KR20140081799A - Golf ball having high initial velocity - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf ball having a variable initial velocity with respect to hitting a golf ball with a driver having different head speeds is disclosed. The structure of the disclosed golf ball may cause the golf ball to exhibit an initial velocity similar to that of currently available premium golf balls when hitting with a driver head speed of less than 100 mph. However, when the same golf ball is hit with a driver head speed of greater than 125 mph, it can exhibit a higher initial velocity than the currently available premium golf balls. As a result, the described golf ball may have different initial velocities associated with different head speeds.

Description

[0001] Golf ball having a high initial velocity [0002] GOLF BALL HAVING HIGH INITIAL VELOCITY [

This application claims priority under 35 USC §119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 526,594, filed on August 23, 2011, entitled "Golf Ball Having High Initial Velocity" , Which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to golf balls having different play characteristics in different situations.

Golf is an increasingly popular sport in both the amateur and professional levels. A wide variety of techniques related to the fabrication and design of golf balls are known in the art. These techniques result in golf balls having various play features. For example, some golf balls have a greater initial velocity than other golf balls.

The big difference between recreational golfers and professional golfers is the driver head speed generated by golfers of this type. Recreational players usually have a driver head speed of less than 100 mph, while professional players have a driver head speed of more than 125 mph. Existing premium balls can meet the demands of low or medium head speeds. However, these balls do not have a high initial velocity under a head speed higher than 125 mph. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to manufacture a golf ball that meets the needs of different levels of golfers.

A golf ball having a variable initial velocity associated with striking a golf ball with a driver having different head speeds is disclosed. The structure of the disclosed golf ball may cause the golf ball to exhibit an initial velocity similar to that of currently available premium golf balls when hitting with a driver head speed of less than 100 mph. However, when the same golf ball is hit with a driver head speed of greater than 125 mph, it can exhibit a higher initial velocity than the currently available premium golf balls. As a result, the disclosed golf ball may have different initial velocities associated with different head speeds.

In one aspect, the invention provides a golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer surrounding the inner core layer, an inner cover layer surrounding the outer core layer, and an outer cover layer surrounding the inner cover layer . The inner core layer may have a higher coefficient of restitution than the outer core layer, the inner cover layer, and the outer cover layer. Performing a 125 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 173 mph to about 174 mph. When a golf ball is hit by a driver at a head speed of about 80 mph, the golf ball may have an initial velocity in the range of about 87 mph to about 90 mph. When a golf ball is hit by a driver at a head speed of about 95 mph, the golf ball may have an initial velocity in the range of about 115 mph to about 117 mph. When a golf ball is hit with a driver under a head speed of about 110 mph, the golf ball may have an initial velocity in the range of about 158 mph to about 160 mph. The inner core layer may comprise a first highly neutralized acid polymer composition. The first highly acid neutral acid polymer composition may comprise one of HPF 2000 and HPF AD 1035. The inner core layer may comprise a second highly neutralized acid polymer composition. The inner core layer may have a coefficient of restitution coefficient ranging from about 0.795 to about 0.81. The inner core layer may have a coefficient of restitution coefficient that is greater than the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball by about 0.005 to about 0.02. The inner cover layer may have a Shore D hardness in the range of about 45 to about 55.

In one aspect, the invention provides a golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer surrounding the inner core layer, an inner cover layer surrounding the outer core layer, and an outer cover layer surrounding the inner cover layer . Performing a 125 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in a golf ball having a first initial velocity. Performing an 80 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in a golf ball having a second initial velocity. The first initial velocity may be about 85 mph to about 87 mph higher than the second initial velocity. Performing a 110 mph head speed test on the golf ball may result in golf balls having a third initial velocity that is about 85 mph to about 87 mph higher than the second initial velocity. Performing a 95 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in golf balls having a third initial velocity that is about 27 mph to about 29 mph higher than the second initial velocity. The inner core layer may comprise a first highly neutralized acid polymer composition. The first highly neutralized acid polymer composition comprises one of HPF 2000 and HPF AD 1035. The inner core layer may comprise a first highly neutralized acid polymer composition and a second highly neutralized acid polymer composition wherein the ratio of the first highly neutralized acid polymer composition to the second highly neutralized acid polymer composition May range from about 20:80 to about 80:20. The inner core layer may have a coefficient of restitution coefficient that is greater than the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball by about 0.005 to about 0.02.

