among various areas on a core cross-section obtained by cutting the solid core in half. The golf ball has a reduced spin rate on shots with a driver (W#1) and thus is able to achieve an increased distance. A good feel on impact can also be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji UMEZAWA, Hiroshi HIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8529374
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a single layer core and a cover layer disposed about the single layer core, the single layer core being formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the single layer core further comprising an inner core region disposed about the geometric center, an outer core region adjacent the outer surface, and an intermediate core region disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extending radially from about 8 mm to about 18 mm from the geometric center. The single layer core has first, second and third hardnesses disposed within the inner core region, outer core region, intermediate core region, respectively, wherein the third hardness is greater than the first hardness and the second hardness, and a hardness of the outer surface is substantially the same as or lower than a hardness of the geometric center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
  • Publication number: 20130225334
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Acushnet Company
  • Publication number: 20130217517
    Abstract: A golf ball having an outer cover layer with a lower flexural modulus than that of an inner core layer and/or an inner cover layer is disclosed. The lower flexural modulus of the outer cover layer may give the golf ball a good feel during short shots and putting. The inner cover layer may have a first flexural modulus and the outer cover layer may have a second flexural modulus. The first flexural modulus may be at least about 10 times greater than the second flexural modulus. The inner core layer may have a third flexural modulus. The third flexural modulus may be at least about 5 times greater than the second flexural modulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ichikawa, Arthur Molinari, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chin-Shun Ko, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Publication number: 20130210552
    Abstract: A golf ball having a variable initial velocity associated with striking the golf ball with a driver having different head speeds is disclosed. The structure of the disclosed golf ball may cause the golf ball to experience an initial velocity comparable to premium golf balls currently on the market when hit with a driver head speed less than 100 mph. However, the same golf ball may experience an initial velocity higher than premium golf balls currently on the market when hit with a driver head speed higher than 125 mph. As a result, the disclosed golf ball may have different initial velocities associated with different head speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Yasushi Ichikawa, Arthur Molinari, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chin-Shun Ko, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Publication number: 20130196790
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a solid core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer, which outer cover layer has numerous dimples on a surface thereof. The ball is characterized both in that the core and the inner cover layer are formed so as to have a specific deflection ratio therebetween, and also by the combination of an inner cover layer formed to a specific material hardness and thickness, an outer cover layer formed to a specific material hardness, and dimples which satisfy specific conditions. This multi-piece solid golf ball is able to substantially reduce the distance traveled by the ball when struck at a high head speed, while at the same time holding down the decrease in distance when struck at a low head speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130172121
    Abstract: A method and system for making a golf ball core is disclosed. The method may generally include forming a golf ball core out of a raw core material. The golf ball core may be rapidly heated to begin curing (or vulcanizing) from the outermost surface toward the center of the golf ball core. Before curing the entire golf ball core, the golf ball core may be quenched to stop the curing process. As a result, the golf ball core may include an outer cured zone and an inner uncured zone. In this state, the golf ball core may be incorporated into a finished golf ball to be sold to consumers. Following a set of instructions provided with the golf ball, the consumer may heat the golf ball to customize the properties of the golf ball core, and, thus, the characteristics of the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron Craig Bender
  • Publication number: 20130172119
    Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball which has a core of at least one layer and a cover of at least one layer. At least one layer of the core is formed primarily of polybutadiene and includes at least 0.05 part by weight each of (I) a rubber powder obtained by granulating a rubber material containing acrylic acid or a metal salt of acrylic acid and (II) a polyurethane resin powder per 100 parts by weight of rubber component. At least one layer of the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hirotaka SHINOHARA
  • Publication number: 20130172120
    Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball which has a core of at least one layer and a cover of at least one layer. At least one layer of the core is formed primarily of polybutadiene and includes at least 0.05 part by weight each of (I) a rubber powder obtained by granulating a rubber material containing methacrylic acid or a metal salt thereof and (II) a polyurethane resin powder per 100 parts by weight of rubber component. At least one layer of the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotaka SHINOHARA
  • Publication number: 20130172106
    Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball which has a core of at least one layer and a cover of at least one layer. At least one layer of the core is formed primarily of polybutadiene and includes at least 0.05 part by weight each of (I) a rubber powder obtained by granulating a rubber material containing acrylic acid or a metal salt of acrylic acid and (II) a polyurethane resin powder per 100 parts by weight of rubber component. At least one layer of the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotaka SHINOHARA
  • Publication number: 20130165262
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a golf ball which includes a core, optionally one or more intermediate layers; and an outer cover layer, and where one or more of the outer cover or intermediate layers includes a carboxylated elastomer composition, which has an elastomer backbone and one or more pendant carboxy groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130165268
