U.S. patent application number 10/682321 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for four piece golf ball.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. Invention is credited to Lemons, Lane D., Simonutti, Frank M..
Application Number | 20040102257 10/682321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34314137 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040102257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lemons, Lane D. ; et
al. |
May 27, 2004 |
Four piece golf ball
Abstract
Golf balls in accordance with the principles of the present
invention are economical to produce with the known equipment, and
provide spin control, durability, and feel while conforming to
regulations. The core 10 provides spin control and a solid
resilient structure for a mantle 11 to be molded. The mantle 11
provides high resilience. The cover is comprised of an inner cover
13 and an outer cover 14 to provide adequate resilience and
performance while still being able to accept dimples.
Inventors: |
Lemons, Lane D.; (Jackson,
TN) ; Simonutti, Frank M.; (Jackson, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER
321 NORTH CLARK STREET
SUITE 2800
CHICAGO
IL
60610-4764
US
|
Assignee: |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
Chicago
IL
60631
|
Family ID: |
34314137 |
Appl. No.: |
10/682321 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10682321 |
Oct 9, 2003 |
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10226032 |
Aug 22, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/371 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0043 20130101;
A63B 37/0031 20130101; A63B 37/0033 20130101; A63B 37/0035
20130101; A63B 37/0064 20130101; A63B 37/0045 20130101; A63B
37/0003 20130101; A63B 37/0065 20130101; A63B 45/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/371 |
International
Class: |
A63B 037/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf ball comprising: a core comprising a high cis-1,4 content
polybutadiene, 20 to 28 parts by weight of a co-crosslinking agent
comprised primarily of a zinc salt of an unsaturated acrylate, 3 to
5 parts by weight of a metal oxide activator, and 0.8 to 1.5 parts
per hundred resin of a free radical initiator; a mantle comprising
a terpolymer consisting of 70 to 80% ethylene, 8 to 10.5% acrylic
acid and 12 to 20% n-butyl acrylate; a cover having an inner cover
and an outer cover; the inner cover layer comprises a blend of
ionomers; and the outer cover layer comprising a thermoplastic
polyurethane.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the core has a diameter of 1.2
inches to 1.38 inches.
3. The golf ball of claim 1., wherein the high cis-1,4 content
polybutadiene is 94% or greater.
4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the core has a deflection of
between 0.100 and 0.180 inches under an applied load of 200 lb.
5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the mantle has a thickness of
0.065 inches to 0.140 inches and a Shore D hardness within the
range of 55 to 62.
6. The golf ball of claim 1., wherein, wherein 100% of the
carboxylic acid groups are neutralized with magnesium ions.
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the inner cover layer has a
Shore D hardness within the range of 68 and 73 and a thickness of
0.025 inches to 0.045 inches.
8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer cover layer has a
Shore D hardness within the range of 56 and 62 and a thickness of
0.040 inches to 0.055 inches.
9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the core, the center, the
mantle, the inner cover and the outer cover have approximately the
same specific gravity.
10. The golf ball of claim 1, further comprising a filler selected
from the group consisting of zinc oxide, barium sulfate, titanium
dioxide, and combinations thereof.
11. A golf ball comprising: a center layer comprising a diene
rubber, having a diameter of between 1.00 inch and 1.40 inches and
a deflection under a 200 lb. static load of between 0.100 inches
and 0.180 inches; a middle layer comprising a thermoplastic
material having a thickness of between 0.050 inches and 0.27
inches, a Shore D hardness of 62 or below; an inner cover layer
comprising a blend of ionomers, a Shore D hardness of at least 65,
and a thickness of 0.020 inch to 0.050 inch; and an outer cover
layer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore D
hardness of greater than 53, and a thickness of greater than 0.040
inch.
12. The golf ball of claim 11., wherein the thermoplastic material
comprises 7% to 12% by weight of a carboxylic acid, 12% to 20% by
weight of an acrylate salt, and 71% to 80% by weight of
ethylene.
13. The golf ball of claim 12., wherein the carboxylic acid is
acrylic acid and the acrylate salt is n-butyl acrylate.
14. The golf ball of claim 12., wherein 100% of the carboxylic acid
groups are neutralized with a metal ion.
15. The golf ball of claim 14, wherein the metal ion is
magnesium.
16. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the center comprises: a
polybutadiene; 20 to 28 parts by weight of a co-crosslinking agent
comprised primarily of a zinc a salt of an unsaturated acrylate; 3
to 5 parts by weight of a metal oxide activator; and 0.8 to 1.5
parts per hundred resin of a free radical initiator.
17. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the cis-1,4 content of the
polybutadiene is 94% or greater.
18. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the core, the center, the
mantle, the inner cover and the outer cover have approximately the
same specific gravity.
19. The golf ball of claim 11, further comprising a filler selected
from the group consisting of zinc oxide, barium sulfate, titanium
dioxide, and combinations thereof.
20. A method of making a golf ball comprising: forming a core with
a diameter of 1.2 inches to 1.38 inches comprising a diene rubber;
forming an mantle with a thickness of 0.065 inches to 0.140 inches
comprising a terpolymer; forming an inner cover layer with a
thickness of 0.025 inches to 0.045 inches comprising ionomers; and
forming an outer cover layer with a thickness of 0.040 inches to
0.055 inches comprising thermoset material.