In one aspect, the invention provides a golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer surrounding the inner core layer, an inner cover layer surrounding the outer core layer, and an outer cover layer surrounding the inner cover layer . The inner core layer may have a higher coefficient of restitution than the outer core layer, the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer. Performing a 125 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 173 mph to about 174 mph. Performing a 95 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 115 mph to about 117 mph. The inner core layer may comprise at least two first highly neutralized acid polymer compositions. The inner core layer may have a coefficient of restitution coefficient that is greater than the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball by about 0.005 to about 0.02. Performing a 110 mph head speed test on a golf ball may result in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 158 mph to about 160 mph.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of this invention, and be protected by the following claims.

The invention may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. In the drawings, components are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are instead highlighted to illustrate the principles of the invention. Also, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in different drawings.
Figure 1 shows the trajectory of a golf ball made in accordance with the present invention compared to the trajectory of a different type of golf ball after being hit by a driver.
Figure 2 shows the trajectory of a golf ball made according to the present invention after being struck by a pitching wedge.
Figure 3 is a golf ball according to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;

In general, the present invention relates to a golf ball having a variable initial velocity associated with striking the golf ball with a driver having different head speeds. The structure of the disclosed golf ball may cause the golf ball to exhibit an initial velocity similar to that of currently available premium golf balls when hitting with a driver head speed of less than 100 mph. However, when the same golf ball is hit with a driver head speed of greater than 125 mph, it can exhibit a higher initial velocity than the currently available premium golf balls. As a result, the disclosed golf ball may have different initial velocities associated with different head speeds.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a golf ball 100. 1, a recreational golfer 142 includes a golf ball 100 and another type of golf ball 182 in a tee 146 positioned in a tee box 148. The recreational golfer 142 may be, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 144 < / RTI > As a general recreational golfer, the golfer 142 strikes the golf ball 100 and the golf ball 182 at a driver head speed of less than 100 mph. Figure 1 shows a comparison of the trajectory 150 of the golf ball 100 and the trajectory 180 of the golf ball 182 after each golf ball is struck by the driver 144. Each golf ball has a similar trajectory length because each golf ball has a similar initial velocity associated with being hit by the driver 144 at a driver head speed of less than 100 mph. The trajectory 150 extends approximately as long as the trajectory 180 because the golf ball 100 has an initial velocity similar to the golf ball 182 after being hit by the driver 144 at a driver head speed of less than 100 mph.

2, a professional golfer 152 uses a driver 144 to strike a golf ball 100 and another type of golf ball 182 at a tee 146 located at the tee box 148 . As a typical professional golfer, golfer 152 strikes golf ball 100 and golf ball 182 with a driver head speed of greater than 125 mph. Figure 2 shows a comparison of the trajectory 160 of the golf ball 100 and the trajectory 162 of the golf ball 182 after each golf ball is struck by the driver 144. The trajectory 160 is longer than the trajectory 162 because each of the golf ball 100 and golf ball 182 has a different initial velocity associated with being hit by the driver 144 at a driver head speed of greater than 125 mph. The golf ball 100 has an initial velocity higher than the initial velocity of the golf ball 182 when eventually hit by the driver 144 at a driver head speed of greater than 125 mph, 182).

Tables 3 to 6 show the results of tests performed on test balls comprising golf balls made according to the present invention, and existing golf balls currently available on the market. Golf balls manufactured in accordance with the present invention include Example 1, details of which are shown in Table 1. Materials A, B, C, and D are discussed in more detail with reference to Tables 8-11. Existing golf balls currently available on the market include Comparative Examples 1 to 4, the details of which are shown in Table 2 (where PBR is polybutadiene rubber). Results shown in Tables 3 to 6 include an initial velocity (IV) and a launch angle (LA). All results for IV have an uncertainty of ± 1 mph.

