U.S. patent application number 13/253187 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for color golf ball.
Invention is credited to Matthew F. Hogge.
Application Number | 20120021851 13/253187 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45494078 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120021851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hogge; Matthew F. |
January 26, 2012 |
COLOR GOLF BALL
Abstract
The present invention is directed a golf ball comprising a core
of at least one layer, a cover of at least one layer and optionally
at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the
cover, wherein at least one of the core, cover and intermediate
layer comprises a color effect providing pigment comprising at
least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal
oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and
(3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide. The
color effect providing pigment may have a particle size of from
about 5 .mu.m to about 200 .mu.m. In one embodiment, the layer or
surface coating comprising the color effect providing pigment
further comprises at least one of a thermoset material, a
thermoplastic material, an ionomer material, and a highly
neutralized polymer material.
Inventors: |
Hogge; Matthew F.;
(Plymouth, MA) |
Family ID: |
45494078 |
Appl. No.: |
13/253187 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12972709 |
Dec 20, 2010 |
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13253187 |
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12359619 |
Jan 26, 2009 |
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12972709 |
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11707493 |
Feb 16, 2007 |
7722483 |
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12359619 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/373 ;
473/385 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0078 20130101;
A63B 37/0005 20130101; A63B 37/0093 20130101; A63B 37/0004
20130101; A63B 37/0024 20130101; A63B 43/008 20130101; A63B 37/0022
20130101; A63B 37/0087 20130101; A63B 37/0003 20130101; A63B 43/06
20130101; A63B 37/0007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/373 ;
473/385 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/12 20060101
A63B037/12; A63B 37/00 20060101 A63B037/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball comprising a core of at least one layer, a cover of
at least one layer and optionally at least one intermediate layer
disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of
the core, cover and intermediate layer comprises a color effect
providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum
borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide
platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment
substrate coated with a metal oxide.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 5 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m.
3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 10 .mu.m to about 100
.mu.m
4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 5 .mu.m to about 50
.mu.m.
5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 20 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m.
6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 15 .mu.m to about 20
.mu.m.
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the color
effect providing pigment further comprises a thermoplastic
material.
8. The golf ball of claims 1, wherein the layer comprising the
color effect providing pigment further comprises a thermoset
material.
9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the color
effect providing pigment further comprises an ionomer material.
10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the
color effect providing pigment further comprises a highly
neutralized polymer material.
11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has a
coefficient of restitution of about 0.780 or greater.
12. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the
color effect providing pigment has a Mooney viscosity of from about
30 to about 130.
13. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has a
compression of from about 25 to about 110.
14. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the
color effect providing pigment has a moisture vapor transmission
rate of from about 0.45 gramsmm/m.sup.2day to about 1.5
gramsmm/m.sup.2 day.
15. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the
color effect providing pigment has a moisture vapor transmission
rate of about 0.95 gramsmm/m.sup.2day or greater.
16. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein at least one color of the
golf ball further has a J lightness value expressed in the CIE
CIECAM color system and a C chroma value expressed in the CIE
CIECAM color system.
17. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein at least one color for the
golf ball has an a* and b* value expressed within the CIE LAB color
model.
18. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a
material selected from the group comprising polyurethanes,
polyureas, and ionomer resins.
19. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment further comprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a
tint.
20. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is fluorescent.
21. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is inorganic.
22. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is organic.
23. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises
particulate material selected from the group comprising metal
flake, iridescent glitter, metalized film and colored polyester
foil.
24. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a
material which is at least partially transparent, translucent or
pearlescent.
25. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover and the
intermediate layer comprise a material which is at least partially
transparent, translucent or pearlescent.
26. A golf ball comprising: a core of at least one layer, a cover
comprising an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer; and
optionally at least one intermediate layer disposed between the
core and the cover; said inner cover layer comprising or being
surface-coated with an effect or luster pigment which contributes
to the color appearance of the ball; said outer cover layer being
at least partially transparent; wherein the effect or luster
pigment comprises at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum
borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide
platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment
substrate coated with a metal oxide.
27. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 5 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m.
28. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing
pigment further comprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a
tint.
29. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is fluorescent.
30. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is inorganic.
31. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is organic.
32. A golf ball comprising: a core of at least one layer; a cover
of at least one layer; optionally at least one intermediate layer
disposed between the core and the cover; and a paint layer on a
surface of at least one of the core, cover and intermediate layer;
said paint layer comprising a color effect providing pigment
comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate
coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated
with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated
with a metal oxide.
33. The golf ball of claim 32, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 5 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m.
34. The golf ball of claim 32, wherein the color effect providing
pigment further comprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a
tint.
35. The golf ball of claim 34, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is fluorescent.
36. The golf ball of claim 34, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is inorganic.
37. The golf ball of claim 34, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is organic.
38. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the cover comprising
a marked surface portion and an unmarked surface portion, said
marked surface portion being marked with lettering or a design
comprising a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one
of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide;
(2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an
iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide.
39. The golf ball of claim 38, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 5 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m.
40. The golf ball of claim 38, wherein the color effect providing
pigment further comprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a
tint.
41. The golf ball of claim 40, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is fluorescent.
42. The golf ball of claim 40, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is inorganic.
43. The golf ball of claim 40, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is organic.
44. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the cover comprising
a marked surface portion and an unmarked surface portion, said
marked surface portion being marked with lettering or a design
comprising a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one
of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide;
(2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an
iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide; wherein
said marked surface portion appears as a different color to the
human eye than the unmarked portion of the cover outer surface.
45. The golf ball of claim 44, wherein the color effect providing
pigment has a particle size of from about 5 .mu.m to about 200
.mu.m.
46. The golf ball of claim 44, wherein the color effect providing
pigment further comprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a
tint.
47. The golf ball of claim 46, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is fluorescent.
48. The golf ball of claim 46, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is inorganic.
49. The golf ball of claim 46, wherein at least one of the pigment,
dye and tint is organic.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/972, 709, filed Dec. 20, 2010,
which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No.12/359,619, filed Jan. 26, 2009, now U.S. Publ.
No. 20090137343, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/707,493, filed on Feb. 16, 2007, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,722,483, each of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to golf balls incorporating
color effects pigments, dyes and/or tints in at least one of the
core, an intermediate layer, inner cover layer, outer cover layer
and a coating.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Golf balls, whether of solid or wound construction,
generally include a core and a cover. It is known in the art to
modify the properties of a conventional solid ball by altering the
typical single layer core and single cover layer construction to
provide a ball having at least one mantle layer disposed between
the cover and the core. The core may be solid or liquid-filled, and
may be formed of a single layer or one or more layers. Covers, in
addition to cores, may also be formed of one or more layers. These
multi-layer cores and covers are sometimes known as "dual core" and
"dual cover" golf balls, respectively. Additionally, many golf
balls contain one or more intermediate layers that can be of solid
construction or may be formed of a tensioned elastomeric winding,
which are referred to as wound balls. One piece golf balls are even
available. The difference in play characteristics resulting from
these different types of constructions can be quite significant.
The playing characteristics of multi-layer balls, such as spin and
compression, can be tailored by varying the properties of one or
more of these intermediate and/or cover layers.
[0004] Moreover, color and color effects in a golf ball, being
dominant visual features, are also capable of positively
contributing to and enhancing a golfer's game by improving the
player's ability to focus on the golf ball when swinging a club and
striking the ball. It is desirable that a golfer's eye be drawn to
the ball easily. By keeping an eye on the ball, the golfer is able
to remain focused on the immediate task at hand of maintaining
hand-eye coordination and producing great balance during swing with
consistent spine angle in order for the club face to strike the
golf ball with just the right force, depending on the chosen club
and desired distance. In this way, a golf ball's unique visual
appearance can influence and improve the golfer's physical
performance substantially.
[0005] Meanwhile, golf balls that are attractive and exude superior
quality will also boost a golfer's confidence and morale, thereby
motivating, inspiring and ultimately peaking performance on the
green. Additionally, visually superior golf balls may be spotted
and located more easily on the golf course, thereby reducing a
player's stress level which naturally translates into improved
scores. Accordingly, golf ball manufacturers desire to incorporate
color shades and color effects in golf balls which will
beneficially impact and improve both the physical and
emotional/psychological aspects of a golfer's game.
[0006] Toward this end, manufacturers have incorporated color
effects such as optically variable pigments in golf balls. Examples
include golf balls incorporating metal-oxide coated mica based
pigments, metal-oxide coated aluminum oxide platelets and
metal-oxide coated silica platelets involving interference,
reflection and absorption phenomena. But there remains a need for a
golf ball whose colors and color effects appear equally elegant,
attractive and captivating to the human eye under the wide range of
different lighting and/or weather conditions which occur on the
green. The present invention addresses and solves this problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention relates to a golf ball incorporating color
effects which provide a consistent, dominant, vibrant, appealing
and focusing visual appearance on the green through a unique
combination of interference and reflection between the color
effect's components under visible light. Specifically, the golf
ball of the invention comprises a core of at least one layer, a
cover of at least one layer and optionally at least one
intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein
at least one of the core, cover and intermediate layer comprises a
color effect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1)
calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2)
silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron
oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide. A golf ball
incorporating such a color effect maintains an equally attractive
and elegant appearance to the human eye no matter what time of day
a game is played or what the weather conditions may be.
