WO2000048689A1 - Balle de golf multicouche - Google Patents

Balle de golf multicouche Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000048689A1
WO2000048689A1 PCT/US2000/004227 US0004227W WO0048689A1 WO 2000048689 A1 WO2000048689 A1 WO 2000048689A1 US 0004227 W US0004227 W US 0004227W WO 0048689 A1 WO0048689 A1 WO 0048689A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
golf ball
core
approximately
ball according
ball
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/004227
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dean Snell
Benoit Vincent
Hyun Kim
Philippe Renard
Original Assignee
Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc. filed Critical Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.
Priority to JP2000599475A priority Critical patent/JP2002537040A/ja
Publication of WO2000048689A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000048689A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/0038—Intermediate layers, e.g. inner cover, outer core, mantle
    • A63B37/004—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0043—Hardness
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/005—Cores
    • A63B37/006—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0064—Diameter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/005—Cores
    • A63B37/006—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0065—Deflection or compression
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0072—Characteristics of the ball as a whole with a specified number of layers
    • A63B37/0075—Three piece balls, i.e. cover, intermediate layer and core
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0078—Coefficient of restitution
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/008—Diameter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0087—Deflection or compression
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0096—Spin rate

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to golf balls and, more particularly, to multiple-layer golf balls, including at least a core, an intermediate layer, and a cover.
  • the present invention relates to a multiple layer golf ball possessing certain physical properties that result in improved ball performance, including enhanced distance, i.e. , initial velocity, as well as enhanced spin and playability characteristics.
  • golf ball design manufacturers typically have been limited to developing golf balls which are generally categorized as either "distance” balls, characterized by a low spin rate when struck by a driver or other longer, low-lofted club, or “control” balls, characterized by a high spin rate when struck by a short iron, wedge, or other shorter, high-lofted club.
  • distance balls
  • control balls
  • high spin rate when struck by a short iron, wedge, or other shorter, high-lofted club.
  • ionomer resins such as Surlyn * (sold by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company)
  • balata materials have been used for manufacturing balls for the aforementioned two golf ball categories, respectively, and no significantly different new materials have been introduced to create a new performance category.
  • Urethane or elastomers have been introduced in the 1980's and 1990's and they have improved golf ball durability, but they have not solved the "distance or control" dichotomy, i.e. , whereby a ball has either a low spin rate for maximizing distance, or a high spin rate for maximizing control.
  • Soft Surlyns , balatas, and urethanes are well known in the industry for providing a soft feel and a high spin rate, but they are also known to be "dead", non-resilient materials, thereby not providing significant distance.
  • a primary golf ball design feature in developing a distance ball is a low driver spin rate.
  • Low driver spin rates maximize the flight of the ball, with respect to carry and with respect to roll distances. Low spin rates on the driver also reduce the hook or slice spin, making it easier for the average player to keep the ball in the fairway.
  • a soft, low compression core should be used.
  • Golf ball cores are typically made from polybutadiene rubber, and they are compression molded under high heat and pressure. It is very difficult to make a large, low compression core by compression molding. Therefore, a typical golf ball core is made low in compression, but also small in size, and the ball is then given a relatively thick cover.
  • the speed of a distance ball comes from its thick, hard Surlyn * cover, which is resilient, unlike the soft Surlyns * or balatas. The net result is a low compression core, for low driver spin, and a fast resilient cover for speed. Therefore, distance is maximized with spin and speed.
  • Soft, low compression cores are made relatively small in size, as mentioned above, due to a manufacturing limitation. That is, the larger a low compression core is made, the harder it must be made so that, during molding, the core does not expand and blow apart in the press.
  • a two-piece core of distance balls known in the art has a diameter of about 1.500 - 1.510 inches and a PGA compression of about 70-75.
  • Wound balls which typically include a solid or liquid core around which is wound a tensioned elastic thread, covered with an outer layer of either an ionomer resin or balata or an elastomer blend, e.g. , have a softer feel at impact and they have a relatively high spin rate.
  • the compression of a wound core is about 90-100.
  • the thread With wound balls, the thread is stretched to over 700% of its initial length and, subsequently it creates a very lively, fast, high compression core.
  • a high compression core tends to produce high spin, for drivers and long irons, as well as for short irons.
  • the high tension elastic thread also creates very high short game spin because, when the cover is stuck with an iron, the cover begins to stretch and roll on the face. The thread layer below the cover remains stationary, then is pulled in rotation with the cover. Therefore, the thread stretches and snaps into rotation with the cover.
