Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080227567 | COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS - A golf ball comprises a core, an outer cover layer, and, optionally, an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer. The outer cover layer may comprise a polyurethane or polyurea composition. At least one portion of the golf ball comprises a composition that enhances physical properties and/or performance characteristics (e.g., coefficient of restitution) of the golf ball. Preferably, the coefficient of restitution of the core is 0.8 or greater. | 09-18-2008 |
20080234068 | Functionalized, Crosslinked, Rubber Nanoparticles for Use in Golf Ball Cores - A golf ball including a core formed from a polymer blend comprising a microgel having a T | 09-25-2008 |
20080234069 | Functionalized, Crosslinked, Rubber Nanoparticles for Use in Golf Ball Castable Thermoset Layers - A golf ball including a core formed from a thermoset rubber material; and an outer cover layer having a water vapor transmission rate and formed from a polymer blend including a microgel having a T | 09-25-2008 |
20080234070 | Functionalized, Crosslinked, Rubber Nanoparticles for Use in Golf Ball Intermediate Layers - A golf ball including a core; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and outer cover layer, the inner cover layer being formed from a polymer blend including a microgel having a Tg of 20° C. or greater formed from a monomer, a co-monomer, and an initiator; and a thermoplastic material. | 09-25-2008 |
20080268982 | Golf Ball Compositions - Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a hydroquinone. A ratio of the amount of the hydroquinone present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, to the amount of free radical initiator present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, is generally from 0.05 to 2. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches. | 10-30-2008 |
20080274824 | Golf Ball Compositions - Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a quinhydrone. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274828 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a benzoquinone. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274829 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274830 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a quinhydrone. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274831 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a free radical initiator, and a hydroquinone. A ratio of the amount of the hydroquinone present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, to the amount of free radical initiator present in the rubber composition, measured in parts by weight, is generally from 0.05 to 2. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274832 | Golf Ball Compositions - Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a resorcinol. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274833 | Golf Ball Compositions - Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a benzoquinone. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274834 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Golf balls comprising a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a dual- or multi-layer core, wherein at least one layer is formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a catechol. The core layer formed from such rubber composition has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the layer's outer surface hardness and inner surface hardness is 5 Shore C units or greater. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274835 | Golf Ball Compositions - Golf balls consisting of a core and a cover are disclosed. The core is a solid, single-layer core formed from a rubber composition comprising a catechol. The core has a positive hardness gradient such that the difference between the core's surface hardness and the core's center hardness is 25 Shore C units or greater and/or the core has a diameter of from 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches. | 11-06-2008 |
20090008831 | Negative Hardness Gradient Core Produced from a Low, Time-Based Cure Cycle Index - A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition;_curing the preform for a first isothermal step at a cure cycle index of 60 or less to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer diameter of 1.0 inches or greater, and an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness equal to or greater than the first to define a zero hardness gradient or a negative hardness gradient, wherein the cure cycle index has a formula | 01-08-2009 |
20090008832 | Negative Hardness Gradient Core Produced from a Low, Temperature-Based Cure Cycle Index - A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition; curing the preform for a first isothermal step at a cure cycle index of 200 or less to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer diameter of 1.0 inches or greater, and an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness equal to or greater than the first to define a zero hardness gradient or a negative hardness gradient, wherein the cure cycle index has a formula | 01-08-2009 |
20090011855 | Golf Ball Core with Soft Outer Transition Volume and Negative Hardness Gradient - A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011857 | Golf Ball with Negative Hardness Gradient Core - A golf ball including an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center, the inner core having a hardness of 35 to 55 Shore C; an outer core layer adjacent the inner core having a second outer surface and an inner surface, the outer core layer having a hardness of 55 to 90 Shore C; and a cover layer; wherein the hardness of the first outer surface is substantially the same as or lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a first negative hardness gradient, and the hardness of the second outer surface is substantially the same as or lower than the hardness of the inner surface to define a second negative hardness gradient. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011859 | Negative Hardness Gradient Inner Core for Dual Core Golf Ball - A golf ball includes an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center and is formed from a first substantially homogenous formulation throughout such that the inner core has a hardness of 30 Shore C to 45 Shore C. An outer core layer is formed around the inner core and has a second outer surface and an inner surface and is formed from a second substantially homogenous formulation throughout such that the outer core layer has a hardness of 60 Shore C to 95 Shore C. A cover layer is formed around the outer core layer. The hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient, and the hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011862 | Golf Ball with Negative Hardness Gradient Core - A golf ball comprising a core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous formulation throughout; intermediate layer; and a cover layer; wherein the surface and center have a hardness, the hardness of the surface being substantially the same as or lower than the hardness of the center, and wherein a ratio of antioxidant to initiator used in said formulation is greater than about 0.40 when normalized to 100% activity. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011863 | Negative Hardness Gradient Inner Core for Dual Core Golf Ball - A golf ball includes an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of 45 Shore C to 65 Shore C. An intermediate layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface and an inner surface and is formed from a thermoplastic composition comprising an ionomer whose acid groups are 100% neutralized such that the intermediate layer has a hardness of 20 Shore D to 80 Shore D. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The inner core outer surface hardness is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient, and the hardness of the outer surface of the intermediate layer is the same as the hardness of the inner surface to define a zero hardness gradient. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011866 | Multi-Layer Core Golf Ball Having Opposing Hardness Gradient with Steep Gradient Inner Core Layer - A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol such that the geometric center has a hardness of 40 to 60 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 70 to 95 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C, an inner surface having a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the inner core outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of greater than 20 Shore C, and the hardness of the outer core outer surface is lower than the hardness of its inner surface to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −5 Shore C. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011867 | Multi-Layer Core Golf Ball Having Opposing Hardness Gradient with Steep Gradient Outer Core Layer - A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center has a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 85 to 98 Shore C and an inner surface having a hardness of 68 to 78 Shore C and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of greater than 15 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −5 Shore C. | 01-08-2009 |
20090020911 | Method of Treating Rubber Composition with Cure Inihibitor to Create Soft Skin in Golf Ball Core - A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a first cure-altering material; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball. | 01-22-2009 |
20090023865 | Method of Treating Rubber Composition with Cure Inhibitor to Create Soft Skin in Golf Ball Core - A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a preform comprising an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a cure-altering material comprising an organosulfur compound, an inorganic sulfide compound, or a metal-containing organosulfur compound; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball. | 01-22-2009 |
20090124413 | Thermoplastic Core having a Hardness Gradient Formed from a Gradient-Initiating Solution - A golf ball including a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer between the core and the outer cover layer. The thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a solvent, free radical initiator, and a reactive co-agent comprising a metal salt of an acrylic or methacrylic acid, a mono- or multi-functional acrylate or methacrylate, or having the chemical structure | 05-14-2009 |
20090124414 | Dual Core Golf Ball having Negative-Hardness-Gradient Thermoplastic Inner Core and Steep Negative-Hardness-Gradient Outer Core Layer - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a first “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness greater than its outer surface hardness to also define a “negative” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. The “negative” hardness gradient of the inner core is typically −1 to −5 Shore C and the “negative” hardness gradient of the core layer is typically at least −7 Shore C. The difference between the inner core surface hardness and the outer core inner surface hardness, Δh, should be at least −3 Shore C. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124415 | Dual Core Golf Ball having Negative-Hardness-Gradient Thermoplastic Inner Core and Shallow Negative-Hardness-Gradient Outer Core Layer - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a first “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness greater than its outer surface hardness to also define a “negative” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. The “negative” hardness gradient of the inner core is typically −1 to −5 Shore C and the “negative” hardness gradient of the core layer is typically at least −1 Shore C but less than −7 Shore C. The difference between the inner core surface hardness and the outer core inner surface hardness, Δh, should be at least −3 Shore C. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124416 | Dual Core Golf Ball having Negative-Hardness-Gradient Thermoplastic Inner Core and Steep Positive-Hardness-Gradient Thermoset Outer Core Layer - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness substantially less than its outer surface hardness to define a “positive” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. The “negative” hardness gradient of the inner core is typically −1 to −5 Shore C and the “positive” hardness gradient of the core layer is typically at least 25 Shore C. The difference between the inner core surface hardness and the outer core inner surface hardness, Δh, should be at least 25 Shore C. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124417 | Dual Core Golf Ball having Negative-Hardness-Gradient Thermoplastic Inner Core and Shallow Positive-Hardness-Gradient Thermoset Outer Core Layer - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness less than its outer surface hardness to define a “positive” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. The “negative” hardness gradient of the inner core is typically −1 to −5 Shore C and the “positive” hardness gradient of the core layer is less than 25 Shore C points. The difference between the inner core surface hardness and the outer core inner surface hardness, Δh, should be less than 25 Shore C points. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124418 | High-Energy Radiation Positive Hardness Gradient in a Thermoplastic Golf Ball Core - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the thermoplastic core has been exposed to sufficient high-energy radiation such that the hardness of the outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124419 | Silane-Based Gradient-Initiating Solution for Thermoplastic Core having a Positive Hardness Gradient - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a silane having the formula: | 05-14-2009 |
20090124426 | THERMOPLASTIC CORE HAVING A NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT FORMED FROM A PLASTICIZER-BASED GRADIENT-INITIATING SOLUTION - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core, the core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the hardness of the outer surface is less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a “negative” hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124427 | THERMOPLASTIC CORE HAVING A NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT FORMED FROM A PLASTICIZER-BASED GRADIENT-INITIATING SOLUTION - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic core, the core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches and having an outer surface and a geometric center, each having a hardness; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and the outer cover layer; wherein the thermoplastic core has been chemically modified by esterification or saponification such that the hardness of the outer surface is less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater. | 05-14-2009 |