[0008] In another embodiment, the golf ball comprises a core of at
least one layer, a cover comprising an inner cover layer and an
outer cover layer and optionally at least one intermediate layer
disposed between the core and the cover. The inner cover layer may
comprise or be surface-coated with an effect or luster pigment
which contributes to the color appearance of the ball and comprises
at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a
metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide;
and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide.
In this embodiment, the outer cover layer is at least partially
transparent.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the golf ball of the invention
comprises a core of at least one layer; a cover of at least one
layer; optionally at least one intermediate layer disposed between
the core and the cover; and a paint layer on a surface of at least
one of the core, cover and intermediate layer. The paint layer
comprises a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one
of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide;
(2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an
iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide.
[0010] In one embodiment, the core and/or core surface comprises
the color effect providing pigment. In another embodiment, an
intermediate layer and/or intermediate layer surface comprises the
color effect providing pigment and the cover is at least partially
translucent or transparent. In yet another embodiment, the cover
and/or cover surface comprises the color effect providing pigment.
Any or all of golf ball core, intermediate layer and cover/cover
layer may comprise or be treated with and comprise the color effect
providing pigment or even be coated with the color effect providing
pigment.
[0011] The color effect providing pigment includes a first color
effect coated on a substrate to produce a second color effect that
differs from the first color effect. For example, a pigment
substrate having first and second substantially parallel and planar
surfaces may be coated with an effects pigment. When the color
effect providing pigment is incorporated in a golf ball's
substantially spherical cover surface or cover surface coating, an
optimized dominant visual presence on the green is achieved under
visible light (between about 380 nm and about 770 nm or between
about 400 nm and about 700 nm).
[0012] A golf ball of the invention may incorporate metal oxide
coated iron platelets such as Variocrom.RTM. Magic Purple L 5520,
available from BASF. Such effect pigments offer "angle-dependent
color plays" and "pronounced color travel ranging from purple via
orange to a shade of gold". See BASF literature and brochures. A
golf ball of the invention may also include metal oxide coated
calcium borosilicate such as Mirival.RTM. or Xirona.RTM., available
from Merck. Mirival.RTM. "produces glittering highlights,
outstanding sparkle, high brilliance and gloss, very high
transparency and a unique rainbow effect". See Merck literature and
brochures. Xirona "gives a special travel effect from red to copper
to gold, which changes depending on the viewing angel". See Merck
literature and brochures. The color is "shiny gold when viewed from
a flat angle and changes to clear, fiery red as the viewing angle
increases". See Merck literature and brochures. It may create a
glitter effect. See Merck literature and brochures. Silicon dioxide
platelets coated with metal oxide such as Merck's Colorstream.RTM.
create "color-travel iredescent interference effects" and "unique
multi-colored effects" which "can be seen well in subdued lighting
conditions" and "create a soft flowing transition from one color to
the next". See Merck Colorstream.RTM. literature and brochures.
[0013] Golf balls of the invention display a particularly dramatic
and vibrant appearance due to a unique interplay between the color
effect's components under visible light. Interference and
reflection create an unprecedented and superior appearance for the
generally spherical golf ball notwithstanding the particular
lighting conditions on the golf course.
[0014] In a golf ball of the invention, the color effect providing
pigment described above may have particle sizes of from about 5
.mu.m to about 200 .mu.m, or from about 10 .mu.m to about 100
.mu.m, or from about 5 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, or from about Sum
to about 20 .mu.m, or from about 10 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, or
from about 10 .mu.m to about 20 .mu.m, or from about 20 .mu.m to
about 200 .mu.m, or from about 15 .mu.m to about 20 .mu.m, or from
about 5 .mu.m to about 11 .mu.m.
[0015] Suitable metal oxides include, without limitation, silicon
dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, tin
dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide as well as any other metal oxides
commonly known.
[0016] The color effect providing pigment may be incorporated in a
layer or be a coating/painting on a golf ball component/layer or
even comprise a printing ink composition selectively applied on the
golf ball to convey a logo or other visible design or message,
etc.
[0017] The color effect pigment may be incorporated in the core
only, in intermediate/mantle layer only, in the cover only, or in
any or all thereof.
[0018] Where the color effect pigment is incorporated in the golf
ball as a coating, the coating may be applied on one or more of the
core intermediate/mantle layer and cover. Also, the golf ball may
only include one or more of the disclosed color effect providing
pigments.
[0019] In the present invention, a golf ball incorporating these
color effects display colors which are identifiable under at least
one of several known color systems. Some of the colors displayed
may be identifiable in the CIELAB (1976) color space--wherein color
is defined under only one lighting condition or illuminant, namely
D65.
[0020] Alternatively, many color effects displayed by such golf
balls of the invention may be identifiable under color systems such
as the CIECAM color system which consider, address or account for
how changing stimuli on the green will affect a golfer's visual
perception of color.
[0021] This color appearance model takes into account the effect of
varying viewing conditions on the human eye's perception of golf
ball color shades and assesses which colors a golfers will visually
perceive most favorably under a wide range of golf course viewing
conditions. See FIG. 1. A golfer's perception of some color shades
will vary considerably with changed viewing conditions. For
example, the time of day that a golf game is played may vary the
viewing conditions as it is usually much brighter during a game
played in the midday sun than one played at dusk. Another factor
which may affect viewing conditions is weather--on a sunny day, the
human golfer's eye will perceive some golf ball color shades
differently than on an overcast or even rainy day. Meanwhile, the
color of the background against which the golf ball lies (e.g.,
teeing ground versus on fairway, rough or hazard) will change how
the golfer's eye perceives some golf ball color shades.
[0022] The golf ball manufacturer can accurately predict how the
average golfer will perceive a specific overall golf ball color
shade under different viewing conditions by incorporating color
effects which fall within the CIE CIECAM color appearance model in
golf balls of the invention, since this system was developed based
on human perception. In this way, it becomes possible for a golf
ball manufacturer to identify and incorporate into a golf ball only
those color effects shades which are most likely to produce the
least variance in a golfer's perception of color in response to the
expected changes to stimuli on the golf course and therefore be
most appealing to the golfer's eye under a variety of viewing
circumstances.
[0023] In one embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect
providing pigment further comprises a thermoplastic material. In
another embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect providing
pigment further comprises a thermoset material. In yet another
embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect providing pigment
further comprises an ionomer material. In still another embodiment,
the layer comprising the color effect providing pigment further
comprises a highly neutralized polymer material. The layer
comprising the color effect providing pigment may comprise any of
these elements, alone or in combination.
[0024] In one embodiment the golf ball further comprises at least
one of a pigment, dye and tint that is fluorescent. The pigment,
dye or tint may be inorganic or organic.
[0025] The cover may further comprise particulate material selected
from the group comprising metal flake, iridescent glitter,
metalized film and colored polyester foil. The cover may also
incorporate traditional effect pigments. The cover may further
comprise a material which is at least partially transparent,
translucent or pearlescent. At least one of the cover and the
intermediate layer may further comprise a material which is at
least partially transparent, translucent or pearlescent.
[0026] The layer comprising the color effect providing pigment may
have a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 to about 130.
[0027] The overall golf ball may have a compression of from about
25 to about 110. In one embodiment, the overall golf ball has a
compression of from about 25 to about 110. In another embodiment,
the overall golf ball has a compression of from about 35 to about
100. In yet another embodiment, the overall golf ball has a
compression of from about 45 to about 95. In still another
embodiment, the compression may be from about 55 to about 85, or
from about 65 to about 75. Meanwhile, the compression may also be
from about 50 to about 110, or from about 60 to about 100, or from
about 70 to about 90, or even from about 80 to about 110.
[0028] Generally, the overall golf ball coefficient of restitution
(COR) is at least about 0.780. In another embodiment, the overall
golf ball COR is at least about 0.788. In yet another embodiment,
the overall golf ball COR is at least about 0.791. In still another
embodiment, the overall golf ball COR is at least about 0.794.
Also, the overall golf ball COR may be at least about 0.797. The
overall golf ball COR may even be at least about 0.800, or at least
about 0.803, or at least about 0.812.
[0029] The moment of inertia for a golf ball of the invention may
be from about 0.410 oz-in.sup.2 to about 0.470 oz-in.sup.2. The
moment of inertia for a one piece ball that is 1.62 ounces and 1.68
inches in diameter may be approximately 0.4572 oz-in.sup.2, which
is the baseline moment of inertia value.