The tests performed on the test ball were performed as follows: Nike SQ Dymo driver (loft angle: 10.5 ° shaft: Diamana by Mitsubishi Rayon; flex: X (extra stiff) swing robot grip golf pride) is fixed to a swing robot made by Miyamae Co., Ltd. and then swung at different head speeds of about 80 mph to about 125 mph Respectively. I turned the club face to a square hit. The tee adjusted the front / rear tee position so that the club was positioned 3 inches forward of the point at the downswing, which is vertical. The height of the tee and the toe-heel position of the club relative to the tee were adjusted so that the center of the impact mark lies at the center of the heel at the tow across the face.

Table 3 shows the results of a 125 mph head speed test. The 125 mph head speed test involves hitting the test balls with a driver with a head speed of about 125 mph ± 1 mph. The drivers used in the tests in Table 3 are described above. The calibration ball for the 125 mph head speed test is the ONE Tour D golf ball commercially available from Nike Golf. 125 mph To calibrate the head speed test, set the conditions so that the calibration ball has an initial velocity of 171 mph ± 1 mph when the calibration ball is hit with a driver with a head speed of about 125 mph ± 1 mph.

These results show that for the 125 mph head speed test, the initial velocity of the golf balls manufactured according to the present invention is higher than the initial velocity of existing golf balls currently available on the market. For example, Comparative Example 2 has an initial velocity of about 171 mph. On the other hand, Example 1 has a higher initial velocity of about 174 mph. The second highest initial velocity obtained from the 125 mph head speed test was obtained from Comparative Example 1. At about 172.5 mph, this initial velocity is much lower than the initial velocity of Example 1.

Table 4 shows the results of the 110 mph head speed test. The 110 mph head speed test involves hitting the test balls with a driver with a head speed of about 110 mph ± 1 mph. The drivers used in the tests in Table 4 are described above. The calibration ball for the 110 mph head speed test is the ONE Tour D golf ball commercially available from Nike Golf. 110 mph To calibrate the head speed test, set the conditions so that the calibration ball has an initial velocity of 159 mph ± 1 mph when the calibration ball is hit with a driver with a head speed of about 110 mph ± 1 mph.

These results show that for the 110 mph head speed test, the initial velocity of the golf balls manufactured according to the present invention is similar to the initial velocity of existing balls available in the market. For example, Comparative Example 2 has an initial velocity of about 159 mph. Similarly, Example 1 has an initial rate of about 159.5 mph. The initial velocities of the comparative examples obtained from the 110 mph head speed test were all within about 157 mph and about 159.5 mph.

Table 5 shows the results of the 95 mph head speed test. The 95 mph head speed test involves hitting the test balls with a driver with a head speed of about 95 mph ± 1 mph. The drivers used in the tests in Table 5 are described above. The calibration ball for the 95 mph head speed test is the ONE Tour D golf ball commercially available from Nike Golf. 95 mph To calibrate the head speed test, set the conditions so that the calibration ball has an initial velocity of 116.5 mph ± 1 mph when the calibration ball is hit with a driver with a head speed of about 95 mph ± 1 mph.

These results show that for the 95 mph head speed test, the initial velocity of golf balls manufactured according to the present invention is similar to the initial velocity of existing balls available in the market. For example, Comparative Example 1 has an initial velocity of about 116 mph. Similarly, Example 1 has an initial rate of about 116 mph. The initial velocities of the comparative examples obtained from the 95 mph head speed test were all about 116 mph or about 116.5 mph.

Table 6 shows the results of the 80 mph head speed test. 80 mph The head speed test involves hitting the test balls with a driver with a head speed of about 80 mph ± 1 mph. The drivers used in the tests in Table 4 are described above. The calibration ball for the 80 mph head speed test is the ONE Tour D golf ball commercially available from Nike Golf. To calibrate the 80 mph head speed test, set the conditions so that the calibration ball has an initial velocity of 89.5 mph ± 1 mph when the calibration ball is hit with a driver with a head speed of about 80 mph ± 1 mph.

These results show that for an 80 mph head speed test, the initial velocity of golf balls manufactured according to the present invention is similar to the initial velocity of existing balls available in the market. For example, Comparative Example 1 has an initial velocity of about 88 mph. Similarly, Example 1 has an initial velocity of about 88 mph. The initial velocities of the comparative examples obtained from the 80 mph head speed test were all within about 87.5 mph or about 89.5 mph.

Table 7 shows the differences between the initial velocities obtained by striking the test balls with the driver under different head speeds.