20090176023 | GOLF BALL LAYER HAVING REDUCED SURFACE HARDNESS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of making a golf ball comprising the steps of providing an untreated golf ball core comprising a thermoset rubber composition, the untreated golf ball core comprising an untreated outer surface having a hardness; treating the untreated outer surface of the untreated golf ball core with a surface-softening material comprising at least one fatty acid or fatty acid salt composition to form a golf ball core comprising a treated outer surface having a hardness less than the hardness of the untreated outer surface; and forming at least one cover layer about the core to form the golf ball. Also, the untreated core may comprise a geometric center and an untreated outer surface, each having a hardness such that the hardness of the treated outer surface is less than both the hardness of the untreated geometric center and the hardness of the untreated outer surface. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has an outer surface that is treated with at least one fatty acid such that the outer surface has a hardness ratio (R) of the hardness after treatment (H | 07-09-2009 |
20090181803 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 07-16-2009 |
20090181804 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. At least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of less than 1.05 g/cc and/or at least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of greater than 1.25 g/cc. | 07-16-2009 |
20090197702 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber inner core, a thermoplastic first intermediate core layer, a thermoplastic second intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 08-06-2009 |
20090197703 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber inner core, a thermoset rubber first intermediate core layer, a thermoplastic second intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. The inner core is preferably formed from a softer rubber than the first intermediate core layer. | 08-06-2009 |
20090197704 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber. | 08-06-2009 |
20090197705 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber inner core, a thermoset rubber first intermediate core layer, a thermoplastic second intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. The inner core is preferably formed from a harder rubber than the first intermediate core layer. | 08-06-2009 |
20090253535 | GOLF BALL WITH NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - 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 and having a thickness of about 5 mm or lower, an outer core region adjacent the outer core surface and having a thickness of about 5 mm or lower, and an intermediate core region disposed between the inner and outer core regions. The single layer core has a first hardness disposed within the inner core region, a second hardness disposed within the outer core region, and a third hardness disposed within the intermediate core region, wherein the first hardness and second hardness are greater than the third hardness and a hardness of the outer surface is substantially the same as or lower than a hardness of the geometric center. | 10-08-2009 |
20090280928 | GOLF BALL WITH HEAT RESISTANT LAYER - A golf ball comprising of an outer core layer, or an inner cover layer having heat resistant properties to facilitate compression molding of a thermosetting polybutadiene-comprising layer over at least one thermoplastic layer. The ball comprises a thermoplastic inner core or core layer comprising of a low vicat highly neutralized ionomer material having a low melting point of less than 100° C., and a Shore C surface hardness of less than 80 and a compression of less than 70, wherein an outer adjacent thermoset layer is placed around the inner core or core layer, the thermoset layer comprising comprising a peroxide that decomposes at low temperatures forming free radical initiators with short half lives, therein reducing the molding temperature of the high vicat layer and subsequently reducing the temperature and/or time the softer thermoplastic layer is exposed to the high heat. | 11-12-2009 |
20100004070 | NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT INNER CORE FOR DUAL CORE GOLF BALL - A golf ball including an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 90 Shore C; an outer core layer disposed about the inner core having a second outer surface and being formed from a second substantially homogenous composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 95 Shore C; and a cover layer disposed about the outer core layer. The geometric center and first and second outer surfaces each have a hardness, the hardness of the second outer surface being lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004071 | NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT INNER CORE FOR DUAL CORE GOLF BALL - A golf ball includes an inner core having a first outer surface and a center formed from a homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of 40 to 80 Shore C; an outer core layer disposed about the inner core having a second outer surface and an inner surface, formed from a homogenous composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of 60 to 90 Shore C; and a cover layer including at least two layers. The center, first and second outer surfaces, and inner surface each have a hardness, the first outer surface hardness being lower than the center hardness to define a negative hardness gradient, and the second outer surface hardness being greater than the inner surface hardness by 10 to 20 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient. | 01-07-2010 |
20100004073 | NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT INNER CORE FOR DUAL CORE GOLF BALL - A golf ball includes an inner core having a first outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a first substantially homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of about 60 Shore C to about 90 Shore C; an intermediate layer disposed about the inner core and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber-based composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of about 20 Shore D to about 80 Shore D; and a cover layer disposed about the intermediate layer. A hardness of the first outer surface is 61 Shore C to 83 Shore C and is lower than a hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient having a magnitude of up to −10. | 01-07-2010 |
20100022329 | RUBBER COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING BENZOQUINONES AND THE USE THEREOF IN GOLF BALLS - The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber, at least 0.05 parts by weight of a free radical initiator, per 100 parts of the base rubber, and at least 0.1 parts by weight of a benzoquinone, per 100 parts of the base rubber. The rubber composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer. | 01-28-2010 |
20100048327 | Highly-Neutralized Golf Ball Compositions - 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 highly neutralized polymer composition having greater than about 70 percent of the acid groups neutralized by a neutralizing agent including ammonium salts, monoamine salts, inner salts, chelates and their ligands, surfactants, phospholipids, ionic liquids, long-chain organic carbonates, main-chain heteroatom-substituted fatty acids, or a combination thereof. | 02-25-2010 |
20100075779 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a soft thermoset rubber center, a stiff thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thin thermoset rubber outer core layer. The maximum hardness of the core is a point or region located at a distance of from 0.1 mm to 8.0 mm measured radially inward from the outer surface of the core. The maximum core hardness is preferably at least 10% greater than the outer surface hardness of the core. | 03-25-2010 |
20100081517 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition. | 04-01-2010 |
20100087276 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. In a first embodiment, the golf ball comprises a two layer core and a cover disposed about the two layer core. The two layer core comprises an inner core layer and an outer core layer disposed about the inner core layer. The inner core layer comprises a geometric center and a first outer surface. The inner core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 80 Shore C. The geometric center comprises a first hardness and the first outer surface comprises a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness to define a negative hardness gradient about 23 Shore C or less. The outer core layer comprises an inner surface and a second outer surface. The outer core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 40 Shore C to about 75 Shore C. The inner surface comprises a third hardness and the second outer surface comprises a fourth hardness, wherein the fourth hardness is greater than the third hardness. The outer core layer further comprises a fifth hardness disposed between the inner surface and the second outer surface in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, wherein the fifth hardness is less than third hardness and the fourth hardness. Finally, the fourth hardness is less than the first hardness to define a two layer core having a negative hardness gradient of no greater than 15 Shore C. The a region may alternatively extend radially from the geometric center about 13 mm to about 20 mm and the diameter of the inner core layer may be about 26 mm or less. The present invention is also directed to a golf ball having certain Shore D hardnesses as disclosed herein. | 04-08-2010 |
20100093467 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. In a first embodiment, the golf ball comprises a two layer core and a cover disposed about the two layer core. The two layer core comprises an inner core layer and an outer core layer disposed about the inner core layer. The inner core layer comprises a geometric center and a first outer surface. The inner core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 80 Shore C. The geometric center comprises a first hardness and the first outer surface comprises a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness to define a negative hardness gradient about 20 Shore C or less. The outer core layer comprises an inner surface and a second outer surface. The outer core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 90 Shore C. The inner surface comprises a third hardness and the second outer surface comprises a fourth hardness, wherein the fourth hardness is greater than the third hardness. The outer core layer further comprises a fifth hardness disposed between the inner surface and the second outer surface in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, wherein the fifth hardness is greater than the first hardness, the third hardness and the fourth hardness. Finally, the fourth hardness is greater than the first hardness to define a two layer core having a positive hardness gradient of less than about 20 Shore C. In a second embodiment, the dual layer core differs from that of the first embodiment at least in that: The outer core has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 80 Shore C, the fifth hardness is greater than the third hardness and the fourth hardness and similar to the first hardness; and the fourth hardness is less than the first hardness to define a two layer core having a negative hardness gradient of less than about 10 Shore C or the fourth hardness is less than the first hardness to define a two layer core having a negative hardness gradient of less than about 7 Shore C. The present invention is also directed to a golf ball having certain Shore D hardnesses as disclosed herein. | 04-15-2010 |
20100099517 | GOLF BALL COMPRISING A CORE LAYER HAVING A HARDNESS GRADIENT AND TRANS GRADIENT - A golf ball includes a ‘dual core’ formed from an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core has an outer surface and a center and is typically formed from a substantially-homogenous rubber composition such that the center of the core has a hardness of about 72 Shore C to about 78 Shore C and a trans content of about 5% to 9%, and the outer surface of the inner core has a trans content of about 5% to 9%. The trans content of the outer surface and the center of the inner core are preferably within 2% of each other and, more preferably are substantially the same to define a zero trans gradient along a radius of the inner core. | 04-22-2010 |
20100160083 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - A multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. The inner and outer core layers comprise a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 80 Shore C. The inner core layer comprises a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, the geometric center comprising a hardness different from that of the outer surface to define a positive or negative hardness gradient of about 20 Shore C or lower. The outer core layer comprises a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, the second outer surface hardness being less than that of the inner surface to define a negative hardness gradient of about 15 Shore C or lower. A further outer core layer hardness, disposed in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, is greater than that of the inner and second outer surfaces. Also, the second outer surface hardness is less than that of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of about 15 Shore C or lower. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160084 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - A multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. The inner core layer comprises a plurality of hardnesses of from about 40 Shore C to about 85 Shore C, a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and a first outer surface comprising a hardness greater than a hardness of a geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of about 20 Shore C or greater. The outer core layer comprises a plurality of hardnesses of from about 65 Shore C to about 95 Shore C, a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and a second outer surface comprising a hardness greater than that of an inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of about 20 Shore C or lower. A further outer core layer hardness, disposed in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, is greater than that of the inner and second outer surfaces. Also, the hardness of second outer surface is greater than that of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of about 30 Shore C or greater. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160085 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - A multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. The inner core layer comprises a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 90 Shore C, a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and a geometric center comprising a hardness greater than that of a first outer surface to define a negative hardness gradient of about 15 Shore C or greater. The outer core layer comprises a plurality of harnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 95 Shore C, a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and a second outer surface comprising a hardness greater than that of an inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of about 20 Shore C or greater. A further outer core layer hardness, disposed in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, is greater than that of the inner and second outer surfaces. Also, the hardness of the second outer surface is similar to or less than that of the geometric center. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160086 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. In a first embodiment, the golf ball comprises a two layer core and a cover disposed about the two layer core. The two layer core comprises an inner core layer and an outer core layer disposed about the inner core layer. The inner core layer comprises a geometric center and a first outer surface. The inner core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 90 Shore C. The geometric center comprises a first hardness and the first outer surface comprises a second hardness wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness to define a negative hardness gradient of about 15 Shore C or greater. The outer core layer comprises an inner surface and a second outer surface. The outer core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 40 Shore C to about 75 Shore C. The inner surface comprises a third hardness and the second outer surface comprises a fourth hardness, wherein the fourth hardness is similar to or less than the third hardness. The outer core layer further comprises a fifth hardness disposed between the inner surface and the second outer surface in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, wherein the fifth hardness is less than the third hardness and the fourth hardness. Finally, the fourth hardness is similar to or less than the first hardness. The present invention is also directed to a golf ball having certain Shore D hardnesses as disclosed herein. | 06-24-2010 |
