Golf ball comprising a metal mantle having a hollow interior
AssigneeSpalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsMichael J. Sullivan, R. Dennis Nesbitt
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Abstract
A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers that define a hollow interior within the ball. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric hollow spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball.
Claims32
A golf ball having a hollow spherical center, said ball comprising:
- a spherical metal mantle having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite from said inner surface, said mantle having a thickness from about 0.001 inches to less than 0.02 inches;
- and
- a polymeric outer cover disposed about said mantle and proximate to said outer surface, said polymeric cover comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a low acid ionomer, a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, and a blend of said low acid ionomer and said non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer;
- and
- further comprising:
- an innermost polymeric hollow spherical substrate, said spherical substrate disposed adjacent to said inner surface of said mantle.
A golf ball having a hollow interior, said ball comprising:
- a polymeric hollow spherical substrate, said substrate having an inner surface defining said hollow interior and an outer surface;
- a spherical metal mantle having an inner surface directed toward said outer surface of said spherical substrate, and an oppositely directed outer surface;
- and
- a polymeric outer cover having an inner surface directed toward said outer surface of said metal mantle and immediately adjacent thereto, and an oppositely opposed directed outer surface, wherein said outer cover has a modulus ranging from about 1000 psi to about 10,000 psi.
A golf ball having a hollow interior, said ball comprising:
- a polymeric hollow spherical substrate, said substrate having an inner surface defining said hollow interior and an outer surface;
- a spherical metal mantle having an inner surface directed toward said outer surface of said spherical substrate, and an oppositely directed outer surface;
- and
- a polymeric outer cover having an inner surface directed toward said outer surface of said metal mantle and immediately adjacent thereto, and an oppositely opposed directed outer surface, wherein the polymeric outer cover comprises a low acid ionomer comprising less than 16 weight percent acid.
A golf ball having a hollow spherical center, said ball comprising:
- a spherical metal mantle comprising a first spherical metal shell providing an inner mantle surface and a second spherical metal shell providing an outer mantle surface, said second shell disposed adjacent to said first shell;
- and
- a polymeric outer dimpled cover disposed about said mantle and proximate to said outer mantle surface, said polymeric cover comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a low acid ionomer, a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, and a bled of said low acid ionomer and said non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer;
- and
- further comprising:
- an innermost polymeric hollow spherical substrate, said spherical substrate disposed adjacent to said inner mantle surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.