21. The method of making a golf ball of claim 20 further including
forming the core with a diene rubber comprising: a high cis-1,4
content polybutadiene of 94% or greater; 20 to 28 parts by weight
of a co-crosslinking agent comprised primarily of a zinc salt of an
unsaturated acrylate; 3 to 5 parts by weight of a metal oxide
activator; and 0.8 to 1.5 parts per hundred resin of a free radical
initiator.
22. The method of making a golf ball of claim 20., further
including forming the mantle with a material comprising a
terpolymer consisting of 70% to 80% ethylene, 8% to 10.5% acrylic
acid and 12% to 20% n-butyl acrylate.
23. The method of making a golf ball of claim 20., further
including forming the inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of
between 68 and 73.
24. The method of making a golf ball of claim 20., further
including forming the outer cover layer has a Shore D hardness of
between 56 and 62.
25. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of making
the core, the center, the mantle, the inner cover and the outer
cover have approximately the same specific gravity.
26. A golf ball comprising: a core formed of a first composition;
an intermediate layer formed of a second composition; a inner cover
layer formed of a third composition; a outer cover layer formed of
a fourth composition, the specific gravity of each of the first,
second, third, and fourth compositions being generally equal to
each other, the first, second, third, and fourth compositions being
sufficiently mixed such that the ball exhibits random orientation
when floated in a solution of sufficient density to support the
ball.
27. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the core has a diameter of
1.2 inches to 1.38 inches.
28. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the core has a deflection of
between 0.100 and 0.180 inches under an applied load of 200 lb.
29. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the mantle has a thickness
within the range of 0.065 inches to 0.140 inches, and a Shore D
hardness within the range of 55 to 62.
30. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein, wherein 100% of the
carboxylic acid groups are neutralized with magnesium ions.
31. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the inner cover layer has a
Shore D hardness within the range of 68 and 73 and a thickness
within the range of 0.025 inches to 0.045 inches.
32. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the outer cover layer has a
Shore D hardness within the range of 56 and 62 and a thickness
within the range of 0.040 inches to 0.055 inches.
33. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the specific gravities of
the core, intermediate layer, inner cover layer, and outer cover
layer are between 1.18 and 1.32.
34. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the specific gravities are
1.25.
35. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the specific gravities of
the core, intermediate layer, inner cover layer, and outer cover
layer are within 0.07.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/226,032, entitled "Multilayered Balanced
Golf Ball" filed on Aug. 22, 2002 by Simonutti and Bradley and
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of golf
balls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The golf club/ball impact can best be described as a violent
collision. The typical professional can swing a 200 to 300 gram
(7.06 to 10.6 ounce) driver and attain club speeds at the moment of
impact of 105 mph (169 km/h) to 115 mph (185 km/h) striking a 46
gram (1.62 ounces) golf ball resting on a tee. One side of the golf
ball is smashed against the face of the club which can result in
the balls of the prior art compressing nearly 20% before the golf
ball leaves the tee. The golf ball then accelerates from rest to
speeds of approximately 155 mph (249 km/h) to 170 mph (274 km/h)
and spin rates of 2000 to 4000 rpm's in less than half a
millisecond, experiencing 50,000 times the force of gravity.
[0004] For a great number of years, golf balls were molded using
wound cores, which comprised a soft rubber center surrounded by a
layer of thread rubber windings. In the late 1960s to early 1970s,
balls with ionomer covers (produced by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company, 1007 Market ST Wilmington, Del. 19898 ("DuPont") under the
trade name Surlyn.RTM.) were introduced. Balls molded with
Surlyn.RTM. covers were produced with both thread wound cores and
solid rubber cores. The balls molded using initial grades of
Surlyn.RTM. and solid cores (hereafter referred to as "two-piece
balls") were significantly less expensive to produce; however, the
initial two-piece golf balls were hard, having an unpleasant feel
to the golfer.
[0005] Recently, the introduction of the multi-piece solid ball has
been a success with products such as the Titleist.RTM. Pro V1
(produced by Fortune Brands, Inc. 300 Tower Parkway, Lincolnshire,
Ill. 60069), and the Precept.RTM. Tour Premium (produced by
Bridgestone Sports Co., LTD., Omori Bellport E Bldg. 6-22-7,
Minami-oi Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0013 Japan). These golf balls,
while being solid and not wound, have polyurethane covers that lend
themselves to the shot making qualities that are possessed by the
balls preferred by the better golfers. The golf balls are also less
expensive to produce.
[0006] Existing golf balls, however, have some drawbacks. Prior art
golf balls are generally manufactured with a core made primarily
from polybutadiene rubber, which is covered with a fairly hard,
thin, ionomer inner cover, which is subsequently covered by a
polyurethane or balata/polybutadiene outer cover. While providing
adequate playing characteristics at a less expensive production
cost, these solid balls typically exhibit lower velocities at
driver impact than wound balls using like cover materials. Prior
art golf balls have used in their cores, mantles, and cover layers,
either thermoset materials or thermoplastic materials. The prior
art thermoplastic material allows for greater ease in
manufacturing, but reduces resilience. Conversely, thermoset
material is difficult to work with, but provides the needed
resilience.
[0007] In addition, all of the various materials used in the
construction of golf balls, from wound core constructions to
multi-layer solid core constructions, have varying densities.
Accordingly, the mass per unit volume of these materials varies.
For example, typically the materials used to produce the cover
layer possess a low mass per unit volume than the materials used to
produce the core. If a golf ball is manufactured perfectly, that is
if the core or center of a ball is perfectly spherical, and if the
cover layer thickness and intermediate layer thickness (if
applicable) are constant throughout the entire ball, the ball will
be "balanced", and should fly true when struck with a golf club, or
should roll true when putted.