20100173726 | GOLF BALL HAVING REDUCED SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core comprising an outer surface and a geometric center, the outer surface being treated with and comprising a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, the outer surface further having a first hardness and the geometric center having a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is the same as or different than the second hardness. | 07-08-2010 |
20100173727 | GOLF BALL HAVING REDUCED SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the core further comprising an untreated region extending radially from the geometric center a predetermined distance D | 07-08-2010 |
20100215867 | METHOD OF TREATING RUBBER COMPOSITION WITH CURE INHIBITOR TO CREATE SOFT SKIN IN GOLF BALL CORE - A method of making a golf ball including the steps of providing a preform including an uncured polybutadiene composition; coating the preform with a cure-altering material including a hydroquinone compound, a benzoquinone compound, a resorcinol compound, or a quinhydrone compound; curing the coated preform at a predetermined temperature to form a crosslinked golf ball core having an outer surface having a first hardness and a geometric center having a second hardness greater than the first to define a negative hardness gradient; and forming a cover layer about the core to form the golf ball. | 08-26-2010 |
20100216573 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 08-26-2010 |
20100222157 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222158 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 09-02-2010 |
20100227706 | MULTI-LAYER COVER GOLF BALL HAVING NON-IONOMERIC INTERMEDIATE COVER LAYER - A golf ball includes a core and a cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D, an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D, and a non-ionomeric thermoplastic intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layer. The intermediate layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer, the intermediate layer from a non-ionomer, and the cover outer cover layer from a polyurea formed from the reaction product of a prepolymer comprising an isocyanate and an amine-terminated polytetramethylene ether glycol, and an amine-terminated curing agent. | 09-09-2010 |
20100227707 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. In a first embodiment, the golf ball comprises a two layer core and a cover disposed about the two layer core. The two layer core comprises an inner core layer and an outer core layer disposed about the inner core layer. The inner core layer comprises a geometric center and a first outer surface. The inner core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 60 Shore C to about 85 Shore C. The geometric center comprises a first hardness and the first outer surface comprises a second hardness wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of from about 5 Shore C to about 20 Shore C. The outer core layer comprises an inner surface and a second outer surface. The outer core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 60 Shore C to about 95 Shore C. The inner surface comprises a third hardness and the second outer surface comprises a fourth hardness wherein the fourth hardness is greater than the third hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of about 20 Shore C or lower. The third hardness may be similar to the second hardness. The outer core layer further comprises a fifth hardness disposed between the inner surface and the second outer surface in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, wherein the fifth hardness is greater than the third hardness and the fourth hardness. Alternatively, the region may extend radially from about 13 mm to about 20 mm from the geometric center. Finally, the fourth hardness is greater than the first hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of about 30 Shore C or lower. In a second embodiment, the outer core layer differs from that of the first embodiment at least in that: the fourth hardness is less than the third hardness to define a negative hardness gradient of about 20 Shore C or lower; the fifth hardness is less than the third hardness and the fourth hardness; and the fourth hardness is greater than the first hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of about 18 Shore C or lower. The present invention is also directed to a golf ball having certain Shore D hardnesses as disclosed herein. | 09-09-2010 |
20100227711 | MULTI-LAYER COVER GOLF BALL HAVING NON-IONOMERIC INTERMEDIATE COVER LAYER - A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed adjacent the core, the cover including an ionomeric thermoplastic inner cover layer disposed about the core and having a hardness of 55 Shore D to 60 Shore D; a castable thermoset polyurethane outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D; and a non-ionomeric thermoplastic intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers, the non-ionomeric intermediate cover layer being formed of a polyester/polycarbonate blend and having a hardness greater than both the inner and outer cover layers; wherein the inner cover layer has a first thickness, the outer cover layer has a second thickness, and the intermediate cover layer has a third thickness less than the first or second thickness by at least 20%. | 09-09-2010 |
20100234139 | GOLF BALL WITH AN IONOMERIC INNER COVER, STIFF TPU INTERMEDIATE COVER, AND CAST THERMOSET OUTER COVER - A golf ball includes a core and a cover disposed adjacent 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 non-ionomeric thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer and the outer cover layer is formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234140 | GOLF BALL WITH A NON-IONOMERIC INNER COVER, STIFF TPU INTERMEDIATE COVER, AND CAST THERMOSET OUTER COVER - 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. | 09-16-2010 |
20100240470 | GOLF BALL HAVING A STIFF TPU INNER COVER AND A CAST THERMOSET OUTER COVER - A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed about the core, the cover including a stiff thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea inner cover layer disposed directly about the core and having a hardness from 45 Shore D to 80 Shore D; and an outer cover layer having a hardness from 40 Shore D to 65 Shore D. The cover outer cover layer is formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend and the inner cover layer hardness is preferably greater than the outer cover layer hardness by at least 5 Shore D. | 09-23-2010 |
20100248862 | GOLF BALL HAVING MOISTURE BARRIER LAYERS MADE FROM POLYOLEFIN COMPOSITIONS - A multi-layered golf ball having a core, moisture vapor barrier layer, and outer cover, wherein the moisture barrier layer is preferably made from a non-ionomeric polyolefin composition is disclosed. The moisture barrier layer is applied at very low thickness, preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 0.010 inches, so that the playing performance properties of the ball are not altered. Preferably, the moisture vapor barrier layer is applied over the core material using powder coating or solution coating methods. | 09-30-2010 |
20100248863 | GOLF BALL HAVING A THERMOSETTING INTERMEDIATE AND OUTER COVER AND THERMOPLASTIC INNER COVER - A golf ball is formed including a core and a cover. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer and having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, and a non-ionomeric thermosetting polyurethane or polyurea intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer and the outer cover layer is formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend. | 09-30-2010 |
20100273576 | THERMOPLASTIC CORE HAVING A HARDNESS GRADIENT FORMED FROM A GRADIENT-INITIATING SOLUTION - A golf ball including a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer between the core and the outer cover layer. The thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a solvent, free radical initiator, and a reactive co-agent comprising a metal salt of an acrylic or methacrylic acid, a mono- or multi-functional acrylate or methacrylate, or having the chemical structure | 10-28-2010 |
20100273577 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. In a first embodiment, the golf ball comprises a two layer core and a cover disposed about the two layer core. The two layer core comprises an inner core layer and an outer core layer disposed about the inner core layer. The inner core layer comprises a geometric center and a first outer surface. The inner core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a diameter of about 30 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 80 Shore C. The geometric center comprises a first hardness and the first outer surface comprises a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is greater than the second hardness to define a negative hardness gradient about 20 Shore C or less. The outer core layer comprises an inner surface and a second outer surface. The outer core layer is formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, comprises a thickness of about 10 mm or lower, and has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 45 Shore C to about 65 Shore C. The inner surface comprises a third hardness and the second outer surface comprises a fourth hardness, wherein the fourth hardness is greater than the third hardness. The outer core layer further comprises a fifth hardness disposed between the inner surface and the second outer surface in a region extending between about 10% and about 90% of the distance from the inner surface to the second outer surface, wherein the fifth hardness is less than the third hardness and the fourth hardness. Finally, the fourth hardness is less than the first hardness to define a two layer core having a negative hardness gradient of no greater than about 20 Shore C. In a second embodiment, the dual layer core differs from that of the first embodiment at least in that: The outer core has a plurality of hardnesses of from about 50 Shore C to about 80 Shore C, the first hardness is greater than the second hardness to define a negative hardness gradient about 23 Shore C or less; there is no fifth hardness; and the fourth hardness is similar to the first hardness. The present invention is also directed to a golf ball having certain Shore D hardnesses as disclosed herein. | 10-28-2010 |
20100304894 | POLYISOBUTYLENE-BASED COMPOSITIONS FOR GOLF BALLS - Polyisobutylene-based compositions suitable for making golf balls are provided. The amine-terminated polyisobutylene may be reacted with an isocyanate and amine-terminated curing agent to produce a polyurea composition that may be used as a cover material and/or intermediate casing layer. The resulting ball has improved weatherability. In one version, the golf ball includes a polyurea casing layer and polyurea cover. In a second version, the golf ball includes an ionomer casing layer and polyurea cover. In yet another version, the golf ball includes a polyurea casing layer and ionomer cover. | 12-02-2010 |
20100304895 | MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALLS HAVING MOISTURE BARRIER LAYERS BASED ON POLYALKENAMER COMPOSITIONS - Golf balls having a dual-core comprising an inner core and outer moisture barrier core layer are provided. The outer core help prevent moisture from penetrating into the inner core. A cover layer, preferably made of a polyurethane or polyurea material, is disposed about the outer core layer. The inner and outer cores are formed of a rubber composition, preferably a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The outer core has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) lower than that of the cover. In one version, the outer core has a MVTR of 1 grams·mm/m | 12-02-2010 |
20100304896 | POLYUREA COVERS FOR GOLF BALLS BASED ON CYCLOALIPHATIC ISOCYANATES - A golf ball having a cover material made from a polyurea composition is provided. In one version, the golf ball includes a polybutadiene core and surrounding cover layer made of a polyurea composition. In another version, the golf ball includes a polybutadiene core, an intermediate casing layer made of an ionomer resin, and outer cover layer made of the polyurea composition. The polyurea composition is the reaction product of a cycloaliphatic isocyanate and amine compound. The diisocyanate is selected from 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane; 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane; and mixtures thereof. The resulting cover material has many advantages including improved durability, toughness, and light-stability. | 12-02-2010 |
20100323819 | GOLF BALL CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER RUBBER HAVING POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENTS - Golf balls having a core comprising a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and geometric center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of at least 10 Shore C. In a second version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. The inner core has a positive hardness gradient, while the outer core has a zero; negative; or positive hardness gradient. | 12-23-2010 |
20100323820 | GOLF BALLS HAVING MULTI-LAYER CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER COMPOSITIONS - The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. | 12-23-2010 |
20100331116 | GOLF BALL WITH SINGLE LAYER CORE HAVING SPECIFIC REGIONS OF VARYING HARDNESS - 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 wherein an inner core region is disposed about the geometric center, an outer core region is adjacent the outer surface, and an intermediate core region is disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extends from at least about 2 mm radially from the geometric center to at least about 2 mm from the outer surface. The inner core region has a first hardness (IC | 12-30-2010 |
20100331117 | GOLF BALL WITH SINGLE LAYER CORE HAVING SPECIFIC REGIONS OF VARYING HARDNESS - 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 wherein an inner core region is disposed about the geometric center and an outer core region is disposed about the inner core region and is adjacent the outer surface, the outer core region having a thickness of about 15 mm or less. The inner core region has a first hardness (IC | 12-30-2010 |
20110003650 | GOLF BALL - A golf ball including a core and at least one layer formed over the core. The layer can be an outer core layer, an intermediate layer including inner cover layers, or a cover. Either the core or any layer over the core can comprise a fully or partially neutralized polyester ionomer. The core comprises: a diameter of at least 1.30 inches, a compression of 50 or less; and a coefficient of restitution of 0.80 or greater at 125 ft/sec. | 01-06-2011 |
20110003651 | GOLF BALL LAYER HAVING REDUCED SURFACE HARDNESS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has a geometric center having a hardness (H | 01-06-2011 |
20110009212 | GOLF BALLS HAVING LAYERS MADE FROM RUBBER COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING NUCLEATING AGENTS - Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a rubber composition comprising a benzenetrisamide nucleating agent are provided. The rubber composition preferably contains a free-radical initiator agent, cross-linking agent, and fillers along with the base rubber and nucleating agent. Golf balls of various constructions may be made including two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece balls. The composition is used preferably to form a golf ball core having improved resiliency, durability, toughness, and impact strength. | 01-13-2011 |
20110009213 | GOLF BALLS HAVING LAYERS MADE FROM THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING NUCLEATING AGENTS - Golf balls containing at least one layer made from a thermoplastic composition comprising a benzenetrisamide nucleating agent are provided. The thermoplastic composition may be an ionomer or non-ionomer resin. Golf balls of various constructions may be made including two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece balls. The composition is used preferably to form a golf ball core having improved resiliency, durability, toughness, and impact strength. | 01-13-2011 |
20110014998 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND STEEP POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball comprising a thermoplastic inner core layer that has a geometric center hardness greater than its surface hardness to define a “negative” hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition, typically rubber, and has an inner surface hardness substantially less than its outer surface hardness to define a “positive” hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. | 01-20-2011 |
20110014999 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING OPPOSING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITH STEEP GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center has a hardness of 56 to 80 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 85 to 98 Shore C and an inner surface having a hardness of 68 to 78 Shore C and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015000 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 01-20-2011 |
20110053709 | NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT CORES MADE OF POLYALKENAMER RUBBER FOR GOLF BALLS - Golf balls having cores with negative hardness gradients are provided. The cores are made of polyalkenamer rubber compositions that may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness substantially the same or lower than the hardness of the center to define a zero or negative hardness gradient. Dual-cores having inner and outer cores can be made, wherein the inner core has a negative hardness gradient and the outer core has a positive or negative hardness gradient. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. | 03-03-2011 |
20110077104 | MULTI-PIECE GOLF BALL COMPRISING LOW HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient. | 03-31-2011 |
20110081490 | METHODS OF CURING POLYUREA PREPOLYMERS FOR GOLF BALLS - Multi-piece, solid golf balls having a cover material made from a polyurea or polyurea/urethane hybrid composition are provided. In one version of the method, the cover materials are prepared by forming a polyurea prepolymer which undergoes two curing steps. In the first step, the prepolymer is partially-cured by reacting it with hydroxyl curing agents, amine curing agents, or mixtures thereof. In the second step, the composition is moisture-cured using environmental controls such as humidity chambers or hot water baths. In another version, a polyurea prepolymer is prepared and then treated with an aqueous curative blend comprising an amine curing agent. The cured materials may be used to make a golf ball cover having improved durability, cut/tear resistance, and impact strength. | 04-07-2011 |
20110081492 | METHODS OF CURING POLYURETHANE PREPOLYMERS FOR GOLF BALLS - Multi-piece, solid golf balls having a cover material made from a polyurethane/urea hybrid composition are provided. The balls include an inner core preferably made of polybutadiene and may include at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and outer cover. The cover materials are prepared by first forming a polyurethane prepolymer which undergoes two curing steps. In the first step, the prepolymer is chemically-cured by reacting it with hydroxyl curing agents, amine curing agents, or mixtures thereof. In the second step, the composition is moisture-cured. The cured material may be used to make a golf ball cover having improved durability, cut/tear resistance, and impact strength. | 04-07-2011 |
20110081497 | METHODS OF CURING POLYUREA PREPOLYMERS FOR GOLF BALLS - Multi-piece, solid golf balls having a cover material made from a polyurea or polyurea/urethane hybrid composition are provided. The cover materials are prepared by first forming a polyurea prepolymer which undergoes two curing steps. In the first step, the prepolymer is chemically-cured by reacting it with hydroxyl curing agents, amine curing agents, or mixtures thereof. In the second step, the composition is moisture-cured. The cured material may be used to make a golf ball cover having improved durability, cut/tear resistance, and impact strength. | 04-07-2011 |
20110081988 | MULTI-PIECE GOLF BALLS HAVING LAYERS MADE FROM EPOXY SYSTEMS - Multi-piece, solid golf balls containing an inner core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and an outer cover are provided. At least one layer is made from an epoxy composition comprising a curing agent such as zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate. The epoxy composition is produced by reacting an epoxy prepolymer with a curing agent. Preferably, the epoxy composition is used to form an intermediate and/or cover layer resulting in a golf ball having high resiliency, good impact durability, and soft feel. | 04-07-2011 |
20110092313 | DUAL-CORE COMPRISING ZERO GRADIENT CENTER AND POSITIVE GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball including an inner core having a geometric center and a first outer surface, the inner core being formed from a first substantially homogenous rubber composition, and an outer core layer formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition, the outer core layer having a second outer surface. An inner cover layer is formed over the core and includes an ionomeric material. An outer cover layer is formed over the inner cover layer and includes a castable polyurea or a castable polyurethane. The first outer surface has a hardness of up to about 20 Shore C less than a hardness at the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient inner core and the second outer surface has a hardness of up to 18 Shore C greater than the geometric center hardness to define a positive gradient outer core layer and a shallow positive hardness gradient core. | 04-21-2011 |
20110136587 | GOLF BALLS COMPRISING THERMOPLASTIC OR THERMOSET COMPOSITION HAVING CONTROLLED GEL TIME - A golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer disposed about the core, wherein at least one of the core and the layer comprises a thermoplastic or thermoset composition comprising a reaction product of a polyurethane or polyurea prepolymer comprising at least one isocyanate and a curative comprising a blend of at least one aliphatic diamine and at least one polyaspartic ester formed from reactants comprising at least one aliphatic primary polyamine and at least one maleic or fumaric diester, and wherein the thermoplastic or thermoset composition comprises a gel time of about 90 seconds or greater. Also, a golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer disposed about the core wherein at least one of the core and the layer comprises a thermoplastic or thermoset composition T comprising a reaction product of a polyurethane or polyurea prepolymer P comprising at least one isocyanate and a curative C comprising a blend of at least one aliphatic diamine D and at least one polyaspartic ester formed from reactants comprising at least one aliphatic primary polyamine and at least one maleic or fumaric diester, wherein the thermoplastic or thermoset composition T has a gel time X such that X>1.25Y, and wherein Y is the gel time of a thermoplastic or thermoset composition T′ comprising a reaction product of the polyurethane or polyurea prepolymer P and a curative C′ comprising a blend of aliphatic diamine D and a polyaspartic ester consisting of N,N′-diethylmaleate-2-methyl-pentamethylene diamine. | 06-09-2011 |
20110159996 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND SHALLOW POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball including a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer is described. The inner core has a surface hardness of 43 to about 65 Shore D and a center hardness of about 30 to 43 Shore D that is less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. A cover includes an inner and outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core is formed from a highly-neutralized ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The outer core layer includes a polybutadiene rubber and has a surface hardness greater than an interior hardness by about 6 to 11 Shore D points to define a shallow positive hardness gradient. | 06-30-2011 |
20110159997 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND STEEP POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoplastic material comprising a highly-neutralized ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The inner core has a geometric center hardness less than its surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed over the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core layer has an interior hardness substantially less than an outer surface hardness to define a steep positive hardness gradient. An inner cover layer and an outer cover layer are formed over the outer core layer. | 06-30-2011 |
20110190075 | POLYUREA COVERS FOR GOLF BALLS BASED ON ISOCYANATE BLENDS - A golf ball having a cover material made from a polyurea or polyurea/urethane hybrid composition is provided. The polyurea or polyurea/urethane composition is produced by the reaction of an isocyanate blend having an average NCO functionality in the range of 2.05 to 2.35, a polyamine compound, and amine or hydroxyl curing agent. The resulting cover material has many advantages including improved thermal-stability, durability, toughness, and cut/tear-resistance. The preferred isocyanates in the blend include isophorone diisocyanate (“IPDI”); 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (“HDI”); 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (“H | 08-04-2011 |
20110218054 | RUBBER OUTER COVERS FOR GOLF BALLS BASED ON ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE DIENE COPOLYMERS - A multi-piece golf ball comprising at least one component made of an ethylene-propylene diene copolymer (EPDM) rubber is provided. The multi-piece golf ball includes a cover, preferably a dual-cover having inner and outer cover layers. The outer cover is preferably made of the EPDM rubber material. The golf ball further includes an inner core, preferably a dual-core containing a center and surrounding outer core layer. The center may be made of a polybutadiene rubber composition and the outer core layer may be made of an EPDM rubber composition. The resulting golf ball has high resiliency, a soft feel, and good weatherability. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218055 | RUBBER CORES FOR GOLF BALLS BASED ON ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE DIENE COPOLYMERS - A multi-piece golf ball comprising at least one component made of an ethylene-propylene diene copolymer (EPDM) rubber is provided. The multi-piece golf ball includes a center and at least one surrounding core layer. The inner core is preferably made of polybutadiene rubber and the outer core layer is preferably made of an EPDM rubber composition. Preferably, the center hardness of the inner core is greater than the surface hardness of the outer core layer. The golf ball includes a cover of at least one layer, preferably a dual-cover having inner and outer cover layers. The resulting ball has high resiliency and a soft feel. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218056 | MULTI-LAYER COVER GOLF BALL HAVING THERMOSET RUBBER INTERMEDIATE COVER LAYER - A golf ball including a core and a cover including a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a material hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D; a thermoset outer cover layer comprising a castable polyurea and having a material hardness of 20 to 60 Shore D; and a thermoset intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness substantially the same as the inner cover layer hardness and greater than the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover includes one or more high- or low-acid ionomers and, optionally, a maleic anhydride modified polyolefin. The intermediate layer is formed from a castable liquid polybutadiene rubber. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218057 | GOLF BALL WITH NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - 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. | 09-08-2011 |
