Golf balls comprising highly-neutralized acid polymers

Abstract

Multi-layer golf balls comprising a center, intermediate layer, and cover are disclosed. At least one layer of the ball is formed from a highly-neutralized acid copolymer composition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 969,096, filed Dec. 15, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 554,015, filed Sep. 4, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 347,456, filed Feb. 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,652,086, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 959,751, filed Oct. 6, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,045, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 360,233, filed Feb. 6, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,907, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 118,719, filed Apr. 9, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,436, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 301,046, filed Jun. 26, 2001, now abandoned, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is directed to a golf ball with a core and cover that have different hardnesses. The core is made of thermoset rubber and has a hardness of about 40 or greater. The cover is made of a material that has a hardness of about 55 or less. The core is further made neutralized by an organic acid or salt thereof, which results in a polymer with a reduced hardness. The organic acid or salt thereof can be present in an amount of at least about 80% neutralization. The cover can be made of polyurethane. The invention also includes a golf ball with a core made of thermoset rubber and an intermediate layer made of a polymer neutralized by an organic acid or salt thereof. The organic acid or salt thereof can be present in an amount sufficient to fully neutralize the polymer. The invention also includes a golf ball with a center made of a liquid and an intermediate layer made of a polymer neutralized by an organic acid or salt thereof. The hardness of the polymer can be reduced to less than or equal to 70.

Problems solved by technology

Solid balls have traditionally been considered longer and more durable than wound balls, but many solid constructions lack the “feel” provided by the wound construction.

One problem encountered with the use of ionomers as stiff layers, however, is the unprocessability of the material as the percent of neutralization of the acid group increases.

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