Abstract: A golf ball comprising a layer made from a liquid rubber composition is disclosed. A castable liquid polybutadiene is the preferred principal rubber component. The molecular weight of the castable liquid polybutadiene is at least about 1,000 and the castable liquid polybutadiene is in a liquid state at room temperature. The castable liquid rubber layer can be a cover layer, a casing layer, an intermediate layer or a core layer.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which is even more excellent in abrasion-resistance, durability and moldability by using a polyurethane ionomer having a novel structure as a base resin of a cover. The golf ball of the present invention has a cover, and the cover comprises, as a base resin, a polyurethane ionomer containing a polycarbonate polyol as a constitutional component.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition is provided, comprising (a) an acid copolymer, (b) a salt of a high molecular weight, monomeric organic acid; (c) a thermoplastic resin; (d) a cation source; and (e) optionally, a filler. Also provided are one-, two- and three-piece golf balls, and multi-layered golf balls comprising the composition of the invention.

Abstract: A golf ball incorporates nanofiller material in its core, cover, or intermediate layers. Also, a method includes a step of blending into a composition for a golf ball nanocomposite material, nanofiller material or both. The nanocomposite and/or nanofiller materials impart favorable properties to materials used for golf balls, and they provide for greater versatility in usage than materials previously used. Particular compositions incorporating nanocomposite material also are described as suited for use in golf ball compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball which exhibits excellent durability and provides a long ball distance. The golf ball includes a core and an outer layer wrapping the core, wherein the outer layer is made of a resin composition containing cation-treated phillosilicate having a Shore D hardness of 56 or higher and 75 or lower. In particular, by use of a resin composition containing the cation-treated phillosilicate for a cover layer, the resultant golf ball has high hardness and high stiffness, exhibits excellent flight performance, and also has high durability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and optionally a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of a copolymer, a metallocene-catalyzed alpha-olefin with a softening comonomer, and a fatty acid or fatty acid salt.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are presently disclosed. These compositions comprise at least one polymer having a plurality of amide linkages and a plurality of anionic moieties attached thereto. These compositions can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as inner center, core, inner core layer, intermediate core layer, outer core layer, intermediate layer, cover, inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer, and/or outer cover layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic compositions comprising partially or fully neutralized carboxylic acid-based ionomers modified with rosin or rosin derivatives and, optionally, organic acids and salts thereof. Methods of preparing the thermoplastic compositions are also provided. The thermoplastic compositions exhibit higher hardness and stiffness than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are golf balls, sporting equipment, and other non-sport articles comprising said thermoplastic compositions and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprises a heated mixture having a melt index of at least 1.0 dg/min, which mixture is composed of (A) a thermoplastic resin, (B) a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of at least 280, and (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups in components A and B. The material including a highly neutralized ionomer resin has good thermal stability, flow characteristics and moldability. The invention is also directed at high-rebound golf balls which can be easily and efficiently manufactured using the same material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photoluminescent golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises an encapsulated photoluminescent composition. The golf ball is clearly visualized at night and under overcast conditions, so that it can be easily found where it lands after tee shots or fairway shots. Additionally, the golf ball has excellent mechanical properties including surface smoothness, driver distance and strength, and offers improved luminescent properties including brightness and decay luminance. Additionally, the photoluminescent pigment has better physical and chemical compatibility with constituent materials of a golf ball, providing a more durable ball than is achieved with conventional photoluminescent pigments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball, which includes a core and a polyurethane cover covering over the core. A composition of the cover includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer which contains, as its component, a compound having three or more reactive functional groups capable of reacting with an isocyanate group. The present invention can provide a golf ball having a cover excellent in abrasion resistance and resiliency.

Abstract: A golf ball a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core or the cover includes a blend of a highly neutralized ionomer formed from a reaction between an ionomer having acid groups, a suitable cation source, and a salt of an organic acid, the cation source being present in an amount sufficient to neutralized the acid by 80% or greater; and a crosslinked or vulcanized diene rubber.

Abstract: Disclosed are molded articles such as covers, mantles and cores for golf balls, one-piece thermoplastic golf balls, and heel counters and toe puffs for footwear, prepared from compositions comprising thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic carboxylic acid-based ionomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes and thermoset polyurethanes modified with micropulp produced from organic fibers. The compositions are tougher, stronger, and more scuff and abrasion resistant than typical ionomer compositions. Also disclosed are methods for making golf balls comprising said compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core having a diameter of at least 1.5 inches, at least one inner cover layer encasing the core, and an outer cover layer encasing the inner cover layer. The inner cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches and is formed from a material selected from polyamides, polyesters, fluoropolymers, silicones, ionomers, crosslinked rubbers, and mixtures thereof. The outer cover layer has a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches, is softer than the inner cover layer, and is formed from a composition comprising polybutadiene, an organosulfur compound, and a co-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention provides golf balls with a core and with one or more layers, preferably cover layers, formed of a saturated rubber/ionomer block copolymer comprising one or more neutral thermoplastic polymer blocks and one or more ionomeric blocks. The saturated rubber block is preferably polyisobutylene, and the ionomer block may be a cationomer block or an anionomer block. Various block cationomers comprising polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) are preferred. The golf balls of the present invention have been found to provide improved scuff resistance while providing a greater coefficient of friction for improved spin and feel properties.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover of one or more layers, at least one layer of the cover is formed primarily of a mixture comprising (A) an ionomer resin, (B) a thermoplastic elastomer and (C) a thermoplastic block copolymer terminated with a functional group capable of reacting with the ionomer resin, in such a proportion as to provide a A/(B+C) weight ratio between 50/50 and 98/2 and a B/C weight ratio between 9/1 and 1/1. The golf ball has improved rebound, a soft feel upon impact, good durability and good moldability.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprising a heated mixture of (a) a random copolymer containing at least 5% by weight of a metal ion-neutralized unsaturated carboxylic acid having an acid content of at least 16% by weight, (b) a thermoplastic elastomer, (c) a fatty acid and/or derivative thereof having a molecular weight of 280–1,500, and (d) a basic metal compound capable of neutralizing unneutralized acid groups in components (a) and (c) has good thermal stability, flow and moldability, and can be molded into a part exhibiting excellent rebound, ensuring the manufacture of golf balls with high performance.

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 polymer blend including a highly neutralized polymer formed from an oxa acid, a thermoplastic resin, and an inorganic metal compound, an organic amine, or a combination thereof, wherein greater than about 70 percent of the acid groups in the polymer blend are neutralized.

Abstract: A composition including a non-silicone material, a silicone material, and a crosslinking agent. The composition forms a structure selected from the group consisting of an interpenetrating network structure and a thermoplastic vulcanizate structure.

Abstract: Golf balls and methods of making same having at least one layer including a microporous composition, wherein the microporous composition includes a polymer component and a filler component and interconnecting pores, so as to improve adhesion between layers, printability of layers, and increase the cure time of the layers and the overall golf ball.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover of plural layers, a cover inner layer is formed primarily of an ionomer resin in admixture with a compound containing at least two reactive functional groups and having a molecular weight of up to 20,000 and a cover outer layer is formed primarily of a non-ionomer resin. The ball is fully durable to repeated impact, and maintains good spin performance, rebound characteristics and feel even after repeated impact.

Abstract: A golf ball material comprises a heated mixture having a melt index of at least 1.0 dg/min, which mixture is composed of (A) a thermoplastic resin, (B) a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative having a molecular weight of at least 280, and (C) a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups in components A and B. The material including a highly neutralized ionomer resin has good thermal stability, flow characteristics and moldability. The invention is also directed at high-rebound golf balls which can be easily and efficiently manufactured using the same material.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved polyurethane ionomers and methods for making the same. It was found that the polyurethane anionomers obtained by using the method of the invention had improved physical properties than those made by conventional methods. For example, the polyurethane ionomers produced by the method of the invention exhibit a plateau in the plot of elasticity modulus (as log10E?) vs. temperature over a useful and relatively broad temperature and frequency range. The polyurethane ionomers have nearly temperature-independent elasticity over a 50° C. range in the region of ˜?20 to +75° C. Another advantage is that the polyurethane ionomers of the invention are optically clearer than the conventionally prepared polyurethane ionomers. A further advantage of the invention is that the synthetic process of making the polyurethane ionomers is much faster than the known process for equivalent compositions. Additionally, striking tensile strength properties were observed for the polyurethane ionomers.

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of improved polyurethane ionomers with other polymers and methods for making the same. It was found that the blends of polyurethane anionomers obtained by using the method of the invention had improved physical properties than those made by conventional methods.

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.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core and the cover is formed of a composition comprising an organic, inorganic, or metallic nanoparticulate material having a particle size of less than about 1000 nm and at least one matrix material.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core having a compression greater than about 55; and an outer cover comprising an acid-functional polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer thereof, the outer cover having a Shore D hardness of at least about 25, a thickness of from at least about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches, and a specific gravity of at least about 0.7.

Abstract: A mixture having good thermal stability, flow and moldability and suitable as a golf ball-forming material is obtained when a base resin comprising a (metal ion-neutralized) olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylate ternary random copolymer and optionally a (metal ion-neutralized) olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid binary random copolymer is blended with specific proportions of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid derivative and a basic inorganic metal compound capable of neutralizing acidic groups left unneutralized in the base resin and fatty acid. Using the same material, high-rebound golf balls can be effectively manufactured.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a resin composition which gives a molding excellent in flexibility, impact resilience and mechanical properties and a golf ball having the better shot feel, a long carry, and the excellent cutting resistance when used in a golf ball cover. The resin composition of the present invention is characterized in comprising an ionomer resin, an alkoxysilyl group-containing hydrogenated conjugated diene-based polymer and/or an amino group-containing hydrogenated conjugated diene-based polymer. Alkoxysilyl group content and amino group content in the above-mentioned polymers are preferably 0.0001 to 5 mmol/g, respectively. The golf ball of the invention is characterized in that core is covered with a cover material using the above-mentioned resin composition.

Abstract: A golf ball providing rebound performance, spin performance, resistance to abrasion and anti-wearability in an excellent balance is formed of a core and a cover arranged to cover the core and formed mainly of diene rubber having a smaller trans structure content before it is crosslinked than after it is crosslinked, in particular by 2 to 20%. The diene rubber is preferably polybutadiene rubber and as the cover's co-crosslinking agent a metallic salt of ?,?-ethylene unsaturated carboxylic acid is used.

Abstract: Golf ball cover and intermediate layers incorporate specified triblock copolymers, a base polymer, and also a polymeric modifier that incorporates an impact modifier, a copolymer or terpolymer having specified functional groups, or mixtures of these. The ball layers provide for good ball characteristics, including feel and controllability, while also providing for superior shear-cut resistance and resistance to cracking. Related methods for making golf ball layers provide for balls having these characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball providing resistance to abrasion and resistance to wear generally in an excellent balance is formed of a core and a cover arranged to cover the core, the cover being formed of a compound containing relative to 100 parts by mass of a polymer component thereof composed mainly of polybutadiene rubber 1-40 parts by mass of a reinforcement material formed of organic short fiber and 10-40 parts by mass of a metallic salt of ?,?-ethylene unsaturated carboxylic acid. It is characterized in that the organic short fiber is suitably a ternary composite formed of a rubber component, a polyolefin component and a nylon component and the metallic salt of ?,?-ethylene unsaturated carboxylic acid is suitably zinc acrylate, zinc methacrylate, magnesium acrylate or magnesium methacrylate.

Abstract: A golf ball and process for forming a golf ball having at least one layer, where the layer is formed of a polymer blend comprising a thermoplastic component having a flexural modulus of about 60,000 psi or greater and at least one oxa ester, oxa acid, or a combination thereof. The thermoplastic component may be a high acid acid ionomer or a saponified ionomer.

Abstract: A golf ball which is excellent in durability, sufficient to be used in a golf practice range, wherein the golf ball includes a core, a cover covering the core, and a mark printed on the surface of the cover, wherein: the cover is formed from a mixture of an ionomer and an epoxy group-containing polymer and the mark is printed with an ink containing a pigment, an isocyanate compound, and a base resin which is curable with the isocyanate compound.