[0030] In one embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect
providing pigment has a moisture vapor transmission rate of from
about 0.45 grams mm/m.sup.2 day to about 1.5 gramsmm/m.sup.2 day.
In another embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect
providing pigment has a moisture vapor transmission rate of about
0.95 grams mm/m.sup.2 day or greater.
[0031] The invention also relates to a method of making the
inventive golf balls. In one embodiment, the method of making the
golf ball of the invention comprises: providing a core, a cover
layer and optionally an intermediate layer, wherein at least one of
the core, cover layer and intermediate layer comprises or is
surface-coated with a color effect providing pigment comprising at
least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal
oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and
(3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide;
optionally forming the intermediate layer about the core; and
forming the cover either about the intermediate layer or the core
to complete the golf ball.
[0032] In another embodiment, the method of making a golf ball of
the invention comprises: providing a core of at least one layer;
providing a cover comprising an inner cover layer that either
comprises or is surface coated and an outer cover layer; optionally
providing at least one intermediate layer; wherein the inner cover
layer either comprises or is surface coated with an effect or
luster pigment which contributes to the color appearance of the
ball and the outer cover layer is at least partially transparent;
said effect or luster pigment comprising at least one of: (1)
calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2)
silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron
oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide; forming the
inner cover layer about the core; and forming the outer cover layer
about the inner cover layer to complete the golf ball.
[0033] In yet another embodiment, the method of making a golf ball
of the invention comprises: providing a core of at least one layer,
a cover of at least one layer, and optionally at least one
intermediate layer; wherein at least one of the core, intermediate
layer and cover is surface-painted with a color effect providing
pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum
borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide
platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment
substrate coated with a metal oxide; forming the intermediate layer
about the core; and forming the cover about the intermediate layer
to complete the golf ball.
[0034] In still another embodiment, the method of making a golf
ball of the invention comprises: providing a core of at least one
layer, a cover of at least one layer, and optionally at least one
intermediate layer; surface painting at least one of the core,
intermediate layer and cover with a color effect providing pigment
comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate
coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated
with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated
with a metal oxide; forming the intermediate layer about the core;
and forming the cover about the intermediate layer to complete the
golf ball.
[0035] Herein, the term "pigment" refers to any vehicle or means
for contributing color and/or color effects to the golf ball.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts a CIECAM hue circle as described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising
at least a core or a multi-piece core and a cover. The cover may
comprise a translucent or transparent material that can be cast,
injection molded, compression molded or reaction injection molded
over a golf ball precursor or subassembly. Additionally, the cover
comprises a plurality of dimples on its surface. The golf ball may
also comprise an intermediate layer between the core and the cover.
As taught in parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/707,493
(published as US 2007/0149323), which has been incorporated by
reference in entirety, the cover may comprise a substantially
optically transparent or translucent material, so that the
intermediate layer or core contributes to the color characteristics
of the ball. The intermediate layer or core may be white,
transparent or translucent, colored, or may have a multi-colored
pattern. The intermediate layer may be opaque, transparent or
translucent, or be white or comprise one or more colors. The cover
may be translucent and may comprise an amount of pigment or dye,
creating a colored but translucent cover under which the
intermediate or outer core layer is visible. In this embodiment,
the intermediate layer, which can be an outer core layer, may be
colored or may comprise a pattern that is visible through the
translucent outer cover. The intermediate or outer core layer may
also be printed with indicia or other markings that may be viewed
through the clear or translucent cover. The cover may also comprise
an amount of reflective particulates to create a pearlescent or
sparkle effect.
[0038] As previously stated herein, in one embodiment, the golf
ball of the invention may have the overall appearance of at least
one color within the CIECAM color model. Under the CIECAM model, J
represents the lightness of a color and varies from 0 (or black) to
100 (or white). C or Chroma represents the intensity of the color,
which may range from 0 (or neutral) to 81-95 or greater. The color
being very intense to supersaturated. The diagram set forth in FIG.
1 represents the CIECAM hue circle and displays the hue angle for
each color beginning at O.degree. (a+) and moving counterclockwise
around the CIECAM hue circle. For example, in the CIECAM hue circle
of FIG. 1, "violet red" appears at approximately 12.degree. on the
wheel below.
[0039] On the CIECAM hue circle of FIG. 1, measurements from
center(or black) to each of a+, a- and b+ or b- range from 0-100
horizontally and vertically, respectively. Accordingly, for
example, the a, b values for "violet red" located in the hue wheel
below at about hue angle 12.degree. would be about a+=about 80 and
b+=about 80. The hue circle of FIG. 1 is as presented at
www.handprint.com.COPYRGT. Bruce MacEvoy. Bruce MacEvoy measured
and plotted the relationship of watercolor pigments on the CIECAM
a.sub.cb.sub.c chroma based hue plane.
[0040] Herein, the term "color" constitutes the color of the
overall finished golf ball as perceived by the golfer. Thus, in a
golf ball of the invention, the intermediate layer and/or cover
layer may each contribute to the final overall color appearance.
For example, the intermediate layer may contribute a red color and
the cover layer may contribute a blue color to form a golf ball
which a golfer perceives as a violet color golf ball as defined
within the CIECAM color model. Alternatively, the intermediate
layer may contribute a blue color and the cover layer may
contribute a red color to form a golf ball which a golfer perceives
as a purple golf ball as defined within the CIECAM color model
within the parameter disclosed herein. In a different embodiment,
the intermediate layer may contributes a shade 1 violet and the
cover layer may contribute a shade 2 violet to form a golf ball
which a golfer perceives as a shade 3 violet as defined within the
CIECAM color model parameters disclosed herein. Meanwhile, either
the intermediate layer or cover layer may solely contribute a
violet color or pink color to the final overall golf ball color
appearance. And the overall color of a golf ball of the invention
may simultaneously appear to be several colors depending on the
viewing angle and the lighting conditions for example.
[0041] In one embodiment, present invention is directed to a golf
ball comprising color shades which the golfer will perceive most
favorably irrespective of changed viewing conditions. The golf ball
of the invention incorporates color shades into a golf ball
according to a color model which accounts for/considers a human's
varied perception of color shades according to certain expected
changes to the stimuli, such as the weather changing from sunny to
cloudy, or the golfer playing at different times of day, or the
golf ball being struck on different colored playing surfaces.
[0042] The CIECAM color appearance model which developed based on
human perception and permits the golf ball manufacturer to
accurately predict how the average golfer will perceive a specific
golf ball color shade under different conditions. In this way, it
becomes possible for the golf ball manufacturer to identify and
incorporate into a golf ball only those color shades which remain
most visually desirable to the golfer under a wide range of changed
viewing conditions as well as are most likely to produce the least
variance in a golfer's perception of color in response to the
expected changes to stimuli on the golf course.
[0043] The golf ball of the invention incorporates colors taking
into account the tristimulus values (X, Y and Z) of the stimulus,
its background, its surround, the adapting stimulus, the luminance
level, and other factors such as cognitive discounting of the
luminant. The model includes correlates for perceptual attributes
including brightness, lightness, colorfulness, chroma, saturation
and hue.
[0044] Meanwhile, golf balls of the invention may also have the
overall color appearance of a color within the CIE LAB color model
or any other color model known in the golf ball art, as different
effects may be achieved by choosing one color model over another,
depending on the overall impression which the golf ball
manufacturer wishes to convey on the green.
[0045] Golf balls made in accordance with this invention can be of
any size, although the USGA requires that golf balls used in
competition have a diameter of at least 1.68 inches and a weight of
no greater than 1.62 ounces. For play outside of USGA competition,
the golf balls can have smaller diameters and be heavier.
[0046] The core may be a wound core, which is visible through the
clear or translucent cover.
[0047] The uneven surface of the wound core creates a unique visual
effect, as the crevices and ledges created by the wound elastomeric
material create shadows visible through the clear or translucent
cover. An intermediate layer may be disposed around the wound core.
In this instance, the intermediate layer is visible through the
clear or translucent cover and may be white, colored, or comprise
multiple colors as disclosed herein in various patterns.
[0048] The cores in golf balls manufactured by the process of this
invention may be solid, semi-solid, hollow, fluid-filled, or
powder-filled. Typically, the cores are solid and made from rubber
compositions containing at least a base rubber, free-radical
initiator agent, cross-linking co-agent, and fillers. Golf balls
having various constructions may be made in accordance with this
invention. For example, golf balls having three-piece, four-piece,
and five-piece constructions with dual or three-layered cores and
cover materials may be made The term, "layer" as used herein means
generally any spherical portion of the golf ball. More
particularly, in one version, a three-piece golf ball comprising a
core and a "dual-cover" is made. In another version, a four-piece
golf ball comprising a dual-core and "dual-cover" is made. The
dual-core includes an inner core (center) and surrounding outer
core layer. The dual-cover includes inner cover and outer cover
layers. In yet another construction, a five-piece golf ball having
a dual-core, intermediate layer, and dual-cover is made. In still
another embodiment, a four piece golf ball comprises a core and a
three layer cover.