Unless otherwise stated, the compression, hardness, COR, and flexural modulus used herein are measured as follows:

Compression deformation: The compression deformation here specifies the amount of deformation of the ball when subjected to force. Specifically, when the force is increased from 10 kg to 130 kg, subtracting the amount of deformation of the ball under a force of 10 kg at the amount of deformation of the ball at a force of 130 kg results in the compression deformation value of the ball.

Hardness: Hardness of a golf ball layer is generally measured in accordance with ASTM D-2240, but measured on a land area of a curved surface of a molded ball. In the case of the hardness of the material, this is measured in accordance with ASTM D-2240 (on a plaque).

Method of measuring COR: The golf ball for testing is fired at an initial speed of 40 m / sec using an air cannon and the speed monitoring device is positioned at a distance of 0.6 to 0.9 meters from the cannon. When hit by a steel plate about 1.2 meters away from the air cannon, the golf ball pops out again through a speed-monitoring device. The return velocity divided by the initial velocity is COR.

The golf ball 100 may include an inner core layer 110, an outer core layer 120, an inner cover layer 130, and an outer cover layer 140, as shown in FIG. While the exemplary embodiment of the golf ball 100 is described and illustrated as having four layers, other embodiments may include any number of layers. For example, in some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may be a one piece, a two-piece, a three-piece, or a five-piece ball. In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may include more than five layers. The number of layers can be selected based on various factors. For example, the number of layers may be selected based on the type of materials used to make the golf ball and / or the size of the golf ball.

The type of materials used to make the layers of the golf ball may be selected based on various factors. For example, the type of materials used to make the layers of the golf ball may be selected based on the properties of the material and / or the processes used to form the layers. Exemplary materials are discussed below in connection with the individual layers of the exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be made from different materials. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be made from the same materials.

The golf ball may be manufactured by any suitable process. The process of manufacturing a golf ball may be selected based on various factors. For example, the process of manufacturing a golf ball may be selected based on the type of materials used and / or the number of layers involved. Exemplary processes are discussed below with respect to the individual layers of an exemplary embodiment.

In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a diameter ranging from 19 mm to 32 mm. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a diameter ranging from 21 mm to 28 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner core layer 110 may be at least three times larger than the thickness of the outer core layer 120.

The inner core layer 110 may be made by any suitable process. For example, in some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may be made by an injection molding process. During the injection molding process, the temperature of the injection machine may be set within a range from about 190 [deg.] To about 220 [deg.]. In some embodiments, prior to the injection molding process, at least two highly neutralized acid polymer compositions may be kept sealed in a moisture-resistant dryer capable of forming dry air. Drying conditions for the highly neutralized acid polymer composition may include 2 to 24 hours at a temperature of less than 50 °. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may be made by a compression molding process. The process of making the inner core layer may be selected on the basis of various factors. For example, the process of making the inner core layer may be selected based on the type of material used to make the inner core layer, and / or the process used to make the other layers.

In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may comprise one or more highly neutralized acid polymer compositions. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the inner core layer 110 may comprise two highly neutralized acid polymer compositions. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first highly neutralized acid polymer composition to the second highly neutralized acid polymer composition can range from 20:80 to 80:20. In other embodiments, this ratio may range from 30:70 to 70:30. In other embodiments, this ratio may range from 40:60 to 60:40. In another embodiment, this ratio may be 50:50. In some embodiments, two highly neutralized acid polymer compositions having a flexural modulus in the range of 20,000 psi to 35,000 psi each can be used to make the inner core layer 110. In some embodiments, two highly neutralized acid polymer compositions, each having a Vicat softening temperature of 50 캜 to 60 캜, or 52 캜 to 58 캜, can be used to make the inner core layer 110. In some embodiments, suitable materials for the inner core layer may include the following highly acidified acid polymer compositions: HPF resins such as HPF1000, HPF2000, HPF AD1024, HPF AD1027, HPF AD1030, HPF AD1035, HPF AD1040 (both of which are produced by EI Dupont de Nemours and Company).

Table 8 provides examples of materials used to make the inner core layer 110, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The amounts of the materials listed in Table 8 are expressed in parts by weight (pbw).

