Golf balls having a multi-layered core with a thermoset rubber center
First Claim
1. A golf ball consisting essentially of:
- an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a diameter of 1.100 inches to 1.400 inches, a center hardness (Hcenter material) of 50 Shore C or greater, and an outer surface hardness (Hcenter surface) of 65 Shore C or greater, wherein the Hcenter surface is greater than the Hcenter material to provide a positive hardness gradient;
an intermediate core layer formed from a thermoset or thermoplastic composition having a material hardness (Hintermediate core material) of 83 Shore C or greater and an outer surface hardness (Hintermediate core surface) of 85 Shore C or greater;
an outer core layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition and having a material hardness (Houter core material) of 70 Shore C or greater and an outer surface hardness (Houter core surface) of 70 Shore C or greater;
an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition having a material hardness (Hinner cover material) of 80 Shore C to 95 Shore C, the thermoplastic composition comprising an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer, wherein Hintermediate core material is greater than Hinner cover material; and
an outer cover layer formed from a composition comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyureas, and copolymers and blends thereof.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. The center of the core is made of a thermoset rubber material and preferably has a positive hardness gradient. The intermediate core layer is made of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition. The outer core layer is made of a highly neutralized polymer composition. The inner cover is made of a thermoplastic composition, preferably an ethylene acid copolymer. The thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer ionomer can have acid groups that are partially or highly neutralized. The outer cover is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. The finished ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties.
30 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A golf ball consisting essentially of:
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an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a diameter of 1.100 inches to 1.400 inches, a center hardness (Hcenter material) of 50 Shore C or greater, and an outer surface hardness (Hcenter surface) of 65 Shore C or greater, wherein the Hcenter surface is greater than the Hcenter material to provide a positive hardness gradient; an intermediate core layer formed from a thermoset or thermoplastic composition having a material hardness (Hintermediate core material) of 83 Shore C or greater and an outer surface hardness (Hintermediate core surface) of 85 Shore C or greater; an outer core layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition and having a material hardness (Houter core material) of 70 Shore C or greater and an outer surface hardness (Houter core surface) of 70 Shore C or greater; an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition having a material hardness (Hinner cover material) of 80 Shore C to 95 Shore C, the thermoplastic composition comprising an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer, wherein Hintermediate core material is greater than Hinner cover material; and an outer cover layer formed from a composition comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyureas, and copolymers and blends thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification