WO2000047289A1 - Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting - Google Patents
Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting Download PDFInfo
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- WO2000047289A1 WO2000047289A1 PCT/US2000/004446 US0004446W WO0047289A1 WO 2000047289 A1 WO2000047289 A1 WO 2000047289A1 US 0004446 W US0004446 W US 0004446W WO 0047289 A1 WO0047289 A1 WO 0047289A1
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- golf ball
- weighting material
- weighting
- powder
- ball
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B45/00—Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls
- A63B45/02—Marking of balls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/005—Cores
- A63B37/006—Physical properties
- A63B37/0062—Hardness
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B43/008—Balls with special arrangements with means for improving visibility, e.g. special markings or colours
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
- C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
- C08L23/025—Copolymer of an unspecified olefin with a monomer other than an olefin
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
- C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
- C08L23/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
- C08L23/08—Copolymers of ethene
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/005—Cores
- A63B37/0051—Materials other than polybutadienes; Constructional details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/005—Cores
- A63B37/006—Physical properties
- A63B37/0064—Diameter
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/005—Cores
- A63B37/006—Physical properties
- A63B37/0065—Deflection or compression
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
- A63B37/0072—Characteristics of the ball as a whole with a specified number of layers
- A63B37/0075—Three piece balls, i.e. cover, intermediate layer and core
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
- A63B37/0077—Physical properties
- A63B37/0083—Weight; Mass
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3688—Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L2205/00—Polymer mixtures characterised by other features
- C08L2205/02—Polymer mixtures characterised by other features containing two or more polymers of the same C08L -group
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
- C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
- C08L23/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
- C08L23/02—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
- C08L23/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
- C08L23/08—Copolymers of ethene
- C08L23/0846—Copolymers of ethene with unsaturated hydrocarbons containing other atoms than carbon or hydrogen atoms
- C08L23/0869—Acids or derivatives thereof
- C08L23/0876—Neutralised polymers, i.e. ionomers
Definitions
- Patent No. 5,368,304 This is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Serial No. 09/049,868 filed March 27, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Serial No. 08 /T gz , ZZl filed
- the present invention relates to golf balls and, more particularly, to improved two-piece golf balls having low spin rates.
- the improvement in the golf balls results from a combination of a relatively soft core and a hard cover made from blends of one or more specific hard, high stiffness ionomers.
- the combination of a soft core and a hard cover leads to an improved golf ball having a lower than anticipated spin rate while maintaining the resilience and durability characteristics necessary for repetitive play.
- the present invention also pertains to improved multi-layer golf balls having one or more layers containing metal particles or other heavy weight filler materials to enhance the perimeter weight of the balls.
- weighting material may be incorporated in one or more of an inner layer or an outer layer of the ball.
- the heavy weight filler particles are present in an outer cover layer.
- the weighting material is visible along the exterior of the ball. The inclusion of the particles along with the production of a smaller core produces a greater (or higher) moment of inertia. This results in less spin, reduced slicing and hooking and further distance.
- the spin rate is further reduced by decreasing the weight of the soft core while maintaining core size and by increasing the thickness of the cover.
- the larger, less dense finished ball exhibits lower spin rates after club impact than conventional balls.
- Spin rate is an important golf ball characteristic for both the skilled and unskilled golfer.
- High spin rates allow for the more skilled golfer, such as PGA professionals and low handicap players, to maximize control of the golf ball. This is particularly beneficial to the more skilled golfer when hitting an approach shot to a green.
- the more skilled golfer generally prefers a golf ball exhibiting high spin rate properties.
- a high spin golf ball is not desirous by all golfers, particularly high handicap players who cannot intentionally control the spin of the ball.
- less skilled golfers have, among others, two substantial obstacles to improving their game: slicing and hooking.
- slicing and hooking When a club head meets a ball, an unintentional side spin is often imparted which sends the ball off its intended course. The side spin reduces one's control over the ball as well as the distance the ball will travel. As a result, unwanted strokes are added to the game.
- a more efficient ball for the less skilled player is a golf ball that exhibits low spin properties.
- the low spin ball reduces slicing and hooking and enhances roll distance for the amateur golfer.
- the present inventors have addressed the need for developing a golf ball having a reduced spin rate after club impact, while at the same time maintaining durability, playability and resiliency characteristics needed for repeated use.
- the reduced spin rate golf ball of the present invention meets the rules and regulations established by the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) .
- the U.S.G.A. has set forth five (5) specific regulations to which a golf ball must conform.
- the U.S.G.A. rules require that a ball be no smaller than 1.680 inches in diameter.
- a golf ball can be as large as desired so long as it is larger than 1.680 inches in diameter and so long as the other four (4) specific regulations are met.
- the U.S.G.A. rules also require that balls weigh no more than 1.620 ounces, and that their initial velocity may not exceed 250 feet per second with a maximum tolerance of 2%, or up to 255 ft. /sec. Further, the U.S.G.A. rules state that a ball may not travel a distance greater than 280 yards with a test tolerance of 6% when hit by the U.S.G.A. outdoor driving machine under specific conditions.
- Top-grade golf balls sold in the United States may be generally classified as one of two types: two-piece or three-piece balls.
- the two-piece ball exemplified by the balls sold by Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc. (the assignee of the present invention through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lisco, Inc.) under the trademark TOP-FLITE, consists of a solid polymeric core and a separately formed outer cover.
- the so-called three-piece balls exemplified by the balls sold under the trademark TITLEIST by the Acushnet Company, consist of a liquid (e.g., TITLEIST TOUR 384) or solid (e.g., TITLEIST DT) center, elastomeric thread windings about the center, and a cover.
- Spalding's two-piece golf balls are produced by molding a natural (balata) or synthetic (i.e. thermoplastic resin such as an ionomer resin) polymeric cover composition around a preformed polybutadiene (rubber) core. During the molding process, the desired dimple pattern is molded into the cover material.
- a color pigment or dye and, in many instances, an optical brightener are added directly to the generally "off white” colored polymeric cover composition prior to molding. By incorporating the pigment and/or optical brightener in the cover composition molded onto the golf ball core, this process eliminates the need for a supplemental pig ented painting step in order to produce a white or colored (notably orange, pink and yellow) golf ball.
- Spalding is the leading manufacturer of two-piece golf balls in the world. Spalding manufactures over sixty (60) different types of two-piece balls which vary distinctly in such properties as playability (i.e. spin rate, compression, feel, etc.), travel distance (initial velocity, C.O.R., etc.), durability (impact, cut and weather resistance) and appearance (i.e. whiteness, reflectance, yellowness, etc.) depending upon the ball's core, cover and coating materials, as well as the ball's surface configuration (i.e. dimple pattern) . Consequently, Spalding's two-piece golf balls offer both the amateur and professional golfer a variety of performance characteristics to suit an individual's game.
- playability i.e. spin rate, compression, feel, etc.
- travel distance initial velocity, C.O.R., etc.
- durability impact, cut and weather resistance
- appearance i.e. whiteness, reflectance, yellowness, etc.
- the initial velocity of two- piece and three-piece balls is determined mainly by the coefficient of restitution of the core.
- the coefficient of restitution of the core of wound (i.e. three-piece) balls can be controlled within limits by regulating the winding tension and the thread and center composition.
- the coefficient of restitution of the core is a function of the properties of the elastomer composition from which it is made.
- the cover component of a golf ball is particularly influential in effecting the compression (feel) , spin rates (control), distance (C.O.R. ), and durability (i.e. impact resistance, etc.) of the resulting ball.
- Various cover compositions have been developed by Spalding and others in order to optimize the desired properties of the resulting golf balls.
- top-grade golf balls must meet several other important design criteria.
- a golf ball should be resistant to cutting and must be finished well; it should hold a line in putting and should have good click and feel.
- the ball should exhibit spin and control properties dictated by the skill and experience of the end user.
- a low spin ball is generally preferred, particularly for the less skilled player. And, increasing the moment of inertia of the ball tends to reduce the spin rate of the ball.
- the present invention provides a remarkable and unique approach for readily increasing the moment of inertia of a golf ball.
- the approach of the present invention is economical and easily implemented in large scale commercial golf ball manufacturing processes.
- the spin rate of the ball is further reduced by increasing the thickness of the cover and/or decreasing the weight and softness of the core.
- increasing the cover thickness and/or the overall diameter of the resulting molded golf ball enhanced reduction in spin rate is observed.
