U.S. patent application number 14/636976 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for golf balls including highly neutralized polymer having a hardness modifier.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Seisuke Tomita. Invention is credited to Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Seisuke Tomita.
Application Number | 20150174456 14/636976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49235783 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150174456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy, III; Thomas J. ; et
al. |
June 25, 2015 |
Golf Balls Including Highly Neutralized Polymer Having a Hardness
Modifier
Abstract
A golf ball includes a core made from a highly neutralized
polymer that has been mixed with a hardness modifier. The modifier
may be a process oil or a plasticizer. In particular, the modifier
may be a naphthenic process oil, a paraffinic process oil, a
phthalate plasticizer, a trimellitate plasticizer, an adipate
plasticizer, a sebacate-based plasticizer, a maleate-based
plasticizer, and blends thereof. Also disclosed is a method for
manufacturing a golf ball that includes changing the hardness of a
highly neutralized polymer core.
Inventors: |
Kennedy, III; Thomas J.;
(Wilbraham, MA) ; Tomita; Seisuke; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kennedy, III; Thomas J.
Tomita; Seisuke |
Wilbraham
Tokyo |
MA |
US
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, INC.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
49235783 |
Appl. No.: |
14/636976 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13435211 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
|
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14636976 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/374 ;
264/279; 473/377 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0076 20130101;
A63B 37/0024 20130101; A63B 37/0003 20130101; A63B 37/0092
20130101; A63B 45/00 20130101; A63B 37/0051 20130101; C08L 23/0876
20130101; A63B 37/0077 20130101; A63B 37/0059 20130101; A63B
37/0074 20130101; C08L 23/0876 20130101; A63B 37/0062 20130101;
C08L 33/02 20130101; A63B 37/0064 20130101; A63B 37/0045 20130101;
C08L 91/00 20130101; A63B 37/0061 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00; A63B 45/00 20060101 A63B045/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball, comprising: a core; a cover layer substantially
surrounding the core; at least one of the core and the cover layer
being made of a polymer mixture comprising a polymer and a
modifier, wherein the polymer comprises a highly neutralized
polymer and the modifier is selected from the group consisting of
plasticizers and combinations thereof; wherein the modifier is
present in the polymer mixture in a sufficient amount such that the
modifier reduces a hardness of the polymer mixture from a first
value that is approximately the same as a hardness of the highly
neutralized polymer to a second value that is less than the
hardness of the highly neutralized polymer.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the modifier comprises a
plasticizer selected from the group consisting of phthalate esters,
trimellitates, adipates, sebacate-based plasticizer, maleate-based
plasticizer, and combinations thereof.
3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the modifier is di-isononyl
phthalate.
4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the modifier is present in the
polymer mixture in an amount of from about 1 to about 25 parts by
weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer.
5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the second value is at least
about 3 Shore D less than the first value.
6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the polymer mixture further
comprises a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of
maleic anhydride, silanes, titanates, and blends thereof.
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover layer comprises the
polymer mixture, and the polymer mixture further comprises a
compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of maleic
anhydride, silanes, titanates, and blends thereof.
8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the core comprises the polymer
mixture; and the presence of the modifier reduces a COR value of
the core by a proportion that is less than a proportion by which
the presence of the modifier causes the polymer mixture to have a
lower hardness than the hardness of the highly neutralized
polymer.
9. A golf ball comprising: an inner core; an outer core layer
substantially surrounding the inner core; and at least one cover
layer substantially surrounding the outer core layer; wherein at
least one of the inner core and the outer core layer comprises a
polymer mixture comprising a polymer and a modifier, wherein the
polymer comprises a highly neutralized polymer and the modifier is
selected from the group consisting of phthalate esters,
trimellitates, adipates, sebacate-based plasticizer, maleate-based
plasticizer, and combinations thereof; wherein the modifier is
present in the polymer mixture in an amount of from about 1 to
about 25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer; and
wherein the modifier is present in the polymer mixture in a
sufficient amount such that the modifier reduces a hardness of the
polymer mixture from a first value that is approximately the same
as a hardness of the highly neutralized polymer to a second value
that is less than the hardness of the highly neutralized polymer,
the second value being at least about 2 Shore D less than the first
value.
10. The golf ball of claim 9, wherein the modifier is di-isononyl
phthalate.
11. The golf ball of claim 9, wherein the inner core comprises the
polymer mixture; the presence of the modifier in the polymer
material reduces a COR value of the inner core by less than 5%; and
the presence of the modifier in the polymer mixture reduces the
hardness of the polymer mixture by more than 5%.
12. The golf ball of claim 9, wherein the inner core has a diameter
of from about 20 to about 30 mm, and the outer core layer has a
thickness of from about 3 to about 10 mm.
13. The golf ball of claim 9, wherein the polymer consists
essentially of a mixture of two types of highly neutralized
polymers.
14. The golf ball of claim 10, wherein the polymer comprises a
blend of the highly neutralized polymer and at least one additional
polymer, the at least one additional polymer being a type of
polymer other than a highly neutralized polymer.
15. A method of manufacturing a golf ball, comprising: forming a
core from a polymer mixture comprising a highly neutralized polymer
and a modifier selected from the group consisting of plasticizers
and combinations thereof and forming a cover layer around the core;
wherein the modifier reduces a hardness of the polymer mixture from
a first value that is the hardness of the highly neutralized
polymer to a second value that is less than the hardness of the
highly neutralized polymer, wherein the reduction in hardness is of
a first proportion; and the presence of the modifier reduces the
COR value of the core by a second proportion that is less than the
first proportion.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the modifier is selected from
the group consisting of phthalate esters, trimellitates, adipates,
sebacate-based plasticizer, maleate-based plasticizer, and
combinations thereof.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the modifier is present in the
polymer mixture in an amount of from about 1 to about 25 parts by
weight per 100 parts by weight of highly neutralized polymer.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein a ratio of the first proportion
to the second proportion is greater than about 2:1.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the first proportion is at
least about 10%, and the second proportion is at most about 5%.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/435,211, filed Mar. 30, 2012, which
application is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf balls.
