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Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover

a golf ball and cover technology, applied in the field of golf balls, can solve the problems of “browning” of the polyurethane layer, the performance characteristics of standard golf balls, and the lack of clear cover 2-pc balls

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-07-07
ACUSHNET CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033] In a preferable embodiment, the cover is substantially optically clear and the intermediate layer is further comprised of an optical brightener. For a preferred visual effect, the cover has an outer surface that includes a plurality of dimples covering at least 80% of the outer surface.

Problems solved by technology

The color instability caused by both thermo-oxidative degradation and photodegradation typically results in a “yellowing” or “browning” of the polyurethane layer, an undesirable characteristic for urethane compositions are to be used in the covers of golf balls, which are generally white.
A polybutadiene rubber core of such a color has never been produced and as such, clear cover 2-pc ball have had limited market success.
It was relatively translucent to create the glow, but it was far from having the performance characteristics of standard golf balls.
To date, it has been difficult for manufacturers to properly attain the desired long-term appearance of polyurethane compositions used in golf ball covers without adversely affecting golf ball performance.

Method used

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  • Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover
  • Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover
  • Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

Polyurethane Golf Ball Covers

[0313] The first golf ball prepared according to the invention has an outer cover layer formed of the polyurethane composition of the present invention including a reaction product of 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (“MDI”), polytetramethylene ether glycol (“PTMEG”) or polycapralactone, a mixture of 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and 3,5-dimethylthio-2,6 -toluenediamine curatives (Ethacure 300) or 1,4-butaindiol curatives, and UV stabilizers TINUVIN 571 and TINUVIN 765. The golf ball's outer cover layer was prepared according to the golf ball formation methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,733,428 and 5,888,437, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

[0314] The inner cover or intermediate layer was comprised of a blend of ionomers with fluorescent yellow pigment. Preferably, the inner cover can be comprised of an ionomer blend such as SURLYN 7940 and 8945 and between 1 and 10% by weight of Solvent Yellow 44. An favorable ex...

example 2

H12MDI Polyether Urea Golf Ball Covers

[0316] A golf ball can be made having the cover formulated from a composition including a prepolymer formed of H12MDI and polyoxyalkylene, having a molecular weight of about 2000, cured with 4,4′-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclohexylmethane (Clearlink 1000). A golf ball inner cover and core similar to Example 1 is preferred.

TABLE 9PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BALLSACCORDING TO EXAMPLES 1 AND 2Ball Properties / Ball TypesPolyurethanePolyureaNameplate Average1.6831.686Equator Average1.6811.684Weight Average, oz1.5971.600Compression Average8992CoR @ 125 ft / sec0.8070.815Cold Crack Test, 5° F.no failureno failure

example 3

H12MDI Polyether Urea Golf Ball Covers

[0317] Another preferred embodiment is a golf ball like that in Example 2, but with an outer cover of the formula set forth above with the addition of between about 0.003 and 0.03% blue optical brightener such as DayGlo blue A-19. For a light blue hint, 0.003% can be used and for a true blue highlight, 0.01% blue can be added. In this example, the inner cover preferably comprises about 5% white pigment.

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Abstract

A golf ball including a center, a translucent cover, and, optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover. The cover is preferably formed from a polyurethane composition or a reaction product of polyisocyanate. The cover is further comprised at least one color stabilizer and / or an optical enhancer. Preferably, the intermediate layer contributes to the overall appearance of the ball and can contain pigment and / or optical brighteners.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 384,312, which was filed Mar. 7, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to golf balls and, in one embodiment, to golf ball covers wherein the outer layer is translucent. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Golf balls, whether of solid or wound construction, generally include a core and a cover. It is known in the art to modify the properties of a conventional solid ball by altering the typical single layer core and single cover layer construction to provide a ball having at least one mantle layer disposed between the cover and the core. The core may be solid or liquid-filled, and may be formed of a single layer or one or more layers. Covers, in addition to cores, may also be formed of one or more layers. These multi-layer cores and covers are sometimes known as “dual core” and “dual cover” golf balls, respectively. Additionally, many ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63B37/00C08G18/10C08G18/66C08G18/75C08G18/76
CPCA63B37/0003A63B37/0004C08G18/7671A63B37/0018A63B37/0022A63B37/0024A63B37/0064A63B37/0065A63B37/0075A63B37/0078C08G18/10C08G18/6618C08G18/758C08G18/3234
Inventor MORGAN, WILLIAM E.HARRIS, KEVIN M.RICCI, SHAWN
Owner ACUSHNET CO
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