Multi-layer core golf ball

• US 7,867,107 B2
• Filed: 05/15/2009
• Issued: 01/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Dalton, Jeffrey L., Morgan, William E., Sullivan, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GORDEN, RAEANN
• Application Number:
  US12/466,421
• Publication Number:
  US 20090312122A1
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 473/376, 473/373, 473/374
• US Class Current: 473/376
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0043 Hardness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0045 Thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0046 Deflection or compression
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0047 Density; Specific gravity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/00621 Centre hardness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/00622 Surface hardness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0064 Diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0065 Deflection or compression
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0066 Density; Specific gravity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0076 Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers

Abstract

Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer.

Claims

1. A golf ball comprising:

a core having an overall diameter of from 1.40 inches to 1.60 inches and consisting of;

a center formed from an ionomeric composition and having a diameter of from 0.250 inches to 0.500 inches, a surface hardness of from 80 Shore C to 90 Shore C, and a specific gravity of less than 1.00 g/cc;

an intermediate core layer formed from a rubber composition and having a thickness of from 0.300 inches to 0.500 inches and a surface hardness of less than 70 Shore C; and

an outer core layer formed from a rubber composition and having a thickness of from 0.100 inches to 0.400 inches and a surface hardness of 80 Shore C or greater; and

a cover.

2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the center has a diameter of from 0.250 inches to 0.350 inches.

3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the center has a surface hardness of 85 Shore C or greater.

4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the intermediate core layer has a thickness of from 0.350 inches to 0.450 inches and the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.150 inches to 0.300 inches.

5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a subassembly consisting of the center and the intermediate core layer has a compression of 55 or less.

6. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein the core has an overall compression of from 60 to 100.

7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer.

8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover consists of:

an inner cover layer formed from a partially or fully neutralized polymer composition and having a surface hardness of 65 Shore D or greater and a thickness of from 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches; and

an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition and having a material hardness of 50 Shore D or less and a thickness of from 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches.