Golf ball with fluorescent cover

• US 4,798,386 A
• Filed: 02/11/1988
• Issued: 01/17/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Acushnet Company (FILA Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Berard, Raymond A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marlo, George J.
• Application Number:
  US07/154,533
• Time in Patent Office: 341 Days
• Field of Search: 273/235 R, 273/235 A, 273/235 B, 273/218, 273/DIG. 24, 273/DIG. 22, 273/219, 273/233, 273/234, 273/62, 273/14, 40/327
• US Class Current: 473/374
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0003 Golf balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/00221 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0024 Materials other than ionomers or polyurethane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0074 Two piece balls, i.e. cover and core
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/06 with illuminating devices ; with reflective surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 45/02 Marking of balls
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 273/14 Transparent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 273/22 Ionomer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 273/24 Luminescent, phosphorescent

Abstract

An improved colored golf ball is disclosed. The golf ball is made with a fluorescent coloring. In order to improve durability and give very pleasing aesthetics, the fluorescent coloring is blended into the cover stock. The name and/or number preferably are stamped directly onto the core for surprisingly superior durability. The cover stock can suitably be a clear ionomer resin and for highest gloss a clear final coating can be applied. If the name or trademark is stamped directly onto the core, it is visible through the clear cover. A UV stabilizer may be included. If a dye is used, it is preferred that it be 0.01-0.4% by weight of the cover and if a pigment is used the preferred range is 0.5-6% by weight of the cover.

Claims

1. A golf ball comprising a core and a fluorescent cover, said cover having a fluorescent material admixed therein, said fluorescent material being selected from the group consisting of 2.0 to 6.0% by weight of the cover of fluorescent pigments and 0.04 to 0.4% by weight of the cover of fluorescent dyes, the outermost surface of said golf ball having a transparent coat on the outer surface of said fluorescent cover, said golf ball having greater appearance durability than it would otherwise have in the absence of said fluorescent material, and higher gloss than it would otherwise have without said transparent coating.

2. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the fluorescent material is a fluorescent dye.

3. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the fluorescent material is a fluorescent pigment.

4. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the cover is composed of an ionomer resin.

5. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the cover includes an ultraviolet light stabilizer.