Abstract:
Golf balls having a multi-layered core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core assembly preferably includes a foam inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam center. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values. The foamed inner core assembly includes a geometric center, outer surface (skin), and thermal barrier layer that helps protect the foamed center region from the negative effects of high temperatures used during the ball-manufacturing process. Non-foamed thermoset materials such as polybutadiene rubber may be used to form the thermal barrier layer. The foam cores have good resiliency, thermal stability, and durability over a wide temperature range. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered.
Abstract:
A golf ball comprising at least one layer consisting of a non-isocyanate-containing polyurethane composition comprising the reaction product of: at least one amine or polyamine, having an average functionality of 2.0 or greater, and at least one cyclo-carbonate. The amine may be selected for example from the group consisting of: ethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, or tris(2-aimnoethyl)amine, or blends thereof; and the polyamine may be selected for example from the group consisting of polyoxypropylene diamines, polyoxypropylene triamines, and combinations thereof. The cyclo-carbonate may comprise for example bis(cyclo-carbonate). Other possible reaction products include: (i) the at least one amine or polyamine and at least one epoxy-cyclo-carbonate oligomer, wherein the non-isocyanate-containing polyurethane composition can be modified with at least one of acrylic or siloxane; or (ii) the at least one amine or polyamine and at least one cyclo-carbonated soybean oil; or (iii) at least one lignin-based polyamine and at least one cyclo-carbonated soybean oil.
Abstract:
Golf ball comprising a non-dissolvable layer having a spherical outer surface; and a dissolvable tie layer or dissolvable layer, dispersible in water heated to a heating temperature of about 80° C.-90° C. or greater, disposed concentrically about the spherical outer surface and being bonded with the first non-dissolvable layer at an interface there between. The dissolvable tie layer/dissolvable layer may be formed from a composition consisting of a 1-50 percent aqueous mono-valent high acid ionomer dispersion, or, from an ionomer resin composition. The ionomer of either composition has an acid level greater than 18%; has more than 45% of acid groups that are neutralized with a monovalent cation; and is formed from an acid copolymer having a starting melt index of greater than 180 g/10 min. @ 190° C. with a 2160 g load. The dissolvable tie layer/dissolvable layer may have a thickness of less than about 0.010 inches, and up to about 0.090 inches in some embodiments.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are two-layer and three-layer, low compression golf balls including a low compression single- or dual-layer rubber core and a single cover layer.
Abstract:
Methods for making multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer or coating made from a thiol-ene composition and the resultant golf balls are provided. A polymerizable composition comprising multifunctional thiol and -ene compounds is used to form the layer or coating. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is made from the thiol-ene material. In another embodiment, a thiol-ene composition is applied as a protective coating over the outer cover layer. The thiol-ene layer or coating helps provide the ball with good impact durability and, toughness.
Abstract:
Low compression multi-piece golf balls having a solid core comprising at least one layer made of a plasticized thermoplastic composition are provided. Preferably, the ball has a compression of less than 60 and more preferably less than 50. The ball includes a cover in addition to the core sub-assembly. For example, two-piece and three-piece golf balls may be made. The plasticized thermoplastic composition preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as butyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. In two-layered core constructions, the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers may have different hardness levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.
Abstract:
Golf balls having a multi-layered core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam center. The foam inner core preferably includes a fully-foamed center region and a partially or completely-collapsed foam outer region. The hardness of the fully-foamed region is different than the hardness of the collapsed foam region. Non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic materials such as polybutadiene rubbers or ethylene acid copolymer ionomer may be used to form the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered. The foam cores have good resiliency.
Abstract:
Multi-layered, golf balls having a core made of a particle-based polyurethane foam composition are provided. The ball includes a dual-layered core having a foam inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. The surrounding outer core layer is preferably made from a foamed composition. In one embodiment, pre-expanded thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads containing a blowing agent are used to form the foam center and outer core. In another embodiment, pre-formed polyurethane foam particles are used in both core layers. The foam cores have good resiliency, thermal stability, and durability over a wide temperature range. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered.
Abstract:
Low compression, multi-piece golf balls containing a solid core and two or three-layered cover assemblies are provided. Preferably, the ball has a compression of less than 60 and more preferably less than 50. At least one cover layer is made of a plasticized thermoplastic composition. For example, two-layered and three-layered covers may be made. Preferably, the plasticized thermoplastic composition comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate or butyl 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.