Golf balls having layers made of silicone elastomers
OwnerMichael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette +1inventors
InventorsMichael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a foamed silicone composition are provided. Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of non-foamed silicone elastomer composition also are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core and cover structures can be made. The foamed silicones have good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The non-foamed silicone elastomers have high elongation, tensile strength, chemical/fluid-resistance, and weatherability properties. These compositions can be used to form any layer, for example, core, intermediate, or cover, in the golf ball.
Claims8
A golf ball, comprising:
- i) an inner core layer comprising a thermoplastic composition, the inner core layer having a diameter in the range of about 0.100 to about 1.100 inches, and an outer surface hardness (Hinner core surface) and a center hardness (Hinner core center), the Hinner core surface being greater than the Hinner core center to provide a positive hardness gradient;
- ii) an intermediate core layer comprising a silicone elastomer composition, wherein the silicone elastomer composition is made from at least one heterobifunctional macromer, the intermediate layer being disposed about the inner core and having a thickness in the range of about 0.050 to about 0.400 inches, and an outer surface hardness (Houter surface of IC) and a midpoint hardness (Hmidpoint of IC), the Houter surface of IC being greater than the H provide a midpoint of IC to positive hardness gradient;
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- iii) an outer core layer comprising a thermoplastic composition, the outer core layer being disposed about the intermediate core layer and having a thickness in the range of about 0.200 to about 0.750 inches, and an outer surface hardness (Houter surface of OC) and an inner surface hardness (Hinner surface of OC), the Houter surface of OC being the same or less than the Hinner surface of OC to provide a zero or negative hardness gradient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.