[0008] However, in manufacturing of a golf ball, it is very
difficult to ensure that the core of the golf ball is exactly and
perfectly spherical and centered within the ball. Moreover, it is
also very difficult to ensure that the thickness of the cover
layer, and the thickness of the intermediate layer(s) of
multi-piece balls, are uniform and consistent about the periphery
of the core. Further, it is difficult to ensure that the materials
comprising the cover layer and the intermediate layer (if
applicable) are properly and sufficiently mixed or homogenized such
that the composition and density of the cover layer or intermediate
layer is consistent throughout the ball.
[0009] Thus, there is a need for a golf ball that is economical to
produce with known manufacturing equipment and provides spin
control, durability, and feel while conforming to regulations. More
particularly, there is a need for four-piece golf ball that
performs well and is made of highly workable material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A golf ball in accordance with the principles of the present
invention is economical to produce with known manufacturing
equipment and provides spin control, durability, and feel while
conforming to regulations. One aspect of the present invention
relates to a four-piece golf ball that performs well and is made of
highly workable material. In accordance with the present invention,
the golf ball has a core, a mantle, an inner cover layer, and an
outer cover layer. The core provides spin control and a solid
resilient structure to which the mantle can be molded. The mantle
provides high resilience. The cover is comprised of two layers to
provide adequate resilience and performance while still being able
to accept dimples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The FIGURE illustrates a cross-section of a golf ball in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] One aspect of the present invention relates to a four-piece
golf ball that performs well and is made of highly workable
material. Referring to the FIGURE, a golf ball in accordance with
the principles of the present invention comprises a four-piece
solid golf ball 10, wherein the four layers consist of (1) a center
layer or core 12 comprising a first composition, (2) a middle layer
or mantle 14 comprising a second composition, (3) an inner cover
layer 16 comprising a third composition, and (4) a outer cover
layer 18 on which the dimples are molded comprising a fourth
composition. In accordance with the principles of the present
invention, the core 12 provides some control of spin as well as a
solid resilient structure to which the second layer is molded; the
mantle 14 provides high resilience for the ball and increases spin;
the inner cover 16 provides a suitable material for durability,
control, and spin; and the outer cover 18 provides a suitable
material for durability, control, spin, and dimple molding.
[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the core 12 is a
solid comprised of a diene rubber, has a diameter of between about
1.00 (25.4 mm) and about 1.40 inches (35.6 mm), and has a
deflection under a 200 lb. (90.7 kg) static load of between about
0.100 inches (2.5 mm) and about 0.180 inches (4.6 mm). In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core has a
diameter of 1.20 inches (30.5 mm) to 1.38 inches (35.1 mm) and
comprises a high cis-1,4 content (94% or greater) polybutadiene, 20
to 28 parts by weight of a co-crosslinking agent comprised
primarily of a zinc salt of an unsaturated acrylate; 3 to 5 parts
by weight of a metal oxide activator, preferably zinc oxide; and
0.8 to 1.5 parts per hundred resin of a free radical initiator.
[0014] The mantle material requires a trade-off to achieve the
desired results: the more material used, the more resilient the
ball; however, this results in an increased spin rate for driver
shots. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
mantle 14 is a thermoplastic material having a thickness of between
about 0.050 inches (1.27 mm) and about 0.27 inches (6.9 mm); a
Shore D hardness of 62 or below; and comprises about 7% to 12% by
weight of a carboxylic acid, preferably acrylic acid, about 12% to
20% by weight of an acrylate salt, preferably n-butyl acrylate, and
about 71% to 80% by weight of ethylene. The carboxylic acid in the
mantle is 100% neutralized with metal ions, preferably magnesium
ions. If the material used in the mantle is not 100% neutralized,
the resultant resilience properties such as coefficient of
restitution (C.O.R.) and initial velocity will not be sufficient to
produce the performance required for a premium golf ball. The C.O.R
is a measurement of the amount of energy returned in an inelastic
collision, such as the impact between the golf ball and the club
face. It is expressed as a ratio of energy present in the system
before the impact to energy present in the system just after
impact. This relates to the energy present in the ball and clubhead
velocity just after the ball/club impact.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
inner cover layer 16 comprises a blend of ionomers having a Shore D
hardness of 65 or more and a thickness of about 0.020 inches (0.51
mm) to about 0.050 inches (1.27 mm).
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the outer cover layer 18
comprises thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoset material having a
Shore D hardness of greater than 53 and a thickness of greater than
0.040 inches (1.02 mm).
[0017] In a preferred embodiment a ball made in accordance with the
principles of the present invention has a core with a deflection of
between about 0.100 inches (2.5 mm) and 0.180 inches (4.6 mm) under
an applied load of 200 lb (90.7 kg). The mantle 14 has a thickness
of about 0.065 inches (1.65 mm) to 0.140 inches (3.6 mm), and a
Shore D hardness of 55 to 62, and comprises a terpolymer consisting
of approximately 70% to 80% ethylene; approximately 8% to 10.5%
acrylic acid; and approximately 12% to 20% n-butyl acrylate, where
100% of the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized with magnesium
ions. The inner cover layer 16 comprises a blend of ionomers with a
Shore D hardness of between 68 and 73, and a thickness of 0.025
inches (0.635 mm) to 0.045 inches (1.14 mm). The outer cover layer
18 comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane or a thermoset material
having a Shore D hardness of between 56 and 62, and a thickness of
approximately 0.040 inches (1.02 mm) to 0.055 inches (1.40 mm).
[0018] In one embodiment, the ball may be balanced. A balanced ball
does not depart from its intended flight or roll path due to an
off-center core or outer layers of inconsistent thickness. In
accordance with the principles of the present invention the ball
would have a core, mantle, inner and outer cover layer that are of
uniform density without any uneven areas of distribution. This can
be accomplished by blending essentially non-reactive materials with
the particular components of the golf ball. Thus, a truly balanced
ball in accordance with the principles of the present invention has
a uniform density. Materials suitable for use in adjusting the
density of the component parts can be chosen from the group
consisting of inorganic materials, organic materials, and
combinations thereof. Preferred inorganic fillers comprise zinc
oxide, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, or a combination
thereof.
[0019] An unbalanced ball will generally have a light spot and a
heavy spot. When an unbalanced ball is repeatedly spun in a salt
water solution of the float test described below, the ball will
tend to consistently orient itself in the solution with its light
spot up and its heavy spot down. The "float" test is performed by
filling a container with warm water. A salt, such as sodium
chloride, is then added to the solution in sufficient amount to
enable one or more golf balls to float in the solution. Preferably,
a few drops of detergent are added to the container. The ball is
spun and when the ball stops spinning in water, then the top is
marked. The spinning is repeated to determine if the same portion
will again be at the top when the ball stops. A balanced ball would
exhibit no orientational preference when placed in a salt bath of
equivalent density. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer is
adjusted to a target specific gravity of about 1.125 using inert
fillers. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
core, mantle, inner cover layer and outer cover layer all have a
specific gravity of between about 1.118 and about 1.132, with the
golf ball preferably having a specific gravity of about 1.125.
EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following are non-limiting illustrative examples of golf
balls in accordance with the principles of the present invention,
wherein certain teachings in each example can be combined and mixed
in other embodiments thereby more fully illustrating the scope of
the inventions. The four-piece construction in accordance with the
principles of the present invention results in greater distance and
performance than the prior art three-piece golf balls as exhibited
by the following non-limiting examples.
[0021] A golf ball in accordance with the principles of the present
invention was made having a core as set forth below in the master
batch formulas:
1TABLE 1 Master Batch Formula Material Phr Polybutadiene Rubber
97.56 Millable Polyurethane 2.44 Zinc Diacrylate 90.28 Zinc Oxide
4.88 Titanium Dioxide 18.3 Colorant .16
[0022] The material used for molding the mantle was a terpolymer of
.about.76% ethylene, .about.8.5% acrylic acid, and .about.15.5% by
weight n-butyl acrylate, wherein 100% of the acrylic acid groups
was neutralized with magnesium ions. This material is available
from DuPont, under product number AD 1016. The terpolymer was
compounded with barium sulfate and titanium dioxide to a specific
gravity of 1.125.
[0023] The inner cover layer of the example balls was molded using
ionomers produced and provided by DuPont under the product name
Surlyn.TM., in the following blend: Surlyn.TM. 6120-40 phr and
Surlyn.TM. 8140-60 phr. The blend was compounded with barium
sulfate and titanium dioxide to a specific gravity of 1.125. The
outer cover layer, for the balls of examples 1 and 2, was molded
using the thermoset material formula outlined below using the
second pass batch, with 432 dimples in an icosadodecahedron pattern
consistent through all examples, as well as in the control
ball:
2TABLE 2 Second Pass Formula Material Phr Trans-polyisoprene 59.00
Peroxide 2.00 Master Batch Compound 87.57
[0024] The compound was mixed in two parts. First a master batch
was mixed as described in Table 1, followed by a second pass
procedure to mix the peroxide and balata into the compound as
described in Table 2. Mixing was performed using techniques well
known to those in the golf ball industry.
[0025] All example balls were buffed, finished and painted using
methods known in the art. Balls were tested for performance
properties compared to a premium performance golf ball,
specifically the Staff.RTM. True Tour.TM., produced by Wilson
Sporting Goods Company, 8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
60631.
Example 1
[0026] Balls of Example 1 were molded using layers as described
above. Specifically, the layers were as follows:
[0027] Core--1.25 inches diameter, 0.150 deflection under an
applied load of 200 lb.
[0028] Mantle--0.135 inches thickness.
[0029] Inner cover layer--0.0325 inches thickness, Shore D hardness
72.
[0030] Outer cover layer--0.0475 inches thickness, Shore D hardness
60.
3TABLE 3 Example 1 Physical Properties Ball Size Defl. Weight Shore
D Example 1 1.681 .085 45.52 61 Wilson Staff .RTM. 1.679 .087 45.42
62 True Tour .TM.
[0031] Shore D Hardness was measured using a Shore D durometer
(manufactured by Instron Corporation, 100 Royall Street, Canton,
Mass., 02021) with the hardness reading taken at the surface of the
ball. Deflection was measured under a 200 lb. applied load, using
Wilson Dead Weight Deflection testing machine. The deflection of a
test subject golf ball is taken by placing the ball between two
round plates, which are supported from below by round shafts. A
force is then applied forcing the bottom plate to compress the ball
into the upper plate, using a lever mechanism. The force applied is
a nominal 200 lbs. The deflection is determined by taking the
measured distance between the inside of the two plates at contact
and the measured distance between the inside of the two plates at
some time after the force is applied. The deflection is calculated
as the simple difference between the two measurements.
