# US 8,784,237 B2 · Multi-layer golf ball

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- Number: US 8,784,237 B2
- Document ID: US8784237B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/746,178
- Filed: 2013-01-21
- Published: 2013-05-23
- Granted: 2014-07-22
- Earliest claimed: 2001-11-28
- Assignees: Acushnet Company
- Applicants: Acushnet Company
- Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan; Derek A. Ladd; William E. Morgan; Herbert C. Boehm
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8784237B2

## CPC

- A63B 37/0092: {Hardness distribution amongst different ball layers}
- A63B 37/0003: {Golf balls}
- A63B 37/0043: {Hardness}
- A63B 37/00621: {Centre hardness}
- A63B 37/00622: {Surface hardness}
- A63B 37/0066: {Density; Specific gravity}
- A63B 37/0076: {Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers}
- A63B 37/0064: {Diameter}
- A63B 37/0065: {Deflection or compression}
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

## Abstract

Golf balls consisting of a dual core and a dual cover are disclosed. The surface hardness of the outer core layer is greater than the material hardness of the inner cover layer, and is preferably 75 Shore C or greater.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A golf ball consisting essentially of:
a center formed from a first rubber composition and having a diameter of from 0.75 inches to 1.19 inches, a center hardness of from 60 Shore C to 70 Shore C, a surface hardness of from 75 Shore C to 85 Shore C, and a compression of from 20 to 40;
an outer core layer formed from a second rubber composition and having a surface hardness of 80 Shore C or greater;
an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and having a material hardness of less than 95 Shore C; and
an outer cover layer formed from a thermosetting polyurethane or polyurea composition;
wherein the surface hardness of the center is at least 10 Shore C units greater than the center hardness;
wherein the surface hardness of the outer core layer is at least 20 Shore C units greater than the center hardness; and
wherein the surface hardness of the outer core layer is greater than the material hardness of the inner cover layer.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the center is from 0.85 inches to 1.15 inches.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the center is from 0.875 inches to 1.125 inches.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the surface hardness of the outer core layer is greater than the material hardness of the outer cover layer.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the material hardness of the inner cover layer is from 80 Shore C to 95 Shore C.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the material hardness of the inner cover layer is from 84 Shore C to 92 Shore C.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the surface hardness of the outer core layer is at least 25 Shore C units greater than the center hardness.