EP0722752A1 - Golfball mit durchsichtiger Hülle - Google Patents

Golfball mit durchsichtiger Hülle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0722752A1
EP0722752A1 EP95114695A EP95114695A EP0722752A1 EP 0722752 A1 EP0722752 A1 EP 0722752A1 EP 95114695 A EP95114695 A EP 95114695A EP 95114695 A EP95114695 A EP 95114695A EP 0722752 A1 EP0722752 A1 EP 0722752A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover
core
ball
golf ball
clear
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95114695A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0722752B1 (de
Inventor
James R. Proudfit
Ralph Peterson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wilson Sporting Goods Co
Original Assignee
Wilson Sporting Goods Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wilson Sporting Goods Co filed Critical Wilson Sporting Goods Co
Publication of EP0722752A1 publication Critical patent/EP0722752A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0722752B1 publication Critical patent/EP0722752B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/0023—Covers
    • A63B37/00373—Colour tone
    • A63B37/00376—Transparency or semitransparency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/0022—Coatings, e.g. paint films; Markings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/005—Cores
    • A63B37/006—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0064—Diameter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0072—Characteristics of the ball as a whole with a specified number of layers
    • A63B37/0076—Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/008—Diameter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B45/00—Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls

Definitions

  • This invention relates to golf balls, and, more particularly, to a golf ball with a clear cover.
  • Golf balls generally include a core and a cover. Golf balls which are currently available fall into two general categories -- balls which include a balata cover and balls which include a more durable, cut resistant cover.
  • Surlyn ionomer resins which are ionic copolymers available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
  • Surlyn ionomers are copolymers of an olefin, typically ethylene, and an alpha-beta ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as methacrylic acid. Neutralization of a number of the acid groups is effected with metal ions, such as sodium, zinc, lithium, and magnesium.
  • DuPont's U.S. Patent No. 3,264,272 describes procedures for manufacturing ionic copolymers and is incorporated herein by reference.
  • cut-resistant materials which can be used in golf ball covers are ionic copolymers or ionomers available from Exxon under the name Iotek, which are similar to Surlyn ionomers except that acrylic acid is used rather than methacrylic acid.
  • the cover of a conventional golf ball is opaque. Most covers are white, which is generally obtained by incorporating a white pigment such as titanium dioxide in the cover material. Colored golf balls have also been sold, and the color may be obtained by incorporating pigment or dye in the cover material.
  • Indicia such as a logo and a number can be imprinted on the cover, and one or more clear coats can be applied over the printed cover.
  • the cover can be coated with a transparent primer coat and an outermost clear coat or finish coat.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,798,386 describes a ball having a white core and transparent cover, which includes fluorescent material.
  • Figure 1 illustrates indicia 18 affixed to the core which is visible through the transparent cover.
  • Range balls which are used on driving ranges usually include a colored stripe which is painted on the surface of the cover, or the cover may be completely covered with a coating of colored paint.
  • indicia such as a logo, number, stripes, etc.
  • the indicia can be worn or abraded as the golf ball is used. The appearance of the golf ball is adversely affected.
  • the recycling process generally includes using a caustic stripper solution which is used to soften and break down the urethane clear coatings on the ball.
  • the stripper solution can present health and safety problems during use, and disposal of the solution can cause environmental problems. It would be desirable to recycle golf balls without using stripper solutions.
  • the invention provides a golf ball having a clear, transparent cover.
  • the cover is preferably essentially free of pigment or dye so that the cover is substantially clear or transparent.
  • the core of the ball may be imprinted with desirable indicia such as a logo, a number, and/or stripes.
  • the core can be provided with a color either by incorproating pigment or dye in the core or by covering the core with a colored coating.
  • One or more clear coatings can be applied to the cover if desired.
  • the core and any printing on the core are clearly visible through the cover.
  • the cover protects the core and the printing, and the core and printing are clearly visible even after the cover is severely worn or abraded.
  • the ball can be recycled without having to strip the outer coatings and reprint the cover.
  • the used ball is recycled by rubbing the ball, for example, in a roto tub with a stone media, to remove minor scrapes, abrasions, debris, etc.
  • the ball is then dried and recoated with one or more top coats. If desired, a ball can be recycled several times. This process development is not presently in use but is a significant part of the new approach we have developed.
  • a golf ball 10 includes a core 11 and a cover 12.
  • the cover is coated with a transparent primer coat 13 and an outmost clear coat or finish coat 14.
  • the core 11 is preferably a solid molded core.
  • the core may include pigment or dye to provide color, or the core can be covered with a layer of paint or other pigmented coating.
  • a white core can be obtained by incorporating titanium dioxide in the core.
  • a colored core, for example, yellow, can be obtained by incorporating yellow pigment in the core.
  • the core 16 shown in Figure 2 is imprinted with a logo 17 and an identifying number 18.