20110224022 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING OPPOSING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITH STEEP GRADIENT INNER CORE LAYER - A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a base rubber and a resorcinol such that the geometric center has a hardness of 50 to 60 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 85 to 95 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C, an inner surface having a hardness of 51 to 76 Shore C, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the inner core outer surface is greater than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of greater than 20 Shore C, and the hardness of the outer core outer surface is lower than the hardness of its inner surface to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −5 Shore C. | 09-15-2011 |
20110230280 | GOLF BALL WITH NEGATIVE HARDNESS GARDIENT CORE - 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. | 09-22-2011 |
20110237349 | GOLF BALL HAVING REDUCED SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover layer disposed about the core, the core comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, the core further comprising an untreated region extending radially from the geometric center a predetermined distance D | 09-29-2011 |
20110237351 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND SHALLOW POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoplastic material. The inner core has a hardness at the center that is greater than the hardness at the surface to define a negative hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core. The outer core has a surface hardness that is greater than the surface hardness of the inner core to define a positive hardness gradient. An inner cover layer and an outer core layer are formed over the outer core layer. The negative hardness gradient of the inner core is about −1 to −5 Shore C, the positive hardness gradient of the outer core layer is less than 25 Shore C, the surface hardness of the outer core layer is about 45 Shore D to about 70 Shore D, and the surface hardness of the inner core is about 20 Shore D to about 60 Shore D. | 09-29-2011 |
20110237352 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 09-29-2011 |
20110237353 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber inner core, a thermoset rubber first intermediate core layer, a thermoplastic second intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. The inner core is preferably formed from a softer rubber than the first intermediate core layer. | 09-29-2011 |
20110237354 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber inner core, a thermoset rubber first intermediate core layer, a thermoplastic second intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. The inner core is preferably formed from a harder rubber than the first intermediate core layer. | 09-29-2011 |
20110269574 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 11-03-2011 |
20110275456 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND SHALLOW NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball includes a thermoplastic inner core layer having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a “positive hardness gradient.” An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core, the outer core being formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a surface hardness less than a hardness at a point about 0.5 to 2 mm from an interface between the inner core and the outer core layer to define a shallow “negative hardness gradient.” An inner cover layer is formed over the outer core layer and an outer cover layer is formed over the inner cover layer. The “positive hardness gradient” of the inner core is up to about 10 Shore C and the shallow “negative hardness gradient” of the outer core layer is less than about 10 Shore C. | 11-10-2011 |
20110287861 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING OPPOSING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITH STEEP GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center has a hardness of 56 to 80 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 85 to 98 Shore C and an inner surface having a hardness of 68 to 78 Shore C and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C. | 11-24-2011 |
20110294600 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 12-01-2011 |
20110312441 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING A SHALLOW "POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT" THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND A STEEP "POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT" THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball including a highly-neutralized thermoplastic inner core layer having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a first hardness gradient, an outer core layer formed from a homogenous thermoset composition and having an interior hardness substantially less than an outer surface hardness to define a second hardness gradient, an inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer. Both the first and second hardness gradients are positive and a slope of the second hardness gradient is greater than a slope of the first hardness gradient to define a shallow hardness gradient inner core and a steep hardness gradient outer core layer. | 12-22-2011 |
20110319194 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 12-29-2011 |
20110319195 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 12-29-2011 |
20120004051 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 01-05-2012 |
20120040777 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber inner core, a thermoplastic first intermediate core layer, a thermoplastic second intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. | 02-16-2012 |
20120064999 | FORMULATING TECHNIQUE FOR CASTING ALIPHATIC GOLF BALL COVERS - A golf ball having a cover is cast from a castable reactive aliphatic functional composition consisting essentially of: a methylene dicyclohexyl diisocyanate based prepolymer; at least one polyamine/polyamide functional component used as a backbone of the prepolymer; a free isocyanate group; and a curative. The polyamine/polyamide is formed from the condensation reaction of a polyamine and a polyacid, with the equivalent ratio of polyamine to polyacid ranges from 2:1 to 10:1, preferably the ratio is 3:1, and more preferably 2:1. It is preferable that the polyamine be a Jeffamine series D-2000. The polyacid can be chosen from acids such as maleic, adipic, azelaic or sebacic. It is preferable that the prepolymer be a polyurethane or urea. The formulating techniques eliminate the need for post curing when using aliphatic chemistries in golf ball covers. | 03-15-2012 |
20120077623 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber. | 03-29-2012 |
20120100935 | POLYURETHANE COVERS FOR GOLF BALLS BASED ON ISOCYANATE BLENDS - A golf ball having a cover material made from a polyurethane or polyurethane/urea hybrid composition is provided. The polyurethane or polyurethane/urea composition is produced by the reaction of an isocyanate blend having an average NCO functionality in the range of 2.05 to 2.35, a polyamine compound, and amine or hydroxyl chain-extender. The resulting cover material has many advantages including improved thermal-stability, durability, toughness, and cut/tear-resistance. The preferred isocyanates in the blend include isophorone diisocyanate (“IPDI”); 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (“HDI”); 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (“H | 04-26-2012 |
20120100936 | GOLF BALL INCLUDING A LONG-CHAIN BRANCHED NEODYMIUM-CATALYZED POLYBUTADIENE COMPONENT - The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a long-chain branched neodymium-catalyzed polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 content of at least about 96% and a solution viscosity of less than 165 mPa·s, wherein the overall golf ball comprises a COR of at least about 0.780 and an Atti compression of from about 25 to about 120. The invention is also directed to a golf ball comprising a core, a cover and optionally an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover; wherein at least one of said core, cover and intermediate layer comprises a polybutadiene composition comprising a long-chain branched neodymium-catalyzed polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 content of at least about 96% and a solution viscosity of less than 165 mPa·s. In another embodiment, the golf ball comprises a core, a cover and optionally an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover; wherein said core comprises a polybutadiene composition comprising a long-chain branched neodymium-catalyzed polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 content of at least about 96% and a solution viscosity of less than 165 mPa·s. | 04-26-2012 |
20120115633 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115634 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115635 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115636 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115638 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115639 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115640 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115641 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115642 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115643 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115644 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115645 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are hard and flexible compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is less than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115646 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115647 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120115648 | Golf ball with single layer core having specific regions of varying hardness - A golf ball comprising a single layer core being formed from a substantially homogenous formulation, the inner core region has a first hardness (IC | 05-10-2012 |
20120115649 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120116001 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-10-2012 |
20120122608 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are soft and stiff compositions, i.e., compositions which have a flexural modulus that is greater than the value that is expected based on the composition's hardness. The compositions preferably have a hardness/modulus relationship represented by the formula | 05-17-2012 |
20120122610 | GOLF BALL HAVING A THERMOPLASTIC POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT INNER CORE LAYER AND A THERMOSET SHALLOW POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball has an inner core layer including a thermoplastic highly-neutralized ionomer and having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed about the inner core and includes a homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core has an interior hardness less than an outer surface hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient. An inner and outer cover layers are disposed about outer core layer. The first and second hardness gradients each have a slope and the slope of the second hardness gradient is less than the slope of the first hardness gradient such that a ratio of the first and second slopes is 0.8 to 0.85. | 05-17-2012 |
20120157230 | GOLF BALL LAYERS BASED ON POLYALKENAMER / IONOMER / POLYAMIDE BLENDS - Multi-piece golf balls containing a core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one component is formed from a rubber composition comprising: i) about 10 to about 65 weight percent of a cycloalkene rubber having a trans-content of about 55% or greater and a melting point of 30° C. or greater; ii) about 30 to about 80 weight percent of an ionomeric resin; and 3) about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a polyamide. The rubber composition may further include other thermoplastic and thermosetting materials such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency, durability, scuff-resistance, and feel of the ball. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157231 | GOLF BALL LAYERS BASED ON IONOMERS MADE WITH POLYALKENAMER CARRIERS - Golf balls containing a core having at least one layer and cover having at least one layer are provided. A thermoplastic ionomeric composition is used to form at least one layer of the ball. The composition is prepared by providing a masterbatch comprising cycloalkene (polyalkenamer) rubber and neutralizing agent and mixing the masterbatch with ethylene acid copolymer. The acid groups are neutralized to 30 weight percent or greater, preferably 50% or greater, and more preferably 70% or greater. The resulting ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties along with a soft feel. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157236 | GOLF BALL CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER AND POLYBUTADIENE RUBBER BLENDS - Golf balls containing a core comprising a blend of: a) about 1 to about 49 weight percent of a polybutadiene rubber having a relatively high Mooney viscosity, and b) about 51 to about 99 weight percent of a polyalkenamer rubber having a relatively low Mooney viscosity are provided. Single or multi-layered cores may be prepared. In addition, the golf ball includes a cover that may be single or multi-layered. The cover is preferably made of polyurethanes, polyureas, or blends thereof. The polyalkenamer/polybutadiene rubber composition helps provide the ball with high resiliency along with a soft feel. | 06-21-2012 |
20120165469 | METHODS FOR MAKING POLYUREA POLYMER AND PRODUCTS PREPARED THEREFROM - Methods for making polyurea polymer compositions are provided. The methods involve preparing an amine-terminated first prepolymer by reacting isocyanate compound A with a stoichiometric excess of polyamine. The first prepolymer is reacted with a stoichiometric excess of isocyanate compound B to form an isocyanate-terminated second prepolymer. The second prepolymer is reacted with a chain extender. The polymer compositions can be used in different products and are particularly suitable for making golf balls. For example, the polymer compositions can be used to make golf ball covers. | 06-28-2012 |
20120196705 | MULTI-PIECE GOLF BALL COMPRISING LOW HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient. | 08-02-2012 |
20120220393 | GOLF BALL WITH SINGLE LAYER CORE HAVING SPECIFIC REGIONS OF VARYING HARDNESS - A golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, and a cover layer disposed thereabout. The single layer core has an inner core region disposed about the geometric center and an outer core region that is disposed about the inner core region and is adjacent the outer surface, the outer core region having a thickness of about 15 mm or less. The inner core region has a hardness that increases radially from the geometric center toward the outer core region in a plurality of increments of about 5 Shore C. The inner core region has a first hardness (IC | 08-30-2012 |
20120231898 | GOLF BALL COMPRISING FLUORINATED SILANE-TREATED FILLER TO PROMOTE MOISTURE RESISTANCE - The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core, a cover and optionally an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the core, the intermediate layer and the cover comprises a moisture vapor barrier layer formed from a moisture vapor barrier composition comprising at least one diene rubber and at least one fluorinated silane treated filler. The filler is hydrophobically modified by fluorinated silane, a hydrophobizing material capable of rendering the surfaces of the silica particles suitably hydrophobic. This moisture vapor barrier composition, which may be incorporated in the golf ball prior to molding, protects the encased inner golf ball components from moisture penetration which damages the golf ball and deteriorates desired golf ball characteristics. Such a golf ball preserves and even enhances optimum golf ball properties and desired golf ball characteristics such as high spin, resilience and durability which may be negatively influenced or impacted by unintended changes in golf ball component compression, COR and hardness due to moisture invasion. The golf ball may comprise an untreated region and a treated outer surface, the treated outer surface having a moisture vapor transmission rate X and the untreated region having a moisture vapor transmission rate Y, the treated outer surface being treated with and comprising a moisture vapor barrier composition formed from at least one diene rubber and at least one fluorinated silane treated filler such that X09-13-2012 | |
20120238379 | GOLF BALL WITH A NON-IONOMERIC INNER COVER, STIFF TPU INTERMEDIATE COVER, AND CAST THERMOSET OUTER COVER - 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. | 09-20-2012 |
20120261859 | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF BALLS HAVING A MULTI-LAYERED COVERS - The invention is directed to a process for making a golf ball having a multi-layered cover including a very thin outermost cover layer, the process comprising for example: forming first and second substantially hemispherical half shells having a thickness and comprising a thermoplastic composition, each half shell further having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming an hemispherical cavity; securing the first half shell in a golf ball mold; securing a core subassembly in a subassembly holder; dispensing an uncured liquid thermoset composition into the hemispherical cavity of the first half shell; inserting a first half of the core subassembly into the hemispherical cavity of the first half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer having a thickness; disengaging the core subassembly from the subassembly holder when the thermoset composition has gelled to a point of rigidity; securing the second half shell in a golf ball mold; dispensing the uncured liquid thermoset composition into the hemispherical cavity of the second half shell; inserting a second half of the core subassembly into the hemispherical cavity of the second half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer having a thickness and thereby mating the first and second half shells; and curing the thermoset inner cover layer to complete the golf ball and then removing the resulting golf ball from the golf ball mold. | 10-18-2012 |
20120261860 | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF BALLS HAVING A MULTI-LAYERED COVERS - The invention is directed to a process for making a golf ball having a multi-layered cover including a very thin outermost cover layer, the process comprising for example: forming first and second substantially hemispherical half shells having a thickness and comprising a thermoplastic composition, each half shell further having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming an hemispherical cavity; securing the first half shell in a golf ball mold; securing a core subassembly in a subassembly holder; dispensing an uncured liquid thermoset composition into the hemispherical cavity of the first half shell; inserting a first half of the core subassembly into the hemispherical cavity of the first half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer having a thickness; disengaging the core subassembly from the subassembly holder when the thermoset composition has gelled to a point of rigidity; securing the second half shell in a golf ball mold; dispensing the uncured liquid thermoset composition into the hemispherical cavity of the second half shell; inserting a second half of the core subassembly into the hemispherical cavity of the second half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer having a thickness and thereby mating the first and second half shells; and curing the thermoset inner cover layer to complete the golf ball and then removing the resulting golf ball from the golf ball mold. | 10-18-2012 |
20120264541 | DUAL-CORE COMPRISING ZERO GRADIENT CENTER AND POSITIVE GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball including an inner core having a geometric center and a first outer surface, the inner core being formed from a first substantially homogenous rubber composition, and an outer core layer formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition, the outer core layer having a second outer surface. An inner cover layer is formed over the core and includes an ionomeric material. An outer cover layer is formed over the inner cover layer and includes a castable polyurea or a castable polyurethane. The first outer surface has a hardness of up to about 20 Shore C less than a hardness at the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient inner core and the second outer surface has a hardness of up to 18 Shore C greater than the geometric center hardness to define a positive gradient outer core layer and a shallow positive hardness gradient core. | 10-18-2012 |
20120283040 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. | 11-08-2012 |
20120286449 | CASTABLE POLYURETHANE COVERS BASED ON ISOCYANATE BLENDS FOR GOLF BALLS - A method for making a golf ball having a cover material comprising a polyurethane or polyurea composition is provided. The composition is prepared from a reactive mixture of a polyurethane or polyurea prepolymer and curative blend, wherein the blend comprises: i) a curing agent, ii) a freezing point depressing agent; and iii) pigment. The composition is cast over a ball subassembly to form the cover. The resulting cover material has many advantages including improved thermal-stability, light-stability, durability, toughness, and cut/tear-resistance. The preferred isocyanates in the blend include isophorone diisocyanate (“IPDI”); 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (“HDI”); 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (“H | 11-15-2012 |
20120322583 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND SHALLOW POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoplastic material. The inner core has a center hardness at the center that is greater than the surface hardness at the surface to define a negative hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core. The outer core has a surface hardness that is greater than the surface hardness of the inner core to define a positive hardness gradient. An inner cover layer and an outer core layer are formed over the outer core layer. The negative hardness gradient of the inner core is about −1 to −5 Shore C, the positive hardness gradient of the outer core layer is less than 25 Shore C, the surface hardness of the outer core layer is about 45 Shore D to about 70 Shore D, and the surface hardness of the inner core is about 20 Shore D to about 60 Shore D. | 12-20-2012 |
20120329576 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING OPPOSING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITH STEEP GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C. | 12-27-2012 |
20130023357 | GOLF BALL COMPRISING A VERY-LOW MELT FLOW INNER COVER LAYER COMPOSITION - A golf ball including a core; an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and having a thickness of about 0.005 inches to 0.40 inches and a surface hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater; and an outer cover layer formed from a thermoset material and having a thickness of about 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches and a surface hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The thermoplastic composition has a first melt flow index at 280° C. under a 10-kg load of less than about 35 g/10 min and a second melt flow index at 265° C. under a 5-kg load of less than about 10 g/10 min. | 01-24-2013 |
20130029789 | MULTILAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITHIN AND BETWEEN EACH CORE LAYER - The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next. | 01-31-2013 |
20130043618 | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF BALLS HAVING MULTI-LAYERED COVERS - The invention is directed to a processes for manufacturing golf balls having multi-layered covers including a very thin outermost thermoplastic cover layer and a thermoset uniformly contoured inner cover layer having a uniform thickness. | 02-21-2013 |
20130072322 | COMPOSITIONS FOR GOLF BALLS BASED ON ORIENTED NANOSTRUCTURES - Multi-piece golf balls having at least one component made of a rubber composition comprising substantially oriented nanostructures are provided. For example, the nanostructures may be in the form of nanofibers, nanorods, nanotubes, and nanoparticles. 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 polybutadiene rubber composition comprising the nanostructures. The polybutadiene rubber may be chemically or non-chemically modified. The polybutadiene preferably has a cis-bond content of at least 80%. | 03-21-2013 |
20130109504 | DUAL-CORE COMPRISING ZERO GRADIENT CENTER AND POSITIVE GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER | 05-02-2013 |
20130109506 | GOLF BALL COMPRISING A CORE HAVING A SHALLOW HARDNESS GRADIENT | 05-02-2013 |
20130130836 | MULTI-PIECE GOLF BALL COMPRISING LOW HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130840 | GOLF BALL WITH A NON-IONOMERIC INNER COVER, STIFF TPU INTERMEDIATE COVER, AND CAST THERMOSET OUTER COVER - 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. | 05-23-2013 |
20130157781 | GOLF BALL WITH SINGLE LAYER CORE HAVING SPECIFIC REGIONS OF VARYING HARDNESS - The invention is directed to 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 wherein the outer surface has a hardness greater than a hardness of the geometric center; the single layer core further comprising: an inner core region disposed about the geometric center; an outer core region disposed about the inner core region and adjacent the outer surface; and a boundary disposed between the inner core region and the outer core region at about 12 mm or less from the outer surface; wherein the boundary has a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the geometric center and greater than the hardness of the outer surface. In another embodiment, the boundary has a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the geometric center and less than the hardness of the outer surface. | 06-20-2013 |
20130165266 | GOLF BALLS HAVING MULTI-LAYER CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER COMPOSITIONS - The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. | 06-27-2013 |
20130225328 | GOLF BALLS CONTAINING LAYERS BASED ON POLYAMIDE AND FATTY ACID SALT BLENDS - Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic polyamide composition, consisting essentially of a blend of about 40 to about 99% by weight polyamide and about 1 to about 60% by weight fatty acid salt. Preferably, the ball has a dual core construction. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the inner core and the polyamide composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer. The resulting ball has high resiliency along with a soft feel. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225331 | GOLF BALLS HAVING LAYERS BASED ON POLYAMIDE AND FATTY ACID AMIDE BLENDS - Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic polyamide composition, comprising a blend of about 40 to about 99% by weight polyamide and about 1 to about 60% by weight fatty acid amide. Preferably, the ball has a dual core construction. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the inner core and the polyamide composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer. | 08-29-2013 |
20130260918 | GOLF BALL COMPRISING A CORE LAYER HAVING A HARDNESS GRADIENT AND TRANS GRADIENT - A golf ball includes a ‘dual core’ formed from an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core has an outer surface and a center and is typically formed from a substantially-homogenous rubber composition such that the center of the core has a hardness of about 72 Shore C to about 78 Shore C and a trans content of about 5% to 9%, and the outer surface of the inner core has a trans content of about 5% to 9%. The trans content of the outer surface and the center of the inner core are preferably within 2% of each other and, more preferably are substantially the same to define a zero trans gradient along a radius of the inner core. | 10-03-2013 |
20130281233 | GOLF BALL MATERIALS BASED ON BLENDS OF POLYAMIDE AND ACID ANHYDRIDE-MODIFIED POLYOLEFINS - Multi-piece golf balls having at least one layer made from a polyamide non-ionomeric composition are provided. The polyamide composition consist essentially of about 40 to about 99% by weight polyamide; about 1 to about 60% by weight of an acid anhydride-modified polyolefin; and about 1 to about 60% of a fatty acid additive selected from the group consisting of fatty acid salts, fatty acid amides, and mixtures thereof. The ball includes a core, preferably a dual core construction; and a cover of at least one layer. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the inner core and the polyamide composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer. The resulting ball has high resiliency along with a soft feel. | 10-24-2013 |
20130303310 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball includes a unitary core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. The golf ball also includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The soft transition region has a thickness of up to 4 mm and a negative hardness gradient of up to 15 Shore C. The unitary core has an overall negative hardness gradient of up to 20 Shore C. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303697 | METHODS FOR MAKING POLYUREA POLYMER AND GOLF BALLS PREPARED THEREFROM - Methods for making golf balls having a cover made from a polyurea composition are provided. The golf balls include a rubber core and intermediate layer made from an olefin-based ionomer composition. The methods for making the polyurea composition involve preparing an amine-terminated first polymer by reacting isocyanate compound A with a stoichiometric excess of polyamine. The first prepolymer is reacted with a stoichiometric excess of isocyanate compound B to form an isocyanate-terminated second prepolymer. The second prepolymer is then reacted with a chain extender. | 11-14-2013 |