- golf balls made by Spalding in 1915 were of a diameter ranging from 1.630 inches to 1.710 inches. As the diameter of the ball increased, the weight of the ball also increased. These balls were comprised of covers made up of balata/gutta percha and cores made from solid rubber or liquid sacs and wound with elastic thread.
- the LYNX JUMBO balls were also commercially available by Lynx in October, 1979. These balls had a diameter of 1.76 to 1.80 inches.
- the LYNX JUMBO balls met with little or no commercial success.
- the LYNX JUMBO balls consisted of a core comprised of wound core and a cover comprised of natural or synthetic balata.
- An object of the present invention is to produce a U.S.G.A. regulation golf ball having improved low spin properties while maintaining the resilience and durability characteristics necessary for repetitive play.
- the present invention is directed to improved golf balls having a low rate of spin upon club impact.
- the golf balls comprise a soft core and a hard cover.
- the core has a Riehle compression of at least about 75, and preferably 75 to about 115.
- the cover has a Shore D hardness of at least about 65.
- the golf balls generally comprise a core and an outer layer, the outer layer including at least one discrete region of a weighting material that serves to increase the moment of inertia of the golf ball.
- the present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core having a Riehle compression of at least 75, and a layer disposed about the core that has a Shore D hardness of at least about 65.
- the layer includes at least one region of weighting material, and at least one other region of layer material less dense than the weighting material.
- the present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core having a Riehle compression of at least about 75, and an outer layer disposed around the core.
- the outer layer includes at least one discrete region of a weighting material that serves to increase the moment of inertia of the ball. And, at least one region of the weighting material is visible along the exterior of the golf ball.
- the outer layer has a Shore D hardness of at least about 65.
- the present invention provides a multi-layer golf ball having an increased moment of inertia.
- the golf ball comprises a core having a Riehle compression of from about 75 to about 115.
- the core further comprises an inner layer disposed about the core, and an outer layer disposed about the inner layer.
- the outer layer has a Shore D hardness of at least about 65.
- the golf ball further comprises an effective amount of a weighting material disposed in at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment golf ball embodying the invention illustrating a core 10 and a multi-layer cover 12 consisting of an inner layer 14 containing metal particles or other heavy filler materials 20 and an outer layer 16 having dimples 18;
- FIG. 2 is a diametrical cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment golf ball of the invention having a core 10 and a cover 12 made of an inner layer 14 containing metal particles or other fragments 20 and an outer layer 16 having dimples 18;
- FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible star-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible contoured-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible pentagon-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible radiused pentagon-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible single stripe-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible double stripe-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible multi stripe-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible stripe and dimple-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible ring-shaped perimeter weighting system
- FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible spiral-shaped perimeter weighting system.
- the present invention relates to the development of a golf ball having a low spin rate as a result of combining a relatively soft core and a hard cover.
- a lower spin rate after club impact contributes to straighter shots when the ball is mis-hit, greater efficiency in flight, and a lesser degree of energy loss on impact with the ground, adding increased roll or distance.
- the present invention is also directed to improved multi-layer golf ball compositions and the resulting regulation balls produced using those compositions.
- a smaller and lighter core is produced and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions.
- the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi- layered golf ball.
- the particles or other weighting material is disposed in an outer layer. Most preferably, the weighting material is viewable or otherwise visible along the ball's exterior. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.
- the spin rate is still further decreased.
- the ball even though of larger diameter, uses substantially the same size core as a standard golf ball, the difference in size being provided by the additional thickness in the cover of the ball. This larger, low spin ball produces even greater control and flight efficiency than the standard size ball embodiment of the present invention.
- Various measurements are referred to herein. These are as follows:
- Riehle compression is a measurement of the deformation of a golf ball in thousandths of inches under a fixed static load of 200 pounds (a Riehle compression of 47 corresponds to a deflection under load of 0.047 inches).
- Coefficient of restitution was measured by firing the resulting golf ball in an air cannon at a velocity of 125 feet per second against a steel plate which is positioned 12 feet from the muzzle of the cannon. The rebound velocity was then measured. The rebound velocity was divided by the forward velocity to give the coefficient of restitution.
- Shore hardness was measured in accordance with ASTM Test D-2240.
- the core of the present invention is relatively soft and of similar size. It has a Riehle compression of about 75 or more, preferably about 75 to about 115, and a relatively low PGA compression of about 45 to 85, preferably about 70 to about 80. The resilience of the core is about 0.760 to about 0.780.
- the preferred embodiment core used in the present invention is a specially produced softened polybutadiene elastomeric solid core having a conventional diameter of about 1.540 to 1.545 inches.
- the core is produced from a composition comprising a base elastomer selected from polybutadiene and mixtures of polybutadiene with other elastomers, at least one metallic salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid (a co-crosslinking agent) , and free radical initiator (a co-crosslinking agent) .
- a suitable and compatible modifying ingredient including, but not limited to metal activators, fatty acids, fillers, polypropylene powder and other additives may be included.
- the metallic salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid is included in the core compositions in order to produce the degree of core softness and weight desired.
- the composition of the core is adjusted so that the molded finished ball falls within the weight parameters set forth by the U.S.G.A. Since the finished golf balls must still meet the U.S.G.A. weight limitation of 1.620 ounces, the core component of the larger and thicker covered balls are designed to be not only softer, but also lighter in weight.
- the core generally weighs about 36 to 37 grams for a standard sized finished ball and about 33 to 34 grams for an oversized finished ball.
- the core (preferably a solid core) is about 1.28 inches to 1.570 inches in diameter, preferably about 1.37 to about 1.54 inches, and most preferably 1.42 inches.
- the cores weigh about 18 to 39 grams, desirably 25 to 30, and most preferably 29.7-29.8 grams.
- the solid cores are typically compression molded from a slug of uncured or lightly cured elastomer composition comprising a high cis content polybutadiene and a metal salt of an ⁇ , ⁇ , ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid such as zinc mono or diacrylate or methacrylate.
- the manufacturer may include fillers such as small amounts of a metal oxide such as zinc oxide.
- lesser amounts of metal oxide can be included in order to lighten the core weight so that the finished ball more closely approaches the U.S.G.A. upper weight limit of 1.620 ounces.
- core composition including compatible rubbers or ionomers, and low molecular weight fatty acids such as stearic acid.
- Free radical initiators such as peroxides are admixed with the core composition so that on the application of heat and pressure, a complex curing cross-linking reaction takes place.
- cores disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,645,597; 5,480,155; 5,387,637; 5,150,906; 5,588,924; 5,507,493; 5,503,397; 5,482,286; 5,018,740; 4,852,884; 4,844,471; 4,838,556; 4,726,590; and 4,650,193; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference, may be utilized in whole or in part.
- the specially produced core compositions and resulting molded cores of the present invention are manufactured using relatively conventional techniques.
- the core compositions of the invention may be based on polybutadiene, and mixtures of polybutadiene with other elastomers. It is preferred that the base elastomer have a relatively high molecular weight.
- the broad range for the molecular weight of suitable base elastomers is from about 50,000 to about 500,000. A more preferred range for the molecular weight of the base elastomer is from about 100,000 to about 500,000.
- cis-polybutadiene is preferably employed, or a blend of cis-polybutadiene with other elastomers may also be utilized.
- cis-polybutadiene having a weight-average molecular weight of from about 100,000 to about 500,000 is employed.
- Cariflex BR-1220 and the polyisoprene available from Muehlstein, H & Co. , Greenwich, Connecticut under the designation "SKI 35" are particularly well suited.
- the unsaturated carboxylic acid component of the core composition is the reaction product of the selected carboxylic acid or acids and an oxide or carbonate of a metal such as zinc, magnesium, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium, potassium, cadmium, lead, tin, and the like.
- a metal such as zinc, magnesium, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium, potassium, cadmium, lead, tin, and the like.
- the oxides of polyvalent metals such as zinc, magnesium and cadmium are used, and most preferably, the oxide is zinc oxide.
- the unsaturated carboxylic acids which find utility in the present core compositions are acrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, sorbic acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof.
- the acid component is either acrylic or methacrylic acid.
- the carboxylic acid salt such as zinc diacrylate, is included in the core composition.