[0032] The flight performance properties of the Example 1 ball were
tested:
4TABLE 4 Example 1 Flight Performance Properties Ball Speed Spin
Rate Carry Total Ball (fps) (RPM) Apogee Dist. (yds) Dist. (yds)
Example 1 233.1 2840 9.6 252.8 273.4 Wilson Staff .RTM. 231.8 3370
9.7 251.9 267.1 True Tour .TM.
[0033] Driver test results are an average of 3 tests at the
following conditions: (1) club head velocity of 160 ft/s and (2)
launch angle of 9.5.degree..
Example 2
[0034] Balls of Example 2 were molded using layers as described
above. Specifically the layers were as follows:
[0035] Core--1.375 inches diameter, 0.135 deflection under an
applied load of 200 lb.
[0036] Mantle--0.0725 inches thickness.
[0037] Inner cover layer--0.0325 inches thickness, Shore D hardness
72.
[0038] Outer cover layer--0.0475 inches thickness, Shore D hardness
60.
5TABLE 5 Example 2 Physical Properties Ball Size Defl. Weight Shore
D Example 2 1.678 .080 45.02 61 Wilson Staff .RTM. 1.680 .090 45.46
61 True Tour .TM.
[0039] Shore D Hardness was measured using a Shore D durometer with
the hardness reading taken at surface of ball. Deflection was
measured under 200 lb. applied load, using Wilson Dead Weight
Deflection testing machine.
[0040] The flight performance properties of the Example 2 ball were
tested:
6TABLE 6 Example 2 Flight Performance Properties Carry Total Ball
Speed Spin Rate Dist. Dist. Ball (fps) (RPM) Apogee (yds) (yds)
Example 2 233.6 3000 9.6 252.0 277.1 Wilson 231.2 3420 9.8 252.8
272.3 Staff .RTM. True Tour .TM.
[0041] Driver test results are an average of 3 tests at the
following conditions: (1) club head velocity of 160 ft/s and (2)
launch angle of 9.5.degree..
Example 3
[0042] Balls of Example 3 were molded using layers as described
above. Specifically the layers were as follows:
[0043] Core--1.130 inches diameter, 0.135 deflection under an
applied load of 200 lb.
[0044] Mantle--0.0725 inches thickness.
[0045] Inner cover layer--0.0325 inches thickness, Shore D hardness
72.
[0046] Outer cover layer--0.0475 inches thickness, Shore D hardness
60.
7TABLE 5 Example 3 Physical Properties Ball Size (in) Defl. (in)
Weight (g) Shore D Example 3 1.684 0.083 45.93 59 Wilson Staff
.RTM. 1.680 0.081 45.43 59 True Tour .TM.
[0047] Shore D Hardness was measured using a Shore D durometer with
the hardness reading taken at surface of ball. Deflection was
measured under 200 lb. applied load, using Wilson Dead Weight
Deflection testing machine.
[0048] The flight performance properties of the Example 3 ball were
tested:
8TABLE 6 Example 3 Flight Performance Properties Ball Speed Spin
Rate Carry Total Ball (fps) (RPM) Apogee Dist. (yds) Dist. (yds)
Example 3 243.5 3138 10.5 270.2 275.6 Wilson 241.4 3227 10.1 258.4
265.1 Staff .RTM. True Tour .TM.
[0049] Driver test results are an average of 3 tests at the
following conditions: (1) club head velocity of 167 ft/s and (2)
launch angle of 9.5.degree..
Test Results
[0050] A test of various golf balls was performed, with the course
fairway spotty with a variable 6-12 mph right to left crosswind and
the temperature was 62.degree. F. The golf balls in accordance with
the principles of the present invention are designated "Example 3"
in the test results, below:
9TABLE 7 Club Ball Ball Launch Apogee Carry Carry Roll Total
Velocity Velocity Spin Angle Angle Distance Direction Distance
Distance SAA N = 12 (fps) (fps) (rpm) (deg) (deg) (yds) (yds) (yds)