In some embodiments, the materials used to form the inner core layer 110 may include highly neutralized acid polymer compositions and optional additives, fillers, and / or melt flow modifiers. Acid polymers may be neutralized to greater than 80%, including up to 100% with a suitable cation source, such as magnesium, sodium, zinc, or potassium. In an exemplary embodiment, the highly neutralized acid polymer compositions used to make the inner core layer may comprise the same cation source. Suitable additives and fillers include, for example, blowing and foaming agents, optical brighteners, colorants, fluorescent agents, whitening agents, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, defoamers, processing aids, mica, talc, , Antioxidants, stabilizers, softening agents, perfume ingredients, plasticizers, impact modifiers, acid copolymer waxes, and surfactants. Suitable fillers also include inorganic fillers such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, barium sulfate, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate, barium carbonate, mica, talc, clay, Silica, and lead silicate. Suitable fillers may also include metal powder fillers of high specific gravity, such as tungsten powder and molybdenum powder. Suitable melt flow modifiers may include, for example, fatty acids and their salts, polyamides, polyesters, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyureas, polyhydric alcohols, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the outer core layer 120 may be formed primarily of a thermosetting material. For example, the outer core layer 120 is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 827,360 entitled " Golf Balls Including Crosslinked Thermoplastic Polyurethane ", filed June 30, 2010 (Chien-Hsin Chou et al , Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When another rubber is used with polybutadiene, polybutadiene may be included as a major component. For example, in some embodiments, the proportion of polybutadiene in the entire base rubber may be greater than 50 weight percent. In some embodiments, the proportion of polybutadiene in the total base rubber may be at least 80% by weight. In some embodiments, polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60 mol%, and further at least 80 mol%, may be used.

In some embodiments, cis-1,4-polybutadiene may be used as the base rubber and may be mixed with other components to form the outer core layer 120. In some embodiments, the amount of cis-1,4-polybutadiene may be at least 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the rubber compound. Various additives can be added to the base rubber to form the compound. The additives may include crosslinking agents and fillers. In some embodiments, the cross-linking agent may be zinc diacrylate, magnesium acrylate, zinc methacrylate, or magnesium methacrylate. In some embodiments, zinc diacrylate can provide favorable elastic properties. The filler may be used to increase the specific gravity of the material. The filler may include zinc oxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, or magnesium carbonate. In some embodiments, the zinc oxide may be selected for its advantageous properties. Metal powders, for example tungsten, can alternatively be used as fillers to achieve the desired specific gravity. In some embodiments, the specific gravity of the outer core layer 120 may be about 1.05 g / cm3 to about 1.45 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the outer core layer 120 may have a specific gravity of about 1.05 g / cm3 to about 1.35 g / cm3.

In some embodiments, the polybutadiene synthesized with a rare earth element catalyst can be used to form the outer core layer 120. Such polybutadiene can provide excellent elastic performance of the golf ball 100. Examples of rare earth element catalysts include lanthanide-based rare earth element compounds, organoaluminum compounds, and alumoxane and halogen-containing compounds. Polybutadienes obtained by using lanthanum rare earth-based catalysts generally use a combination of lanthanum rare earths (atomic number 57 to 71), for example neodymium compounds.

In some embodiments, a polybutadiene rubber composition having at least about 0.5 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of a halogenated organosulfur compound can be used to form the outer core layer 120. In some embodiments, the polybutadiene rubber composition may comprise at least about 1 part by weight to about 4 parts by weight of a halogenated organosulfur compound. Halogenated organosulfur compounds include pentachlorothiophenol; 2-chlorothiophenol; 3-chlorothiophenol; 4-chlorothiophenol; 2,3-chlorothiophenol; 2,4-chlorothiophenol; 3,4-chlorothiophenol; 3,5-chlorothiophenol; 2,3,4-chlorothiophenol; 3,4,5-chlorothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorothiophenol; Pentafluorothiophenol; 2-fluorothiophenol; 3-fluorothiophenol; 4-fluorothiophenol; 2,3-fluorothiophenol; 2,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,5-fluorothiophenol 2,3,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,4,5-fluorothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorothiophenol; 4-chlorotetrafluorothiophenol; Penta-iodothiophenol; 2-iodothiophenol; 3-iodothiophenol; 4-iodothiophenol; 2,3-iodothiophenol; 2,4-iodothiophenol; 3,4-iodothiophenol; 3,5-iodothiophenol; 2,3,4-iodothiophenol; 3,4,5-iodothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetraiodothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetraiodothiophenol; Pentabromothiophenol; 2-bromothiophenol; 3-bromothiophenol 4-bromothiophenol; 2,3-bromothiophenol; 2,4-bromothiophenol; 3,4-bromothiophenol; 3,5-bromothiophenol; 2,3,4-bromothiophenol; 3,4,5-bromothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetrabromothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrabromothiophenol; And zinc salts thereof, metal salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Table 9 provides examples of materials used to make the outer core layer 120, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The amounts of the materials listed in Table 9 are expressed in parts by weight (pbw). TAIPOL ™ BR0150 is a trade name for rubber produced by Taiwan Synthetic Rubber Corp.