  • United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2,278,609 discloses a multi-layer golf ball which is intended to offer certain advantages of previously known balls employing ionomeric resins, these advantages including improved distance, without sacrificing other advantages of wound or multi-layer balls, such as playability.
  • U.K. Patent Application No. 2,278,609 discloses a ball having an inner cover layer employing a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend and an outer layer employing a soft, very low modulus ionomer/ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,253,871 discloses a multi-layer golf ball intended to have a considerable initial speed, close to that of the faster balls, such as certain two-piece balls, for favorable performance for drives and shots with the long woods, while also having a good feel, enabling good control or playability during short iron play, such as that for the wound balls.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,253,871 discloses a ball having an elastomeric core, a thermoplastic cover, and an intermediate thermoplastic layer composed of at least 10% by weight of an amide block copoly ether.
  • the intermediate layer, or mantle, of the ball of U.S. Patent No. 5,253,871 is protected from cutting and peeling by the cover to provide the ball with a good durability.
  • a relatively wide choice of materials is disclosed for the cover. Among the preferred materials are cited ionomers, amide block copolymers of the type used for the mantle but with greater hardness, ionomer and amide block copolymer compounds, thermoplastic polyurethanes, as well as combinations of these materials.
  • the high acid ionomers were not publicly known.
  • golf balls employing various constructions and compositions are presently known, the initial speed and, therefore, the distance achieved with such golf balls tends to be limited if the spin rate and, thereby, the playability of such balls is not to be negatively affected.
  • spin rate and playability characteristics of golf balls tend to be limited if initial speed and distance are not to be negatively affected by other constructions and compositions. That is, golf balls according to the prior art are known to have either low driver spin rates for distance, but also low short game spin rates, or high short game spin rates for control, but also high driver spin rates.
  • the field of golf ball design still endeavors to produce a golf ball that is characterized by a low driver spin rate, for distance, coupled with a high short game spin rate, for control.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that employs a structure and composition which at least substantially maintains the spin rate and playability characteristics of known golf balls, including those manufactured according to the aforementioned commonly owned patent and applications, while improving upon initial speed and distance.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that employs a structure and composition which at least substantially maintains initial speed and distance of known golf balls, while improving upon spin rate and playability.
  • the golf ball according to the present invention is multi-layered, whereby the core, and the outer intermediate layers have particular physical properties for achieving the aforementioned objects.
  • the intermediate layer includes a thermoplastic copolymer surrounding the core, resulting in an effective core that is relatively large, yet one which is also relatively soft and has a low compression.
  • a thermoplastic copolymer surrounding the core, resulting in an effective core that is relatively large, yet one which is also relatively soft and has a low compression.
  • an inner core having a diameter of about 1.480 inches is covered with a very soft, resilient layer of a thermoplastic copolymer, resulting in an effective core having a relatively large diameter of about 1.580 inches and a relatively low compression, about 65-70 PGA.
  • the effective core comprised of the aforementioned resilient layer molded to the inner core, retains a low compression, the resulting ball tends to produce a low spin, to create a distance golf ball at driver impacts. Furthermore, because of the particular composition of the thermoplastic intermediate layer, which possesses the physical properties of being very soft and very resilient, the ball tends to produce a unexpectedly high spin rate with short iron impacts.
  • the intermediate layer according to the invention is preferably made of a particular combination of relatively flexible thermoplastic polymer and a hardness- enhancing material, such as a relatively rigid ionomer or ionomer blend, which has been found by experimentation to produce superior results regarding both distance and playability .
  • a further object of the present invention is to improve upon the performance of the golf ball construction disclosed in the above-mentioned commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 5,253,871, particularly with regard to the use of a particular composition of the core and mantle, as well as with regard to the use of a particular composition of a cover layer, including cover compositions disclosed in the aforementioned application No. 09/136,845 and particular variations thereof, which have been found by experimentation to provide particularly favorable results according to meeting the objective of both distance and control.
  • an agent for the compatibilization of the polyamide elastomer and the ionomer in the composition for reducing the incidence of cryogenic fractures and delamination at the interface between the ionomer and the polyamide elastomer.
  • an agent for the compatibilization of the polyamide elastomer and the ionomer in the composition for reducing the incidence of cryogenic fractures and delamination at the interface between the ionomer and the polyamide elastomer.
  • thermoplastic elastomer such as an ether block copolymer
