Method of making a golf ball product from fast-curling reaction injection molded polyurethane
AssigneeWilson Sporting Goods Co.
InventorsFrank M. Simonutti, Richard D. Matheny, Ralph E. Peterson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Golf ball products are made by reaction injection molding (RIM) fast curing thermoset polyurethane compounds. A polyurethane prepolymer and a curing agent are mixed and injected at low temperature and pressure into a closed mold where the reaction mixture gels. The mold is opened and the golf ball product is removed within 10–60 seconds after the injection step.
Claims16
A method of forming a cover on a golf ball product comprising:
- positioning a spherical uncovered golf ball product in the center of a mold, the mold having a spherical mold surface,
- closing the mold around the golf ball product,
- mixing a polyurethane prepolymer and a curing agent to form a thermoset reaction mixture,
- reaction injection molding the reaction mixture in the mold to form a golf ball cover layer over the golf ball product therein,
- allowing the reaction mixture to gel and form a golf ball, and
- opening the mold and removing the golf ball within about 10 to 60 seconds after the injecting step.
The method of clam 1 in which the uncovered golf ball product comprises a solid core and a lattice structure over the core.
A method of producing a golf ball having a golf ball cover layer including a polyurethane, said method comprising:
- providing a first reactant which is an isocyanate;
- providing a second reactant selected from the group consisting of a polyol, a polyamine, and combinations thereof;
- heating said first reactant to a temperature of from about 80° to about 130° F.;
- heating said second reactant to a temperature of from about 80° to about 150° F.;
- mixing said first reactant and said second reactant together to form a thermoset reaction mixture;
- providing a molding assembly defining a molded cavity and having a golf ball component positioned within said molding cavity;
- closing the molding assembly around the golf ball component;
- reaction injection molding said thermoset reaction mixture in said molding cavity;
- and
- molding a golf ball cover layer about said golf ball component from said thermoset reaction mixture, thereby producing said golf ball.
The method of clam 13 further comprising:
- heating said molding assembly to a temperature of about 140° to 170° F.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.