Multilayer golf ball containing at least three core layers, at least one intermediate barrier layer, and at least one cover layer

• US 8,251,839 B2
• Filed: 04/11/2011
• Issued: 08/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Cavallaro, Christopher
• Primary Examiner(s): Gorden, Raeann
• Application Number:
  US13/084,044
• Publication Number:
  US 20110190076A1
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 473/376
• 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 37/004 Physical properties
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0043 Hardness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0045 Thickness
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0052 Liquid cores
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0063 Hardness gradient
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0064 Diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0076 Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0078 Coefficient of restitution
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0087 Deflection or compression
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/12 Special coverings , i.e. outer layer material balls with finger holes A63B37/0001, golf ball covers A63B37/0023
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 81/04 Polysulfides

Abstract

The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls having at least three core layers, at least one cover layer, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer that acts as a vapor barrier. Advantageously, the at least three core layers have a hardness gradient that either increases or decreases toward the at least one intermediate vapor barrier layer.

Claims

1. A multilayer golf ball comprising:

at least three core layers comprising a center, an inner core layer, and an outer core layer;

at least one cover layer; and

at least one vapor barrier layer intermediate between the outer core layer and the at least one cover layer and exhibiting a moisture vapor transmission rate less than that of the cover layer

wherein the center, the inner core layer, and the outer core layer exhibit a hardness gradient that decreases toward the moisture vapor barrier layer; and

wherein the center has a specific gravity that is within about 5% of a specific gravity of the inner core layer and a specific gravity of the outer core layer.

2. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, wherein:

the center hardness is no greater than about 60 Shore C;

the inner core hardness is less than about 60 Shore C;

the outer core hardness is less than about 50 Shore C;

or

a combination thereof.

3. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover layer comprises a thermoset or thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea having a hardness from about 25 to about 65 Shore D and exhibiting a flexural modulus of at least about 2,000 psi.

4. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, which exhibits at least one of the following:

an Atti compression of less than about 110;

a coefficient of restitution of at least about 0.790;

a deflection under a load of about 100 kg of at least about 1.5 mm;

a cover surface having from about 250 to about 450 dimples;

or a combination thereof.

5. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover layer comprises a thermoset or thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea having a hardness from about 25 to about 65 Shore D and exhibiting a flexural modulus of at least about 2,000 psi.