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Methods for making multi-layer golf balls using rigid uncrosslinked shells

  • US 6,093,357 A
  • Filed: 03/26/1998
  • Issued: 07/25/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/26/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of forming at least a portion of a golf ball core which comprises:

  • mixing a resilient polymer component, a free-radical initiator, a crosslinking agent, and a sufficient amount of a reinforcing polymer component to provide an uncrosslinked first mixture having a rigidity as determined by a flexural modulus greater than about 3.5 MPa;

    forming the first mixture into at least two shells in a desired shape, wherein the reinforcing polymer component imparts the rigidity to the shells to maintain the desired shape until the first mixture is crosslinked;

    providing a center having a first geometric center;

    assembling the at least two shells concentrically about the center to form a first mantle layer having a second desired shape, wherein the first mantle layer and center together form an uncured golf ball core; and

    applying sufficient heat and pressure to the uncured golf ball core for a time sufficient to crosslink the first mixture in the shells, thereby curing and forming the at least a portion of the golf ball core so as to adjust a loss tangent of the crosslinked first mixture to less than about 0.15 at -60°

    C. and less than about 0.05 at 30°

    C., and adjust the tensile storage modulus of the crosslinked first mixture to greater than about 100 MPa at -60°

    C. and greater than about 50 MPa at 30°

    C., each when measured at 1 Hz and one percent strain.

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