- the unsaturated carboxylic acids and metal salts thereof are generally soluble in the elastomeric base, or are readily dispersible.
- the free radical initiator included in the core composition is any known polymerization initiator (a co- crosslinking agent) which decomposes during the cure cycle.
- the term "free radical initiator” as used herein refers to a chemical which, when added to a mixture of the elastomeric blend and a metal salt of an unsaturated, carboxylic acid, promotes crosslinking of the elastomers by the metal salt of the unsaturated carboxylic acid.
- the amount of the selected initiator present is dictated only by the requirements of catalytic activity as a polymerization initiator. Suitable initiators include peroxides, persulfates, azo compounds and hydrazides. Peroxides which are readily commercially available are conveniently used in the present invention, generally in amounts of from about 0.1 to about 10.0 and preferably in amounts of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 parts by weight per each 100 parts of elastomer.
- Suitable peroxides for the purposes of the present invention are dicumyl peroxide, n-butyl 4,4'- bis (butylperoxy) valerate, 1, l-bis(t-butylperoxy) -3 , 3 , 5- trimethyl cyclohexane, di-t-butyl peroxide and 2,5-di-(t- butylperoxy) -2, 5 dimethyl hexane and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. It will be understood that the total amount of initiators used will vary depending on the specific end product desired and the particular initiators employed.
- Luperco 230 or 231 XL sold by Atochem, Lucidol Division, Buffalo, N.Y., and Trigonox 17/40 or 29/40 sold by Akzo Chemie America, Chicago, Illinois.
- Luperco 230 XL and Trigonox 17/40 are comprised of n-butyl 4,4-bis (butylperoxy) valerate; and, Luperco 231 XL and Trigonox 29/40 are comprised of 1, 1-bis (t-butylperoxy) -3 , 3 , 5- trimethyl cyclohexane.
- the one hour half life of Luperco 231 XL and Trigonox 29/40 is about 112 °C, and the one hour half life of Luperco 230 XL and Trigonox 17/40 is about 129 °C.
- the core compositions of the present invention may additionally contain any other suitable and compatible modifying ingredients including, but not limited to, metal oxides, fatty acids, and diisocyanates and polypropylene powder resin.
- suitable and compatible modifying ingredients including, but not limited to, metal oxides, fatty acids, and diisocyanates and polypropylene powder resin.
- Papi 94 a polymeric diisocyanate, commonly available from Dow Chemical Co. , Midland, MI., is an optional component in the rubber compositions. It can range from about 0 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr) component, and acts as a moisture scavenger.
- phr a polypropylene powder resin results in a core which is too hard (i.e. exhibits low compression) and thus allows for a reduction in the amount of crosslinking agent utilized to soften the core to a normal or below normal compression.
- polypropylene powder resin can be added to core composition without an increase in weight of the molded core upon curing, the addition of the polypropylene powder allows for the addition of higher specific gravity fillers, such as mineral fillers. Since the crosslinking agents utilized in the polybutadiene core compositions are expensive and/or the higher specific gravity fillers are relatively inexpensive, the addition of the polypropylene powder resin substantially lowers the cost of the golf ball cores while maintaining, or lowering, weight and compression.
- the polypropylene (C-,! ⁇ ) powder suitable for use in the present invention has a specific gravity of about 0.90, a melt flow rate of about 4 to about 12 and a particle size distribution of greater than 99% through a 20 mesh screen.
- polypropylene powder resins include those sold by the Amoco Chemical Co., Chicago, Illinois, under the designations "6400 P” , "7000 P” and "7200 P”.
- polypropylene powder resins include those sold by the Amoco Chemical Co., Chicago, Illinois, under the designations "6400 P" , "7000 P” and "7200 P”.
- polypropylene powder resins include those sold by the Amoco Chemical Co., Chicago, Illinois, under the designations "6400 P" , "7000 P” and "7200 P".
- polypropylene powder resins include those sold by the Amoco Chemical Co., Chicago, Illinois, under the designations "6400 P" , "7000 P” and "7200 P”.
- activators may also be included in the compositions of the present invention.
- zinc oxide and/or magnesium oxide are activators for the polybutadiene.
- the activator can range from about 2 to about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the rubbers (phr) component.
- filler-reinforcement agents may be added to the composition of the present invention. Since the specific gravity of polypropylene powder is very low, and when compounded, the polypropylene powder produces a lighter molded core, when polypropylene is incorporated in the core compositions, relatively large amounts of higher gravity fillers may be added so long as the specific core weight limitations are met. Additional benefits may be obtained by the incorporation of relatively large amounts of higher specific gravity, inexpensive mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate. Such fillers as are incorporated into the core compositions should be in finely divided form, as for example, in a size generally less than about 30 mesh and preferably less than about 100 mesh U.S. standard size. The amount of additional filler included in the core composition is primarily dictated by weight restrictions and preferably is included in amounts of from about 10 to about 100 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber.
- the preferred fillers are relatively inexpensive and heavy and serve to lower the cost of the ball and to increase the weight of the ball to closely approach the U.S.G.A. weight limit of 1.620 ounces.
- Exemplary fillers include mineral fillers such as limestone, silica, mica, barytes, calcium carbonate, or clays. Limestone is ground calcium/magnesium carbonate and is used because it is an inexpensive, heavy filler.
- ground flash filler may be incorporated and is preferably 20 mesh ground up center stock from the excess flash from compression molding. It lowers the cost and may increase the hardness of the ball.
- Fatty acids or metallic salts of fatty acids may also be included in the compositions, functioning to improve moldability and processing. Generally, free fatty acids having from about 10 to about 40 carbon atoms, and preferably having from about 15 to about 20 carbon atoms, are used. Exemplary of suitable fatty acids are stearic acid and linoleic acids, as well as mixtures thereof. Exemplary of suitable metallic salts of fatty acids include zinc stearate. When included in the core compositions, the fatty acid component is present in amounts of from about 1 to about 25, preferably in amounts from about 2 to about 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts rubber (elastomer) .
- the core compositions include stearic acid as the fatty acid adjunct in an amount of from about 2 to about 5 parts by weight per 100 parts of rubber.
- Metallic salts of fatty acids such as zinc stearate may also be used as an activator from 2 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts of rubber.
- Diisocyanates may also be optionally included in the core compositions when utilized, the diioscyanates are included in amounts of from about 0.2 to about 5.0 parts by weight based on 100 parts rubber.
- exemplary of suitable diisocyanates is 4 , 4 '-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and other polyfunctional isocyanates know to the art.
- dialkyl tin difatty acids set forth in U.S. Patent No. 4,844,471 the dispersing agents disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,838,556, and the dithiocarbamates set forth in U.S. Patent No. 4,852,884 may also be incorporated into the polybutadiene compositions of the present invention.
- the specific types and amounts of such additives are set forth in the above identified patents, which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the core compositions of the invention are generally comprised of 100 parts by weight of a base elastomer (or rubber) selected from polybutadiene and mixtures of polybutadiene with other elastomers, 15 to 25 parts by weight of at least one metallic salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of a free radical initiator.
- additional suitable and compatible modifying agents such as particulate polypropylene resin, fatty acids, and secondary additives such as Pecan shell flour, ground flash (i.e. grindings from previously manufactured cores of substantially identical construction) , barium sulfate, zinc oxide, etc. may be added to the core compositions to adjust the weight of the ball as necessary in order to have the finished molded ball (core, cover and coatings) to closely approach the U.S.G.A. weight limit of 1.620 ounces.
- the ingredients may be intimately mixed using, for example, two roll mills or a Banbury mixer until the composition is uniform, usually over a period of from about 5 to about 20 minutes.
- the sequence of addition of components is not critical. A preferred blending sequence is as follows.
- the elastomer, polypropylene powder resin (if desired) , fillers, zinc salt, metal oxide, fatty acid, and the metallic dithiocarbamate (if desired) , surfactant (if desired) , and tin difatty acid (if desired) are blended for about 7 minutes in an internal mixer such as a Banbury mixer. As a result of shear during mixing, the temperature rises to about 200°F. The initiator and diisocyanate are then added and the mixing continued until the temperature reaches about 220°F whereupon the batch is discharged onto a two roll mill, mixed for about one minute and sheeted out.
- the sheet is rolled into a "pig” and then placed in a Barwell preformer and slugs are produced.
- the slugs are then subjected to compression molding at about 320°F for about 14 minutes.