Specifically, this disclosure relates to golf balls including a
highly neutralized polymer and a modifier, where the modifier
changes the hardness of the highly neutralized polymer.
[0003] Golf is an increasingly popular sport at both the
professional and amateur levels. Generally, mass produced golf
balls should be able to meet the requirements of golfers of a wide
variety of ability levels. For example, the materials used in the
golf ball's construction may be chosen so as to make the golf ball
more suitable for particular types of golfers.
[0004] Generally, modern golf balls are known to be made from a
variety of polymer materials. The material making up a golf ball
may affect the golf ball's performance characteristics in several
ways. For example, the selection of the material used in a golf
ball may affect the golf ball's coefficient of restitution, initial
velocity off the tee, feel, durability over time, and other
properties.
[0005] Suitable known materials for use in a golf ball include
thermoset materials, such as rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer,
polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene, and trans-polyisoprene. Known
materials also include thermoplastics, such as ionomer resins,
polyamides or polyesters, and thermoplastic polyurethane
elastomers. Suitable materials also include polyurea compositions,
as well as other materials.
[0006] In particular, ionomers are often used to form the various
structural components of known golf balls. For example, ionomers
such as Surlyn.TM. available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours &
Company are known to be used for cover layers of golf balls. Other
types of ionomers, generally referred to as highly neutralized
polymers, may also be used in golf balls.
[0007] Specifically, highly neutralized polymers are known to be
used as the material for a golf ball core. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,756,436 to Rajagopalan et al., entitled "Golf Balls
Comprising Highly-Neutralized Acid Polymers" and filed Apr. 9,
2002, discloses golf balls having highly neutralized polymer cores.
The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by
reference. Other conventional highly neutralized polymers are
generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,652,086 to Sullivan et al.,
entitled "Highly-neutralized Thermoplastic Copolymer Center for
Improved Multi-layer Core Golf Ball" and filed Feb. 3, 2006, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0008] Certain formulations of the highly neutralized polymer may
affect various physical properties of the polymer material, and so
may affect the play characteristics of a golf ball made from that
material. For example, various highly neutralized polymers may
achieve increased hardness, modulus, and resilience
characteristics. These properties of highly neutralized polymers
may be advantageous to golf ball covers, cores, or other structural
components, in order to achieve desired play characteristics.
[0009] However, in many instances known to a person having ordinary
skill in the art of golf ball manufacturing, a highly neutralized
polymer may have a hardness that is higher than may be preferable.
Specifically, a core made from a highly neutralized polymer may be
harder than preferable to highly skilled golfers. Generally, a golf
ball's "feel" may be related to the hardness of the material making
up the golf ball's core. Highly skilled golfers may prefer golf
balls that have a soft feel when hit by a golf club. A golf ball
with a core made from a highly neutralized polymer may therefore
fail to achieve a highly skilled golfer's preferred "soft
feel."
[0010] Additionally, an overly hard core may cause the golf ball to
make a higher (or "harder") than desirable sound when stuck by a
golf club. Experienced golfers generally prefer their golf balls to
make a low frequency sound when struck. However, a core with a high
hardness may cause the sound to be of a higher frequency, which is
sometime referred to by golfers as sounding "too clicky".
[0011] Furthermore, economic considerations may also make
conventional highly neutralized polymers less than ideal. Namely,
the price of raw highly neutralized polymer may be significantly
higher than the price of other raw materials used in golf ball
constructions.
[0012] U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0158312 to Chen, entitled
"Stearic-modified Ionomers for Golf Balls" and filed on Aug. 21,
2003, attempted to address some of the above discussed issues. This
patent application discloses certain types of highly neutralized
polymers, where the highly neutralized polymer is blended with
ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid present in an amount of
from 5 to 25 wt percent. For example, the highly neutralized
polymer is modified with relatively low amounts of a stearic acid
moiety in order to achieve improved resilience for a given level of
hardness or PGA Compression values. The disclosure of this patent
application is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,824 to Shindo et al., entitled "Golf
Ball" and issued on Dec. 29, 2009, also addresses modification of
highly neutralized polymers. This patent discloses a golf ball with
a cover layer made up of a type of highly neutralized polymer
having a Shore D hardness of at least 60, an unsaturated fatty
acid, and a metal neutralizing agent. The unsaturated fatty acid
causes the highly neutralized polymer to soften.
[0014] However, there still exists a need in the art for a golf
ball that addresses the above discussed shortcomings relating to
hardness, sound, and economic considerations in the context of
highly neutralized polymers.
SUMMARY
[0015] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a golf ball
comprising a core and a cover layer. The cover layer substantially
surrounds the core. At least one of the core and the cover layer is
made of a polymer mixture. The polymer mixture comprises a polymer
and a modifier. The polymer comprises a highly neutralized polymer.
The modifier is selected from the group consisting of process oils,
plasticizers, and blends thereof. The modifier is present in the
polymer mixture in a sufficient amount such that the modifier
reduces a hardness of the polymer mixture from a first value, that
is approximately the same as a hardness of the highly neutralized
polymer, to a second value that is less than the hardness of the
highly neutralized polymer.
[0016] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a golf ball
comprising an inner core, an outer core layer substantially
surrounding the inner core, and at least one cover layer
substantially surrounding the interior layer(s). At least one of
the inner core and the outer core layer is comprised of a polymer
mixture. The polymer mixture comprises a polymer and a modifier.
The polymer comprises at least one highly neutralized polymer. The
modifier is selected from the group consisting of naphthenic
process oils, paraffinic process oils, phthalate esters,
trimellitates, adipates, sebacate-based plasticizer, maleate-based
plasticizer, and blends thereof. The modifier is present in the
polymer mixture in an amount of from about 1 to about 25 parts by
weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer. The modifier is also
present in the polymer mixture in a sufficient amount such that the
modifier reduces a hardness of the polymer mixture from a first
value that is approximately the same as a hardness of the highly
neutralized polymer to a second value that is less than the
hardness of the highly neutralized polymer. The second value is at
least about 2 Shore D less than the first value.
