Gel matrix golf ball

Abstract

The present invention is directed to the use of gel material in a golf ball. In one aspect of the invention discrete gel particles form an integral structural and functional role in the hard-cover, mantle or core elements of a golf ball to provide an additional ways of varying the playability properties of a golf ball. In one embodiment the invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a mantle dispersed with discrete voids filled with gel to provide a heterogeneous mixture of at least one gel material and at least one non-gel material. In another embodiment of the invention 10 parts of ground down silica gel material, 50 parts Iotek® 1002, 50 parts Iotek® 1003, and 0.025 parts UM Blue to provide a composite mantle. In this embodiment the degree of measured compression (and good guide to deformability and initial spin rate when struck by a golf club) is increased with a commitment decrease in Shore C/D hardness. In another aspect of the invention discrete elastomeric particles form an integral structural and functional role in the hard-cover, mantle or core elements of a golf ball.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.