- the molded cores are cooled, the cooling effected at room temperature for about 4 hours or in cold water for about one hour.
- the molded cores are subjected to a centerless grinding operation whereby a thin layer of the molded core is removed to produce a round core having a diameter of 1.540 to 1.545 inches.
- the cores are used in the as-molded state with no grinding needed to achieve roundness.
- the mixing is desirably conducted in such a manner that the composition does not reach incipient polymerization temperatures during the blending of the various components.
- the curable component of the composition will be cured by heating the composition at elevated temperatures on the order of from about 275°F to about
- the composition can be formed into a core structure by any one of a variety of molding techniques, e.g. injection, compression, or transfer molding.
- the time required for heating will normally be short, generally from about 10 to about 20 minutes, depending upon the particular curing agent used.
- Those of ordinary skill in the art relating to free radical curing agents for polymers are conversant with adjustments of cure times and temperatures required to effect optimum results with any specific free radical agent.
- the core is removed from the mold and the surface thereof, preferably treated to facilitate adhesion thereof to the covering materials.
- Surface treatment can be effected by any of the several techniques known in the art, such as corona discharge, ozone treatment, sand blasting, and the like.
- surface treatment is effected by grinding with an abrasive wheel.
- the core is converted into a golf ball by providing at least one layer of covering material thereon, ranging in thickness from about 0.070 to about 0.130 inches and preferably from about 0.0675 to about 0.1275 inches.
- the cover is preferably comprised of a hard, high- stiffness ionomer resin, most preferably a metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resin containing more than 16% carboxylic acid by weight, or blend thereof.
- the cover has a Shore D hardness of about 65 or greater.
- ionomeric resins are polymers containing interchain ionic bonding.
- various ionomeric resins sold by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company under the trademark “Surlyn®” and more recently, by the Exxon Corporation (see U.S. Patent No. 4,911,451) under the trademark “Escor®” and the tradename “Iotek” have become the materials of choice for the construction of golf ball covers over the traditional "balata” (trans-polyisoprene, natural or synthetic) rubbers.
- Ionomeric resins are generally ionic copolymers of an olefin, such as ethylene, and a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or maleic acid.
- an additional softening comonomer such as an aerylate can also be included to form a terpolymer.
- the pendent ionic groups in the ionomeric resins interact to form ion-rich aggregates contained in a non-polar polymer matrix.
- the metal ions such as sodium, zinc, magnesium, lithium, potassium, calcium, etc. are used to neutralize some portion of the acid groups in the copolymer resulting in a thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting enhanced properties, i.e., improved durability, etc. for golf ball construction over balata.
- the ionomeric resins utilized to produce cover compositions can be formulated according to known procedures such as those set forth in U. S. Patent No. 3,421,766 or British Patent No. 963,380, with neutralization effected according to procedures disclosed in Canadian Patent Nos. 674,595 and 713,631, wherein the ionomer is produced by copolymerizing the olefin and carboxylic acid to produce a copolymer having the acid units randomly distributed along the polymer chain.
- the ionic copolymer generally comprises one or more ⁇ -olefins and from about 9 to about 20 weight percent of ⁇ , /3-ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid, the basic copolymer neutralized with metal ions to the extent desired.
- At least about 20% of the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer are neutralized by the metal ions (such as sodium, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and the like) and exist in the ionic state.
- Suitable olefins for use in preparing the ionomeric resins include ethylene, propylene, butene-1, hexene-1 and the like.
- Unsaturated carboxylic acids include acrylic, methacrylic, ethacrylic, ⁇ - chloroacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, itaconic acids, and the like.
- the ionomeric resins utilized in the golf ball industry are generally copolymers of ethylene with acrylic (i.e., Escor®) and/or methacrylic (i.e., Surlyn®) acid.
- acrylic i.e., Escor®
- methacrylic i.e., Surlyn®
- two or more types of ionomeric resins may be blended in to the cover compositions in order to produce the desired properties of the resulting golf balls.
- cover compositions which may be used in making the golf balls of the present invention are set forth in detail but not limited to those in copending U.S. Serial No.
- the cover material is comprised of hard, high stiffness ionomer resins, preferably containing relatively high amounts of acid (i.e., greater than 16 weight percent acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25 weight percent acid, and more preferably from about 18.5 to about 21.5 weight percent) and at least partially neutralized with metal ions (such as sodium, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and the like) .
- acid i.e., greater than 16 weight percent acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25 weight percent acid, and more preferably from about 18.5 to about 21.5 weight percent
- metal ions such as sodium, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and the like
- the preferred cover compositions are made from specific blends of two or more high acid ionomers with other cover additives which do not exhibit the processing, playability, distance and/or durability limitations demonstrated by the prior art.
- the cover composition can also be comprised of one or more low acid ionomers so long as the molded covers exhibit a hardness of 65 or more on the Shore D scale.
- the cover composition may include a hard, high stiffness preferably high acid ionomer such as that sold by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company under the trademark “Surlyn®” and by Exxon Corporation under the trademark “Escor®” or tradename “Iotek", or blends thereof.
- the cover may comprise any ionomer which either alone or in combination with other ionomers produces a molded cover having a Shore D hardness of at least 65. These include lithium ionomers or blends of ionomers with harder non- ionic polymers such as nylon, polyphenylene oxide and other compatible thermoplastics.
- cover compositions which may be used are set forth in detail in copending U.S. Serial No. 07/776,803 filed October 15, 1991, and Serial No. 07/901,660 filed June 19, 1992, both incorporated herein by reference.
- cover compositions are not limited in any way to those compositions set forth in said copending applications.
- the preferred cover configuration is a multi-layer cover.
- Metal particles and other heavy weight filler materials rom about 1 to about 100 parts per hundred parts resin (phr) , preferably from about 4 to about 51 phr, and most preferably from about 10 to about 25 phr, are included in the first or inner cover layer in order to enhance the moment of inertia of the golf ball.
- Such heavy weight filler materials may also be provided in the outer cover layer in these proportions.
- the multi-layer golf balls of the invention can be of standard or enlarged size.
- the inner layer or ply of the golf ball of the invention comprises a blend of one or more polymeric materials described herein.
- Various amounts of metallic particles or other heavy weight filler materials are included in the inner cover layer and the size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce selective variations in the moment of inertia of the ball.
- the outer cover layer preferably includes a blend of high acid ionomer resins (greater than 16 weight percent acid) or a blend of high modulus low acid ionomers and has a Shore D hardness of 65 or greater.
- multi-layer golf balls can be produced having inner and outer cover layers which exhibit improved C.O.R. values and have greater travel distance in comparison with balls made from a single cover layer.
- the travel distance of such multi-layer golf balls can be further improved without substantially sacrificing the feel and durability characteristics of the ball through the inclusion of metal particles or other heavy metal filler materials in the inner cover compositions.
- the metal particles or fragments increase the weight of the interior perimeter of a golf ball in comparison to the central core.
- the core is also made smaller and lighter in order to conform with the weight requirements of the U.S.G.A.
- This combination of weight displacement increases the moment of inertia and/or moves the radius of gyration of the ball closer to the outer surface of the ball. Consequently, selective adjustments in weight arrangement will produce different moments of inertia and/or radii of gyration.
- the overall result is the production of a lower initial spinning multi-layer golf ball which travels farther while maintaining the feel and durability characteristics desired by a golf ball utilized in regulation play.
- the moment of inertia of a golf ball (also known as rotational inertia) is the sum of the products formed by multiplying the mass (or sometimes the area) of each element of a figure by the square of its distance from a specified line such as the center of a golf ball.
- This property is directly related to the radius of gyration of a golf ball which is the square root of the ratio of the moment of inertia of a golf ball about a given axis to its mass. It has been found that the greater the moment of inertia (or the farther the radius of gyration is to the center of the ball) the lower the spin rate is of the ball.
- the present invention is directed, in part, to increasing the moment of inertia of a multi-layered golf ball by varying the weight arrangement of one or more of the cover, the inner layer, and the core components.
- the moment of inertia of a golf ball can be increased.
- Such a change can occur in a multi-layered golf ball, including a ball containing one or more cover layers, to enhance distance due to the production of less side spin and improved roll.