[0017] This disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a
golf ball comprising, first, receiving a highly neutralized
polymer. Next, the method includes changing the hardness of the
highly neutralized polymer by mixing a modifier therewith to form a
polymer mixture. The modifier is selected from the group consisting
of process oils, plasticizers, and blends thereof. The method also
includes forming the polymer mixture into a core, and forming a
cover layer around the core such that the cover layer substantially
surrounds the core. The modifier is present in the polymer mixture
in a sufficient amount such that the modifier reduces a hardness of
the polymer mixture from a first value that is approximately the
same as a hardness of the highly neutralized polymer to a second
value that is less than the hardness of the highly neutralized
polymer. The presence of the modifier also reduces a hardness value
of the polymer mixture by a first proportion, and reduces the COR
value of the core by a second proportion. The first proportion is
greater than the second proportion.
[0018] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention,
and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a representative golf ball in accordance with
this disclosure, the golf ball being of a two-piece
construction;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a second representative golf ball, having a
core, an inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a third representative golf ball, having an
inner core, an outer core layer, and a cover layer; and
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a fourth representative golf ball, having an
inner core, an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, and an outer
cover layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Generally, this disclosure provides a golf ball including a
highly neutralized polymer that has been modified to have a lower
hardness through the addition of a modifier. The modifier may be a
process oil, a plasticizer, or a blend thereof. The modifier
reduces the hardness by a desired amount while only affecting the
COR related properties to a slight degree. Accordingly, a golf ball
may have the modified highly neutralized polymer in the core while
also achieving a soft "feel" and a high COR.
[0025] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the following terms
are defined as follows.
[0026] The term "compression deformation" as used indicates the
deformation amount of the ball, or any portion thereof, under a
force; specifically, when the force is increased to become 130 kg
from 10 kg, the deformation amount of the ball or portion thereof
under the force of 130 kg reduced by the deformation amount of the
ball or portion thereof under the force of 10 kg is the compression
deformation value of the ball or portion thereof.
[0027] The term "hardness" as used herein is measured generally in
accordance with ASTM D-2240. The hardness of a golf ball is
measured on the land area of a curved surface of a molded ball. The
hardness of a golf ball sub-component is measured on the curved
surface of the molded sub-component. The hardness of a material is
measured in accordance with ASTM D-2240 (on a plaque).
[0028] The term "coefficient of restitution" ("COR") as used herein
is measured according to the method: a golf ball or golf ball
sub-component is fired by an air cannon at an initial velocity of
40 m/sec, and a speed monitoring device is located over a distance
of 0.6 to 0.9 meters from the cannon. The golf ball or golf ball
sub-component strikes a steel plate positioned about 1.2 meters
away from the air cannon, and then the golf ball or golf ball
sub-component rebounds through the speed-monitoring device. The COR
is the return velocity divided by the initial velocity. All COR
values discussed herein are measured at an initial velocity of 40
m/sec unless otherwise indicated.
[0029] FIGS. 1-4 show certain embodiments of golf balls in
accordance with this disclosure. Except as otherwise discussed
herein below, any golf ball discussed herein may generally be any
type of golf ball known in the art. Namely, unless the present
disclosure indicates to the contrary, a golf ball may generally be
of any construction conventionally used for golf balls, and may be
made of any of the various materials known to be used in golf ball
manufacturing. Furthermore, it is understood that any feature
disclosed herein (including but not limited to various embodiments
shown in the FIGS. and various chemical formulas or mixtures) may
be combined with any other features disclosed here in any
combination or sub-combination, as may be desired.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates two layer or "two-piece" golf ball 100
having core 120 substantially surrounded by cover layer 110. In
this golf ball embodiment, either or both of cover layer 110 and
core 120 may comprise a modified highly neutralized polymer. In one
particular embodiment, core 120 may comprise the modified highly
neutralized polymer, while cover layer 110 may comprise any other
suitable material such as polyurethane or an ionomer such as
Surlyn.RTM.. In another particular embodiment, cover layer 110 may
comprise the modified highly neutralized polymer, while core 120
may be comprised of any other suitable material such as
polybutadiene rubber.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates three-piece golf ball 200 having a
relatively large core 230 substantially surrounded by inner cover
layer 220, which itself is encompassed within or substantially
surrounded by outer cover layer 210. In this golf ball embodiment,
any one or more of the structural components may be comprised of a
modified highly neutralized polymer. For example, core 230 may
comprise the modified highly neutralized polymer, while inner cover
layer 220 and outer cover layer 210 may be comprised of
conventionally known materials. In another embodiment, inner cover
layer 220 may comprise the modified highly neutralized polymer,
while core 230 and outer cover layer 210 may be comprised of known
materials. In yet another embodiment, outer cover layer 210 may
comprise the modified highly neutralized polymer, while core 230
and inner cover layer 220 may be comprised of known materials.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates three-piece golf ball 300 having a
relatively smaller inner core 330, outer core layer 320, and cover
layer 310. Again, any one or more of the structural components of
the golf ball may be comprised of a modified highly neutralized
polymer. For example, core 330 may comprise the modified highly
neutralized polymer, while outer core 320 and cover layer 310 may
each be comprised of conventional materials. Alternatively, outer
core 320 may comprise the modified highly neutralized polymer,
while core 330 and cover layer 310 may be comprised of conventional
materials. In yet another alternative embodiment, cover layer 310
may comprise the modified highly neutralized polymer, while core
330 and outer core 320 may be made from known materials.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates four-piece golf ball 400 having inner
core 440, outer core layer 430, inner cover layer 420, and outer
cover layer 410. In this embodiment, as in the above discussed
embodiments, any one or more of the structural components of the
golf ball may be comprised of a modified highly neutralized
polymer. For example, inner core 440 may be comprised of the
modified highly neutralized polymer, while outer core layer 430,
inner cover layer 420, and outer cover layer 410 are all each made
of conventional materials. In another embodiment, outer core layer
430 may be comprised of the highly neutralized polymer, while each
of inner core 440, inner cover layer 420, and outer cover layer 410
are made of conventional material. In yet another embodiment, inner
cover layer 420 may comprise the modified highly neutralized
polymer, while each of inner core 440, outer core layer 430, and
outer cover layer 410 are made of conventional materials.
Alternatively, outer cover layer 410 may be comprised of the highly
neutralized polymer, while each of inner core 440, outer core layer
430, and inner cover layer 420 may be made of known materials.
[0034] In embodiments such as shown in FIG. 4, the structural
components making up the golf ball may have certain sizes. Inner
core 440 may have a diameter of from about 20 mm to about 30 mm, or
from about 21 mm to about 30 mm, or from about 22 mm to about 29
mm, or from about mm 23 to about 27 mm, or about 25 mm. Inner cover
layer 420 may have a thickness of from about 0.5 mm to about 1.2
mm. Outer cover layer 410 may have a thickness of from about 0.6 mm
to about 2 mm. Finally, outer core layer 430 may have a thickness
that is not particularly limited. However, in some embodiments,
golf ball 400 may be a regulation golf ball that meets USGA
requirements. In such embodiments, the USGA requires that the total
diameter of the golf ball be at least 1.680 inches. Therefore, the
sum of: the diameter of inner core 440, the thickness of other
layers (discussed below), and the thickness of outer core layer 430
may be at least 1.680 inches (42.67 mm). In some embodiments, the
total diameter is equal to about 1.680 inches. In such embodiments,
outer core 430 may have a thickness of from about 3 mm to about 10
mm, or from about 5 mm to about 8 mm, or about 7 mm.
[0035] Further, as described above, the disclosure relates to golf
balls having at least 2 layers, or pieces. Thus, although
discussion herein below may be directed to a 4-piece ball for
convenience, the disclosure is directed to golf balls having at
least 2-layers, and as many as 5, 6, or 7 layers, or more. The
number of layers in the golf ball is limited only by any rules
extant at the time of manufacture if the golf ball is to be
considered a `regulation` or `conforming` golf ball.
[0036] Generally, for any arrangement of layers not specifically
mentioned herein, any layer may be made of any material suitable
for the purpose. For example, an outer cover layer should be tough
and resistant to scuffing while being soft enough for a golf club
to impart spin easily to the ball. Thus, thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU) and thermoset polyurethane are suitable for use in outer
cover layers, as are known highly neutralized polymers and other
ionomers. Thermoplastic polyurethane that is not otherwise scuff
resistant can be treated to harden the surface, such as by a
surface treatment. Suitable ionomers include members of the
Surlyn.RTM. family of ionomeric polymers produced by E. I. DuPont
de Nemours and Company and members of the Iotek.RTM. family of
products produced by ExxonMobil Chemical Corporation.
[0037] Broadly, a highly neutralized polymer may be mixed with a
modifier to form a polymer composition having physical properties
that are different from the physical properties of the highly
neutralized polymer by itself. The polymer in the polymer mixture
may be a single type of highly neutralized polymer, a mixture of
one or more types of highly neutralized polymers, or a mixture of a
highly neutralized polymer and another type of polymer.
[0038] A highly neutralized polymer is a type of ionomer. An
ionomer is generally understood as any polymer material that
includes ionized functional groups therein. Ionomeric resins are
often ionic copolymers of an olefin and a salt of an unsaturated
carboxylic acid. The olefin may have from about 2 to about 8 carbon
atoms, and may be an alpha-olefin. The acid may be an unsaturated
monocarboxylic acid having from about 3 to about 8 carbon atoms,
and may be an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid.
[0039] Commonly, ionomers are copolymers of ethylene and either
acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Copolymers may be referred to as
EAA or EMAA type ionomers. In some instances, an additional
co-monomer (such as an acrylate ester, i.e., iso- or
n-butylacrylate, etc.) can also be included to produce a
terpolymer. Terpolymer ionomers may be referred to as E/X/Y type
ionomers where E is ethylenic (or olefinic) in nature, X is an
alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and Y is an acrylate ester.
A wide range of ionomers are known to the person of ordinary skill
in the art of golf ball manufacturing.
[0040] When a large portion of the acid groups in the ionomer is
neutralized by a cation, the ionomer material may be considered to
be a highly neutralized acid polymer. Generally, such a polymer is
considered highly neutralized when at least 70% of the acid groups
are neutralized by a cation. In various embodiments, the highly
neutralized acid polymer may be neutralized to at least 75%, at
least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%,
at least 99%, or substantially 100%. The acid polymer may be
neutralized with a suitable cation source, such as magnesium,
sodium, zinc, or lithium.
[0041] Exemplary highly neutralized acid polymer ("HNP")
compositions include HPF resins such as HPF1000, HPF2000, HPF
AD1024, HPF AD1027, HPF AD1030, HPF AD1035, HPF AD1040, and
combinations thereof, all produced by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and
Company. In some particular embodiments, the polymer used in the
polymer mixture may consist essentially of a mixture of two types
of highly neutralized polymers, such as a mixture of HPF1000 and
HPF2000.
[0042] In other embodiments, the polymer in the polymer mixture may
be a blend of a highly neutralized polymer and at least one
additional polymer, the at least one additional polymer being a
type of polymer other than a highly neutralized polymer. For
example, the additional polymer may be a rubber or a polyurethane
polymer. In such embodiments, the highly neutralized polymer may
comprise at least about 10%, or at least about 25%, or at least
about 50%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 90% of the
total weight of polymer in the polymer mixture. The additional
polymer may therefore comprise at most about 90%, or at most about
75%, or at most about 50%, or at most about 25%, or at most about
10% of the total of polymer in the polymer mixture.
[0043] The polymer as discussed variously above may be mixed with a
modifier to create a polymer mixture. This polymer mixture may then
be used to form any structural component of the golf ball.