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing golf balls having a solid core formed of a rubber composition and a cover of one or more layer encasing the core is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a solid core, treating a surface of the core with an aqueous solution containing a haloisocyanuric acid and/or a metal salt thereof, washing the surface of the surface-treated core, and covering the washed surface of the core with a cover material. The manufacturing method lowers the burden on the environment, and the golf balls thus obtained have a good feel when struck, a good scuff resistance and a high durability to impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kanae TAJIMA, Takashi OHIRA
  • Publication number: 20130165267
    Abstract: A method of recycling a multi-material inner part of a golf ball includes a variety of steps. The inner part and cover are separated from one another. The inner part is pulverized into pieces. The pieces are placed in a liquid to separate the pieces of one material from the pieces of the other materials. A ball designed for use in such a system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Arthur Molinari
  • Patent number: 8469837
    Abstract: The invention provides a colored golf ball composed of a core, a cover having a plurality of dimples formed on an outside surface thereof, and an inside layer in contact with the cover. The ball satisfies the following conditions: (i) a color difference ?E* between the inside layer and the ball of at least 30; (ii) the inside layer has a lightness L* value, expressed in the L*a*b* color system based on JIS Z8729, of at least 82; (iii) the ball has a lightness L* value of at least 50; (iv) the lightness L* value of the ball?the lightness value of the inside layer; (v) the inside layer has a transparency which is up to 10% in terms of total transmittance and up to 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; (vi) the cover has a transparency which is at least 50% in terms of total transmittance and at least 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; and (vii) the inside layer has a haze (H), mentioned in JIS K7105 (1981), of at least 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Atsuki Kasashima, Kae Iizuka, Takashi Ohira
  • Publication number: 20130157779
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a golf ball which includes a core, optionally one or more intermediate layers; and an outer cover layer. The outer cover layer and/or one or more intermediate layers includes a blend of a) 2 to 60 wt % (based on the total weight of the blend composition) of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes a norbornene-based monomer having the general formula; where R18 to R21 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydrocarbon group and m is from 0 to about 3; and b) about 40 to about 98 wt % (based on the total weight of the blend composition) of one or more additional polymer components. The blend composition has a melt flow index (MFI) from 1 to 80 g/10 min., a material hardness of 30 to 90 Shore D, and a flex modulus of 10 to 120 kpsi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon
  • Publication number: 20130130840
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D; an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D; and a stiff intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness greater than the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is formed from a non-ionomeric composition including a non-ionomeric stiffening polymer and at least one E/Y copolymer or E/X/Y terpolymer, where E is an olefin, Y is a carboxylic acid, and X is a softening comonomer. The intermediate cover layer is formed from a stiff thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea composition and the cover outer cover layer is formed from a thermoset polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventor: ACUSHNET COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130130839
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: William E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20130130838
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: William E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8444508
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having a diameter, a first Shore D hardness and a compression; and a cover having a second Shore D hardness that is at least 5 points less than the first Shore D hardness. The cover includes an ionomer of an alternate copolymer, the alternate copolymer being formed from the reaction product of a copolymer of ethylene and maleic anhydride monomer in the presence of a suitable base, the maleic anhydride monomer being present in an amount of about 78 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130116066
    Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball which has a core of at least one layer and a cover of at least one layer. At least one layer of the core is formed primarily of polybutadiene and includes at least 0.05 part by weight of a polyurethane resin powder having an average particle size of not more than 2 mm per 100 parts by weight of rubber component. At least one layer of the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hirotaka SHINOHARA
  • Publication number: 20130109506
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising: a core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition comprising a carbon-carbon initiator, wherein the outer surface has a hardness that differs from a hardness at the geometric center by up to about 10 Shore C; optionally an intermediate layer disposed about the core; and a cover layer disposed about the core (or intermediate layer where present).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventor: Acushnet Company
  • Patent number: 8430768
    Abstract: The invention provides a colored golf ball comprising a core, a cover having a plurality of dimples formed on its surface, wherein the golf ball is two-piece structure consisting of a core and a cover, and the surface of the ball is coated with a coating comprising a pearlescent pigment. The ball satisfies the following conditions: (i) a color difference ?E* between the core and the ball of at least 30; (ii) the core has a transparency which is up to 10% in terms of total transmittance and up to 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; (iii) the core has a lightness L* value, expressed in the L*a*b* color system based on JIS Z8729, of at least 82; (iv) the ball has a lightness L* value of at least 50; (v) the lightness L* value of the ball ?the lightness L* value of the core; (vi) the cover has a thickness of from 0.1 to 2.1 mm, (vii) the cover has a transparency which is at least 50% in terms of total transmittance and at least 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Hiroshi Nasu
  • Patent number: 8426526
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball that exhibits a high resilience performance and a high flight performance and gives a good shot feeling. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball including: a core including at least one layer; and a cover including at least one layer, the cover being provided to cover the core, wherein the at least one layer of the core is prepared by vulcanization-molding a rubber composition including: (a) a base rubber; (b) a co-crosslinking agent; (c) an organic peroxide; (d) a filler; and (e) a disulfide compound represented by formula (I): R1—S—S—R2??(I) wherein R1 and R2 each represent any one of the following groups: an aromatic hydrocarbon group; an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having two or more carbon atoms; a heterocyclic hydrocarbon group; and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, each of which is optionally substituted, and R1 is a group different from R2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Fushihara, Yumi Kanemitsu