- the present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer cover which produces, upon molding each layer around a core (preferably a smaller and lighter solid core) to formulate a multi-layer cover, a golf ball exhibiting enhanced distance (i.e., improved resilience, less side spin, improved roll) without adversely affecting, and in many instances, improving the ball's feel (hardness/softness) and/or durability (i.e., cut resistance, fatigue resistance, etc.) characteristics.
- a preferred embodiment golf ball in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.
- This preferred embodiment golf ball comprises a multi-layered cover 12 disposed over a core 10, and method for making same.
- the core 10 is a solid core, although a wound core having the desired characteristics can also be used.
- the multi-layered cover 12 comprises two layers: a first or inner layer or ply 14 and a second or outer layer or ply 16.
- the inner layer 14 is comprised of one or more polymeric materials, such as conventional cover materials.
- the inner cover layer is comparatively softer than the outer layer 16.
- the inner layer or ply is preferably comprised of a relatively soft, low modulus (about 1,000 psi to about 10,000 psi) and low acid (less than 16 weight percent acid) ionomer, ionomer blend or a non-ionomeric elastomer such as, but not limited to, a polyurethane, a polyester elastomer such as that marketed by DuPont under the trademark Hytrel®, a polyurethane sold by BASF under the designation Baytec® or a polyester amide such as that marketed by Elf Atochem S.A.
- the outer layer is fairly thin (i.e. from about 0.010 to about 0.110 in thickness, more desirably 0.03 to 0.06 inches in thickness for a 1.680 inch ball and 0.04 to 0.07 inches in thickness for a 1.72 inch ball), but thick enough to achieve desired playability characteristics while minimizing expense.
- the inner layer includes a blend of hard and soft (low acid) ionomer resins such as those described in U. S. Patent Nos. 4,884,814 and 5,120,791, both incorporated herein by reference.
- a desirable material for use in molding the inner layer comprises a blend of a high modulus (hard) , low acid, ionomer with a low modulus (soft) , low acid, ionomer to form a base ionomer mixture.
- a high modulus ionomer herein is one which measures from about 15,000 to about 70,000 psi as measured in accordance with ASTM method D-790.
- the hardness may be defined as at least 50 on the Shore D scale as measured in accordance with ASTM method D-2240.
- a low modulus ionomer suitable for use in the inner layer blend has a flexural modulus measuring from about 1,000 to about 10,000 psi, with a hardness of about 20 to about 40 on the Shore D scale.
- the hard ionomer resins utilized to produce the inner cover layer composition hard/soft blends include ionic copolymers which are the sodium, zinc, magnesium or lithium salts of the reaction product of an olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylie acid having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms.
- the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer may be totally or partially (i.e. approximately 15-75 percent) neutralized.
- the hard ionomeric resins are likely copolymers of ethylene and either acrylic and/or methacrylic acid, with copolymers of ethylene and acrylic acid being the most preferred. Two or more types of hard ionomeric resins may be blended into the inner cover layer compositions in order to produce the desired properties of the resulting golf balls. As discussed earlier herein, the hard ionomeric resins introduced under the designation Escor® and sold under the designation "Iotek" are somewhat similar to the hard ionomeric resins sold under the Surlyn® trademark.
- the "Iotek” ionomeric resins are sodium or zinc salts of poly (ethylene-acrylic acid) and the Surlyn® resins are zinc or sodium salts of poly(ethylene-methacrylic acid) some distinct differences in properties exist.
- the hard "Iotek” resins i.e., the acrylic acid based hard ionomer resins
- the acrylic acid based hard ionomer resins are the more preferred hard resins for use in formulating the outer layer blends for use in the present invention.
- various blends of "Iotek” and Surlyn® hard ionomeric resins, as well as other available ionomeric resins may be utilized in the present invention in a similar manner.
- the outer layer 16 is comprised of a hard material.
- the outer layer is comprised of a blend of two or more ionomer resins neutralized to various extents by different metal cations.
- the outer cover layer may or may not include a metal stearate (e.g., zinc stearate) or other metal fatty acid salt. The purpose of the metal stearate or other metal fatty acid salt is to lower the cost of production without affecting the overall performance of the finished golf ball.
- the outer layer compositions include the high acid ionomers such as those recently developed by E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company under the trademark “Surlyn®” and by Exxon Corporation under the trademark “Escor®” or trade name “Iotek", or blends thereof.
- Examples of compositions which may be used as the inner layer herein are set forth in detail in copending U. S. Serial No. 07/776,803 filed October 15, 1991, and Serial No. 07/901,660 filed June 19, 1992, both incorporated herein by reference.
- the outer layer high acid ionomer compositions are not limited in any way to those compositions set forth in said copending applications.
- the high acid ionomer resins recently developed by Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc., the assignee of the present invention, and disclosed in U.S. Serial No. 07/901,680, filed June 19, 1992, incorporated herein by reference, may also be utilized to produce the outer layer of the multi-layer cover used in the present invention.
- the high acid ionomers suitable for use in the present invention are ionic copolymers which are the metal, i.e., sodium, zinc, magnesium, etc., salts of the reaction product of an olefin having from about 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from about 3 to 8 carbon atoms.
- the ionomeric resins are copolymers of ethylene and either acrylic or methacrylic acid.
- an additional comonomer such as an acrylate ester (i.e., iso- or n-butylacrylate, etc.) can also be included to produce a softer terpolymer.
- the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer are partially neutralized (i.e., approximately 10-75%, preferably 30-70%) by the metal ions.
- Each of the high acid ionomer resins included in the cover compositions of the invention contains greater than about 16% by weight of a carboxylic acid, preferably from about 17% to about 25% by weight of a carboxylic acid, more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5 % by weight of a carboxylic acid.
- the cover composition preferably includes a high acid ionomeric resin and the scope of the patent embraces all known high acid ionomeric resins falling within the parameters set forth above, only a relatively limited number of these high acid ionomeric resins are currently available.
- the high acid ionomeric resins available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours Company under the trademark “Surlyn®”, and the high acid ionomer resins available from Exxon Corporation under the trademark “Escor®” or tradename “Iotek” are examples of available high acid ionomeric resins which may be utilized in the present invention.
- Examples of the high acid methacrylic acid based ionomers found suitable for use in accordance with this invention include Surlyn® AD-8422 (sodium cation) , Surlyn® 8162 (zinc cation) , Surlyn® SEP-503-1 (zinc cation) , and Surlyn® SEP-503-2 (magnesium cation) . According to DuPont, all of these ionomers contain from about 18.5 to about 21.5% by weight methacrylic acid. More particularly, Surlyn® AD-8422 is currently commercially available from DuPont in a number of different grades (i.e., AD-8422-2, AD-8422-3, AD-8422-5, etc.) based upon differences in melt index.
- Surlyn® AD-8422 offers the following general properties when compared to Surlyn® 8920 the stiffest, hardest of all on the low acid grades (referred to as "hard” ionomers in U.S. Patent No. 4, 884, 814) as set forth below in Table 1:
- Surlyn® 8920 contains 15 weight percent methacrylic acid and is 59% neutralized with sodium.
- Surlyn® SEP-503-1 (zinc cation) and
- Surlyn® SEP-503-2 (magnesium cation) are high acid zinc and magnesium versions of the Surlyn® AD 8422 high acid ionomers.
- the Surlyn SEP-503-1 and SEP-503-2 ionomers can be defined as follows in Table 2:
- Surlyn® 8162 is a zinc cation ionomer resin containing approximately 20% by weight (i.e. 18.5-
- Surlyn® 8162 is currently commercially available from DuPont.
- Examples of the high acid acrylic acid based ionomers suitable for use in the present invention include the Escor® or Iotek high acid ethylene acrylic acid ionomers produced by Exxon.
- Escor® or Iotek 959 is a sodium ion neutralized ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer.
- Ioteks 959 and 960 contain from about 19.0 to about 21.0% by weight acrylic acid with approximately 30 to about 70 percent of the acid groups neutralized with sodium and zinc ions, respectively.
- the physical properties of these high acid acrylic acid based ionomers are as follows, and shown in Table 3:
- Iotek 1002 is a sodium ion neutralized high acid ionomer (i.e., 18% by weight acid) and Iotek 1003 is a zinc ion neutralized high acid ionomer (i.e., 18% by weight acid).
- the properties of these ionomers are set forth below in Table 4 :
- the base copolymer is made up of greater than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and an alpha-olefin.
- a softening comonomer can be included in the copolymer.