The outer core layer 120 may be made by any suitable process. For example, in some embodiments, the outer core layer 120 may be manufactured by a compression molding process. The process of making the outer core layer may be selected on the basis of various factors. For example, the process of making the outer core layer may be selected based on the type of material used to make the outer core layer and / or the process used to make the other layers.

In some embodiments, the outer core layer 120 may be produced through a compression molding process that includes a vulcanization temperature in the range of 130 [deg.] C to 190 [deg.] C and a vulcanization time in the range of 5 to 20 minutes. In some embodiments, the vulcanizing step can be divided into two stages: (1) the outer core layer material is placed in an outer core layer-forming mold and treated with an initial vulcanization to form a pair of semi-vulcanized Hemispherical cups; (2) the preformed inner core layer can be placed in one of the hemispherical cups, covered by another hemispherical cup, and the vulcanization can be completed. In some embodiments, the surface of inner core layer 110 disposed in hemispherical cups may be roughened prior to placement to increase the adhesion between inner core layer 110 and outer core layer 120. In some embodiments, the inner core surface may be pre-coated with an adhesive prior to disposing the inner core layer 110 in hemispherical cups to enhance the durability of the golf ball and allow for high rebound.

In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have high elasticity. This high elasticity allows the golf ball 100 to have increased carry and distance. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a coefficient of restitution (COR) in the range of 0.79 to 0.89. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a COR value in the range of 0.795 to 0.88. The COR value of the inner core layer 110 may be greater than the COR value of the golf ball 100. In some embodiments, the COR value of the inner core layer 110 may be 0.005 to 0.02 greater than the COR value of the golf ball 100.

In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a compressive strain value in the range of 2.5 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a compressive strain value in the range of 3.5 mm to 5 mm. The inner core layer 110 may have a surface Shore D hardness of 40-60. In some embodiments, outer core layer 120 may have a surface Shore D hardness of 50 to 60, which may be higher than the surface hardness of inner core layer 110. In some embodiments, outer core layer 120 may have a surface Shore D hardness of between 45 and 55. In some embodiments,

In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a Shore D section hardness in the range of 40 to 60 at any single point on the cross section obtained by cutting the inner core layer 110 in half. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a Shore D section hardness in the range of 45 to 55 at any single point on the cross section obtained by cutting the inner core layer 110 in half. In some embodiments, the difference in Shore D section hardness at any two points on the same cross-section may be within +/- 6. In some embodiments, the difference in Shore D section hardness at any two points on the same cross-section may be within +/- 3.

In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a smaller specific gravity than the outer layer. This difference in specific gravity enables the golf ball 100 to have a larger moment of inertia. In some embodiments, the specific gravity of the inner core layer 110 may range from about 0.85 g / cm3 to about 1.1 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the specific gravity of the inner core layer 110 may range from about 0.9 g / cm3 to about 1.1 g / cm3.

In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 of the golf ball 100 may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. For example, the inner cover layer 130 may have a thickness of 1 mm. In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may have a thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 1 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may have a thickness of 0.9 mm.

In some embodiments, the outer cover layer 140 of the golf ball 100 may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. For example, the outer cover layer 140 may have a thickness of 1 mm. In some embodiments, outer cover layer 140 may have a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 1.5 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may have a thickness of 1.2 mm.