[0049] As used herein, the term, "intermediate layer" means a layer
of the ball disposed between the core and cover. The intermediate
layer may be considered an outer core layer, or inner cover layer,
or any other layer disposed between the inner core and outer cover
of the ball. The intermediate layer also may be referred to as a
casing or mantle layer. The diameter and thickness of the different
layers along with properties such as hardness and compression may
vary depending upon the construction and desired playing
performance properties of the golf ball and as specified
herein.
[0050] The core of the golf ball may comprise a polybutadiene
rubber material. In one embodiment, the ball contains a single core
formed of the polybutadiene rubber composition. In a second
embodiment, the ball contains a dual-core comprising an inner core
(center) and surrounding outer core layer. In yet another version,
the golf ball contains a multi-layered core comprising an inner
core, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer.
[0051] In general, polybutadiene is a homopolymer of 1,3-butadiene.
The double bonds in the 1,3-butadiene monomer are attacked by
catalysts to grow the polymer chain and form a polybutadiene
polymer having a desired molecular weight. Any suitable catalyst
may be used to synthesize the polybutadiene rubber depending upon
the desired properties. Normally, a transition metal complex (for
example, neodymium, nickel, or cobalt) or an alkyl metal such as
alkyllithium is used as a catalyst. Other catalysts include, but
are not limited to, aluminum, boron, lithium, titanium, and
combinations thereof The catalysts produce polybutadiene rubbers
having different chemical structures. In a cis-bond configuration,
the main internal polymer chain of the polybutadiene appears on the
same side of the carbon-carbon double bond contained in the
polybutadiene. In a trans-bond configuration, the main internal
polymer chain is on opposite sides of the internal carbon-carbon
double bond in the polybutadiene. The polybutadiene rubber can have
various combinations of cis- and trans-bond structures. A preferred
polybutadiene rubber has a 1,4cis-bond content of at least 40%,
preferably greater than 80%, and more preferably greater than 90%.
In general, polybutadiene rubbers having a high 1,4cis-bond content
have high tensile strength. The polybutadiene rubber may have a
relatively high or low Mooney viscosity.
[0052] Examples of commercially available polybutadiene rubbers
that can be used in accordance with this invention, include, but
are not limited to, BR 01 and BR 1220, available from BST
Elastomers of Bangkok, Thailand; SE BR 1220LA and SE BR1203,
available from DOW Chemical Co of Midland, Mich.; BUDENE 1207,
1207s, 1208, and 1280 available from Goodyear, Inc of Akron, Ohio;
BR 01, 51 and 730, available from Japan Synthetic Rubber (JSR) of
Tokyo, Japan; BUNA CB 21, CB 22, CB 23, CB 24, CB 25, CB 29 MES, CB
60, CB Nd 60, CB 55 NF, CB 70 B, CB KA 8967, and CB 1221, available
from Lanxess Corp. of Pittsburgh. Pa.; BR1208, available from LG
Chemical of Seoul, South Korea; UBEPOL BR130B, BR150, BR150B,
BR150L, BR230, BR360L, BR710, and VCR617, available from UBE
Industries, Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan; EUROPRENE NEOCIS BR 60, INTENE 60
AF and P30AF, and EUROPRENE BR HV80, available from Polimeri Europa
of Rome, Italy; AFDENE 50 and NEODENE BR40, BR45, BR50 and BR60,
available from Karbochem (PTY) Ltd. of Bruma, South Africa; KBR 01,
NdBr 40, NdBR-45, NdBr 60, KBR 710S, KBR 710H, and KBR 750,
available from Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Of Seoul, South Korea;
DIENE 55NF, 70AC, and 320 AC, available from Firestone Polymers of
Akron, Ohio; and PBR-Nd Group II and Group III, available from
Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Inc. of Nizhnekamsk, Tartarstan Republic.
[0053] Suitable polybutadiene rubbers for blending with the base
rubber may include BUNA.RTM. CB22, BUNA.RTM. CB23 and BUNA.RTM.
CB24, BUNA .RTM. 1203G1, 1220, 1221, and BUNA .RTM. CBNd-40,
commercially available from LANXESS Corporation; BSTE BR-1220
available from BST Elastomers Co. LTD; UBEPOL.RTM. 360L and
UBEPOL.RTM. 150L and UBEPOL-BR rubbers, commercially available from
UBE Industries, Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan; Budene 1207, 1208 and 1280,
commercially available from Goodyear of Akron, Ohio; SE BR-1220,
commercially available from Dow Chemical Company; Europrene.RTM.
NEOCIS.RTM. BR 40 and BR 60, commercially available from Polimeri
Europa; and BR 01, BR 730, BR 735, BR 11, and BR 51, commercially
available from Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd; and KARBOCHEM.RTM.
Neodene 40, 45, and 60, commercially available from Karbochem.
[0054] The base rubber may further include polyisoprene rubber,
natural rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene
rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and combinations of two or more
thereof. Another preferred base rubber is polybutadiene optionally
mixed with one or more elastomers such as polyisoprene rubber,
natural rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene
rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polystyrene elastomers,
polyethylene elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, polyurea
elastomers, acrylate rubbers, polyoctenamers, metallocene-catalyzed
elastomers, and plastomers. As discussed further below, highly
neutralized acid copolymers (HNPs), as known in the art, also can
be used to form the core layer as part of the blend. Such
compositions will provide increased flexural modulus and toughness
thereby improving the golf ball's performance including its impact
durability. The base rubber typically is mixed with at least one
reactive cross-linking co-agent to enhance the hardness of the
rubber composition. Suitable co-agents include, but are not limited
to, unsaturated carboxylic acids and unsaturated vinyl compounds. A
preferred unsaturated vinyl compound is trimethylolpropane
trimethacrylate. The rubber composition is cured using a
conventional curing process. Suitable curing processes include, for
example, peroxide curing, sulfur curing, high-energy radiation, and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the base rubber is
peroxide cured. Organic peroxides suitable as free-radical
initiators include, for example, dicumyl peroxide;
n-butyl-4,4-di(t-butylperoxy)valerate;
1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane;
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane; di-t-butyl peroxide;
di-t-amyl peroxide; t-butyl peroxide; t-butyl cumyl peroxide;
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;
di(2-t-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)benzene; dilauroyl peroxide; dibenzoyl
peroxide; t-butyl hydroperoxide; and combinations thereof
Cross-linking agents are used to cross-link at least a portion of
the polymer chains in the composition. Suitable cross-linking
agents include, for example, metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic
acids having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms; unsaturated vinyl compounds
and polyfunctional monomers (for example, trimethylolpropane
trimethacrylate); phenylene bismaleimide; and combinations thereof.
In a particular embodiment, the cross-linking agent is selected
from zinc salts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates, and
dimethacrylates. In another particular embodiment, the
cross-linking agent is zinc diacrylate ("ZDA"). Commercially
available zinc diacrylates include those selected from Cray Valley
Resource Innovations Inc. Other elastomers known in the art may
also be added, such as other polybutadiene rubbers, natural rubber,
styrene butadiene rubber, and/or isoprene rubber in order to
further modify the properties of the core. When a mixture of
elastomers is used, the amounts of other constituents in the core
composition are typically based on 100 parts by weight of the total
elastomer mixture.
[0055] Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) may also be used to modify
the properties of the core layers, or the uncured core layer stock
by blending with the uncured rubber. These TPEs include natural or
synthetic balata, or high trans-polyisoprene, high
trans-polybutadiene, or any styrenic block copolymer, such as
styrene ethylene butadiene styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, etc.,
a metallocene or other single-site catalyzed polyolefin such as
ethylene-octene, or ethylene-butene, or thermoplastic polyurethanes
(TPU), including copolymers, e.g. with silicone. Other suitable
TPEs for blending with the thermoset rubbers of the present
invention include PEBAX.RTM., which is believed to comprise
polyether amide copolymers, HYTREL.RTM., which is believed to
comprise polyether ester copolymers, thermoplastic urethane, and
KRATON.RTM., which is believed to comprise styrenic block
copolymers elastomers. Any of the TPEs or TPUs above may also
contain functionality suitable for grafting, including maleic acid
or maleic anhydride. Any of the Thermoplastic Vulcanized Rubbers
(TPV) such as Santoprene.RTM. or Vibram.RTM. or ETPV.RTM. can be
used along with a present invention. In one embodiement, the TPV
has a thermoplastic as a continuous phase and a cross-linked rubber
particulate as a dispersed (or discontinuous) phase. In another
emobodiment, the TPV has a cross-linked phase as a continuous phase
and a thermoplastic as a dispersed (or discontinuous) phase to
provide reduced loss in elasticity in order to improve the
resiliency of the golf ball.