  • a remainder including, e.g. , one or more ionomers for enhancing the hardness of the mantle.
  • the present invention contemplates a range of about 50% to 95 % by weight and, more preferably, at least about 69% by weight, preferably 69% to 71 % by weight, of a soft, flexible resin, such as a thermoplastic elastomer and a hardness-enhancing material, including at least one ionomer, such as a Surlyn , or combination of Surlyns * .
  • thermoplastic elastomer greater than 10% were disclosed in variations in U.S. Patent No. 5,253,871, the unavailability of the high-acid ionomers resulted in somewhat lesser ball performance for those variations than for balls made according to the present invention.
  • a multiple-layer golf ball that utilizes, inter alia, an intermediate layer that includes a soft, flexible resin reinforced with at least one hardness- enhancing material.
  • the soft, flexible resin of the intermediate layer according to the invention and as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,012,991 and according to preferred embodiments of this invention, encompass an elastomer, such as an amide block polyether.
  • Peba ⁇ ⁇ 2533 and Peba ⁇ e 3533 are examples of elastomers which are found suitable for the invention, as disclosed in the aforementioned parent applications.
  • Pebax * has the remarkable and probably unique property of increasing in resilience while decreasing in hardness.
  • the hardness-enhancing material can include a quantity of non-continuous fiber elements in the intermediate layer.
  • a "control" ball disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,012,991 was otherwise constructed according to the invention, but the fibrous hardness-enhancing material was replaced with a high-acid ionomer blend.
  • Favorable performance is achieved regarding a relatively low driver spin rate and a relatively high short game spin rate.
  • a further contributor to achieving the performance results of the invention is a relatively large diameter core-intermediate layer, which also includes a relatively low compression.
  • the present invention is directed to achieving a favorably high spin rate for the short game, as well as a favorably low spin rate for the long game. This is achieved according to the invention by employing a core-intermediate layer combination having a relatively low compression and a relatively large diameter.
  • the invention includes a particular range of intermediate layer/core combinations with a particular range of covers to meet the objects of the invention.
  • the core diameter is preferably within the range of about 1.470-1.490 inches and a PGA compression in the range of about 60-85, more preferably about 70-75;
  • the mantle has a diameter in the range of about 1.570-1.600 inches, preferably about 1.570-1.590 inches, and more preferably about 1.577-1.583 inches;
  • the core and mantle have a combined PGA compression in the range of about 60- 85, more preferably about 65-75;
  • the finished ball has a PGA compression in the range of about 70-90, more preferably about 75-85;
  • the cover has a shore D hardness in the range of about 46-69 and, more preferably, one of the following: approximately 48-52, with a target of 51; approximately 54-58, with a target of 56; approximately 60-64, with a target of 62;
  • the cover has a diameter in the range of about 1.680-1.690 inches, more preferably about 1.682-1.687 inches;
  • the complete ball has
  • the present invention is directed to golf balls, including their structures and compositions and, further, including their physical performance results. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-layer golf ball, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown schematically in the drawing figure.
  • the golf ball includes a core 1 , an outer cover 3, and an intermediate layer 2.
  • the intermediate layer or mantle 2 is shown to be immediately beneath the outer layer or cover 3.
  • the invention encompasses, however, an intermediate layer that can be one of a plurality of layers beneath a cover layer.
  • the relative sizes of the diameters and thicknesses of the core, intermediate layer, and cover shown in the figure are intended to be exemplary and non-limiting.
  • the core 1 of the golf ball according to the invention can take any of several known forms.
  • the composition of the core 1 can be made of a polybutadiene elastomer, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,253,871 and 6,012,991, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference thereto for this purpose.
  • the core has a relatively large diameter and, importantly, as mentioned elsewhere, that the combination of core-intermediate layer has a relatively large diameter.
  • the outer diameter of the core should be in the range of approximately 1.470 inches to approximately 1.490 inches, more preferably approximately 1.477-1.483 inches, and still more preferably about 1.480 inches.
  • the density of the core can be comprised between approximately 1 and 1.3 g/cm 3 , more preferably approximately 1.176 - 1.184 g/cm 3 , and still more preferably about 1.180 g/cm 3 .
  • the core 1 is preferably made of a thermoplastic or thermohardenable or vulcanizable elastomer.
  • the core is made of a crosslinked diene elastomer of the polybutadiene cis-1 ,4 type containing a reaction product with zinc oxide and zinc diacrylate.
  • the composition also preferably contains a crosslinking agent such as organic peroxide, for example. Sulfur and/or sulfur derivatives can also be used as cross-linking agents.
  • the shore C hardness of the core is preferably within the range of approximately 75 and 90
  • the PGA compression is within the range of approximately 40 to approximately 90, preferably about 60-85.
  • the PGA compression is approximately 63-77, most preferably about 70, or approximately 68-82, most preferably about 75.