  • Patent number: 8425350
    Abstract: Golf balls and a system for finding golf balls and methods for making golf balls and methods for using such balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased in the shell and a tag which is disposed within the core material and which has at least one perforation. The tag includes a diode and an antenna which are coupled together. Another exemplary golf ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased within the shell and a tag which is within the core material and which includes an electrical element which is coupled to an antenna; the tag is detectable over a range of at least 20 feet from a handheld device, and the golf ball has high durability and substantially complies with the golf ball specifications of the United States Golf Association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: RF Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Lauro C. Cadorniga, Forrest F. Fulton, Noel H. C. Marshall, John Glissman, Kenneth P. Gilliland, Marvin L. Vickers, Gerald Latus
  • Patent number: 8419571
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a solid core formed of a rubber composition and a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, which method includes the steps of treating a surface of the core with a solution containing a halogenated isocyanuric acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and covering the treated core with a cover material. The invention also provides a golf ball obtained by such a method. Golf balls obtained by this method have a good feel and a good scuff resistance, and also have a high durability to impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ohira, Shinichi Hinomoto, Junji Umezawa, Hideo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130090188
    Abstract: A center of a golf ball is formed from a composition having a flexural modulus from 150-450 MPa, a maximum loss factor (tan ?) between ?20 and 0° C. of 0.08 or less, a rebound resilience of 55% or more, and a slab hardness ranging from 40-60 in Shore D hardness. The center composition includes, as a resin component, 30 to 70 mass % of (A) a modified polyester elastomer having a Shore A hardness of 95 or less; 70-30 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 1.0 g/10 min or more; and 0-50 mass % of (C) a thermoplastic resin other than (A) and (B) components (provided that a total content of (A), (B), and (C) components is 100 mass %).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.,
    Inventor: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.,
  • Patent number: 8408891
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball mold that includes a mold body configured as a plurality of mold parts which have at least a parting surface that defines a parting line at a golf ball equator and removably mate to form a cavity having an inner wall with a plurality of dimple-forming protrusions thereon, and a support pin which has an end face with a plurality of dimple-forming protrusions thereon and is extendable into and retractable from the cavity. The support pin extends into the cavity to support a center sphere and, when in a retracted state, the end face thereof defines a portion of the inner wall of the cavity. The end face of the support pin includes a pole of the cavity and has a peripheral edge which intersects a parallel of latitude at 10 degrees from the pole. Using the golf ball mold of the invention, good molded pieces which do not give rise to problems such as appearance defects and irregular flash can be easily and reliably obtained, helping to improve golf ball productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takuma Nakagawa, Katsunori Sato, Yoichi Omura
  • Patent number: 8388466
    Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a cover 6, and a paint layer 8. The golf ball 2 has numerous dimples 10 on the surface thereof. The cover 6 is formed of a resin composition including thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B). The polyisocyanate mixture (B) includes a polyisocyanate compound (B1) having two or more isocyanate groups or a urethane prepolymer (B2) having two or more isocyanate groups. The cover 6 has a hardness of 30 or greater and 55 or less. The cover 6 has a thickness of 1.0 mm or greater and 2.0 mm or less. The ratio of the total volume of all the dimples 10 to the surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball is less than 75%. The dimples 10 have a curvature radius at the edge thereof in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Keiji Ohama, Hirotaka Nakamura, Takahiro Sajima
  • Publication number: 20130053178
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having at least one component made of a composition comprising a polymerized substituted imidazolium liquid ionomer are provided. The multi-piece golf ball contains a core, which may have a dual-core construction including a center and surrounding outer core layer or other multi-layered structure. Preferably at least one of the core layers is formed from a composition comprising a rubber material or highly neutralized acid copolymer (HNP) and the liquid ionomer. The resulting golf ball has high resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
  • Publication number: 20130053182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the cover is formed from a polyurethane composition containing a polyurethane elastomer as a resin component, the polyurethane composition satisfying properties of rebound resilience of 54% or more and a shear loss modulus G? of 5.03×106 Pa or less when measured in a shear mode using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus at the conditions of the temperature of 0° C., and the oscillation frequency of 10 Hz, and the spherical core has a hardness distribution that R2 of a linear approximate curve determined by a least-squares method is 0.95 or more, when plotting JIS-C hardness measured at a center, a surface and at intervals of 2.5 mm from the center of the spherical core, versus distances from the center of the spherical core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Tarao, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Chiemi Mikura, Kazuhisa Fushihara
  • Publication number: 20130017906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls and golf ball components comprising a blend of one or more ionomers mixed with one or more metal or ammonium salts of chelating agent. The resulting modified ionomer compositions have improved proccessability as shown by the increase in melt flow index (12) as compared to the unmodified ionomer analogs while demonstrating an increase in resiliency or speed as shown by increasing COR, while maintaining or showing only a slight increase in hardness as measured by Shore D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Hyun J. Kim, Hong G. Jeon