[0056] The rubber compositions also may contain "soft and fast"
agents such as a halogenated organosulfur, organic disulfide, or
inorganic disulfide compounds. Particularly suitable halogenated
organosulfur compounds include, but are not limited to, halogenated
thiophenols. Preferred organic sulfur compounds include, but not
limited to, pentachlorothiophenol ("PCTP") and a salt of PCTP. A
preferred salt of PCTP is ZnPCTP. A suitable PCTP is sold by the
Struktol Company (Stow, Ohio) under the tradename, A95. ZnPCTP is
commercially available from EchinaChem (San Francisco, Calif.).
These compounds also may function as cis-to-trans catalysts to
convert some cis bonds in the polybutadiene to trans bonds.
Antioxidants also may be added to the rubber compositions to
prevent the breakdown of the elastomers. Other ingredients such as
accelerators (for example, tetra methylthiuram), processing aids,
dyes and pigments, wetting agents, surfactants, plasticizers, as
well as other additives known in the art may be added to the rubber
composition.
[0057] The core may be formed by mixing and forming the rubber
composition using conventional techniques. These cores can be used
to make finished golf balls by surrounding the core with outer core
layer(s), intermediate layer(s), and/or cover materials as
discussed further below. In another embodiment, the cores can be
formed using highly neutralized polymer (HNP) compositions as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,756,436, 7,030,192, 7,402,629, and
7,517,289. The cores from the highly neutralized polymer
compositions can be further cross-linked using any free-radical
initiation sources including radiation sources such as gamma or
electron beam as well as chemical sources such as peroxides and the
like.
[0058] A cover of the golf ball of the present invention may
comprise surface off-sets, or depressions or projections, on its
surface. Surface off-sets include dimples and marking other than
dimples. For instance, the surface of the translucent cover may
comprise depressed logos, text, lines, arcs, circles or polygons.
The surface may also comprise raised projections in the form of
logos, text, lines, arcs, circles or polygons. The inclusion of
such surface off-sets on the translucent cover creates a unique
visual effect, as the juxtaposition of thick and thin portions of
the translucent cover material creates a "shadow" effect on the
opaque surface below the translucent cover.
[0059] The cover of the golf ball of the present invention may have
a thickness between 0.02 and 0.1 inch. More preferably, the cover
has a thickness between 0.02 and 0.08 inches. Most preferably, the
cover has a thickness between 0.025 and 0.07 inches. The thickness
of the intermediate layer may be between 0.01 and 0.06 inches. More
preferably, the intermediate layer has a thickness between 0.02 and
0.055 inches. Most preferably, the intermediate layer has a
thickness between 0.03 and 0.05 inches. The core of the golf ball
of the present invention may have a diameter between 0.5 and 1.62
inches. More preferably, the core has a thickness between 0.8 and
1.61 inches. Most preferably, the core has a thickness between 1.0
and 1.6 inches.
[0060] A cover of the present invention may be made from
thermoplastic and thermoset materials, including for example
polyurethane, polyurea, and ionomer resins. In fact, a wide variety
of thermoplastic or thermosetting materials can be employed in
forming cover layers as well as the core.
[0061] Polyurethane that is useful in the present invention
includes the reaction product of polyisocyanate, at least one
polyol, and at least one curing agent. Any polyisocyanate available
to one of ordinary skill in the art is suitable for use according
to the invention. Exemplary polyisocyanates include, but are not
limited to, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate ("MDI"), polymeric
MDI, carbodiimide-modified liquid MDI, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane
diisocyanate ("H.sub.12MDI"), p-phenylene diisocyanate ("PPDI"),
m-phenylene diisocyanate ("MPDI"), toluene diisocyanate ("TDI"),
3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate ("TODI"),
isophoronediisocyanate ("IPDI"), hexamethylene diisocyanate
("HDI"), naphthalene diisocyanate ("NDI"); xylene diisocyanate
("XDI"); p-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate ("p-TMXDI");
m-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate ("m-TMXDI"); ethylene
diisocyanate; propylene-1,2-diisocyanate;
tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate; cyclohexyl diisocyanate;
1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate ("HDI"); dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate;
cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate;
cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate;
1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethylcyclohexane; methyl
cyclohexylene diisocyanate; isocyanurate of HDI; triisocyanate of
2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexane diisocyanate ("TMDI"), tetracene
diisocyanate, napthalene diisocyanate, anthracene diisocyanate, and
mixtures thereof. Polyisocyanates are known to those of ordinary
skill in the art as having more than one isocyanate group, e.g.,
di-, tri-, and tetra-isocyanate. The polyisocyanate may include
H.sub.12MDI, MDI, PPDI, TDI, or a mixture thereof. It should be
understood that, as used herein, the term "MDI" includes
4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymeric MDI,
carbodiimide-modified liquid MDI, and mixtures thereof and,
additionally, that the diisocyanate employed may be "low free
monomer," understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to have
lower levels of "free" isocyanate monomer, typically less than
about 0.1 percent to about 0.5 percent free monomer. Examples of
"low free monomer" diisocyanates include, but are not limited to
Low Free Monomer MDI, Low Free Monomer TDI, Low Free MPDI, and Low
Free Monomer PPDI.
[0062] The at least one polyisocyanate should have less than about
14 percent unreacted NCO groups. Preferably, the at least one
polyisocyanate has less than about 7.9 percent NCO, more
preferably, between about 2.5 percent and about 7.8 percent, and
most preferably, between about 4 percent to about 6.5 percent. In
an alternative embodiment, the at least one polyisocynanate could
have more than about 14 percent unreacted NCO groups, which would
be suitable if the golf balls are made by means of reaction
injection molding (RIM).
[0063] As used herein, the term "percent NCO" or "% NCO" refers to
the percent by weight of free, reactive, and unreacted isocyanate
functional groups in an isocyanate-functional molecule or material.
The total formula weight of all the NCO groups in the molecule or
material, divided by its total molecular weight, and multiplied by
100, equals the percent NCO.
[0064] Any polyol available to one of ordinary skill in the art is
suitable for use according to the invention. Exemplary polyols
include, but are not limited to, polyether polyols,
hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene and partially/fully hydrogenated
derivatives, polyester polyols, polycaprolactone polyols, and
polycarbonate polyols. In one preferred embodiment, the polyol
includes polyether polyol, more preferably those polyols that have
the generic structure:
##STR00001##
where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are straight or branched hydrocarbon
chains, each containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and n
ranges from 1 to about 45. Examples include, but are not limited
to, polytetramethylene ether glycol, polyethylene propylene glycol,
polyoxypropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon
chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds and substituted or
unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups. Preferably, the polyol of
the present invention includes PTMEG.
[0065] In another embodiment, polyester polyols are included in the
polyurethane material of the invention. Preferred polyester polyols
have the generic structure:
##STR00002##
where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are straight or branched hydrocarbon
chains, each containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and n
ranges from 1 to about 25. Suitable polyester polyols include, but
are not limited to, polyethylene adipate glycol, polybutylene
adipate glycol, polyethylene propylene adipate glycol,
ortho-phthalate-1,6-hexanediol, and mixtures thereof. The
hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or
substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.
[0066] In another embodiment, polycaprolactone polyols are included
in the materials of the invention.
[0067] Preferably, any polycaprolactone polyols have the generic
structure:
##STR00003##
where R.sub.1 is a straight chain or branched hydrocarbon chain
containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and n is the chain
length and ranges from 1 to about 20. Suitable polycaprolactone
polyols include, but are not limited to, 1,6-hexanediol-initiated
polycaprolactone, diethylene glycol initiated polycaprolactone,
trimethylol propane initiated polycaprolactone, neopentyl glycol
initiated polycaprolactone, 1,4-butanediol-initiated
polycaprolactone, and mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon chain can
have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or substituted or
unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.
[0068] In yet another embodiment, the polycarbonate polyols are
included in the polyurethane material of the invention. Preferably,
any polycarbonate polyols have the generic structure:
##STR00004##
where R.sub.1 is predominantly bisphenol A units
-(p-C.sub.6H.sub.4)--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2-(p-C.sub.6H.sub.4)-- or
derivatives thereof, and n is the chain length and ranges from 1 to
about 20. Suitable polycarbonates include, but are not limited to,
polyphthalate carbonate. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated
or unsaturated bonds, or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and
cyclic groups. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the
polyol is from about 200 to about 4000.
[0069] Polyamine curatives are also suitable for use in the
polyurethane composition of the invention and have been found to
improve cut, shear, and impact resistance of the resultant balls.