  • the mantle 2 has a thickness of approximately 0.013 inches to approximately 0.070 inches. In more preferred embodiments, the mantle 2 has a thickness of approximately 0.04-0.06 inches, and more preferably approximately 0.05 inches. In any event, the resultant diameter of the mantle is preferably in the range of approximately 1.570 inches to approximately 1.600 inches, more preferably approximately 1.570 to approximately 1.590 inches, more preferably approximately 1.577 inches to approximately 1.583 inches and, most preferably about 1.580 inches.
  • the mantle layer is comprised of a soft, flexible resin, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably having a weight percent within the range of about 50% to 95 % , more preferably, at least about 69% and, most preferably, about 69% to 71 % .
  • the remainder of the composition of the mantle includes a hardness-enhancing material, such as at least one ionomer, such as a
  • the combination of the mantle and core according to the invention produce an "effective core" that is relatively large, yet one which is also relatively soft and has a low compression.
  • an inner core having a diameter of about 1.480 inches is covered with a very soft, resilient layer of a thermoplastic blend, resulting in an effective core having a relatively large diameter of about 1.580 inches and a relatively low compression, about 65-70 PGA.
  • the effective core comprised of the aforementioned resilient layer molded to the inner core, retains a low compression, the resulting ball tends to produce a low spin, to create a distance golf ball at driver impacts. Furthermore, because of the particular composition of the resilient mantle layer, which possesses the physical properties of being very soft and very resilient, the ball tends to produce unexpectedly high spin rates with short iron impacts. Further, because of the relatively large size of the effective core, i.e. , the mantle layer/core combination and, consequently, the relative thinness of the cover layer of the invention, the ability to achieve high spin rates is enhanced, particularly with regard to known balls which employ thicker hard Surly n covers.
  • the high loft of the iron blade particularly that of the shorter irons, stretches the cover of the ball at impact to initiate backspin.
  • the resilient mantle layer of the ball of the invention also stretches and then snaps in the same direction as the cover to produce even more spin. This produces a new level of stopping power, even on firm greens, in contrast to known balls.
  • the low-lofted club face particularly that of the driver and longer clubs, compresses both the cover and the mantle layer.
  • that of the mantle layer of the ball of the invention is very resilient, quickly rebounding back to its original shape, transferring maximum energy into the core and exploding off the club face with reduced spin for longer, straighter drives.
  • the cover can comprise any of those according to one or more of the compositions disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 08/915,081 and 09/136,845, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference for the purpose of disclosing such compositions.
  • the outer surface of the ball according to the invention has a dimple pattern such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,201,522, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto, although other such dimple patterns are also contemplated.
  • the cover composition is the following: Pebax " 2533: 40 parts per hundred Surlyn * 6120: 60 parts per hundred Lotader * AX8900: 5 parts per hundred
  • Pebax * 2533 identifies an amide block polyether having a hardness of 25 shore D
  • Surly n 6120 identifies a high acid ionomer resin sold by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company, and having the following characteristics and properties:
  • Lotader * AX8900 identifies a terpolymer of ethylene, n-butyl aery late, and glycidyl methacrylate produced by Elf-Atochem Co.
  • the cover composition is the following:
  • Pebax 20 parts per hundred Surlyn * 6120: 80 parts per hundred Lotader * AX8900: 2.5 parts per hundred
  • the cover composition is the following:
  • Pebax * 2533 30 parts per hundred Surlyn 6120: 70 parts per hundred Lotader ' AX8900: 2.5 parts per hundred
  • the composition of the intermediate layer is the following:
  • Pebax * 3533 identifies an amide block polyether having a hardness of about 35 shore D (according to ASTM D-2240), a Flexural Modulus of 2.8 kpsi (according to ASTM D-790), and a Bayshore resilience of about 59% (according to ASTM D-2632).
  • the cores for Ball 1 , Ball 2, and Ball 3 are essentially the same, being made of a polybutadiene rubber.
  • the PGA compression of the core of Ball 1 is about 70, +/- 7, whereas that of Balls 2 and 3 is about 75, +1- 1.
  • composition of Ball 1 is similar to the control ball disclosed in Table 2 of parent U.S. Patent No. 6,012,991.
  • the data appearing in the tables of Ball 1, Ball 2, and Ball 3 represent trials conducted on a minimum of 12 golf balls.
  • the values for the coefficient of restitution were obtained by using an air cannon, according to conventional techniques.
  • the performance data for the balls in the tables i.e., the driver spin rate and the 8-iron spin rate, was obtained with the use of a Golf Labs, Inc. swing robot, as mentioned in parent application No. 09/136,845, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference thereto for this purpose.
  • the robot was set-up for Pinnacle * Gold * , a 9° average launch angle, 160 mph ball speed, and a backspin of 3000 rpm, with a 7° titanium driver at a 110 mph head speed.
  • the robot was set-up for Titleist * Tour Balata ® , a 19°-20° launch angle, 110 mph ball speed, and a backspin of 9000 rpm, with an 8- iron at a 90 mph head speed.
  • the driver spin rate is relatively low, facilitating distance
  • the 8-iron spin rate is relatively high, facilitating control for the short game.
  • the spin rate for the driver for the three balls is about 2950 rpm, 3100 rpm, and 3200 rpm for Balls 2, 3, and 1, respectively.
  • the spin rate for the three balls is about 8000 rpm, 8200 rpm, and 8400 rpm for Balls 2, 3, and 1 , respectively.