[0044] Generally, the modifier may be a process oil, a plasticizer,
or any mixture thereof. The modifier may cause the polymer mixture
to have a value of a physical property that differs from the value
of that physical property of the highly neutralized polymer. For
example, the modifier may cause the polymer mixture to have a
hardness that is different from the hardness of the highly
neutralized polymer by itself. Therefore, the modifier modifies the
highly neutralized polymer so as to result in desirable physical
properties.
[0045] First, process oils are generally understood by a person
having ordinary skill in the art to be any of a class of
non-reactive oils which are incorporated into a material in order
to affect the properties of that material. Process oils are divided
into three general categories: aromatic oils, naphthenic oils, and
paraffinic oils. ASTM D2226 provides a standard for categorizing a
process oil into one of these three types. As the skilled
practitioner recognizes, process oils typically are a blend of
aromatic, naphthenic, and paraffinic oils, and are classified by
the predominant types of properties and characteristics of the
oil.
[0046] Generally, aromatic oils may have the highest solvency, the
darkest colors, but poor color stability. Naphthenic oils may have
intermediate solvency, and fair color stability. Finally,
paraffinic oils may have the lowest solvency of the three types of
process oils, but may have the highest color stability and the
lowest volatility.
[0047] The process oil used as a modifier herein may be selected
from the group consisting of aromatic process oils, naphthenic
process oils, paraffinic process oils, and blends thereof.
[0048] Aromatic oils include the Sundex.RTM. family of aromatic
oils available from many sources, including American Lubricants
& Chemicals, LLC, in Ohio, USA. Aromatic oils may lower
viscosity more than the same quantity of naphthenic oil or
paraffinic oil. However, aromatic oils may cause concern over
potential health issues. Namely, aromatic process oils may be
subject to environmental and health related regulations in various
jurisdictions.
[0049] Therefore, in an embodiment, the process oil may be selected
from the group consisting of paraffinic process oils, naphthenic
process oils, and blends thereof.
[0050] Particularly suitable paraffinic and naphthenic oils
include, for example. Sunpar.RTM. paraffinic oil, a family of oils
commercially available from Sunoco, Inc. of Pennsylvania, USA and
HollyFrontier Refining and Marketing; Paralux.RTM. paraffinic oil,
a family of oils commercially available from Chevron Corporation of
California, USA; Unithene.RTM. naphthenic oil, a family of oils
commercially available from Ergon, Inc. of Mississippi, USA; the
family of oils commercially available from Idemitsu USA under the
name Diana Process Oil PS, and the family of oils commercially
available from ConocoPhilips under the ConoPure.TM. tradename.
Naphthenic process oils are also disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2001/0018373 to Moriyama et al.,
entitled "Solid Center Type Thread Wound Golf Ball" and filed Jan.
12, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0051] In some embodiments, suitable process oils may also include
low PCA/PHA (polycyclic aromatic/polyaromatic hydrocarbon) oils,
including mild extraction solvates (MES), treated distillate
aromatic extracts (TDAE), and heavy naphthenic oils. Suitable low
PCA oils are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,276 (column
4, line 31 up to and including column 6, line 27), the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Hydrogenated naphthenic oils, including those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,939,910, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference, also are suitable in some
embodiments.
[0052] These process oils may generally be mixed with the highly
neutralized polymer in any amount. In particular, the process oil
may be present in at least a quantity sufficient to affect a
property of the highly neutralized polymer. Namely, the process oil
modifier may be present in the polymer mixture in a sufficient
amount such that the process oil modifier reduces a hardness of the
polymer mixture from a first value, the first value being
approximately the same as a hardness of the highly neutralized
polymer itself, to a second value that is less than the hardness of
the highly neutralized polymer. Beyond this minimum quantity,
extremely large amounts of process oil modifier may be less than
desirable due to "bleeding" of the modifier out of the polymer
mixture (i.e., because the modifier is less than entirely miscible
with the polymer mixture). On the other hand, small quantities may
reduce the hardness, but may still leave the polymer mixture with a
less than desirable hardness value.
[0053] Therefore, process oil modifiers used in the present
disclosure may be present in the polymer mixture in amounts of less
than about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymer.
In some embodiments, the process oil modifier may be used in
amounts of from about 1 to about 25 parts by weight per 100 parts
weight of polymer. In other embodiments, the process oil modifier
may be used in amounts of from about 10 to about 25 parts by weight
per 100 parts weight of polymer, or from about 11 to about 25 parts
by weight per 100 parts weight of polymer.
[0054] Process oils may be selected as the modifier for use in golf
balls according to this disclosure as a result of a variety of
factors. For example, process oils may be more economical than
other types of modifiers herein. Because highly neutralized polymer
material may be relatively expensive, the use of inexpensive
process oils to reduce to the amount of highly neutralized polymer
needed can be economically advantageous to the total cost of
production of the golf ball.
[0055] Process oils may also provide better adhesion behavior,
i.e., less waxy behavior, between adjacent structural components of
the golf ball than other modifiers. This behavior may ensure that
no adhesive layer is required to bond adjacent layers within the
golf ball, or at least that no additional adhesive layer would be
required. Furthermore, process oils may be more compatible with the
highly neutralized polymer than other modifiers. This behavior
would help avoid "bleeding" of the modifier out of the polymer
mixture, both during processing of the polymer mixture and after
the golf ball has been manufactured.
[0056] Plasticizers may also be used as the modifier. As is
generally known to a person having ordinary skill in the art,
plasticizers are a class of dispersants that increase the
plasticity of a polymer material. Although the inventors do not
wish to be bound by theory, it is believed that plasticizers
generally work by embedding themselves between the chains of a
polymer, spacing the chains apart (increasing the "free volume"),
and thus lowering the glass transition temperature of the plastic
and making the polymer softer.
[0057] In particular, phthalate based plasticizers may be used as
the modifier. Phthalate based plasticizers may be used when good
resistance to water and oils is desirable. Some suitable phthalate
based plasticizers may include bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP),
diisononyl phthalate (DINP), bis(n-butyl)phthalate (DnBP, DBP),
butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP),
di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP or DnOP), diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP),
diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and
di-n-hexyl phthalate.