Preferred polyamine curatives have the general formula:
##STR00005##
where n and m each separately have values of 0, 1, 2, or 3, and
where Y is ortho-cyclohexyl, meta-cyclohexyl, para-cyclohexyl,
ortho-phenylene, meta-phenylene, or para-phenylene, or a
combination thereof. Preferred polyamine curatives include, but are
not limited to, 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers
thereof (trade name ETHACURE 100 and/or ETHACURE 100 LC);
3,5-diethyltoluene-2,4-diamine and isomers thereof, such as
3,5-diethyltoluene-2,6-diamine;
4,4'-bis-(sec-butylamino)-diphenylmethane;
1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino)-benzene,
4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline);
4,4'-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline); trimethylene
glycol-di-p-aminobenzoate;
polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate; N,N'-dialkyldiamino
diphenyl methane; para, para'-methylene dianiline (MDA),
m-phenylenediamine (MPDA), 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline)
(MOCA), 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2,6-diethylaniline),
4,4'-diamino-3,3'-diethyl-5,5'-dimethyl diphenylmethane,
2,2',3,3'-tetrachloro diamino diphenylmethane,
4,4'-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline), (LONZACURE
M-CDEA), trimethylene glycol di-p-aminobenzoate (VERSALINK 740M),
and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the curing agent of the present
invention includes 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers
thereof, such as ETHACURE 300, commercially available from
Albermarle Corporation of Baton Rouge, La. Suitable polyamine
curatives, which include both primary and secondary amines,
preferably have molecular weights ranging from about 64 to about
2000. Preferably, n and m, each separately, have values of 1, 2, or
3, and preferably, 1 or 2.
[0070] At least one of a diol, triol, tetraol, hydroxy-terminated,
may be added to the aforementioned polyurethane composition.
Suitable hydroxy-terminated curatives have the following general
chemical structure:
##STR00006##
where n and m each separately have values of 0, 1, 2, or 3, and
where X is ortho-phenylene, meta-phenylene, para-phenylene,
ortho-cyclohexyl, meta-cyclohexyl, or para-cyclohexyl, or mixtures
thereof. Preferably, n and m, each separately, have values of 1, 2,
or 3, and more preferably, 1 or 2.
[0071] Preferred hydroxy-terminated curatives for use in the
present invention include at least one of
1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and
1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]benzene, and
1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy} benzene;
1,4-butanediol; resorcinol-di-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)ether; and
hydroquinone-di-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)ether; and mixtures thereof.
Preferably, the hydroxy-terminated curatives have molecular weights
ranging from about 48 to 2000. It should be understood that
molecular weight, as used herein, is the absolute weight average
molecular weight and would be understood as such by one of ordinary
skill in the art. Both the hydroxy-terminated and amine curatives
can include one or more saturated, unsaturated, aromatic, and
cyclic groups. Additionally, the hydroxy-terminated and amine
curatives can include one or more halogen groups. Suitable diol,
triol, and tetraol groups include ethylene glycol, diethylene
glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene
glycol, lower molecular weight polytetramethylene ether glycol, and
mixtures thereof. The polyurethane composition can be formed with a
blend or mixture of curing agents. If desired, however, the
polyurethane composition may be formed with a single curing
agent.
[0072] The cover may alternatively comprise polyurea. In one
embodiment, the polyurea prepolymer includes at least one
diisocyanate and at least one polyether amine.
[0073] In this aspect of the invention the diisocyanate is
preferably saturated, and can be selected from the group consisting
of ethylene diisocyanate; propylene-1,2-diisocyanate;
tetramethylene diisocyanate; tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate;
1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate; octamethylene diisocyanate;
decamethylene diisocyanate; 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene
diisocyanate; 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate;
dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate; dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate;
cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,2-diisocyanate;
cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate;
methyl-cyclohexylene diisocyanate; 2,4-methylcyclohexane
diisocyanate; 2,6-methylcyclohexane diisocyanate; 4,4'-dicyclohexyl
diisocyanate; 2,4'-dicyclohexyl diisocyanate; 1,3,5-cyclohexane
triisocyanate; isocyanatomethylcyclohexane isocyanate;
1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethylcyclohexane;
isocyanatoethylcyclohexane isocyanate;
bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane diisocyanate;
4,4'-bis(isocyanatomethyl)dicyclohexane;
2,4'-bis(isocyanatomethyl)dicyclohexane; isophoronediisocyanate;
triisocyanate of HDI; triisocyanate of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexane
diisocyanate; 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate;
2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate; 2,6-hexahydrotoluene
diisocyanate; and mixtures thereof. The saturated diisocyanate is
preferably selected from the group consisting of
isophoronediisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate,
1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, or a combination thereof.
[0074] In another embodiment, the diisocyanate is an aromatic
aliphatic isocyanate selected from the group consisting of
meta-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate; para-tetramethylxylene
diisocyanate; trimerized isocyanurate of polyisocyanate; dimerized
uredione of polyisocyanate; modified polyisocyanate; and mixtures
thereof.
[0075] The polyether amine may be selected from the group
consisting of polytetramethylene ether diamines, polyoxypropylene
diamines, poly(ethylene oxide capped oxypropylene)ether diamines,
triethyleneglycoldiamines, propylene oxide-based triamines,
trimethylolpropane-based triamines, glycerin-based triamines, and
mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the polyether amine has a
molecular weight of about 1000 to about 3000.
[0076] The curing agent may be selected from the group consisting
of hydroxy-terminated curing agents, amine-terminated curing
agents, and mixtures thereof, and preferably has a molecular weight
from about 250 to about 4000.
[0077] In one embodiment, the hydroxy-terminated curing agents are
selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol; diethylene
glycol; polyethylene glycol; propylene glycol;
2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-methyl-1,4-butanediol; dipropylene
glycol; polypropylene glycol; 1,2-butanediol; 1,3-butanediol;
1,4-butanediol; 2,3-butanediol; 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol;
trimethylolpropane; cyclohexyldimethylol; triisopropanolamine;
tetra-(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylene diamine; diethylene glycol
di-(aminopropyl)ether; 1,5-pentanediol; 1,6-hexanediol;
1,3-bis-(2-hydroxyethoxy)cyclohexane; 1,4-cyclohexyldimethylol;
1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]cyclohexane;
1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}cyclohexane;
trimethylolpropane; polytetramethylene ether glycol, preferably
having a molecular weight from about 250 to about 3900; and
mixtures thereof.
[0078] The amine-terminated curing agents may be selected from the
group consisting of ethylene diamine; hexamethylene diamine;
1-methyl-2,6-cyclohexyl diamine; tetrahydroxypropylene ethylene
diamine; 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine;
4,4'-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclohexylmethane;
1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino)-cyclohexane;
1,2-bis-(sec-butylamino)-cyclohexane; derivatives of
4,4'-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclohexylmethane;
4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diamine;
1,4-cyclohexane-bis-(methylamine);
1,3-cyclohexane-bis-(methylamine); diethylene glycol
di-(aminopropyl)ether; 2-methylpentamethylene-diamine;
diaminocyclohexane; diethylene triamine; triethylene tetramine;
tetraethylene pentamine; propylene diamine; 1,3-diaminopropane;
dimethylamino propylamine; diethylamino propylamine;
imido-bis-propylamine; monoethanolamine, diethanolamine;
triethanolamine; monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine;
isophoronediamine; and mixtures thereof
[0079] In one embodiment, the composition further includes a
catalyst that can be selected from the group consisting of a
bismuth catalyst, zinc octoate, di-butyltin dilaurate, di-butyltin
diacetate, tin (II) chloride, tin (IV) chloride, di-butyltin
dimethoxide, dimethyl-bis[1-oxonedecyl)oxy]stannane, di-n-octyltin
bis-isooctyl mercaptoacetate, triethylenediamine, triethylamine,
tributylamine, oleic acid, acetic acid; delayed catalysts, and
mixtures thereof The catalyst may be present from about 0.005
percent to about 1 percent by weight of the composition.
[0080] Any method available to one of ordinary skill in the art may
be used to combine the polyisocyanate, polyol or polyamine, and
curing agent of the present invention. One commonly employed
method, known in the art as a one-shot method, involves concurrent
mixing of the polyisocyanate, polyol or polyether amine, and curing
agent. This method results in a mixture that is inhomogenous (more
random) and affords the manufacturer less control over the
molecular structure of the resultant composition. A preferred
method of mixing is known as the prepolymer method. In this method,
the polyisocyanate and the polyol or polyether amine are mixed
separately prior to addition of the curing agent. This method seems
to afford a more homogeneous mixture resulting in a more consistent
polymer composition.
[0081] As mentioned above, the cover layer may also comprise
ionomeric materials, such as ionic copolymers of ethylene and an
unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, which are available under the
trademark SURLYN.RTM. of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., of
Wilmington, Del., or IOTEK.RTM. or ESCOR.RTM. of Exxon. These are
copolymers or terpolymers of ethylene and methacrylic acid or
acrylic acid totally or partially neutralized, i.e., from about 1
to about 100 percent, with salts of zinc, sodium, lithium,
magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, nickel or the like. In
one embodiment, the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized from
about 10 percent to about 100 percent. The carboxylic acid groups
may also include methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric or itaconic
acid. The salts are the reaction product of an olefin having from 2
to 10 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 3
to 8 carbon atoms. The cover layer may also include at least one
ionomer, such as acid-containing ethylene copolymer ionomers,
including E/X/Y terpolymers where E is ethylene, X is an acrylate
or methacrylate-based softening comonomer present in about 0 to 50
weight percent and Y is acrylic or methacrylic acid present in
about 5 to 35 weight percent. The ionomer may include so-called
"low acid" and "high acid" ionomers, as well as blends thereof. In
general, ionic copolymers including up to about 15 percent acid are
considered "low acid" ionomers, while those including greater than
about 15 percent acid are considered "high acid" ionomers. "Low
acid" ionomers may be combined with a softening comonomer such as
vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids wherein the acids have 2
to 10 carbon atoms, vinyl ethers wherein the alkyl groups contains
1 to 10 carbon atoms, and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates wherein
the alkyl group contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable softening
comonomers include vinyl acetate, methyl acrylate, methyl
methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate,
and butyl methacrylate, and are believed to impart high spin to
golf balls.
[0082] Covers comprising "high acid" ionomers are believed to
impart low spin and longer distance to golf balls. A cover of the
present invention may comprise about 15 to about 35 weight percent
acrylic or methacrylic acid, making the ionomer a high modulus
ionomer. An additional comonomer such as an acrylate ester (i.e.,
iso- or n-butylacrylate, etc.) can also be included to produce a
softer terpolymer. The additional comonomer may be selected from
the group consisting of vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids
wherein the acids have 2 to 10 carbon atoms, vinyl ethers wherein
the alkyl groups contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and alkyl acrylates
or methacrylates wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to 10 carbon
atoms. Suitable softening comonomers include vinyl acetate, methyl
acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate,
butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, or the like.
[0083] The core of the present invention may comprise a polymer
such as ionomeric copolymers and terpolymers, thermoset materials,
ionomer precursors, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers,
polybutadiene rubber, balata, grafted metallocene-catalyzed
polymers, single-site polymers, high-crystalline acid polymers,
cationic ionomers, and mixtures thereof. The core may be colored or
may be transparent or translucent. As used herein, and as discussed
in commonly-owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0149323,
previously incorporated by reference, the term "core" refers to any
portion of the golf ball surrounded by the cover.
[0084] In the case of a golf ball comprising three layers, the core
is the portion including at least the inner-most center layer and
the intermediate layer, also referred to as the outer core layer,
immediately surrounding the center.
[0085] In accordance with the present invention, the intermediate
or outer core layer may comprise a solid polymeric material or may
be a layer of wound elastomeric material. An intermediate or outer
core layer comprising a solid polymeric material may be colored or
may be transparent or translucent.
[0086] A golf ball having a core comprising two layers may be
referred to as a "dual core" or a "multi-piece core." A golf ball
of the present invention may also comprise a multi-piece core
having more than two layers. The center of a dual core or
multi-piece core may comprise a solid material or a fluid, i.e., a
gas or liquid. The center may alternatively comprise a semi-solid
such as a paste or gel.
[0087] The golf ball may also contain additives, ingredients, and
other materials in amounts that do not detract from the properties
of the final composition. These additive materials include, but are
not limited to, activators such as calcium or magnesium oxide;
fatty acids such as stearic acid and salts thereof; fillers and
reinforcing agents such as organic or inorganic particles, for
example, clays, talc, calcium, magnesium carbonate, silica,
aluminum silicates, zeolites, powdered metals, and organic or
inorganic fibers, plasticizers such as dialkyl esters of
dicarboxylic acids; surfactants; softeners; tackifiers; waxes;
ultraviolet (UV) light absorbers and stabilizers; antioxidants;
optical brighteners; whitening agents such as titanium dioxide and
zinc oxide; dyes and pigments; processing aids; release agents; and
wetting agents. These compositions provide improved melt
processability, and a balance of ball performance.
[0088] Blowing/foaming agents may also be particularly compatible
with the golf ball produced by the process of the invention,
including, for example those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,654.
Typical physical foaming/blowing agents include volatile liquids
such as freons (CFCs), other halogenated hydrocarbons, water,
aliphatic hydrocarbons, gases, and solid blowing agents, i.e.,
compounds that liberate gas as a result of desorption of gas.
Preferably, the blowing agent includes an adsorbent. Typical
adsorbents include, for example, activated carbon, calcium
carbonate, diatomaceous earth, and silicates saturated with carbon
dioxide.
[0089] Chemical foaming/blowing agents may be incorporated.
Chemical blowing agents may be inorganic, such as ammonium
carbonate and carbonates of alkalai metals, or may be organic, such
as azo and diazo compounds, such as nitrogen-based azo compounds.
Suitable azo compounds include, but are not limited to,
2,2'-azobis(2-cyanobutane), 2,2T-azobis(methylbutyronitrile),
azodicarbonamide, p,p'-oxybis(benzene sulfonyl hydrazide),
p-toluene sulfonyl semicarbazide, p-toluene sulfonyl hydrazide.
Other blowing agents include any of the Celogens.RTM., sold by
Crompton Chemical Corporation, and nitroso compounds,
sulfonylhydrazides, azides of organic acids and their analogs,
triazines, tri- and tetrazole derivatives, sulfonyl semicarbazides,
urea derivatives, guanidine derivatives, and esters such as
alkoxyboroxines. Other possible blowing agents include agents that
liberate gasses as a result of chemical interaction between
components such as mixtures of acids and metals, mixtures of
organic acids and inorganic carbonates, mixtures of nitriles and
ammonium salts, and the hydrolytic decomposition of urea.
[0090] Alternatively, low specific gravity can be achieved by
incorporating low density fillers or agents such as hollow fillers
or microspheres in the polymeric matrix, where the cured
composition has the preferred specific gravity. Moreover, the
polymeric matrix can be foamed to decrease its specific gravity,
microballoons, or other low density fillers as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,692,380 ("'380 Patent"). The '380 patent is incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
[0091] A "clear" or "transparent" cover preferably has an average
transmittance of visible light (e.g., between about 380 nm and
about 770 nm or alternately between about 400 nm and about 700 nm)
of at least about 40 percent, preferably at least about 60 percent,
more preferably at least about 80 percent. The average
transmittance referred to herein is typically measured for incident
light normal (i.e., at approximately 90.degree.) to the plane of
the object and can be measured using any known light transmission
apparatus and method, e.g., a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. A golf ball
of the invention may comprise covers that are either entirely or
partially clear or transparent as well.
[0092] A "translucent" cover preferably has an average
transmittance of visible light (e.g., between about 380 nm and
about 770 nm or alternately between about 400 nm and about 700 nm)
of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent,
more preferably at least about 30 percent. A golf ball of the
invention may comprise covers that are either entirely or partially
translucent as well.
[0093] In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent cover
comprises a plurality of dimples on its surface as well as surface
off-sets other than dimples. The surface off-sets may be artifacts
from the casting or molding of the cover. For example, during
injection molding, a golf ball core or precursor is placed within a
molding cavity comprising two hemispheres. The core or precursor is
supported by pins so that it maintains its position in the center
of the golf ball. Molten cover material is then injected into the
molding cavity through apertures or gates and surrounds the core or
precursor to harden and form the cover. As the molten cover
material envelops the core or precursor, the supporting pins
retract, allowing the molten material to fill in the cavities
created by the pins. The retraction of the pins often causes the
formation of "witness lines" on the cover about the area where the
pins meet the mold. Likewise, during compression molding of a
cover, a parting line may form along the equator of the golf ball.
In accordance with the present invention, the witness lines created
on the cover by the injection molding process or the parting line
resulting from compression molding may be maintained on the clear
or translucent cover to create unique visual effects, such as the
enhancement of shadows on the core of the ball.
[0094] In other embodiments, these artifacts from the manufacturing
process may be removed by post-mold finishing processes such as
vibration tumbling.
[0095] Other non-limiting examples of surface off-sets include a
molded stripe, which can be co-molded to provide the stripe with a
color different than the core or the intermediate layer, so that
the ball may identified as a practice ball; a molded line to aid in
putting alignment; logos or indicia; raised text or indicia; great
circles; lines or line segments; polygons or other shapes; arcs or
curves; or text. The molded elements described above may be
depressed into the cover or may rise as projections away from the
surface of the cover.
[0096] The surface of the golf ball may also include optically
active sites detectable by a ball-launching mechanism to allow for
launch monitor testing. The sites may be reflective in the visible
or invisible range.
[0097] In another embodiment of the current invention, the cover
may be cast or compression molded. This process involves the
joining of two cover hemispheres at an equator. Additionally, other
inventive aspects of the present invention, such as a cover
comprising a transparent or translucent material and having an
amount of pigment or dye or an amount of reflective particulates,
may be incorporated into only one hemisphere of the golf ball
cover.
[0098] Dye or pigment may be added to the cover material to create
a golf ball having a translucent colored cover. In the case of a
golf ball with depressions molded into the cover, the addition of
dye to the clear cover material can help to enhance the shadow
effect of the depressions incorporated on the surface of the cover.
The dye may be a fluorescent dye.