(yds) (sq. yds) Staff .RTM. True Tour .TM. Average 161.5 231.4 3453
9.0 9.8 238.2 -4.0 6.3 244.5 199 Trim 50% 161.4 231.5 3514 9.0 9.8
237.5 -4.3 5.5 243.7 StDev 0.3 1.0 260 0.1 0.2 3.9 4.1 3.4 5.9 Max
161.9 233.1 3711 9.2 10.1 246.0 3.0 13.0 259.0 Min 161.2 229.6 2894
8.6 9.2 234.0 -9.0 3.0 238.0 Example 3 Average 161.3 234.2 2915 9.3
9.9 249.9 -3.2 6.3 256.2 365 Trim 50% 161.3 234.1 2850 9.3 9.9
249.7 -3.3 5.5 256.0 StDev 0.4 0.9 331 0.1 0.1 5.0 5.8 3.0 6.0 Max
161.9 235.9 3590 9.6 10.1 259.0 9.0 12.0 269.0 Min 160.9 232.8 2531
9.1 9.8 241.0 -14.0 3.0 245.0 Titleist Pro V1 Average 161.3 229.8
3240 9.2 10.1 245.1 -4.7 5.4 250.5 136 Trim 50% 161.3 229.8 3202
9.1 10.1 244.5 -4.3 5.0 249.5 StDev 0.2 0.9 196 0.2 0.1 3.9 2.8 3.5
5.3 Max 161.6 231.3 3763 9.6 10.3 255.0 0.0 11.0 266.0 Min 160.9
228.3 3053 9.0 9.9 241.0 -10.0 1.0 246.0 Titleist Pro V1* Average
161.3 230.0 3088 9.2 9.8 239.8 -2.7 11.7 251.4 113 Trim 50% 161.2
230.0 3084 9.2 9.9 240.0 -2.8 11.3 251.3 StDev 0.3 0.7 274 0.1 0.1
2.5 3.7 5.8 5.6 Max 161.9 231.0 3484 9.4 10.0 245.0 5.0 19.0 260.0
Min 160.9 228.8 2427 8.9 9.6 235.0 -7.0 4.0 244.0 Maxfli M3 Average
161.4 230.8 3298 9.1 9.9 242.6 -4.0 7.0 249.6 148 Trim 50% 161.3
230.8 3283 9.0 9.9 241.7 -4.0 7.2 249.2 StDev 0.3 1.0 228 0.2 0.2
2.6 4.5 2.6 3.9 Max 161.9 232.1 3769 9.3 10.2 248.0 4.0 11.0 258.0
Min 161.2 229.0 3018 8.8 9.8 239.0 -11.0 2.0 244.0 Maxfli A10
Average 161.2 231.0 3366 8.9 10.1 243.8 -5.3 4.6 248.3 173 Trim 50%
161.2 231.0 3389 8.9 10.0 243.3 -5.7 3.5 248.5 StDev 0.2 0.7 190
0.2 0.2 3.3 4.2 3.3 4.2 Max 161.6 232.2 3620 9.3 10.7 250.0 1.0
11.0 254.0 Min 160.9 229.9 3013 8.7 9.9 240.0 -10.0 1.0 242.0
Precept U Tri Extra Spin Average 161.2 233.8 3030 9.3 10.3 250.2
-7.0 2.7 252.8 128 Trim 50% 161.2 233.9 3041 9.3 10.2 249.8 -6.8
2.8 252.2 StDev 0.2 1.0 234 0.2 0.3 3.5 2.9 2.0 4.4 Max 161.6 235.0
3325 9.6 10.8 256.0 -2.0 5.0 260.0 Min 160.9 232.1 2694 9.0 10.0
246.0 -11.0 0.0 247.0 Precept U Tri Extra Distance Average 161.4
230.3 2891 9.4 10.0 246.3 -3.3 8.0 254.3 143 Trim 50% 161.3 230.3
2908 9.3 10.0 246.2 -2.7 7.3 253.3 StDev 0.4 1.0 159 0.1 0.2 2.9
3.9 5.4 7.5 Max 162.3 232.4 3149 9.6 10.3 250.0 1.0 16.0 266.0 Min
160.9 228.2 2660 9.1 9.8 241.0 -12.0 1.0 242.0 Callaway HX Blue
Average 161.4 230.0 3066 9.1 10.2 244.8 -2.6 4.5 249.3 172 Trim 50%
161.3 230.0 3079 9.1 10.2 245.3 -2.7 3.2 248.8 StDev 0.3 1.1 158
0.2 0.2 2.7 5.0 3.8 4.0 Max 161.9 231.6 3325 9.8 10.8 248.0 5.0
13.0 258.0 Min 161.2 227.6 2768 8.8 10.0 240.0 -9.0 1.0 244.0
Callaway HX Red Average 161.3 232.2 3012 9.3 10.2 248.0 -3.4 3.3
251.3 195 Trim 50% 161.3 232.2 3040 9.2 10.2 247.3 -3.5 3.0 250.7
StDev 0.3 0.9 149 0.2 0.2 2.8 5.6 2.8 4.5 Max 161.9 233.7 3244 9.8
10.7 253.0 7.0 8.0 259.0 Min 160.9 229.8 2768 8.8 10.0 244.0 -15.0
0.0 245.0 Hogan Apex Tour Average 161.3 229.4 2959 9.2 9.9 240.7
-3.2 6.7 247.3 118 Trim 50% 161.4 229.5 2974 9.2 9.9 241.2 -3.3 6.3
247.8 StDev 0.3 0.7 178 0.2 0.2 2.1 4.4 3.7 4.6 Max 161.6 230.4
3164 9.5 10.2 244.0 4.0 15.0 256.0 Min 160.9 227.9 2527 8.9 9.4
236.0 -10.0 2.0 241.0
[0051] As seen by comparing the ball of Example 3 and the Titleist
Pro V1, the ball of Example 3 outperformed the other balls For
example the ball of Example 3 had a higher initial velocity and a
lower spin rate than the Titleist Pro V1. Additionally, Example 3
carried nearly 10 yards farther and had a longer total distance
than the Titleist Pro V1.
