Golf ball comprising renewable resource component

Abstract

The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core and the cover comprises about 10 wt % or greater of a renewable polymer composition comprising an ultra high molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate compound having the formula:

—OCR₁R₂(CR₃R₄)_nCO—

wherein n is an integer, and wherein R₁, R², R₃ and R₄ are selected from the group comprising saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals, halo- and hydroxy-substituted radicals, hydroxy radicals, halogen radicals; nitrogen-substituted radicals, oxygen-substituted radicals, or hydrogen atoms. In one embodiment, the golf ball also comprises about 90 wt % or less of a non renewable polymer composition. The golf ball may also comprise an intermediate layer disposed about the core and adjacent the cover, wherein at least one of the core, the cover and the intermediate layer comprises the renewable polymer composition. The at least one of the core and the cover or the intermediate layer may comprise a hardness of from about 50 Shore C to about 90 Shore C.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a golf ball including a renewable resource component comprising a biodegradable composition in at least one of the golf ball core (having one or more layers), intermediate layer(s) and cover layer(s). The resulting golf ball possesses desirable playing characteristics such as high resiliency, sustained impact durability, and soft feel, meanwhile protecting the environment over an extended period of time by being decomposable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Golf balls are generally divided into two classes: solid and wound. Solid golf balls include a solid core of one or more layers, a cover of one or more layers, and optionally one or more intermediate layers. Wound golf balls typically include a solid, hollow, or fluid-filled center, surrounded by tensioned elastomeric material, and a cover. Solid golf balls, as compared with wound balls, are more durable and resilient, providing better distance than wound balls due to their hig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Accordingly, this dual structural synergistic arrangement of the invention within the renewable polymer composition of the golf ball itself and between it and the no

Problems solved by technology

This is a difficult task, however, given the physical limitations of currently-available polymers.

Manufacturers likewise struggle in their attempt to improve intermediate and cover layers.

For example, the hardness range in golf ball utilizing conventional ionomer blends is still limited and even the softest blends suffer from a “plastic” feel according to some golfers.

However, these polyurethane components are likewise petroleum based, furthering the long term detrimental effect on the environment.

However, Egashira et al., like other attempts, fails to recognize or appreciate that the molecular weight of the renewable