- the alpha-olefin has from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and is preferably ethylene
- the unsaturated carboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid having from about 3 to 8 carbons. Examples of such acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid, chloroacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconic acid, with acrylic acid being preferred.
- the softening comonomer that can be optionally included in the invention may be selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids wherein the acids have 2 to 10 carbon atoms, vinyl ethers wherein the alkyl groups contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
- Suitable softening comonomers include vinyl acetate, methyl aerylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl aerylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl aerylate, butyl methacrylate, or the like.
- examples of a number of copolymers suitable for use to produce the high acid ionomers included in the present invention include, but are not limited to, high acid embodiments of an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer, an ethylene/itaconic acid copolymer, an ethylene/maleic acid copolymer, an ethylene/methacrylic acid/vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene/acrylic acid/vinyl alcohol copolymer, etc.
- the base copolymer broadly contains greater than 16% by weight unsaturated carboxylic acid, from about 30 to about 83% by weight ethylene and from 0 to about 40% by weight of a softening comonomer.
- the copolymer contains about 20% by weight unsaturated carboxylic acid and about 80% by weight ethylene. Most preferably, the copolymer contains about 20% acrylic acid with the remainder being ethylene.
- examples of the preferred high acid base copolymers which fulfill the criteria set forth above are a series of ethylene-acrylic copolymers which are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, under the "Primacor" designation. These high acid base copolymers exhibit the typical properties set forth below in Table 5.
- this copolymer is the more preferred grade utilized in the invention.
- the metal cation salts utilized in the invention are those salts which provide the metal cations capable of neutralizing, to various extents, the carboxylic acid groups of the high acid copolymer. These include acetate, oxide or hydroxide salts of lithium, calcium, zinc, sodium, potassium, nickel, magnesium, and manganese. Examples of such lithium ion sources are lithium hydroxide monohydrate, lithium hydroxide, lithium oxide and lithium acetate. Sources for the calcium ion include calcium hydroxide, calcium acetate and calcium oxide. Suitable zinc ion sources are zinc acetate dihydrate and zinc acetate, a blend of zinc oxide and acetic acid. Examples of sodium ion sources are sodium hydroxide and sodium acetate.
- Sources for the potassium ion include potassium hydroxide and potassium acetate.
- Suitable nickel ion sources are nickel acetate, nickel oxide and nickel hydroxide.
- Sources of magnesium include magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium acetate.
- Sources of manganese include manganese acetate and manganese oxide.
- the new metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resins are produced by reacting the high acid base copolymer with various amounts of the metal cation salts above the crystalline melting point of the copolymer, such as at a temperature from about 200° F to about 500° F, preferably from about 250° F to about 350° F under high shear conditions at a pressure of from about 10 psi to 10,000 psi. Other well known blending techniques may also be used.
- the amount of metal cation salt utilized to produce the new metal cation neutralized high acid based ionomer resins is the quantity which provides a sufficient amount of the metal cations to neutralize the desired percentage of the carboxylic acid groups in the high acid copolymer.
- the extent of neutralization is generally from about 10% to about 90%.
- a number of new types of metal cation neutralized high acid ionomers can be obtained from the above indicated process. These include new high acid ionomer resins neutralized to various extents with manganese, lithium, potassium, calcium and nickel cations.
- Control for Formulations 23-26 is 50/50 Iotek 8000/7030,
- the new metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resins exhibit enhanced hardness, modulus and resilience characteristics. These are properties that are particularly desirable in a number of thermoplastic fields, including the field golf ball manufacturing.
- the new acrylic acid based high acid ionomers extend the range of hardness beyond that previously obtainable while maintaining the beneficial properties (i.e. durability, click, feel, etc.) of the softer low acid ionomer covered balls, such as balls produced utilizing the low acid ionomers disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,884,814 and 4,911,451, and the recently produced high acid blends disclosed in U.S. Application Serial No. 776,803.
- the low acid ionomers which may be suitable for use in formulating the outer layer compositions of the subject invention are ionic copolymers which are the metal, i.e., sodium, zinc, magnesium, etc., salts of the reaction product of an olefin having from about 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylie acid having from about 3 to 8 carbon atoms.
- the ionomeric resins are copolymers of ethylene and either acrylic or methacrylic acid.
- an additional comonomer such as an aerylate ester (i.e., iso- of n-butylacrylate, etc.) can also be included to produce a softer terpolymer.
- the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer are partially neutralized (i.e., approximately 10-75%, preferably 30-70%) by the metal ions.
- Each of the low acid ionomer resins which may be included in the outer layer cover compositions of the invention contains 16% by weight or less of a carboxylic acid.
- Examples of commercially available hard ionomeric resins which may be used in the present invention in formulating the inner and outer cover blends include the hard sodium ionic copolymer sold under the trademark Surlyn®8940 and the hard zinc ionic copolymer sold under the trademark Surlyn®9910.
- Surlyn®8940 is a copolymer of ethylene with methacrylic acid and about 15 weight percent acid which is about 29 percent neutralized with sodium ions. This resin has an average melt flow index of about 2.8.
- Surlyn®9910 is a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid with about 15 weight percent acid which is about 58 percent neutralized with zinc ions.
- the average melt flow index of Surlyn®9910 is about 0.7.
- the typical properties of Surlyn®9910 and 8940 are set forth below in Table 7:
- ionomer resins may be used in the cover compositions, such as low acid ionomer resins, so long as the molded cover produces a Shore D hardness of 65 or more. Properties of some of these low acid ionomer resins are provided in the following Table 8
- soft ionomers are used in formulating the hard/soft blends of the inner and outer cover compositions.
- These ionomers include acrylic acid based soft ionomers. They are generally characterized as comprising sodium or zinc salts of a terpolymer of an olefin having from about 2 to 8 carbon atoms, acrylic acid, and an unsaturated monomer of the acrylate ester class having from 1 to 21 carbon atoms.
- the soft ionomer is preferably a zinc based ionomer made from an acrylic acid base polymer in an unsaturated monomer of the acrylate ester class.
- the soft (low modulus) ionomers have a hardness from about 20 to about 40 as measured on the Shore D scale and a flexural modulus from about 1,000 to about 10,000, as measured in accordance with ASTM method D-790.
- Certain ethylene-acrylic acid based soft ionomer resins developed by the Exxon Corporation under the designation "Iotek 7520" may be combined with known hard ionomers such as those indicated above to produce the inner and outer cover layers.
- the combination produces higher C.O.R.s at equal or softer hardness, higher melt flow (which corresponds to improved, more efficient molding, i.e., fewer rejects) as well as significant cost savings versus the inner and outer layers of multi-layer balls produced by other known hard-soft ionomer blends as a result of the lower overall raw materials costs and improved yields.
- test data collected by the inventor indicates that Iotek 7520 resins have Shore D hardnesses of about 32 to 36 (per ASTM D-2240), melt flow indexes of 3+0.5 g/10 min (at 190oc. per ASTM D-1288) , and a flexural modulus of about 2500-3500 psi (per ASTM D-790) .
- Iotek 7520 resins are generally zinc salts of a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic acid, and methyl acrylate.
- Iotek 7510 has the advantages (i.e. improved flow, higher C.O.R. values at equal hardness, increased clarity, etc.) produced by the Iotek 7520 resin when compared to the methacrylic acid base soft ionomers known in the art (such as the Surlyn 8625 and the Surlyn 8629 combinations disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,884,814).
- Iotek 7510 when compared to Iotek
- Iotek 7510 produces slightly higher C.O.R. valves at equal softness/hardness due to the Iotek 7510' s higher hardness and neutralization. Similarly, Iotek 7510 produces better release properties (from the mold cavities) due to its slightly higher stiffness and lower flow rate than Iotek 7520. This is important in production where the soft covered balls tend to have lower yields caused by sticking in the molds and subsequent punched pin marks from the knockouts . According to Exxon, Iotek 7510 is of similar chemical composition as Iotek 7520 (i.e. a zinc salt of a terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic acid, and methyl acrylate) but is more highly neutralized.
- Iotek 7520 is estimated to be about 30-40 wt.-% neutralized and Iotek 7510 is estimated to be about 40-60 wt.-% neutralized.
- the typical properties of Iotek 7510 in comparison of those of Iotek 7520 are set forth below in
- the inner cover layer formulation may also comprise a soft, low modulus non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer including a polyester polyurethane such as B.F. Goodrich Company's Estane® polyester polyurethane X-4517. According to B.F. GOODRICH, Estane® X-4517 has the following properties as shown in Table 11:
- thermoplastic polyurethanes such as: Texin thermoplastic polyurethanes from Mobay Chemical Co. and the Pellethane thermoplastic polyurethanes from Dow Chemical Co.; Ionomer/rubber blends such as those in Spalding U.S. Patents 4,986,545; 5,098,105 and 5,187,013; and, Hytrel polyester elastomers from DuPont and pebax polyesteramides from Elf Atochem S.A.
- Baytec® (such as Baytec® RE 832) , relates to a group of reactive elastomers having outstanding wear resistance, high mechanical strength, high elasticity and good resistance to weathering, moisture and chemicals.
- the Baytec® RE-832 system gives the following typical physical properties as set forth in Table 12:
- Component A is a modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate (mDI) prepolymer and component B is a polyether polyol blend.
- mDI modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate
- the weight of the cover layers is increased in the present invention by making the cover layers thicker and through the inclusion of about 1 to about 100 parts per 100 parts resin of metal particles and other heavy weight filler materials.
- the term “heavy weight filler materials” is defined as any material having a specific gravity greater than 1.0. This term “heavy weight filler materials” is used interchangeably with the term “weighting material” as also used herein.
- the particles (or flakes, fragments, fibers, etc.) of heavy filler are added to the inner cover layer as opposed to the outer cover, in order to increase the moment of inertia of the ball without affecting the ball's feel and durability characteristics.
- weighting materials or heavy filler may in some instances be preferred to incorporate weighting materials or heavy filler in the outer cover. This is particularly the case when producing a golf ball having a visible weighting system as described herein.
- the inner layer is filled with one or more of a variety of reinforcing or non-reinforcing heavy weight fillers or fibers such as metal (or metal alloy) powders, carbonaceous materials (i.e., graphite, carbon black, cotton flock, leather fiber, etc.), glass, Kevlar® fibers (trademarked material of Du Pont for an aromatic polyamide fiber of high tensile strength and greater resistance of elongation than steel) , etc.
- These heavy weight filler materials range in size from about 10 mesh to about 325 mesh, preferably about 20 mesh to about 325 mesh and most preferably about 100 mesh to about 325 mesh.
- metal (or metal alloy) powders include but are not limited to, bismuth powder, boron powder, brass powder, bronze powder, cobalt powder, copper powder, inconel metal powder, iron metal powder, molybdenum powder, nickel powder, stainless steel powder, titanium metal powder, zirconium oxide powder, aluminum flakes, and aluminum tadpoles. It will be understood that the foregoing materials may be in other forms besides powders.
- Metal Stearates zinc stearate 1.09 calcium stearate 1.03 barium stearate 1.23 lithium stearate 1.01 magnesium stearate 1.03
- Particulate carbonaceous materials graphite 1.5-1.8 carbon black 1.8 natural bitumen 1.2-1.4 cotton flock 1.3-1.4 cellulose flock 1.15-1.5 leather fiber 1.2-1.4
- the amount and type of heavy weight filler material utilized is dependent upon the overall characteristics of the low spinning multi-layered golf ball desired. Generally, lesser amounts of high specific gravity materials are necessary to produce an increase in the moment of inertia in comparison to low specific gravity materials. Furthermore, handling and processing conditions can also affect the type of heavy weight filler material incorporated into cover layers. In this regard, Applicant has found that the inclusion of approximately 10 phr brass powder into an inner cover layer produces the desired increase in the moment of inertia without involving substantial processing changes.
- 10 phr brass powder is generally, the most preferred heavy filler material at the time of this writing.
- the present invention also provides particular patterns of weighting materials disposed proximate or generally within the outer periphery of a golf ball. The use of a weighted perimeter has been found to increase a ball's moment of inertia and reduce the overall spin rate. In a most preferred embodiment, golf balls with weighted perimeters utilize a visible pattern of weighting material disposed along a portion of the outer periphery of the ball.
- characteristics and properties of a weighted perimeter ball in accordance with the present invention are affected, or at least influenced by, the shape or configuration of the pattern of weighting material along the ball's outer periphery.
- the shape of such pattern can also serve as a unique identifier of the ball.
- a consumer may readily determine whether a particular golf ball comprises a weighting system.
- the present invention provides an array of particularly preferred patterns of weighting material.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment golf ball 30 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible star-shaped perimeter weighting system 32.
- This system comprises a first pattern preferably centered about a dimple, and having a plurality, namely five (5) , radially extending arms extending outward from the center of the pattern or dimple. The sides of each radially extending arm intersect with the sides of adjacent radially extending arms. The distal end of each radially extending arm is preferably rounded.
- the golf ball 30 further comprises a second visible star-shaped perimeter weighting system pattern located on the opposite side of the ball 30. This second pattern is most preferably directly opposite from the first pattern and is of equal size and mass as the first pattern.
- FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball 40 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a contoured-shaped perimeter weighting system 42.
- This system comprises patterns similar to the star-shaped pattern depicted in FIG. 3 except that generally continuous arcuate sections extend between and connect the sides of adjacent radially extending arms.
- the golf ball 40 further comprises a second visible contoured-shaped perimeter weighting system pattern located on the opposite side of the ball 40. This second pattern is most preferably directly opposite from the first pattern and is of equal size and mass as the first pattern.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment golf ball 50 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a pentagon-shaped perimeter weighting system 52. It can be seen that the pentagon shape is symmetrically disposed about a center dimple and five (5) adjacent or surrounding dimples. Additionally, each side of the pentagon is slightly curved inward so as to not extend over a neighboring dimple.
- the golf ball 50 further comprises a second visible pentagon-shaped perimeter weighting system pattern located on the opposite side of the ball 50. The second pattern is most preferably directly opposite from the first pattern and is of equal size and mass as the first pattern.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment golf ball 60 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible radiused pentagon-shaped perimeter weighting system 62.
- This pattern is also symmetrically disposed over a center dimple and the five (5) perimeter dimples, like the pentagon pattern depicted in FIG. 5.
- This pattern of the system 62 also extends over an additional five (5) dimples.
- the golf ball 60 further comprises a second visible radiused pentagon-shaped perimeter weighting system pattern located on the opposite side of the ball 60. The second pattern is most preferably directly opposite from the first pattern and is of equal size and mass as the first pattern.
- FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball 70 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible single stripe perimeter weighting system 72. It can be seen in FIG. 7 that the stripe is approximately slightly larger in width than the diameter of a typical dimple on the golf ball 70. The stripe preferably extends around the circumference of the ball 70.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment golf ball 80 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a double striped perimeter weighting system 82. It can be seen that the stripes preferably intersect one another at right angles, and that the width of each stripe is approximately only slightly greater than the diameter of a typical dimple on the ball 80. Each stripe preferably extends around the circumference of the ball 80. It is also preferred that the stripes are equal in width, or approximately so.
- FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball 90 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a multi-stripe perimeter weighting system 92.
- the multi stripe perimeter weighting system 92 comprises preferably four (4) stripes, intersecting one another at a common point of intersection. Again, the width of each stripe is preferably approximately slightly greater than the diameter of a typical dimple on the ball 90. And, the stripes are of equal width. Each stripe preferably extends around the circumference of the ball 90.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment golf ball 100 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a visible stripe and dimple perimeter weighting system.
- the system comprises a plurality of stripes 104 and a plurality of dimples 102. Each of the stripes preferably extends around the circumference of the ball 100. Most preferably, the system comprises two (2) intersecting stripes 104, disposed at right angles to one another, and a total of eight (8) dimples 102 as shown in FIG. 10. It will be understood that the other four (4) weighted dimples 102 are located on the other side of the ball 100.
- the stripes preferably are of equal width.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred embodiment golf ball 110 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a ring-shaped perimeter weighting system as shown in FIG. 11.
- the system comprises a plurality of rings 114 and 116 and a center weighted dimple or spot 118.
- the rings 114 and 116 are concentrically arranged about the center spot 118.
- Two (2) identical concentrically arranged rings are located on the other side of the ball 110. Most preferably, these rings are directly opposite from the rings 114 and 116, and are of equivalent size and mass as the rings 114 and 116.
- FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment golf ball 120 in accordance with the present invention utilizing a first spiral-shaped perimeter weighting system 122. It will be understood that an identical second spiral-shaped pattern is located on the other side of the ball 120. Most preferably, the second spiral pattern is of equivalent size and mass as the first pattern and is directly opposite from the first pattern.
- the center of mass of the weighted ball coincides with the geometrical center of the ball, i.e., its centerpoint. This is the primary reason for providing a second identical pattern of weighting material on an opposite side from a first pattern. If a single pattern of weighting material is provided on only one side of a ball, the resulting center of mass of the ball will be offset from the ball's centerpoint.
- compatible additive materials may also be added to produce the cover compositions of the present invention.
- additive materials include dyes (for example, Ultramarine Blue sold by Whitaker, Clark, and Daniels of South Painsfield, NJ) , and pigments, i.e. white pigments such as titanium dioxide (for example Unitane 0-110) zinc oxide, and zinc sulfate, as well as fluorescent pigments.
- dyes for example, Ultramarine Blue sold by Whitaker, Clark, and Daniels of South Painsfield, NJ
- pigments i.e. white pigments such as titanium dioxide (for example Unitane 0-110) zinc oxide, and zinc sulfate, as well as fluorescent pigments.
- white pigments such as titanium dioxide (for example Unitane 0-110) zinc oxide, and zinc sulfate, as well as fluorescent pigments.
- the amount of pigment and/or dye used in conjunction with the polymeric cover composition depends on the particular base ionomer mixture utilized and the particular pigment and/or dye utilized.
- the concentration of the pigment in the polymeric cover composition can be from about 1% to about 10% as based on the weight of the base ionomer mixture. A more preferred range is from about 1% to about 5% as based on the weight of the base ionomer mixture. The most preferred range is from about 1% to about 3% as based on the weight of the base ionomer mixture.
- the most preferred pigment for use in accordance with this invention is titanium dioxide.
- cover compositions of this invention may also contain softening agents, such as plasticizers, etc., and reinforcing materials such as glass fibers and inorganic fillers, as long as the desired properties produced by the golf ball covers of the invention are not impaired.
- optical brighteners such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,679,795, may also be included in the cover composition of the invention.
- suitable optical brighteners which can be used in accordance with this invention are Uvitex OB as sold by the Ciba-Geigy Chemical Company, Ardsley, N.Y.
- Uvitex OB is thought to be 2 , 5-Bis (5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazoly) thiophene.
- Examples of other optical brighteners suitable for use in accordance with this invention are as follows: Leucopure EGM as sold by Sandoz, East Hanover, N.J. 07936.
- Leucopure EGM is thought to be 7- (2n-naphthol (1 , 2-d) -triazol-2yl) -3phenyl- coumarin.
- Phorwhite K-20G2 is sold by Mobay Chemical Corporation, P.O. Box 385, Union Metro Park, Union, N.J. 07083, and is thought to be a pyrazoline derivative, Eastobrite OB-1 as sold by Eastman Chemical Products, Inc. Kingsport, Tenn. , is thought to be 4,4-Bis(- benzoxaczoly) stilbene.
- the above-mentioned Uvitex and Eastobrite OB-1 are preferred optical brighteners for use in accordance with this invention.
- the percentage of optical brighteners utilized must not be excessive in order to prevent the optical brightener from functioning as a pigment or dye in its own right.
- the percentage of optical brighteners which can be used in accordance with this invention is from about 0.01% to about 0.5% as based on the weight of the polymer used as a cover stock. A more preferred range is from about 0.05% to about 0.25% with the most preferred range from about 0.10% to about .020% depending on the optical properties of the particular optical brightener used and the polymeric environment in which it is a part.
- the additives are admixed with a ionomer to be used in the cover composition to provide a masterbatch (M.B.) of desired concentration and an amount of the masterbatch sufficient to provide the desired amounts of additive is then admixed with the copolymer blends.
- M.B. masterbatch
- cover compositions when processed according to the parameters set forth below and combined with soft cores at thicknesses defined herein to produce covers having a Shore D hardness of 65, provide golf balls with reduced spin ratio. It is noted, however, that the high acid ionomer resins provide for more significant reduction in spin rate than that observed for the low acid ionomer resins.
- the cover compositions and molded balls of the present invention may be produced according to conventional melt blending procedures.
- the ionomeric resins are blended along with the masterbatch containing the desired additives in a Banbury type mixer, two-roll mill, or extruded prior to molding.
- the blended composition is then formed into slabs or pellets, etc. and maintained in such a state until molding is desired.
- a simple dry blend of the pelletized or granulated resins and color masterbatch may be prepared and fed directly into the injection molding machine where homogenization occurs in the mixing section of the barrel prior to injection into the mold.
- further additives such as an inorganic filler, etc., may be added and uniformly mixed before initiation of the molding process.
- golf balls of the present invention can be produced by molding processes currently well known in the golf ball art. Specifically, the golf balls can be produced by injection molding or compression molding the novel cover compositions about the soft polybutadiene cores to produce a golf ball having a diameter of about 1.680 inches or greater and weighing about 1.620 ounces. In an additional embodiment of the invention, larger molds are utilized to produce the thicker covered oversized golf balls. As indicated, the golf balls of the present invention can be produced by forming covers consisting of the compositions of the invention around the softer polybutadiene cores by conventional molding processes.
- the cover composition in compression molding, is formed via injection at about 380°F to about 450°F into smooth surfaced hemispherical shells which are then positioned around the core in a dimpled golf ball mold and subjected to compression molding at 200-300°F for 2-10 minutes, followed by cooling at 50-70°F for 2-10 minutes, to fuse the shells together to form an unitary ball.
- the golf balls may be produced by injection molding, wherein the cover composition is injected directly around the core placed in the center of a golf ball mold for a period of time at a mold temperature of from 50°F to about 100°F. After molding the golf balls produced may undergo various further finishing steps such as buffing, painting, and marking as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,911,451.
- the resulting ball is larger than the standard 1.680 inch golf ball. Its diameter is in the range of about 1.680 to 1.800 inches, more likely in the range of about 1.700 to 1.800 inches, preferably in the range of 1.710 - 1.730 inches, and most preferably in the range of about 1.717 - 1.720 inches.
- the larger diameter of the golf ball results from the cover thickness which ranges from more than the standard 0.0675 inches up to about 0.130, preferably from about 0.0675 to about 0.1275 inches, more preferably in the range of about 0.0825 to 0.0925, and most preferably in the range of about 0.0860 to 0.0890 inches.
- the core is of a standard size, roughly about 1.540 to 1.545 inches.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0118107A GB2362580B (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2000-02-11 | Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting |
JP2000598237A JP2002536136A (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2000-02-11 | Low-spin golf ball using extra weight |
CA002360137A CA2360137A1 (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2000-02-11 | Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting |
AU32391/00A AU758607B2 (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2000-02-11 | Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/248,627 | 1999-02-11 | ||
US09/248,627 US6261193B1 (en) | 1993-04-28 | 1999-02-11 | Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting |
Publications (1)
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WO2000047289A1 true WO2000047289A1 (en) | 2000-08-17 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2000/004446 WO2000047289A1 (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2000-02-11 | Low spin golf ball utilizing perimeter weighting |
Country Status (6)
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US (3) | US6261193B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002536136A (en) |
AU (1) | AU758607B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2360137A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2362580B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000047289A1 (en) |
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- 2000-02-11 JP JP2000598237A patent/JP2002536136A/en active Pending
- 2000-02-11 CA CA002360137A patent/CA2360137A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-02-11 WO PCT/US2000/004446 patent/WO2000047289A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-02-11 GB GB0118107A patent/GB2362580B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-07-11 US US09/903,369 patent/US6648778B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2003
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB0118107D0 (en) | 2001-09-19 |
US20040106476A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
US6648778B2 (en) | 2003-11-18 |
GB2362580A (en) | 2001-11-28 |
AU758607B2 (en) | 2003-03-27 |
GB2362580B (en) | 2003-12-10 |
US7041011B2 (en) | 2006-05-09 |
US6261193B1 (en) | 2001-07-17 |
JP2002536136A (en) | 2002-10-29 |
CA2360137A1 (en) | 2000-08-17 |
US20020013185A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 |
AU3239100A (en) | 2000-08-29 |
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