[0052] A second test of various golf balls was performed, with the
course fairway spotty with a variable headwind 2-10 mph with 15 mph
gusts and the temperature was 59.degree. F.:
10TABLE 8 Club Ball Ball Launch Apogee Carry Carry Roll Total
Velocity Velocity Spin Angle Angle Distance Direction Distance
Distance SAA N = 12 (fps) (fps) (rpm) (deg) (deg) (yds) (yds) (yds)
(yds) (sq. yds) Staff .RTM. True Tour Control .TM. Average 160.4
230.3 3301 8.8 10.0 232.1 4.6 6.5 238.7 179 Trim 50% 160.4 230.5
3258 8.8 10.0 231.2 4.5 6.3 238.1 StDev 0.4 1.0 226 0.2 0.2 3.6 4.0
1.7 3.7 Max 160.9 231.9 3823 9.3 10.2 240.0 11.0 9.0 246.0 Min
159.8 228.6 2986 8.4 9.5 228.0 -1.0 4.0 234.0 Example 3 Average
160.5 232.9 3054 9.2 10.2 240.8 1.9 4.3 245.2 268 Trim 50% 160.5
232.8 3097 9.2 10.2 240.8 1.7 4.3 245.0 StDev 0.4 1.0 263 0.2 0.1
3.1 6.8 1.2 3.9 Max 161.2 234.5 3440 9.5 10.4 245.0 12.0 7.0 252.0
Min 159.8 231.5 2628 8.8 9.9 236.0 -9.0 2.0 240.0 Titleist Pro V1
Average 160.4 228.8 3256 9.0 10.3 235.8 2.9 4.1 239.9 59 Trim 50%
160.4 228.8 3299 9.0 10.2 235.7 3.2 4.2 239.5 StDev 0.4 0.5 172 0.2
0.2 2.4 1.9 2.2 3.1 Max 160.9 229.6 3452 9.2 10.7 240.0 5.0 8.0
246.0 Min 159.8 227.9 2962 8.7 10.1 231.0 -1.0 1.0 235.0 Titleist
Pro V1* Average 160.5 229.1 3212 9.2 10.0 232.9 2.8 7.8 241.0 188
Trim 50% 160.6 229.1 3216 9.1 10.1 232.2 3.3 8.3 241.6 StDev 0.3
0.5 170 0.2 0.1 3.8 3.9 2.5 4.3 Max 160.9 230.1 3431 9.5 10.2 241.0
7.0 10.0 246.0 Min 159.8 228.5 2991 8.9 9.9 227.0 -5.0 3.0 230.0
Maxfli M3 Average 160.5 230.2 3296 8.9 10.1 235.2 3.2 5.9 241.1 227
Trim 50% 160.5 230.3 3297 8.9 10.1 235.0 2.7 5.8 240.7 StDev 0.3
0.7 206 0.2 0.1 3.6 5.0 1.9 4.8 Max 160.9 231.1 3573 9.1 10.4 243.0
11.0 9.0 250.0 Min 160.1 229.0 2996 8.5 10.0 230.0 -3.0 3.0 233.0
Maxfli A10 Average 160.5 230.3 3470 8.7 10.3 234.6 1.2 3.7 238.3
110 Trim 50% 160.6 230.4 3495 8.7 10.2 234.5 1.0 3.2 238.3 StDev
0.4 1.2 144 0.2 0.3 1.7 5.2 2.1 1.6 Max 160.9 232.1 3680 9.0 10.9
237.0 11.0 9.0 241.0 Min 159.8 228.2 3228 8.2 10.0 232.0 -8.0 2.0
235.0 Precept U Tri Extra Spin Average 160.5 232.9 3139 9.2 10.5
239.7 5.8 2.9 242.6 198 Trim 50% 160.4 232.9 3185 9.2 10.5 240.5
6.3 3.0 243.8 StDev 0.4 0.7 210 0.2 0.3 3.3 4.7 2.0 4.5 Max 161.2
234.1 3390 9.4 11.1 243.0 12.0 6.0 247.0 Min 160.1 231.5 2808 8.8
10.1 233.0 -4.0 0.0 233.0 Precept U Tri Extra Distance Average
160.5 229.6 2856 9.2 10.1 237.1 5.4 3.8 240.9 210 Trim 50% 160.5
229.4 2889 9.2 10.1 237.3 4.7 3.7 240.5 StDev 0.3 0.9 183 0.1 0.0
3.2 5.2 1.6 3.7 Max 161.2 231.6 3159 9.5 10.2 242.0 14.0 7.0 249.0
Min 160.1 228.5 2545 9.0 10.1 230.0 -2.0 1.0 235.0 Callaway HX Blue
Average 160.5 229.0 3264 9.1 10.5 236.1 4.7 3.4 239.5 268 Trim 50%
160.5 229.0 3245 9.1 10.5 236.0 4.5 3.0 238.8 StDev 0.4 1.3 189 0.2
0.2 4.9 4.3 2.8 6.8 Max 161.2 230.7 3550 9.3 10.8 245.0 12.0 11.0
256.0 Min 160.1 225.4 2990 8.8 10.2 229.0 -3.0 0.0 232.0 Callaway
HX Red Average 160.5 230.9 3217 9.2 10.7 238.8 3.9 2.9 241.7 361
Trim 50% 160.6 230.7 3250 9.2 10.7 239.0 3.5 2.7 241.8 StDev 0.4
0.9 231 0.2 0.3 4.7 6.1 1.8 5.9 Max 160.9 232.5 3560 9.5 11.0 249.0
20.0 7.0 252.0 Min 159.8 229.9 2798 8.9 10.2 230.0 -6.0 1.0 231.0
Hogan Apex Tour Average 160.7 228.4 3070 9.1 10.1 234.2 0.2 6.9
241.1 329 Trim 50% 160.7 228.5 3101 9.1 10.1 234.7 0.7 6.2 241.2
StDev 0.4 1.2 240 0.2 0.1 4.2 6.3 4.2 7.4 Max 161.2 230.3 3458 9.5
10.2 240.0 10.0 15.0 255.0 Min 159.8 226.3 2685 8.8 9.9 226.0 -9.0
2.0 229.0
[0053] As seen by comparing the ball of Example 3 and the Titleist
Pro V1, the ball of Example 3 outperformed the other balls For
example the ball of Example 3 had a higher initial velocity and a
lower spin rate than the Titleist Pro V1. Additionally, Example 3
carried nearly 5 yards farther and had a longer total distance than
the Titleist Pro V1.