20130310198 | GOLF BALL CORE WITH SOFT OUTER TRANSITION VOLUME AND NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT - A golf ball includes a unitary core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. The ball further includes an outer cover layer. The soft transition region has a thickness of up to 4 mm, has about 8 to 20 percent trans-polybutadiene isomer, and has a negative hardness gradient of up to 15 Shore C. The core has an overall negative hardness gradient of up to 20 Shore C and has a gradient quotient, GQ, defined by the equation: | 11-21-2013 |
20130316849 | METHOD OF MAKING COLOR GOLF BALL AND RESULTING COLOR GOLF BALL - A method and golf ball incorporating a surface penetrating color composition comprising a colorant (e.g. dyes, tints, color effects, etc.) in a portion (surface or region) of a golf ball component or coating (substrate). The substrate is formed from a homogenous composition having a color C | 11-28-2013 |
20130323427 | METHOD OF MAKING COLOR GOLF BALL AND RESULTING COLOR GOLF BALL - A method and golf ball incorporating a surface penetrating color composition comprising a colorant (e.g. dyes, tints, color effects, etc.) in a portion (surface or region) of a golf ball component or coating (substrate). The substrate is formed from a homogenous composition having a color C | 12-05-2013 |
20130331204 | GOLF BALL HAVING A THEMOSETTING INTERMEDIATE AND OUTER COVER AND A THEMOPLASTIC INNER COVER - A golf ball is formed including a core and a cover. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer and having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D, and a non-ionomeric thermosetting polyurethane or polyurea intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer and the outer cover layer is formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend. | 12-12-2013 |
20130337941 | GOLF BALL HAVING MODIFIED SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer having a cover inner surface and a cover outer surface that treated with and comprises a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition and has a hardness α, the cover inner surface not being treated with and not comprising the fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition and having a hardness β. Hardness α is greater than hardness β. The cover layer may alternatively comprise an untreated cover region and a treated cover region that extends inward from the cover outer surface a depth of about 1% or greater of a distance between the cover outer surface and the cover inner surface. Alternatively, the treated cover region may extend inward from the cover outer surface a predetermined depth D | 12-19-2013 |
20130337942 | GOLF BALL HAVING MODIFIED SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer having a cover inner surface, a cover outer surface, a treated cover region, and an untreated cover region, the treated cover region extending inward from the cover outer surface a depth D | 12-19-2013 |
20130344992 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermoplastic matrix and discrete particles of crosslinked polymer dispersed within the matrix. | 12-26-2013 |
20130344993 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermoplastic matrix and discrete particles of crosslinked polymer dispersed within the matrix. | 12-26-2013 |
20130344994 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising discrete particles of crosslinked rubber dispersed within an acid copolymer-based matrix. | 12-26-2013 |
20140004974 | GOLF BALLS HAVING CORES MADE OF POLYBUTADIENE RUBBER BLENDS | 01-02-2014 |
20140011611 | GOLF BALL WITH NAGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - 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. | 01-09-2014 |
20140018192 | GOLF BALL WITH SINGLE LAYER CORE HAVING SPECIFIC REGIONS OF VARYING HARDNESS - 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. | 01-16-2014 |
20140045613 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition. | 02-13-2014 |
20140045621 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL HAVING OPPOSING HARDNESS GRADIENT WITH STEEP GRADIENT OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C. | 02-13-2014 |
20140066228 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix and discrete particles of thermoplastic polymer dispersed within the matrix. | 03-06-2014 |
20140073453 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermosetting polymer matrix and discrete particles of thermoplastic polymer dispersed within the matrix. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073458 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are polyurethane golf ball compositions. The compositions are prepared by adding a UV absorber to a polyol prior to reacting the polyol with an isocyanate to form a prepolymer, which is then reacted with a curing agent to form the polyurethane. | 03-13-2014 |
20140080635 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a matrix formed from a thermosetting polymer composition and discrete particles dispersed within the matrix. | 03-20-2014 |
20140113745 | GOLF BALLS HAVING A FOAM CENTER - Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed composition selected from thermoset compositions and thermoplastic compositions. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113748 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition and a layer formed from a thermoset rubber. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113749 | GOLF BALLS HAVING DUAL-LAYER CORES WITH METAL-CONTAINING CENTERS - Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity and a surrounding outer core layer having a relatively low specific gravity. The core structure may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The outer core layer is formed from a thermoset composition, such as polybutadiene rubber, or from a thermoplastic composition, such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113750 | MULTI-LAYER COVER GOLF BALL HAVING A HIGH ACID CASING AND ZERO GRADIENT CORE - A golf ball includes a single core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An inner cover layer is disposed about the core, the inner cover including a high-acid ionomer and having a material hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D. The high-acid ionomer has an acid content of about 16% or greater. An outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, the outer cover including a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 Shore D to about 56 Shore D. The core surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 15 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a hardness gradient. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113751 | Multi-Layer Cover Dual Core Golf Ball Having A High Acid Casing And Low Gradient Center - A golf ball having an inner core layer having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a rubber composition. An outer core layer surrounds the inner core to form a dual core. An inner cover layer surrounds the dual core, and includes a high-acid ionomer having a hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D and an acid content of 16 wt. % or greater. An outer cover layer surrounds the inner cover layer, and includes a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 to 56 Shore D. The inner core layer surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 10 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a negative hardness gradient and the outer core layer has a surface hardness at least 10 Shore C greater than the geometric center hardness to define a dual core positive hardness gradient. | 04-24-2014 |
20140141905 | COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS - Golf balls comprising thermoplastic, thermoset, castable, or millable elastomer compositions are disclosed. These elastomer compositions comprise the reaction product of an isocyanate, a moisture-resistant polyamine, and an amine- or hydroxyl-terminated curing agent, and can be used in any one or more portions of the golf balls, such as the inner core, outer core, intermediate layer, inner cover, and/or outer cover. | 05-22-2014 |
20140194222 | GOLF BALL HAVING A HOLLOW CENTER - A golf ball including a spherical inner core shell layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition, the shell layer having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner diameter to define a hollow center. A thermoplastic outer core layer is formed about the shell layer. An optional inner cover layer is formed about the outer core layer, the inner cover including an ionomeric material. An outer cover layer is formed over the core or option inner cover layer, the outer cover including a polyurea or a polyurethane and having a second hardness less than the optional inner cover layer. The hollow center has a diameter of about 0.15 to 1.1 inches. The shell layer has a surface hardness greater than its inner surface hardness by about 3 to 25 Shore C to define a hardness gradient, and the thermoplastic outer core layer has a second hardness gradient. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194223 | GOLF BALL HAVING A HOLLOW CENTER - A hollow golf ball includes a spherical inner core shell layer formed from a first thermoplastic composition, the shell layer having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner diameter to define a hollow center. An outer core layer is formed about the shell layer and includes a thermoset rubber composition. An inner cover layer is formed about the outer core layer and includes an ionomeric material. An outer cover layer is formed about the inner cover layer. The outer cover includes a polyurea or a polyurethane and has a hardness less than the inner cover layer. The hollow center has a diameter of about 0.15 to 1.1 inches, the shell layer has a surface hardness greater than an inner surface hardness by about 0 to 5 Shore C to define a first hardness gradient, and the thermoset outer core layer has a second hardness gradient. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194224 | GOLF BALL HAVING A HOLLOW CENTER - A golf ball includes a spherical inner core shell layer formed from a thermoplastic composition. The shell layer has an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner diameter to define a hollow center. A thermoplastic outer core layer is formed around the shell layer. An ionomeric inner cover layer and a urethane or urea outer cover layer are formed over the hollow core. The outer cover has a hardness less than the inner cover. The hollow center has a diameter of about 0.15 to 1.1 inches, the shell layer has a surface hardness greater than an inner surface hardness by about 0 to 5 Shore C to define a hardness gradient, and the thermoplastic outer core layer also has a hardness gradient. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194225 | GOLF BALL HAVING A HOLLOW CENTER - A golf ball includes a thermoset spherical inner core shell layer having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner diameter to define a hollow center; a thermoset outer core layer formed about the shell layer; and an inner and outer cover layer formed about the outer core layer. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and the outer cover layer includes a polyurea or a polyurethane having a hardness less than the inner cover layer. The hollow center has a diameter of about 0.51 to 1.1 inches, the shell layer has a surface hardness greater than an inner surface hardness by about 3 to 25 Shore C to define a first hardness gradient, and the outer core layer has a second hardness gradient different from the first. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194227 | GOLF BALL HAVING A HOLLOW CENTER - Golf balls including a spherical inner core shell layer formed from a thermoset or thermoplastic composition are provided. The shell layer has an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner diameter to define a hollow center. A thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer is formed about the shell layer and optional intermediate layer(s) disposed between the shell layer and the outer core layer. A cover is formed about the outer core layer. | 07-10-2014 |
20140206477 | Multi-Layer Cover Golf Ball Having Thermoset Rubber Intermediate Cover Layer - A golf ball including a core and a cover including a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a material hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D; a thermoset outer cover layer comprising a castable polyurea and having a material hardness of 20 to 60 Shore D; and a thermoset intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness substantially the same as the inner cover layer hardness and greater than the outer cover layer hardness. The inner cover includes one or more high- or low-acid ionomers and, optionally, a maleic anhydride modified polyolefin. The intermediate layer is formed from a castable liquid polybutadiene rubber. | 07-24-2014 |
20140221126 | GOLF BALL COMPRISING A CORE LAYER HAVING A HARDNESS GRADIENT AND TRANS GRADIENT - A golf ball includes a ‘dual core’ formed from an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core has an outer surface and a center and is typically formed from a substantially-homogenous rubber composition such that the center of the core has a hardness of about 72 Shore C to about 78 Shore C and a trans content of about 5% to 9%, and the outer surface of the inner core has a trans content of about 5% to 9%. The trans content of the outer surface and the center of the inner core are preferably within 2% of each other and, more preferably are substantially the same to define a zero trans gradient along a radius of the inner core. | 08-07-2014 |
20140243112 | GOLF BALLS HAVING AT LEAST TWO CORE LAYERS FORMED FROM HNP COMPOSITIONS - The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft or low modulus HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard or high modulus HNP composition. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243113 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber. | 08-28-2014 |
20140246805 | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF BALLS HAVING A MULTI-LAYERED COVERS - Process for making golf ball having multi-layered cover having a very thin outermost cover layer comprising: providing first and second substantially hemispherical half shells comprising a thermoplastic composition; dispensing uncured liquid thermoset composition into a hemispherical cavity of first half shell; inserting first half of a core subassembly into hemispherical cavity and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer; dispensing the uncured liquid thermoset composition into hemispherical cavity of second half shell; inserting second half of core subassembly into hemispherical cavity of second half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer and thereby mating the first and second half shells; curing thermoset inner cover layer; and forming dimples in the outer surfaces of mated first and second half shells. | 09-04-2014 |
