Hollow layered golf ball

• US 6,773,363 B2
• Filed: 05/10/2002
• Issued: 08/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Sullivan, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gorden, Raeann
• Application Number:
  US10/143,208
• Publication Number:
  US 20020132684A1
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 473/355, 473/375, 473/377, 473/358, 473/373, 473/374
• US Class Current: 473/355
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0003 Golf balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0009 Polygonal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0055 with non-spherical insert(s)
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0056 Hollow; Gas-filled
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0076 Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0097 Layers interlocking by means of protrusions or inserts, lattices or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/02 Special cores balls with finger holes A63B37/0001, golf ball cores A63B37/005
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 45/00 Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls working of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29

Abstract

A golf ball having an improved core that comprises solid projections to produce a partially hollow core that is sectioned into hollow pockets separated by solid walls, thereby providing a durable core that has a reduced specific gravity. The projections being flexible to allow the core to deform upon impact without fracturing or failing in use. The volume occupied by the projections is less than the volume of the voided areas.

Partially hollow layers formed by projections that create compartments between layers. At least one hollow layer placed between the core and cover will reduce the specific gravity and allow for an increased amount of perimeter weighing.

Claims

1. A golf ball comprising:

a core having a plurality of equilaterally spaced struts extending radially outward;

a partially hollow outer core layer molded over the core;

a plurality of hollow compartments defined by the core, struts and partially hollow outer core layer;

the partially hollow outer core comprising;

a pair of hemispherical shells,

each shell comprised of a male and a female half shell,

the male half shell having a plurality of elongated protruding members,

the female half shell having a plurality of ribs, each rib including elongated channel therein, the channels of a size and configuration for friction fitting with the protruding members of the male half shell,

a plurality of hollow passages defined by the ribs, and the unification of the male and female half shells; and

at least one cover layer disposed around the outer core layer.

2. A hollow golf ball comprising:

a partially hollow core comprising;

a center portion,

a plurality of non-spherically equidistantly spaced supports extending outwardly from the center portion,

a core layer molded about the center portion and supports,

a plurality of hollow cavities defined by the center portion, supports and core layer; and

the core layer having a plurality of equilaterally spaced struts extending radially outward;

an outer core layer molded over the core;

a plurality of hollow compartments defined by the core layer, the outer core layer, and the struts; and

at least one cover layer disposed around the outer core layer.

3. The golf ball according to claim 2, wherein the outer core layer is a partially hollow layer comprising:

a pair of hemispherical shells;

each shell comprised of a male and a female half shell;

the male half shell having a plurality of elongated protruding members;

the female half shell having a plurality ribs, each rib including an elongated channel therein, the channels of a size and configuration for friction fitting with the protruding members of the male half shell; and

a plurality of hollow passages defines by the ribs, and the unification of the male and female half shells.

4. The golf ball according to claim 2, wherein the cover layer is a thermosetting material.

5. The golf ball according to claim 2, wherein the cover layer is a thermoplastic material.