[0058] Other plasticizers that may suitable for use as the modifier
may include trimellitate based plasticizers. Trimellitates may be
used in particular embodiments when resistance to high temperatures
may be desirable. Trimellitates may include trimethyl trimellitate
(TMTM), tri-(2-ethylhexyl)trimellitate (TEHTM-MG),
tri-(n-octyl,n-decyl)trimellitate (ATM),
tri-(heptyl,nonyl)trimellitate (LTM), and n-octyl trimellitate
(OTM).
[0059] Adipate based plasticizers may also be used as the modifier.
Adipate based plasticizers may be used in some embodiments when
resistance to ultraviolet light is a consideration. Adipate based
plasticizers may include bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA), dimethyl
adipate (DMAD), monomethyl adipate (MMAD), and dioctyl adipate
(DOA).
[0060] Other types of plasticizers may include sebacate-based
plasticizer such as dibutyl sebacate (DBS), or maleates based
plasticizer such as dibutyl maleate (DBM) or diisobutyl maleate
(DIBM).
[0061] The plasticizer may generally be present in the polymer
mixture in any amount. In particular embodiments, the plasticizer
may be present in a minimum quantity sufficient to affect a
physical property of the polymer mixture. In particular, the
plasticizer may be present in the polymer mixture in amounts of
less than about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of
polymer. In some embodiments, the plasticizer modifier may be used
in amounts of from about 1 to about 25 parts by weight per 100
parts weight of polymer. In other embodiments, the plasticizer
modifier may be used in amounts of from about 10 to about 25 parts
by weight per 100 parts weight of polymer, or from about 11 to
about 25 parts by weight per 100 parts weight of polymer.
[0062] In some embodiments, certain materials may be used to
compatibilize the modifier with the polymer in the polymer mixture.
Namely, the modifier may have a less than desirable level of
miscibility with the highly neutralized polymer. Such
compatibilizers may ensure that the modifier does not bleed or
leach out of the polymer mixture after manufacturing, as well as
aid in the manufacturing process.
[0063] Compatibilizers may be useful when the structural component
of the golf ball comprising the polymer mixture is a cover layer or
outer cover layer. When an inner layer (such as the core, outer
core, or inner cover) of the golf ball is made from the polymer
mixture, bleeding and leeching may be substantially prevented by
the presence of one or more layers surrounding and encapsulating
the polymer mixture. Accordingly, on the other hand, when the layer
comprising the polymer mixture is an outer most layer, the
compatibilizers may be useful to prevent bleeding and leaching.
Compatibilizers may also be particularly useful in embodiments when
the modifier is a process oil.
[0064] Compatibilizers may include maleic anhydride, silanes, and
titanates. The skilled practitioner recognizes that the silanes
have the general formula SiH.sub.2n+2. Typically, n is less than
about 8, as larger molecules are only difficultly made. The
titanates are compounds known to the skilled practitioner. For
example, the Ken-React.RTM. family of titanate coupling agents,
available from Kenrich Petrochemical, Inc., of New Jersey, USA, are
suitable titanates. Suitable titanates include monoalkoxy
titanates, such as KR.RTM. TTS (Titanium IV 2-propanolato, tris
isooctadecanoato-O) and KR 7 (Titanium IV bis
2-methyl-2-propenoato-O, isooctadecanoato-O 2-propanolato);
oxyacetate chelate titanates, such as KR.RTM. 134S (Titanium IV
bis[4-(2-phenyl)-2-propyl-2]phenolato, oxoethylenediolato) and KR
138S (Titanium IV bis(dioctyl)pyrophosphato-O, oxoethylenediolato,
(adduct), (dioctyl) (hydrogen)phosphite); A,B ethylene chelate
titanates, such as KR.RTM. 212 (Titanium IV
bis(dioctyl)phosphato-O, ethylenediolato) and KR 238S (Titanium IV
bis(dioctyl)pyrophosphato-O, ethylenediolato (adduct),
bis(dioctyl)hydrogen phosphite); quaternary titanates, such as
KR.RTM. 138D (Titanium IV bis(dioctyl)pyrophosphato-O,
oxoethylenediolato, (adduct) 2 moles of
2-N,N-dimethylamino-2-methylpropanol) and KR 158D (Titanium IV
bis(butyl methyl)pyrophosphato-O, (adduct) 2 moles
2-N,N-dimethylamino-2-methylpropanol); coordinate titanates, such
as KR.RTM. 41B (Titanium IV tetrakis 2-propanolato, adduct 2 moles
(dioctyl)hydrogen phosphate) and KR 46B (Titanium IV tetrakis
octanolato adduct 2 moles (di-tridecyl)hydrogen phosphite);
neoalkoxy titanates, such as LICA.RTM. 01 (Titanium IV 2,2(bis
2-propenolatomethyl)butanolato, tris neodecanoato-O) and LICA 09
(Titanium IV 2,2(bis 2-propenolatomethyl)butanolato,
tris(dodecyl)benzenesulfonato-O); and cycloheteroatom titanates,
such as KR.RTM. OPPR (Titanium IV bis octanolato,
cyclo(dioctyl)pyrophosphato-O,O) and KR OPP2 (Titanium IV bis
cyclo(dioctyl)pyrophosphato-O,O). With the guidance provided
herein, the skilled practitioner will be able to identify suitable
titanates for use in embodiments of the disclosure.
[0065] The polymer mixture may also include other ingredients in
addition to the polymer, the modifier, and optionally the
compatibilizer. For example, the polymer mixture may also include
one or more fatty acids. Fatty acids are known to be used to
control the physical properties of a polymer. The presence of a
fatty acid may therefore further affect the physical properties,
such as hardness, of the polymer mixture comprising the highly
neutralized polymer.
[0066] Generally, as is known in the art, a fatty acid is a
carboxylic acid with a long unbranched aliphatic tail. The tail may
be saturated or unsaturated. Generally, the fatty acid may have any
chain length of from about five carbons to about 30 carbons.
Representative saturated fatty acids that may be used in this
disclosure include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid,
stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid,
cerotic acid, and mixtures thereof. Representative unsaturated
fatty acids that may be used in this disclosure include myristoleic
acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid,
vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, .alpha.-linolenic acid, arachidonic
acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and
mixtures thereof. Unsaturated fatty acids may be used in either or
both of the cis or trans species.
[0067] The skilled practitioner recognizes that various materials
may be added to the HNP comprising hardness modifier. It is
possible that some of these various additive materials may be a
pulverulent material that may tend to become airborne and be
difficult to distribute evenly in the HNP. Such a pulverulent
material may be available in combination with a carrier such as a
dispersant oil, for example. Although typically the amount of oil
introduced in such systems is small, the skilled practitioner
recognizes that the total amount of oil from all sources in the HNP
typically should be less than about 35 parts per hundred parts HNP
by weight, or less than about 15 parts per hundred parts HNP by
weight, or less than about 10 parts per hundred HNP by weight.
[0068] The skilled practitioner recognizes that the layers, or
pieces, also may include further components such as fillers and/or
additives. Fillers and additives may be used based on any of a
variety of desired characteristics, such as enhancement of physical
properties, UV light resistance, and other properties. For example,
to improve UV light resistance, a light stabilizer is added. Light
stabilizers may include hindered amines, UV stabilizers, or a
mixture thereof.
[0069] Inorganic or organic fillers can be also added to any layer.
Suitable inorganic fillers may include silicate minerals, metal
oxides, metal salts, clays, metal silicates, glass fibers, natural
fibrous minerals, synthetic fibrous minerals or a mixture thereof.
Suitable organic fillers may include carbon black, fullerene and/or
carbon nanotubes, melamine colophony, cellulose fibers, polyamide
fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyester
fibers based on aromatic and/aliphatic dicarboxylic acid esters,
carbon fibers or a mixture thereof. The inorganic and organic
fillers may be used individually or as a mixture thereof. The total
amount of the filler may be from about 0.5 to about 50 percent by
weight of the layer.
[0070] Other density adjusting agents, such as hollow beads that
have a low density, also may be used in selected layers.
[0071] The skilled practitioner recognizes that these additives,
including in particular the density adjusters, affect the
performance properties and characteristics of the layer. Thus, the
amount of any fillers may not exceed that amount that adversely
affects the performance of the golf ball.
[0072] The outermost layer of a golf ball also may include at least
one white pigment to aid in better visibility. The white pigment
may be selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, zinc
oxide, and mixtures thereof.
[0073] With the guidance provided herein, the skilled practitioner
will be able to select additives as may be appropriate for each
layer or piece of the golf ball.
[0074] As a result of the modifier, one or more physical properties
of the polymer mixture may be changed. In particular, the modifier
may affect the hardness. Generally, highly neutralized polymers
have high hardness values. The hardness of a highly neutralized
polymer used in this disclosure may be at least about 40 Shore D,
at least about 50 Shore D, or at least about 60 Shore D. As
discussed above, this high hardness value may prevent the golf ball
from having a soft feel when hit by a golf club, and may also cause
the golf ball to have a less than desirable sound when struck.
[0075] In particular, the highly neutralized polymer used in the
polymer mixture may have a first hardness value. The presence of
the modifier may then change a hardness value of the polymer
mixture from the first value to a second hardness value, where the
second hardness value is different from the first hardness value.
In particular embodiments, the presence of the modifier reduces a
hardness value of the polymer mixture from a first value (that is
the same as the hardness of the highly neutralized polymer) to a
second value that is less than the hardness of the highly
neutralized polymer.
[0076] The difference between the first value and the second value
may generally be any measurable difference in hardness. In various
embodiments, the second value may be at least about 2 Shore D less
than the first value, or at least about 3 Shore D, or at least
about 5 Shore D, or at least about 8 Shore D, or at least about 10
Shore, or at least about 12 Shore D, or at least about 15 Shore D,
or at least about 20 Shore D. Therefore, for example, in an
embodiment where the highly neutralized polymer has a hardness of
about 50 Shore D (i.e., the first value is 50 Shore D), then the
polymer mixture may have hardness of about 48 Shore D, or about 47
Shore D, or about 45 Shore D, or about 42 Shore D, or about 40
Shore D, or about 38 Shore D, or about 35 Shore D, or about 30
Shore D as a result of the modifier.
[0077] This change in hardness may also be expressed as a
proportion. For example, the proportion by which the hardness
changes as a result of the presence of the modifier may be at least
about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 5%,
at least about 8%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, or at
least about 20%.
[0078] As a result of this change in hardness, a golf ball that
includes the polymer mixture may both include highly neutralized
polymer and achieve lower hardness value. This may be especially
conducive to a soft feel and preferable sound in embodiments where
the core (or inner core) is comprised of the polymer mixture.
[0079] However, the inclusion of the modifier may also affect
physical properties of the polymer mixture other than the hardness.
Specifically, the modifier may affect the resilience of the
material, as measured by a COR of the golf ball or golf ball
component made from the polymer mixture. Specifically, the modifier
may reduce the COR. A higher COR is generally preferable, in order
to achieve better energy transfer between a golf club head face and
the golf club during a drive. However, a golf ball with a highly
neutralized polymer core (or inner core) may have a rather high
COR, equal to about 0.84 or more. Therefore, even if the modifier
reduces this COR value, the COR may still be within an acceptable
range. This golf ball including the modifier may accordingly
achieve a soft feel while maintaining a high COR.