[0054] A third test of various golf balls was performed, with the
course fairway spotty with a variable 3-10 mph right to left
crosswind with a tail and the temperature was 52.degree. F.:
11TABLE 9 Club Ball Ball Launch Apogee Carry Carry Roll Total
Velocity Velocity Spin Angle Angle Distance Direction Distance
Distance Golf ball (fps) (fps) (rpm) (deg) (deg) (yds) (yds) (yds)
(yds) Staff .RTM. True Tour Control .TM. Average 161.0 231.1 3371.6
9.0 9.9 235.6 1.3 7.3 242.9 Trim 50% 160.9 231.2 3382.2 9.0 9.9
235.0 0.8 6.9 242.2 Example 3 Average 161.0 233.8 2942.3 9.3 10.0
246.1 -0.1 5.8 251.9 Trim 50% 161.0 233.8 2936.7 9.3 10.0 246.1
-0.1 5.3 251.5 Titleist Pro V1 Average 160.9 229.5 3263.7 9.1 10.1
241.1 -0.3 4.7 245.9 Trim 50% 160.9 229.5 3260.4 9.1 10.1 240.8
-0.3 4.6 245.4 Titleist Pro V1* Average 160.9 229.8 3156.3 9.2 9.9
237.2 0.2 8.9 246.3 Trim 50% 161.0 229.8 3154.6 9.2 9.9 237.2 0.4
9.0 246.6 Maxfli M3 Average 161.0 230.8 3323.8 9.0 10.0 240.1 0.6
6.5 246.6 Trim 50% 161.0 230.9 3322.6 9.0 10.0 239.5 0.3 6.4 246.6
Maxfli A10 Average 161.0 230.8 3449.4 8.8 10.2 239.6 -0.7 4.5 244.0
Trim 50% 161.0 230.9 3464.8 8.8 10.1 239.4 -0.7 3.7 244.0 Precept
U-Tri Extra Spin Average 161.0 233.5 3124.0 9.2 10.4 245.7 0.1 3.4
249.1 Trim 50% 160.9 233.5 3158.8 9.2 10.3 246.1 0.5 3.4 249.4
Precept U-Tri Extra Distance Average 161.0 230.1 2929.2 9.3 10.0
242.4 1.9 5.7 248.1 Trim 50% 160.9 230.0 2966.3 9.3 10.0 242.3 1.7
5.4 247.4 Callaway HX Blue Average 161.0 229.7 3214.2 9.0 10.3
240.8 1.0 3.8 244.6 Trim 50% 161.0 229.7 3214.8 9.1 10.3 240.9 0.8
3.3 244.0 Callaway HX Red Average 161.0 231.7 3118.7 9.2 10.5 243.4
1.8 3.3 246.6 Trim 50% 161.0 231.7 3127.5 9.2 10.4 243.3 1.3 3.1
246.4 Hogan Apex Tour Average 161.0 229.1 3030.7 9.2 10.0 237.7 0.6
7.3 244.9 Trim 50% 161.1 229.2 3061.6 9.2 10.0 238.3 1.1 6.9
245.0
[0055] As seen by comparing the ball of Example 3 and the Titleist
Pro V 1, the ball of Example 3 outperformed the other balls For
example the ball of Example 3 had a higher initial velocity and a
lower spin rate than the Titleist Pro V1. Additionally, Example 3
carried and rolled farther and had a longer total distance than the
Titleist Pro V1.
[0056] The three test results were averaged:
12TABLE 10 Example Averages Club Ball Ball Launch Apogee Carry
Carry Roll Total Velocity Velocity Spin Angle Angle Distance
Direction Distance Distance Golf Ball (fps) (fps) (rpm) (deg) (deg)
(yds) (yds) (yds) (yds) Staff .RTM. Trade Tour 161.0 231.1 3372 9.0
9.9 235.6 1.3 7.3 242.9 Control .TM. Example 3 161.0 233.8 2942 9.3
10.0 246.1 -0.1 5.8 251.9 Titleist Pro V1 160.9 229.5 3264 9.1 10.1
241.1 -0.3 4.7 245.9 Titleist ProV1* 160.9 229.8 3156 9.2 9.9 237.2
0.2 8.9 246.3 Maxfli M3 161.0 230.8 3324 9.0 10.0 240.1 0.6 6.5
246.6 Maxfli A10 161.0 230.8 3449 8.8 10.2 239.6 -0.7 4.5 244.0
Precept U-Tri Extra Spin 161.0 233.5 3124 9.2 10.4 245.7 0.1 3.4
249.1 Precept U-Tri Extra Dist 161.0 230.1 2929 9.3 10.0 242.4 1.9
5.7 248.1 Callaway HX Blue 161.0 229.7 3214 9.0 10.3 240.8 1.0 3.8
244.6 Callaway HX Red 161.0 231.7 3119 9.2 10.5 243.4 1.8 3.3 246.6
Hogan Apex Tour 161.0 229.1 3031 9.2 10.0 237.7 0.6 7.3 244.9
[0057] As seen from the data, surprisingly both examples increase
ball speed, and reduce spin rate on the driver. This results in
increased distance, through both carry and roll. Also with this
increased speed and lower spin, more optimum dimples can be
utilized which could potentially increase distance further. The
ball of the present invention exhibits the desired low spin/high
velocity off of the golf tee; yet, it also exhibits the desired
high spin and controllability when hit on the green with a club
such as a 9-iron.
[0058] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the preferred embodiments described herein would
be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without demising its attendant
advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *