Multi-layer core golf ball

• US 7,988,569 B2
• Filed: 01/27/2010
• Issued: 08/02/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Sullivan, Michael J., Ladd, Derek A.
• Primary Examiner(s): GORDEN, RAEANN
• Application Number:
  US12/694,644
• Publication Number:
  US 20100130309A1
• Time in Patent Office: 552 Days
• Field of Search: 473/376, 473/373, 473/374
• US Class Current: 473/376
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0003 Golf balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0031 Hardness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0033 Thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0035 Density; Specific gravity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0043 Hardness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0045 Thickness
• 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 37/0063 Hardness gradient
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0087 Deflection or compression
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0092 Hardness distribution amongst different ball layers

Abstract

Golf balls having a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core contains a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is thin relative to the center and outer core layer. In one embodiment, the relatively hard intermediate core layer has a surface hardness of 80 to 90 Shore C which is greater than the center hardness and surface hardness of the outer core layer. In another embodiment, the cover includes an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D.

Claims

1. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has an overall diameter of from 1.40 inches to 1.60 inches and consists of:

a center having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches and a center hardness (H) of from 20 Shore C to 70 Shore C;

an intermediate core layer having a surface hardness (I) of from 70 Shore D to 80 Shore D; and

an outer core layer having a surface hardness (S) of from 20 Shore C to 70 Shore C;

wherein H<

I and S<

I; and

wherein the cover is a two-layered cover including an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater, and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D.

2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the center has a diameter of from 0.75 inches to 1.50 inches.

3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.01inches to 0.15 inches.

4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.03inches to 0.07 inches.

5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the center hardness (H) is from 35 Shore C to 70Shore C.

6. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein the center hardness (H) is from 55 Shore C to 60Shore C.

7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer cover has a surface hardness (S) of from 35 Shore C to 60 Shore D.

8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the center is formed from a first rubber composition, the intermediate layer is formed from a second rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a third rubber composition.

9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the center, the intermediate layer, and the outer core layer each have a specific gravity of from 1.05 g/cc to 1.25 g/cc.

10. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has an overall diameter of from 1.40 inches to 1.60 inches and consists of:

a center having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches and a center hardness (H) of at least 70 Shore C;

an intermediate core layer having a surface hardness (I) of from 70 Shore D to 80 Shore D; and

an outer core layer having a surface hardness (S) of at least 70 Shore C;

wherein H<

I and S<

I, wherein the center, the intermediate layer, and the outer core layer each has a specific gravity of from 1.05 g/cc to 1.25 g/cc.