[0099] In one aspect of the present invention, dyes or pigments may
be added to any or all layers of the golf ball including, but not
limited to, the cover and the core, the intermediate layer and any
coating as well. The dyes or pigments may be inorganic or organic.
In one embodiment, the pigments include effect pigments.
[0100] According to another embodiment, the cover may comprise
reflective particulates to create the effect of sparkle, glitter,
pearlescence or iridescence. The cover may contain reflective or
optically active particulates such as described by Murphy in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,427,378 which is incorporated herein by reference.
Pearlescent pigments sold by the Mearle Corporation can also be
used in this way. The reflective material may comprise at least one
member selected from the group consisting of metal flake,
iridescent glitter, metalized film and colored polyester foil.
[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the core may
comprise a swirled color pattern achieved by mixing materials of
different colors or different color shades during the manufacture
of the core. The swirled pattern of the core can be created using
the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,283,845, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0102] In a variation of the above embodiment, the core may be a
multi-piece core having a center and an outer core layer visible
through the transparent or translucent cover. Preferably, the outer
core layer has a swirled appearance. The outer swirled core layer
may comprise molded rubber or thermoplastic halves having a swirled
pattern. The center of the multi-piece core may comprise rubber or
a blend thereof, rubber regrind, filler, foam, liquid, or other
suitable materials.
[0103] In another embodiment of the present invention, the core may
be formed from a slug or prep or perform made from multiple
segments of differently color shaded material. The slug may
comprise at least three differently color shaded segments, and each
color shade segment accounts for at least five percent of the total
color coverage of the golf ball. The multi-color shaded slug is
molded to form a multi-colored core.
[0104] The core may include a plurality of surface off-sets
including ridges, raised edges, points or other projections on its
outer surface. The clear or translucent cover is molded around the
core by casting, injection molding, compression molding or other
methods. The projections on the outer surface of the core provide
more surface area for the adherence of the cover, decreasing the
possibility of the separation or delamination of the cover from the
core. The surface of the core may also include a plurality of
depressions or valleys, also increasing surface area and so
providing for better adhesion of the cover. The resulting ball is
more durable than golf balls comprising smooth cores.
[0105] A golf ball of the present invention may alternatively
comprise a clear or translucent cover, a core and an intermediate
layer including a plurality of surface off-sets including ridges,
raised edges, points or other projections on its outer surface. The
clear or translucent cover is molded around the intermediate layer
by casting, injection molding, compression molding or other
methods. As in the above embodiment, the projections on the outer
surface of the intermediate layer provide more surface area for the
adherence of the cover, decreasing the possibility of the
separation or delamination of the cover and core.
[0106] The transparent or translucent cover of the present
invention may additionally act as a lens, magnifying the appearance
of the core or intermediate layer below. Any text, logo or design
printed on the core or intermediate layer will then also be
magnified. More particularly, the transparent or translucent cover
comprises a polymeric material having a magnification factor from
about 2.times. to about 5.times. to make text or other markings
printed on the surface of the layer immediately beneath the cover
appear larger than its actual size. The actual size of any text or
markings is typically small given the limited amount of space on
the surface of the golf ball layer. Because a player may not be
able to easily discern the fine text or marking, it is advantageous
to magnify the physical appearance of the indicia. The magnified
appearance of the core or intermediate layer or any marking on the
surface of the core or intermediate layer may also enhance a
player's ability to visualize the ball, and hence may improve a
player's ability to strike the ball in the desired location.
[0107] The golf balls of the present invention may be painted,
coated, or surface treated for further benefits. For example,
trademarks or other indicia may be printed, i.e., pad-printed,
transfer printed, decal or ink jet printed, on the inner layer such
that they are visible through the translucent cover. Protective and
decorative coating materials, as well as methods of applying such
materials to the surface of a golf ball cover, are well known in
the golf ball art. Generally, such coating materials comprise
urethanes, urethane hybrids, epoxies, polyesters and acrylics. If
desired, more than one coating layer can be used. Further
discussion of finishing treatments may be found in parent
application Ser. No. 11/707,493, which was previously incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
[0108] Table I below illustrates several non-limiting embodiments
of the invention. Specifically, Table I displays the construction
and overall golf ball CIECAM color appearance model color
characteristics for five prophetic golf balls GB I-GBV. GB I is a 1
piece golf ball wherein the core contributes a pink pigment to the
overall golf ball color and the coating contributes a pink tint to
the overall golf ball forming a golf ball having an overall golf
ball pink color defined by the CIECAM Color Model characteristics
a=72, b=13, h=10.degree., J=44 and C=73. GB II is a coated 2 piece
golf ball wherein the core contributes a pink pigment to the
overall golf ball color, the cover contributes a pink dye to the
overall golf ball color, and the coating contributes a pink tint to
the overall golf ball forming a golf ball having an overall golf
ball pink color defined by the CIECAM Color Model characteristics
a=74, b=16. h=12.degree., J=35, and C=76. GB III is a 2 pi golf
ball wherein the core contributes a purple pigment to the overall
golf ball color and the cover is translucent, forming a golf ball
having an overall golf ball purple color defined by the CIECAM
Color Model characteristics a=33, b=-32, h=316.degree., J=46, and
C=47. GB IV is a 3 piece golf ball wherein the core is opaque, the
intermediate layer contributes a purple pigment to the overall golf
ball color and the cover is transparent to form a golf ball having
an overall purple golf ball color defined by the CIECAM Color Model
characteristics a=39, b=-21. h=331.degree., J=31, and C=44.
Finally, GB V is a 3 piece golf ball wherein the core is opaque,
the intermediate layer contributes a purple pigment to the overall
golf ball color and the cover is pearlescent with a purple tinted
coating to form a golf ball having an overall purple golf ball
color defined by the CIECAM Color Model characteristics a=52,
b=-26. h=334.degree., J=50, and C=58.
[0109] While the examples in Table I include pink or purple
pigments, dyes or tints, the present invention contemplates that
any color may be used in any of the core, intermediate layer, cover
or a coating which will combine within the golf ball construction
to create an over golf ball color within the CIECAM Color Model
characteristic ranges disclosed herein and that many different
colors may be simultaneously discernable by the human eye due to
the color effects incorporated in the golf ball of the invention.
By non-limiting example, it is envisioned that a blue may be
combined with a red which creates an over all golf ball color of
purple within the CIECAM Color Model characteristic ranges
disclosed herein. Meanwhile, the same golf ball may also have an
appearance of several other different colors due to the interplay
of the color effects in the golf ball with visible light.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I OVERALL GOLF BALL CIECAM COLOR
CHARACTERISTICS FOR FIVE GOLF BALL CONSTRUCTIONS Golf Ball GB V
Construction & GB II GB IV Purple Overall GB GB I Pink GB III
Purple Coated CIECAM Color Pink 1 Coated Purple Multi-layer
Multilayer Characteristcs Piece 2 piece GB 2 Piece GB GB GB Core
Pink Pink Purple Opaque Opaque pigment pigment pigment Intermediate
N/A N/A N/A Purple Purple Layer pigment pigment Cover N/A Pink dye
Translucent Transparent Pearlescent Coating Pink tint Pink tint N/A
N/A Purple Tint a 72 74 33 39 52 b 13 16 -32 -21 -26 h.degree. 10
12 316 331 334 J 44 35 46 31 50 C 73 76 47 44 58
[0110] Unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical
ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts
of materials, and others in the specification may be read as if
prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may not
expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations
that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be
obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an
attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to
the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least
be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
[0111] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth
herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values
inclusive of the recited values may be used.
[0112] While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein fulfill the preferred embodiments of
the present invention, it is appreciated that numerous
modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled
in the art. Examples of such modifications include reasonable
variations of the numerical values and/or materials and/or
components discussed above. Hence, the numerical values stated
above and claimed below specifically include those values and the
values that are approximate to those stated and claimed values.
Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which
would come within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0113] The invention described and claimed herein is not to be
limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed,
since these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several
aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended
to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various
modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and
described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from the foregoing description. For example, the compositions of
the present invention may be used in a variety of equipment. Such
modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
[0114] While any of the embodiments herein may have any known
dimple number and pattern, a preferred number of dimples is 252 to
456, and more preferably is 328 to 392. The dimples may comprise
any width, depth, and edge angle and patterns which satisfy the
relationships defined between cover layers as disclosed herein. The
parting line configuration of said pattern may be either a straight
line or a staggered wave parting line (SWPL). In one embodiment,
the golf ball has 328, 330, 332, or 392 dimples, comprises 5 to 7
dimples sizes, and the parting line is a SWPL.
[0115] In any of these embodiments the single-layer core may be
replaced with a two or more layer core wherein at least one core
layer has a negative hardness gradient. Other than in the operating
examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the
numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for
amounts of materials and others in the specification may be read as
if prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may
not expressly appear with the value, amount or range.
[0116] Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical
parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques.
* * * * *
References