Gold ball having a foamed layer created by infrared radiation

Abstract

This invention is directed to a golf ball having a foamed layer and the method for creating the foamed layer by the heating of blowing agents with infrared radiation. Either physical blowing agents can be de-volatized, or chemical blowing agents (both organic and inorganic) may be decomposed wherein the blowing agents are generated within the layer. The resultant layer is less dense than the core layer beneath it.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 341,572, which was a divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 141,481 which was filed May 8, 2002, and now is U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,070, and is incorporated herein in its entirety by express reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the utilization of infrared radiation to form a foamed layer, cross-linking an intermediate layer, and post-curing a cover layer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Generally, golf balls have been classified as wound balls or solid balls. Wound balls are generally constructed from a liquid or solid center surrounded by tensioned elastomeric material. Wound balls are generally thought of as performance golf balls and have a good resiliency, spin characteristics and feel when struck by a golf club. However, wound balls are generally difficult to manufacture when compared to solid golf...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The invention provides a method for forming in a multilayer golf ball, an intermediate layer comprising an expandable polymeric composition containing a blowing agent, wherein the expandable polymeric composition expa...

Problems solved by technology

However, wound balls are generally difficult to manufacture when compared to solid golf balls.

Golf balls having a hard core and a hard cover generally have very high resiliency for distance, but are hard feeling and difficult to control around the greens.

On the other hand, recreational players who cannot intentionally control the spin of the ball generally do not prefer a high spin rate golf ball.

When a club head strikes a ball, an unintentional side spin is often imparted to the ball, which sends the ball off its intended course.

The side spin reduces the player's control over the ball, as well as the distance the ball will travel.