Method for forming polyurethane covers for golf balls using foam compositions
AssigneeAcushnet Company
InventorsShawn Ricci, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods for producing molded golf balls and the resultant balls. The methods of this invention involve producing foamed polyurethane covers and these methods help reduce dimple distortions and other surface imperfections. These golf balls contain an inner core and outer foamed polyurethane cover. One or more intermediate layers can be disposed between the core and cover. In one embodiment, a castable liquid polyurethane composition containing a foaming agent is dispensed into mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form a foam cover for the ball.
Claims9
A golf ball comprising:
- a core;
- an inner cover layer disposed about the core;
- and
- an outer cover layer disposed about the inner cover layer, wherein the outer cover layer is formed from a foamed polyurethane composition comprising from 0.25 wt % to 3.25 wt % of a foaming agent, based on the weight of the polyurethane composition, and has a thickness of 0.008 inches or less, a specific gravity of from about 0.90 to about 1.20, and a Shear Durability Rating of 4.00 or greater.
A golf ball comprising:
- a core;
- an inner cover layer disposed about the core, wherein the inner cover layer is formed from a non-foamed thermoplastic composition and has a midpoint hardness in the range of about 55 Shore D to about 75 Shore D;
- and
- an outer cover layer disposed about the inner cover layer, wherein the outer cover layer is formed from a foamed polyurethane composition comprising from 0.25 wt % to 3.25 wt % of a foaming agent, based on the weight of the polyurethane composition, and has an outer surface hardness of from about 15 Shore D to about 60 Shore D, a thickness of 0.008 inches or less, a specific gravity of from about 0.90 to about 1.20, and a Shear Durability Rating of 4.00 or greater.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.