Multi-layered golf balls having a thin outer cover
AssigneeAcushnet Company
InventorsMark L. Binette, Matthew F. Hogge, Michael J. Sullivan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multi-layered golf balls having an inner core, at least one intermediate layer, and outer cover are provided. The outer cover is made from am ultra-low melt index (ULMI) thermoplastic material using an in-molding coating process that involves applying a thin layer of the material to the interior surface of the cover mold members. Preferably, the ultra-low melt index material is a highly neutralized ionomer ethylene-based copolymer. The cover layers made from these highly neutralized polymers (HNPs) are thin and uniform and provide the golf ball with good playing performance properties. Yet, the cover layers also are tough and provide the golf ball with good impact durability.
Claims20
A method for molding a multi-layered golf ball, comprising the steps of:
- coating a powder composition comprising an ultra-low melt index thermoplastic polymer to interior surfaces of upper and lower mold members, the upper and lower mold members defining a mold cavity;
- placing a golf ball subassembly comprising a core of at least one layer into the mold cavity;
- applying heat and pressure to the mold members so the powder composition fuses and encapsulates the subassembly and forms a cover of at least one layer comprising the ultra-low melt index thermoplastic polymer;
- and
- removing the molded, multi-layered golf ball from the mold cavity.
A method for molding a multi-layered golf ball, comprising the steps of:
- coating a first powder composition comprising a first ultra-low melt index thermoplastic polymer onto interior surfaces of upper and lower mold members, the upper and lower mold members defining a mold cavity, to form a first powdered layer;
- coating a second powder composition comprising a second ultra-low melt index thermoplastic polymer over the first powdered layer to form a second powdered layer;
- placing a golf ball subassembly comprising a core of at least one layer into the mold cavity;
- applying heat and pressure to the mold members so the first and second powdered layers fuse together and encapsulate the subassembly and forms a cover of at least one layer comprising a blend of the first and second ultra-low melt index thermoplastic polymers;
- and
- removing the molded, multi-layered golf ball from the mold cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.