The outer cover layer 140 may have a thickness T1, the inner cover layer may have a thickness T2, and the outer core layer 120 may have a thickness T3. In some embodiments, T1 may be greater than T2. In some embodiments, T1 and T3 may have the following relationship: 5T1 = T3 = 10T1.

In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may have a Shore D hardness in the range of about 60 to 80 when measured on a curved surface. In some embodiments, the outer cover layer 140 of the golf ball 100 may have a Shore D hardness of from 40 to 60 when measured on a curved surface. The inner cover layer 130 may have a higher flexural modulus than the outer cover layer 140 in order to have a low spin performance and a good hitting feel in the driver's shot. In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may have a flexural modulus ranging from 50,000 psi to 100,000 psi, or from 60,000 psi to 100,000 psi, and the outer cover layer 140 may have a flexural modulus ranging from 200 psi to 3,000 psi, And may have a flexural modulus in the range of 2,000 psi. In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may have a first flexural modulus, the outer cover layer 140 may have a second flexural modulus, and the ratio of the first flexural modulus to the second flexural modulus The first flexural modulus / second flexural modulus) may range from 10 to 30. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first flexural modulus to the second flexural modulus (first flexural modulus / second flexural modulus) may range from 25 to 100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first flexural modulus to the second flexural modulus (first flexural modulus / second flexural modulus) may range from 95 to 250. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a third flexural modulus. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first flexural modulus to the third flexural modulus (third flexural modulus / second flexural modulus) may range from 5 to 10. The outer cover 140 having a lower flexural modulus than the inner cover 130 and / or the inner core layer 110 provides a good feel to the golf ball 100 in short shots and putting shots can do.

In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 and / or the outer cover layer 140 may be thermoplastic (e.g., thermoplastic) comprising at least one of an ionomer resin, a highly neutralized acid polymer composition, a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, and a polyurethane resin Materials. In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may comprise the same type of material as the outer cover layer 140. In some embodiments, the inner cover layer 130 may comprise a different type of material than the outer cover layer 140.

Table 10 provides examples of materials used to make the inner cover layer 130, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The amounts of the materials listed in Table 9 are expressed in parts by weight (pbw) or% by weight. Neothane 6303D is Dongsung Highchem Co. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > LTD. ≪ / RTI >

Table 11 provides examples of materials used to make the outer cover layer 140 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The amounts of the materials listed in Table 11 are expressed in parts by weight (pbw) or% by weight, as indicated. "PTMEG" is a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a number average molecular weight of 2,000 and is commercially available from Invista under the trade name Terathane® 2000. "BG" is 1,4-butanediol commercially available from BASF and other suppliers. "TMPME" is a trimethylolpropane monoallyl ether commercially available from Perstorp Specialty Chemicals AB. "DCP" is a dicumyl peroxide commercially available from LaPorte Chemicals Ltd. "MDI" is a diphenylmethane diisocyanate commercially available from Huntsman under the trade name Suprasec® 1100. The outer cover material D can be formed by mixing PTMEG, BG, TMPME, DCP, and MDI in the proportions shown in Table 11. Specifically, these materials can be prepared by mixing the components in a high-speed agitated stirrer for 1 minute, starting at a temperature of about 70 °, and performing a curing process after about 10 hours at a temperature of about 100 °. The post-cured polyurethane elastomer can be ground into small chips.

In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have an inertia moment of about 80 g / cm 2 to about 90 g / cm 2. These moments of inertia can create desired distances and trajectories, particularly when the golf ball 100 is hit by a driver or is directed against the wind.

In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may include a co-compression strain of 2.2 mm to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have a compressive strain of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have a compressive strain of 2.5 mm to 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the specific gravity of inner cover layer 130 or outer cover layer 140 may range from about 1.1 g / cm3 to about 1.45 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the specific gravity of inner cover layer 130 or outer cover layer 140 may range from about 1.1 g / cm3 to about 1.35 g / cm3. In some embodiments, the layers used to manufacture the golf ball 100 may have a specified relationship in terms of their respective physical properties. For example, to have a greater moment of inertia, the golf ball layers may have an increased specific gravity gradient from the inner core layer 110 to the outer cover layer 140. In some embodiments, the inner core layer 110 may have a first specific gravity, the outer core layer 120 may have a second specific gravity that is at least 0.01 greater than the first specific gravity, 2 < / RTI > specific gravity. In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have the following mathematical relationship to the specific gravity of each layer: the inner core layer 110 may have a specific gravity SG1; The outer core layer 120 may have a specific gravity SG2; The inner cover layer 130 may have a specific gravity SG3 and the outer cover layer 140 may have a specific gravity SG4, where SG3> SG4> SG2> SG1.

In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have 300 to 400 dimples on the outer surface of the outer cover layer 140. In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have 310 to 390 dimples on the outer surface of the outer cover layer 140. In some embodiments, the golf ball 100 may have 320 to 380 dimples on the outer surface of the outer cover layer 140. If the total number of dimples is less than 300, the golf ball obtained can create a blown-up trajectory, which reduces the flying distance. On the other hand, when the total number of dimples is greater than 400, the trajectory of the golf ball obtained may be likely to be lowered, which reduces the flying distance.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the detailed description is intended to be illustrative, rather than restrictive, and that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as to the appended claims and their equivalents. In addition, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

An inner core layer;
An outer core layer surrounding the inner core layer;
An inner cover layer surrounding the outer core layer; And
A golf ball comprising an outer cover layer surrounding an inner cover layer,
Wherein the inner core layer has a higher coefficient of restitution than the outer core layer, the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer;
The performance of a 125 mph head speed test on a golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 173 mph to about 174 mph;
Wherein the performance of the 80 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 87 mph to about 90 mph. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the performance of the 95 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 115 mph to about 117 mph. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the performance of the 110 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 158 mph to about 160 mph. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the inner core layer comprises a first highly neutralized acid polymer composition. 5. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein the first highly neutralized acid polymer composition comprises one of HPF 2000 and HPF AD 1035. 6. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein the inner core layer comprises a second highly neutralized acid polymer composition. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the inner core layer has a coefficient of restitution coefficient in the range of about 0.795 to about 0.81. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the inner core layer has a coefficient of restitution coefficient that is greater than the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball by about 0.005 to about 0.02. 2. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness in the range of about 45 to about 55. & An inner core layer;
An outer core layer surrounding the inner core layer;
An inner cover layer surrounding the outer core layer; And
A golf ball comprising an outer cover layer surrounding an inner cover layer,
Performing a 125 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having a first initial velocity;
Performing an 80 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having a second initial velocity;
Wherein the first initial velocity is about 85 mph to about 87 mph higher than the second initial velocity. 11. The golf ball of claim 10, wherein the performance of the 110 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having a third initial speed that is about 85 mph to about 87 mph higher than the second initial speed. 11. The golf ball of claim 10, wherein the performance of the 95 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having a third initial velocity higher than the second initial velocity by about 27 mph to about 29 mph. 11. The golf ball of claim 10, wherein the inner core layer comprises a first highly neutralized acid polymer composition. 14. The golf ball of claim 13, wherein the first highly acid neutralized acid polymer composition comprises one of HPF 2000 and HPF AD 1035. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the inner core layer comprises a first highly neutralized acid polymer composition and a second highly neutralized acid polymer composition, wherein the first highly neutralized acid polymer composition versus a second highly neutralized acid polymer composition Wherein the ratio of the polymer composition is in the range of about 20:80 to about 80:20. 11. The golf ball of claim 10, wherein the inner core layer has a coefficient of restitution coefficient that is greater than the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball by about 0.005 to about 0.02. An inner core layer comprising at least one first highly neutralized acid polymer composition;
An outer core layer surrounding the inner core layer;
An inner cover layer surrounding the outer core layer; And
A golf ball comprising an outer cover layer surrounding an inner cover layer,
The performance of a 125 mph head speed test on a golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 173 mph to about 174 mph;
Wherein the performance of the 95 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 115 mph to about 117 mph. 18. The golf ball of claim 17, wherein the inner core layer comprises at least two first highly neutralized acid polymer compositions. 18. The golf ball of claim 17, wherein the inner core layer has a coefficient of restitution coefficient greater than the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball by about 0.005 to about 0.02. 18. The golf ball of claim 17, wherein the performance of the 110 mph head speed test on the golf ball results in a golf ball having an initial velocity in the range of about 158 mph to about 160 mph.

Images