20140256469 | MULTI-LAYERED CORES HAVING FOAM INNER CORE FOR GOLF BALLS - Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256471 | DUAL CORE GOLF BALL HAVING NEGATIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOPLASTIC INNER CORE AND SHALLOW POSITIVE-HARDNESS-GRADIENT THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball includes a core including a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer. The inner core has a surface hardness of about 40 to 80 Shore C and a center hardness of about 30 to 75 Shore C. The center hardness is less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. A cover is formed over the core and includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core includes a highly-neutralized ionomer formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The outer core layer comprises a polybutadiene rubber and has a positive hardness gradient of less than 25 Shore C. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256472 | BLENDS OF POLYAMIDE AND ACID ANHYDRIDE-MODIFIED POLYOLEFINS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS - Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of polyamide/acid anhydride-modified polyolefin blended compositions are provided. Preferably, a transparent polyamide is used. In one version, the composition comprises a blend of polyamide, acid anhydride-modified polyolefin, and plasticizer. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide/acid anhydride-modified polyolefin composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. In one version, the polyamide/acid anhydride-modified polyolefin composition is used to form the outer core layer, and a rubber composition is used to form the inner core. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256473 | GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND POLYMERIC OUTER LAYERS WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS - Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256474 | GOLF BALL CORE HAVING MEDIUM POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT AND HIGH SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball includes a single solid core having a surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The core has an outer diameter of about 1.5 to 1.62 inches. An outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or polyurethane has a first hardness, and an inner cover layer, disposed between the core and the outer cover, has a second hardness greater than the first hardness and within 5 Shore C of the core surface hardness. The geometric center hardness is about 64 to 85 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than 85 Shore C and harder than the geometric center hardness by about 5 to 22 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient. | 09-11-2014 |
20140287851 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a matrix formed from a thermosetting polymer composition and discrete particles of crosslinked rubber dispersed within the matrix. | 09-25-2014 |
20140295995 | Golf Ball Having A Thermoplastic Positive Hardness Gradient Inner Core Layer And A Thermoset Shallow Positive Hardness Gradient Outer Core Layer - A golf ball has an inner core layer including a thermoplastic highly-neutralized ionomer and having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed about the inner core and includes a homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core has an interior hardness less than an outer surface hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient. An inner and outer cover layers are disposed about outer core layer. The first and second hardness gradients each have a slope and the slope of the second hardness gradient is less than the slope of the first hardness gradient such that a ratio of the first and second slopes is 0.8 to 0.85. | 10-02-2014 |
20140295996 | GOLF BALL CORE HAVING MEDIUM POSITIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT AND HIGH SURFACE HARDNESS - A golf ball includes a single solid core having a surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The core has an outer diameter of about 1.5 to 1.62 inches. An outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or polyurethane has a first hardness, and an inner cover layer, disposed between the core and the outer cover, has a second hardness greater than the first hardness and within 5 Shore C of the core surface hardness. The geometric center hardness is about 64 to 85 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than 85 Shore C and harder than the geometric center hardness by about 5 to 22 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient. | 10-02-2014 |
20140302947 | COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING TRANSPARENT POLYAMIDES FOR USE IN MAKING GOLF BALLS - Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a transparent polyamide polymer are provided. The transparent polyamide may be blended with other transparent or non-transparent polyamides. Thermoplastic polyamide elastomers such as polyether-amide block copolymers may be used. In one version, the composition comprises a blend of transparent polyamide, acid anhydride-modified polyolefin, and plasticizer. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. In one version, the polyamide composition is used to form the inner cover layer. | 10-09-2014 |
20140309055 | MULTI-LAYERED COES FOR GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM AND THERMOSET LAYERS - Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309056 | GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOSET OUTER LAYERS WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS - Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 10-16-2014 |
20140315659 | Dual Core Golf Ball Having A Shallow "Positive Hardness Gradient" Thermoplastic Inner Core And A Steep "Positive Hardness Gradient" Thermoset Outer Core Layer - A golf ball includes an inner core layer including a thermoplastic highly-neutralized ionomer formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The inner core has a geometric center hardness and a surface hardness to define a first hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core layer has an interior hardness and an outer surface hardness to define a second hardness gradient. An inner cover layer is disposed about outer core layer and an outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer. A slope of the second hardness gradient is greater than a slope of the first hardness gradient. | 10-23-2014 |
20140323241 | GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER WITH HARDNESS GRADIENTS - Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 10-30-2014 |
20140323243 | POLYAMIDE COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING PLASTICIZERS FOR USE IN MAKING GOLF BALLS - Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a polyamide polymer and plasticizer are provided. The plasticizers help reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composition and various plasticizers may be used. For example, the composition may include ethyl oleate or propylene carbonate as a plasticizer. Transparent polyamides, for example, polyether-amide block copolymers, preferably are used in the composition. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. In one version, the polyamide composition is used to form the inner cover layer. | 10-30-2014 |
20140323244 | GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM INNER CORE AND THERMOSET OUTER CORE LAYER - Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 10-30-2014 |
20140323245 | GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM CENTERS WITH NON-UNIFORM CORE STRUCTURES - Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core and cover are provided. The ball contains an inner core made of a foam composition and surrounding outer core layer. Preferably, foamed polyurethane is used to form the inner core and polybutadiene rubber is used to make the outer core. The specific gravity (density) of the inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core. The outer surface of the inner core preferably has a non-uniform structure and includes projecting members. The ball preferably has a high Moment of Inertia (MOI). The ball includes a single or multi-layered cover surrounding the core structure. | 10-30-2014 |
20140342850 | GOLF BALLS HAVING LOW AND HIGH MODULUS CORE LAYERS BASED ON POLYALKENAMER RUBBER - Golf balls containing a core having at least two layers made from a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. At least one layer is made from a relatively low modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition and at least one layer is made from a relatively high modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core. | 11-20-2014 |
20140364249 | GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM INNER CORE AND THEMOPLASTIC OUTER CORE - Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoplastic composition such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 12-11-2014 |
20140364250 | GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THERMOPLASTIC OUTER LAYERS - Golf ball multi-layered core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes a foam inner core (center); and intermediate and outer core layers. Foamed polyurethane is preferably used to make the inner core. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably made from non-foamed thermoplastic compositions such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. In an alternative version, the intermediate core layer may be made of a thermoset rubber such as polybutadiene. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency. | 12-11-2014 |
20140371003 | GOLF BALL LAYERS BASED ON POLYALKENAMER / IONOMER/ POLYAMIDE BLENDS - Multi-piece golf balls containing a core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one component is formed from a rubber composition comprising: i) about 10 to about 65 weight percent of a cycloalkene rubber having a trans-content of about 55% or greater and a melting point of 30° C. or greater; ii) about 30 to about 80 weight percent of an ionomeric resin; and 3) about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a polyamide. The rubber composition may further include other thermoplastic and thermosetting materials such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency, durability, scuff-resistance, and feel of the ball. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371005 | NEGATIVE HARDNESS GRADIENT CORES MADE OF POLYALKENAMER RUBBER FOR GOLF BALLS - Golf balls having cores with negative hardness gradients are provided. The cores are made of polyalkenamer rubber compositions that may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. In one version, a solid, single core having an outer surface and center is provided, wherein the outer surface has a hardness substantially the same or lower than the hardness of the center to define a zero or negative hardness gradient. Dual-cores having inner and outer cores can be made, wherein the inner core has a negative hardness gradient and the outer core has a positive or negative hardness gradient. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. | 12-18-2014 |
20150018128 | MULTI-PIECE GOLF BALL COMPRISING LOW HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE - A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient. | 01-15-2015 |
20150024874 | GOLF BALLS HAVING MULTI-LAYER CORES BASED ON POLYALKENAMER COMPOSITIONS - The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. | 01-22-2015 |
20150031475 | GOLF BALLS HAVING A CORE LAYER MADE FROM PLASTICIZED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITIONS - Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoplastic composition, preferably including: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions. | 01-29-2015 |
20150038264 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038265 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038267 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core consists of: a solid inner core layer formed from an unfoamed thermoplastic composition and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (H | 02-05-2015 |
20150038268 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core consisting of: a solid inner core layer formed from a first unfoamed thermoplastic composition TP | 02-05-2015 |
20150045149 | GOLF BALL HAVING A THERMOSETTING INTERMEDIATE AND OUTER COVER AND A THERMOPLASTIC INNER COVER - A golf ball includes a core and a three-layer cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness of about 66 to 90 Shore C; an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane, a polyurea, or a hybrid thereof, and an intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers. The outer cover layer has a hardness of about 52 to 85 Shore C. The intermediate cover layer has a hardness of about 74 to 100 Shore C and greater than the inner cover layer hardness and the outer cover layer hardness. The thermoplastic inner cover comprises a highly-neutralized ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by about 100%. | 02-12-2015 |
20150051015 | GOLF BALL COVERS MADE FROM PLASTICIZED THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS - Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively hard inner cover and relatively soft outer cover. Alternatively, the cover assembly may include a relatively soft inner cover with a relatively hard outer cover. Three-layered covers comprising an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer also may be prepared. Preferably, at least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions. | 02-19-2015 |
20150051016 | BLENDS OF LINEAR AND BRANCHED NEODYMIUM-CATALYZED RUBBER FORMULATIONS FOR USE IN GOLF BALLS - 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. | 02-19-2015 |
20150057104 | GOLF BALL COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising discrete particles of crosslinked rubber dispersed within an acid copolymer-based matrix. Also disclosed herein are golf ball compositions comprising a silicone ionomer. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057105 | MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL - A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core consisting of: a solid inner core layer formed from a first unfoamed thermoplastic composition TP | 02-26-2015 |
20150072806 | THREE-LAYER-CORE GOLF BALL HAVING HIGHLY-NEUTRALIZED POLYMER OUTER CORE LAYER - A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The inner core layer has a first outer surface Shore D hardness and an outer diameter of about 1.0 to 1.6 inches. A thermoplastic outer core layer is formed around the inner core layer, has a second outer surface Shore D hardness, and is formed from an acid copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, optionally including a softening monomer, such as alkyl acrylates and methacrylates; a plasticizer; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize about 70 to 100% of the acid groups present in the material. The golf ball an inner and outer cover layers. The second outer surface Shore D hardness is greater than the first outer surface Shore D hardness. | 03-12-2015 |
20150087444 | GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM, HOLLOW, OR METAL CENTER AND PLASTICIZED THERMOPLASTIC CORE LAYER - Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) made from a foam or metal-containing composition, or it has a hollow shell construction, and the outer core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The core assembly preferably may have a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions. | 03-26-2015 |