Abstract: A material comprising a heated mixture of (A) an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylate copolymer, a metal ion neutralized product thereof, or a mixture thereof, (B) a polyurethane elastomer, and (C) an organic or inorganic basic compound has improved thermal stability, flow and moldability. Using the material, golf balls having good rebound are effectively manufactured.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a portion formed from a golf ball-forming composition containing at least one kind selected from a crosslinked silicone rubber powder and a crosslinked silicone resin powder. Each of the crosslinked silicone rubber powder and the crosslinked silicone resin powder has an average particle size in a range of 60 to 500 &mgr;m. The golf ball is excellent in durability against repetitive hitting and adhesiveness of a coating film, and particularly, has a good resilience and a long flight distance in both a wide temperature range and a wide hitting head speed range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel golf ball cover composition comprised of a blend of a new metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resin and an ionomer resin containing an additional comonomer of the acrylate ester class. When the new ionomer resin blend is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby exhibits an improved combination of distance, playability, and/or durability properties.

Abstract: Golf balls having at least one layer formed from compositions including a polyamide a copolymer that lacks affinity for water formed from at least one dibasic acid and at least one diamine. The polyamide copolymer compositions may be mixed with ionomers or non-ionomers, including grafted or non-grafted metallocene catalyzed polymers.

Abstract: A golf ball material containing (a) a calcium ion-neutralized olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylate random copolymer having an acid content of 2-12% by weight, and (b) a calcium ion-neutralized olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer having an acid content of 8-15% by weight, in a weight ratio from 100:0 to 40:60, and having a Shore D hardness of 30-60 is effectively moldable and is capable of providing golf balls with excellent rebound energy and a pleasant feel when hit.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core; and a cover layer disposed concentrically about the core; wherein at least one of the core or the cover is formed of a polymer comprising metallized lipid-based nanotubules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having enhanced durability of the clear coating film and the mark. The golf ball of the invention comprises: a ball body having an ionomer resin cover; an epoxy coating film formed on the ball body, a polyurethane clear coating film formed on the epoxy coating film, wherein the epoxy coating film is made by curing an epoxy resin with a polyamide curing agent; and the polyurethane clear coating film is made by curing a polyol with an isocyanate curing agent, wherein the polyol is a mixture of a polyester polyol and a polyether polyol.

Abstract: A golf ball superior in resilience performance, cut resistance and spin performance is provided. The golf ball is composed of a core and a cover surrounding the core. The cover is formed of a composition having 0.5-20 parts by weight of organic short fiber blended with respect to 100 parts by weight of a polymer component having thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. Thermoplastic resin may also be blended in the polymer component. The cover composition has a flexural rigidity of 80-300 MPa, and the cover surface has a Shore D hardness of 41-56.

Abstract: A golf ball bearing a mark having superior durability and glittering in a gold color is provided. The mark is obtained by printing with use of the ink having a resin and a metal powder including particles each having a main body of copper and a copper-zinc alloy portion on a surface of the main body. The preferable metal powder has a mean particle diameter of at most 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A golf ball maintaining favorable shot feeling, exhibiting great spin rate when hit by a short iron or the like, and that easily comes to a halt, and with high spin maintenance is provided. In a golf ball including a core and a cover surrounding the core, the cover includes an ionomer resin (A component), a thermoplastic elastomer with a rubber component or a modified product thereof (B component), and a resin (C component) having solubility with the thermoplastic elastomer with a rubber segment or a modified product thereof. The mixed ratio of the A component/B component is 0.25-4, and the C component/B component is 0.1-0.9.

Abstract: Thermoplastics with high resilience (high coefficient of restitution) and softness (low Atti compressions) and their use in golf ball components. Melt-processible, highly-neutralized ethylene acid copolymers and process for making them by incorporating an aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid in the acid copolymer and then neutralizing greater than 90% of all the acid groups present.

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.

Abstract: A golf ball material containing (a) a calcium ion-neutralized olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylate random copolymer having an acid content of 2-12% by weight, and (b) a calcium ion-neutralized olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer having an acid content of 8-15% by weight, in a weight ratio from 100:0 to 40:60, and having a Shore D hardness of 30-60 is effectively moldable and is capable of providing golf balls with excellent rebound energy and a pleasant feel when hit.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core or the cover is formed from a composition comprising at least one acid functional polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A golf ball exhibits a high spin and easily comes to a halt even when shot from the rough or when shot in a raining condition. The cover material of the golf ball is based on ionomer resin. The cover material has 5-50 parts by weight of a tackifier such as terpene resins, rosin ester resins or the like blended with respect to 100 parts by weight of the base material.