  • all three balls have an identical mantle layer composition, including 70 wt% of Pebax , the remainder a blend of high-acid ionomers.
  • a wider range such as 50 wt% to 95 wt%, as mentioned above, it has been found that about 70 wt% of Pebax * in the mantle layer enables the ball to achieve 8-iron spin rates in the range of about 7900-8500 rpm, depending upon, e.g. , the cover composition selected.
  • the range of about 7900-8500 rpm, in a controlled set-up, is found to be ideal for most players.
  • Pebax * 1205 has a hardness of about 40-45 shore D and, with an equivalent proportion in the mantle layer, the ball would produce less spin. Therefore, if Pebax * 1205 were to be used, the proportion in the mantle layer would be changed accordingly to meet the desired performance.
  • the cover layer of Ball 2 includes 20 pph (parts per hundred) of Pebax * 2533 and 80 pph of the hardness-enhancing agent (Surlyn * 6120), resulting in an 8-iron spin rate of about 8000 rpm and a driver spin rate of about 2950 rpm.
  • the resulting spin rates are caused to increase, yet both still remain advantageous.
  • the proportion of Pebax * in the cover layer of Ball 3 is increased to 30 pph and the proportion of Surlyn * is decreased to 70 pph, resulting in an 8-iron spin rate of about 8200 rpm and a driver spin rate of about 3100 rpm.
  • the proportion of Pebax * in the cover layer is increased to 40 pph and the proportion of Surlyn * is decreased to 60 pph, resulting in an 8-iron spin rate of about 8400 rpm and a driver spin rate of about 3200 rpm.
  • the 20, 30, and 40 pph of Pebax * in the cover layer are designed to give a desired cover hardness for better players, namely, 50-55 shore D hardness for the 40 pph Pebax * , to 60-65 pph shore D hardness for the 20 pph Pebax * .
  • the 30 pph Pebax * composition creates a feel for the player between the other two ball types, and contrasts with most of the balls currently used by better players.
  • balls of different levels of spin performance and different levels of feel are possible. Some players prefer a softer feel, while some players prefer a harder feel.
  • balls which have a relatively high 8-iron spin rate of equal to or greater than about 7900 rpm, preferably within the range of about 7900-8500 rpm, yet which have a driver spin rate of equal to or less than about 3400 rpm, preferably equal to or less than 3200 rpm, and according to certain preferred embodiments, as low as about 2950 rpm.
  • the core diameter is preferably within the range of about 1.470-1.490 inches and a PGA compression in the range of about 60-85, more preferably about 70-75;
  • the mantle has a diameter in the range of about 1.570-1.600 inches, more preferably about 1.570-1.590 inches, and more preferably about 1.577-1.583 inches;
  • the core and mantle have a combined PGA compression in the range of about 60- 85, more preferably about 65-75;
  • the finished ball has a PGA compression in the range of about 70-90, more preferably about 75-85;
  • the cover has a shore D hardness in the range of about 46-69 and, more preferably, one of the following: approximately 48-52, with a target of 51; approximately 54-58, with a target of 56; approximately 60-64, with a target of 62;
  • the cover has a diameter in the range of about 1.680-1.690 inches
  • the hardness-enhancing material can include a quantity of non-continuous fiber elements in the intermediate layer, mixed with a quantity of elastomer, such as the aforementioned Pebax * materials.
  • the fiber elements can be the only hardness-enhancing material, or a quantity of an ionomer, such as one of the Surlyns * can also be added.
  • the effective core i.e., the combined core and mantle of the balls according to U.S. Patent No. 6.012,991 is relatively large, relatively soft, and has a relatively low compression.
  • the effective core has a diameter of about 1.580 inches and a PGA compression about 65-70.
  • the resulting ball tends to produce a low spin at driver impacts, thereby enhancing the distance achieved.
  • the particular composition of the resilient layer which possesses the physical properties of being very soft and very resilient, the ball tends to produce a unexpectedly high spin rate with short iron impacts.
  • the driver and 8-iron spin rates are advantageous, although the latter is designed to be somewhat higher than those of Ball 1, Ball 2, and Ball 3, above, i.e., higher than about 8500 rpm, although one example (CF-20, Table 1) is within the range of the Balls 1, 2, and 3, i.e., at 8540 rpm.
  • the driver spin rates are also designed to be somewhat higher than those of Ball 1, Ball 2, and Ball 3, above, i.e. , higher than about 3400 rpm, although the aforementioned example (CF-20) is within the range of the Balls 1 , 2, and 3, i.e. , at 3335 rpm.
  • control ball in Table 2 having 70 wt % Pebax * in the mantle layer, is within the range of the Balls 1 , 2, and 3, above, having an 8-iron spin rate of 8500 rpm and a driver spin rate of 3400 rpm.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne une balle de golf multicouche caractérisée par une faible vitesse de rotation pour gagner de la distance au driving, et par une vitesse de rotation élevée pour favoriser le contrôle au petit jeu. Le noyau (1), la couche intermédiaire (2) et l'enveloppe (3) possèdent des propriétés physiques particulières permettant d'obtenir les objectifs mentionnés ci-dessus. D'une manière plus spécifique, la couche intermédiaire (2) comprend un copolymère thermoplastique entourant le noyau (1), d'où un noyau efficace relativement grand mais également relativement tendre et à faible compression. La balle de golf de l'invention possède un noyau efficace au diamètre relativement grand d'environ 1,580 pouces, et une compression PGA relativement faible, d'environ 65-70.
PCT/US2000/004227 1999-02-18 2000-02-18 Balle de golf multicouche WO2000048689A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000599475A JP2002537040A (ja) 1999-02-18 2000-02-18 多層ゴルフボール

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12059099P 1999-02-18 1999-02-18
US60/120,590 1999-02-18

Publications (1)

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WO2000048689A1 true WO2000048689A1 (fr) 2000-08-24

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Family Applications (1)

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PCT/US2000/004227 WO2000048689A1 (fr) 1999-02-18 2000-02-18 Balle de golf multicouche

Country Status (2)

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JP (1) JP2002537040A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000048689A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8758129B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2014-06-24 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming in which symbol reels selectively rotate in less than a full rotation

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5289742B2 (ja) * 2006-08-31 2013-09-11 アクシュネット カンパニー 内側カバーが厚い多層ゴルフボール
US20140357412A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Nike, Inc. Thermoplastic multi-layer golf ball
US9242148B2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2016-01-26 Nike, Inc. Thermoplastic multi-layer golf ball

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5253871A (en) * 1990-08-22 1993-10-19 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf ball
US5779562A (en) * 1993-06-01 1998-07-14 Melvin; Terrence Multi-core, multi-cover golf ball
US5820487A (en) * 1996-03-29 1998-10-13 Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Three-piece solid golf ball
US5929189A (en) * 1996-04-03 1999-07-27 Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Golf ball

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5253871A (en) * 1990-08-22 1993-10-19 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. Golf ball
US5779562A (en) * 1993-06-01 1998-07-14 Melvin; Terrence Multi-core, multi-cover golf ball
US5820487A (en) * 1996-03-29 1998-10-13 Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Three-piece solid golf ball
US5929189A (en) * 1996-04-03 1999-07-27 Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Golf ball

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8758129B2 (en) 2010-10-06 2014-06-24 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming in which symbol reels selectively rotate in less than a full rotation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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