[0080] For example, a core or inner core comprised of a highly
neutralized polymer by itself may have a COR value of from about
0.79 to about 0.89, or from about 0.8 to about 0.89. Generally, the
inclusion of the modifier may reduce the COR by at least any
measurable amount. For example, the COR of a core or inner core
comprised of the polymer mixture may have a value that is at most
about 0.01 less than a value of the core or inner core comprised of
the highly neutralized polymer by itself. In other words, a core or
inner core comprised of the highly neutralized polymer by itself
without the modifier may have a first COR value, and a
substantially identical core or inner core comprised of the polymer
mixture may have a second COR value, where the second COR value is
less than the first COR value. In various embodiments, the second
COR value may be at most about 0.05 less than the first COR value,
or at most about 0.10, or at most about 0.15, or at most about
0.20, or at most about 0.25.
[0081] This change in COR may also be expressed as a proportion.
For example, the difference between the first COR value and the
second COR value may be less than about 1%, or less than about 2%,
or less than about 3%, or less than about 5%, or less than about
7%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 12%, or less than
about 15%, or less than about 20%.
[0082] Generally, the change in hardness may be desirable while the
change in COR may be undesirable. Therefore, the proportion by
which the hardness changes may have a relation to the proportion by
which the COR changes. Generally, the proportion by which the
hardness is reduced may be greater than the proportion by which the
COR is reduced. The proportion by which the hardness is reduced may
be referred to as the first proportion, while the proportion by
which the COR is reduced may be referred to as the second
proportion.
[0083] The relationship between the first proportion and the second
proportion may be expressed as a ratio. For example, the ratio of
the first proportion to the second proportion may be greater than
about 2:1, or greater than about 3:1, or greater than about 4:1, or
greater than about 5:1.
[0084] Furthermore, any of the above discussed values of the first
proportion and the second proportion may be exhibited in
combination, depending on the amount of modifier in the polymer
mixture. For example, in one embodiment, the first proportion may
be at least about 10%, and the second proportion may at most about
5%. In another embodiment, the first proportion may be more than 5%
while the second proportion is less than 5%.
[0085] This disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a
golf ball. The method uses the addition of the modifier to the
highly neutralized polymer to control the hardness of the resulting
polymer mixture. This method therefore produces a golf ball having
a desirable hardness value, with only minimal undesirable changes
in other physical properties such as resilience. The features
discussed variously above with respect to the golf ball itself,
such as the composition of various components, modifiers,
additives, etc. and the amounts and effects thereof are equally
applicable to the method disclosed herein.
[0086] The method includes a step of receiving a highly neutralized
polymer. This step encompasses receiving a highly neutralized
polymer precursor, such as an unreacted batch of monomers (and/or
oligomers) and neutralization ion source, that can be reacted to
form a highly neutralized polymer.
[0087] The method next includes a step of changing the hardness of
the highly neutralized polymer by mixing a modifier therewith to
form a polymer mixture. This mixing may occur through
mixing/kneading on a sheeting mill, or through mixing in an
extruder. The materials may be mixed (melt blended) in any suitable
fashion, such as a twin screw extruder, a Banbury type mixer or a
two roll mill. The highly neutralized polymer may be pre-heated
prior to mixing. Alternatively, the highly neutralized polymer may
be polymerized from a precursor and mixed with the modifier
substantially simultaneously.
[0088] As discussed above, the modifier may be selected from the
group consisting of process oils, plasticizers, and blends thereof.
More specifically, the modifier may be selected from the group
consisting of naphthenic process oils, paraffinic process oils,
phthalate esters, trimellitates, adipates, sebacate-based
plasticizer, maleate-based plasticizer, and blends thereof. The
modifier may be present in the polymer mixture in an amount of from
about 11 to about 25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of
highly neutralized polymer, or other amounts as discussed
above.
[0089] The modifier may be present in the polymer mixture of the
method in a sufficient amount such that the modifier reduces a
hardness of the polymer mixture from a first value that is
approximately the same as a hardness of the highly neutralized
polymer to a second value that is less than the hardness of the
highly neutralized polymer. The presence of the modifier may also
reduce a hardness value of the polymer mixture by a first
proportion, and may reduce the COR value of the core by a second
proportion, where the first proportion may be greater than the
second proportion.
[0090] The method also includes a step of forming the polymer
mixture into a core. This step may be done substantially
simultaneously with the step of mixing, and/or with the step of
forming the highly neutralized polymer from a precursor.
Alternatively, the step of forming the core may be done
sequentially after the above discussed steps. The core may be
formed by any process known to be used in golf ball manufacturing,
such as compression molding or injection molding.
[0091] The method also includes a step of forming a cover layer
around the core, such that the cover layer substantially surrounds
the core. The cover layer may be formed in accordance with various
golf ball manufacturing techniques known to a person of ordinary
skill in the art. The method may also include other conventional
golf ball manufacturing steps, such as finishing and clear coating
steps, as may be desired.
EXAMPLES
[0092] The following Tables show various exemplary compositions
that are within the scope of this disclosure. All numbers in the
Tables are given in parts by weight.
[0093] HNP, or a blend of HNPs, is blended with a process oil, a
blend of process oils, or a plasticizer, in the ratios set forth in
the Tables. The resultant products have properties and
characteristics consistent with the disclosure herein.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Component 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Highly
neutralized polymer HPF 2000 80 80 80 40 40 80 90 90 90 45 45 90
HPF AD 1035 40 40 45 45 Modifier - Process Oil Aromatic - Sundex
840 .RTM. 20 10 Naphthenic - Unithene .RTM. 20 20 10 10 Paraffinic
- Sunpar .RTM. 20 20 10 10 Phthalate plasticizer - DINP 20 10
Total: 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Component 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 Highly neutralized polymer HPF 2000 97 97 97 48.5 48.5 97 95 95
95 47.5 47.5 95 HPF AD 1035 48.5 48.5 47.5 47.5 Modifier - Process
Oil Aromatic - Sundex 840 .RTM. 3 5 Naphthenic - Unithene .RTM. 3 3
5 5 Paraffinic - Sunpar .RTM. 3 3 5 5 Phthalate plasticizer - DINP
3 5 Total: 100 100 100 100 100; 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
[0094] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than
limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached
claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and
changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. For
example, different HNPs, different modifiers, or different
proportions of the various components may be used within the scope
of the disclosure.
* * * * *