US 2003/0157996 A1 · Molding processes and apparatuses for forming golf balls

Abstract

Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A molding apparatus for forming a golf ball defining a plurality of dimples along its outer surface and at least two deep dimples accessible from said outer surface, said molding apparatus comprising:

a first mold half defining a hemispherical first mold surface;
a second mold half defining a hemispherical second mold surface, said first and said second mold surfaces having a plurality of raised regions that form dimples along said outer surface of said golf ball;
and
wherein said first mold surface and said second mold surface each include at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms said at least one deep dimple along said outer surface of said golf ball, said outwardly extending protrusion having a height at least twice that of the height of any of said plurality of raised regions.

1 more element

A molding apparatus adapted for forming a golf ball core or intermediate ball assembly having at least two recessed regions defined along an outer surface of said golf ball core or intermediate ball assembly, said molding apparatus comprising:

a first mold defining (i) a generally flat first mating surface, (ii) a first concave hemispherical molding surface, and (iii) at least two projections located along a circular edge extending between said first mating surface and said first molding surface;
a second mold defining (i) a generally flat second mating surface, (ii) a second concave hemispherical molding surface, and (iii) at least two projections located along a circular edge extending between said second mating surface and said second molding surface;
said first and second molds adapted to be placed in a molding configuration in which said first mating surface contacts said second mating surface, and said first molding surface and said second molding surface are aligned with each other to form a generally spherical molding chamber, said at least two projections of said first mold also being aligned with said at least two projections of said second mold which together, serve to form said at least two recessed regions defined along an outer surface of said golf ball core or intermediate ball assembly when such core or assembly is formed in said molding apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Molding processes and apparatuses for forming golf balls

Life of this patent

Molding processes and apparatuses for forming golf balls

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20