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

• US 8,454,455 B2
• Filed: 08/06/2012
• Issued: 06/04/2013
• 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:
  US13/567,148
• Publication Number:
  US 20120295737A1
• Time in Patent Office: 302 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 increases 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 increases toward the moisture barrier layer; and

wherein two core layers have specific gravities that are within about 5% of each other and one core layer has a specific gravity that differs from the specific gravities of the two core layers by greater than about 5%.

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

the center hardness is no greater than about 50 Shore C;

the inner core hardness is greater than about 50 Shore C;

the outer core hardness is greater than about 65 Shore C;

or

a combination thereof.

3. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, wherein the vapor barrier layer comprises a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.6 grams·

mm/m²·

day.

4. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, wherein the vapor barrier layer comprises a thickness of not more than 0.020 inch.

5. The multilayer golf ball of claim 1, wherein the vapor barrier layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomeric binder and a particulate material wherein the ratio of binder to particulate is from about 0.8:

1.2 to about 1.2;

0.80.

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

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