Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed a golf ball comprising a core and a cover and an optional intermediate layer disposed between the core and cover, wherein at least one of the core and the intermediate layer comprises any Pantone Matching System color including blue, green, yellow, pink, or orange having an L* value of about 80 or less; and wherein the cover comprises a translucent thermoset polyurethane material and an amount of pigment or dye such that the cover has any Pantone Matching System color including blue, green, yellow, pink, or orange that has an L* value of about 80 or less. The thermoset polyurethane material may be formed from an aliphatic isocyanate-based composition.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A coating free, finished golf ball and a method of forming a coating free, finished golf ball are disclosed herein. The golf ball has an outermost surface defined exclusively via the cover. The cover disclosed herein can be formed from a polyurethane, polyurea, or hybrid of polyurethane-polyurea, in some examples.
Abstract:
Thermoplastic and thermoset compositions for use in golf balls that are formed from bio-based materials and that include urethane linkages, golf ball components formed using such thermoplastic or thermoset compositions, and golf balls including such golf components.
Abstract:
Casing compositions including carboxylic acid groups, cover compositions including an adhesion promoter with functional groups that crosslink with carboxylic acid groups, and golf balls made from such compositions that have crosslinks between functional groups of the cover compositions and the carboxylic acid groups. The type and concentration of the components in the casing and cover compositions, including the adhesion promoter, affect the adhesion between golf balls having components made from such compositions and, thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having increased durability. Additionally, methods of crosslinking casing and cover layers made from such casing and cover compositions to increase interlayer adhesion are disclosed.
Abstract:
Casing compositions including carboxylic acid groups, cover compositions including an adhesion promoter with functional groups that crosslink with carboxylic acid groups, and golf balls made from such compositions that have crosslinks between functional groups of the cover compositions and the carboxylic acid groups. The type and concentration of the components in the casing and cover compositions, including the adhesion promoter, affect the adhesion between golf balls having components made from such compositions and, thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having increased durability. Additionally, methods of crosslinking casing and cover layers made from such casing and cover compositions to increase interlayer adhesion are disclosed.
Abstract:
A golf ball sub-assembly is provided that is formed from a core body and a foamed casing layer. The core body has a non-spherical profile due to the presence of centering elements, which can be provided in the form of protrusions or other types of structures on the outer surface of the core body. A foamed material is used for the casing layer. The core body can be plunged into a casting mold including the foamed material prior to the foamed material reaching a viscosity level that is typically required for the core body to be properly situated within the casting mold. A method of forming a golf ball using a core body having protrusions is also disclosed herein. The protrusions promote concentricity and therefore the method does not require targeting a specific viscosity of a foamed casing material when plunging the core body within the casting mold.
Abstract:
Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. The golf ball includes an inner core and surrounding thermoplastic polyurethane outer cover. Multi-piece golf balls having outer cores, inner covers, and intermediate layers can be made. The invention includes cast molding methods for increasing the molecular weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane composition used to make the cover and ultimately to a golf ball cover having high shear and cut-resistance