  • the core can be a conventional core for a solid or two-piece golf ball or a conventional core for a range ball.
  • the logo and number can be imprinted on the core in the same manner which is used to imprint covers of golf balls.
  • the core 19 shown in Figure 3 is intended for use as a range ball. Stripes 20 are imprinted or painted on the core. A logo 21 or corporate advertising, etc. can also be imprinted on the core.
  • the cover 12 is preferably formed from ionomer resins such as Surlyn or Iotek resins.
  • the cover can be injection molded about the core or can be formed from two hemispherical half shells which are compression molded about the core. Suitable dimples are molded into the cover during the molding operation either by compression molding or direct injection molding.
  • a primer coat 13 may be a waterborne epoxy/acrylic/urethane resin system and may include an optical brightener.
  • the primer coat may also be a solvent-based system with or without an optical brightener.
  • the primer coat may be a U.V. curable coating system. Specific optical brighteners are identified in the patent.
  • the outermost clear coat 14 may consist of a solvent two-component urethane paint system as described in Patent No. 5,000,458.
  • the outermost clear coat 14 may be a waterborne resin system or a U.V. curable system.
  • the color of the core and the logos, identifying number, stripes, advertising, etc. on the core are clearly visible through the transparent cover and the clear coats.
  • the core and the indicia thereon are protected from wear and abrasion by the cover, and the core and indicia remain clear and legible even after the outer coatings and the cover are severely abraded.
  • ionomer resins are generally clear and transparent. However, it is conventional to make golf ball covers from a blend of ionomer resins which are neutralized with different metal cations. For example, blends of two or more ionomers selected from sodium ionomers, zinc ionomers, and lithium ionomers have been used. However, we have discovered that if two or more ionomer resins are selected to provide optimum coefficient of restitution, distance, or durability, the blend of resins is often cloudy and not optically clear. In order to maximize the clarity of the blend of ionomer resins, it is advantageous to use resins which have essentially the same or similar percentage acid content. As described in U.S. Patent No. 3,264,272, the percentage of the carboxylic acid in the copolymer can be varied.
  • the ratio 75/25 refers to a blend of 75% Surlyn 9910 and 25% Surlyn 8527, the percentages being based on the total polymer content.
  • Zinc Surlyn 9910 has a 15% acid content
  • sodium Surlyn 8527 has a 10% acid content.
  • the preferred cover blend is 75% Surlyn 9520 and 25% Surlyn 8527.
  • Surlyn 9520 is a zinc Surlyn and Surlyn 8527 is a sodium Surlyn. Both Surlyns have a 10% acid content.
  • other blend ratios, other Surlyns, and other acid contents can be used, for example, 15% or 20% acid content.
  • the cover is preferably substantially clear or transparent.
  • the clarity or transparency of the cover material can be defined by the amount of light which is transmitted through the cover material.
  • cover compositions were prepared based upon parts by weight: Ingredient EXG45-1 EXG45-11 EXG45-12 EXG45-13 Surlyn 8527 25.00 25.00 18.75 12.50 Surlyn 9520 75.00 75.00 56.25 37.50 Concentrate # 37302-R1 -- 8.00 8.00 8.00 Concentrate # 7554-A1 -- -- 25.00 50.00 Total 100.00 ⁇ 108.00 ⁇ 108.00 ⁇ 108.00 ⁇
  • Concentrate # 37302-R1 is a U.V. stabilizer package to improve color aging and prevent yellowing or discoloring caused by ultraviolet light, etc.
  • Concentrate # 37302-R1 uses Surlyn 8940 as a base carrier resin and is referred to in the industry genericaly as a HALS (Hindered Anine Light Stabilizer) and Antioxidant.
  • Surlyn 8940 is a sodium Surlyn.
  • cover composition EXG45-11 will be the preferred cover composition because of the inclusion of the HALS and Antioxidant.
  • Concentrate # 7554-A1 is a concentrate which includes barium sulfate and was included in EXG45-12 and EXG45-13 to illustrate the dulling effect and reduced light transmission provided by barium sulfate. Increasing the amount of barium sulfate increases the opacity of the cover.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the light transmission through plaques of the four cover compositions. Each plaque was about 0.125 inch thick. The range of wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm approximates the wavelength range of visible light.
  • the EXG45-1 plaque transmitted about 82% of the light at 400 nm, more than 87% at 550 nm, and about 90% at 700 nm. Including the U.V. stabilizer package in EXG45-11 does not significantly reduce the light transmission. The light transmission is slightly greater than 80% at 400 nm, about 87% at 550 nm, and about 89.5% at 700 nm.
  • the light transmission of the EXG45-12 was close to that of EXG45-11 at 400 nm and 700 nm but was less than 85% at 550 nm.
  • the EXG45-12 material is noticeably duller than EXG45-1 and EXG45-11.
  • Cover material which is 0.125 inch thick preferably has a light transmission of at least about 79% throughout the entire visible range of 400 nm to 700 nm. More preferably, it has a transmission of at least about 79% at 400 nm and at least about 85% between 550 nm and 700 nm. Most preferably, it has a light transmission of greater than 85% between 550 nm and 700 nm.
  • substantially clear refers to material which has the foregoing light transmission properties for 0.125 inch thick plaques.
  • the cover may contain optical brighteners, U.V. absorbers, HALS, antioxidants, Ultramarine, Blue, and other conventional ingredients of golf ball covers.
  • the cover is essentially free of TiO 2 or other pigments or dyes which adversely affect the optical transparency of the cover.
  • the words "essentially free” refer to the absence of an amount of pigment or dye which cause the light transmission of the cover to fall below the foregoing lower limits.
  • Clear covers can also be formed from materials other than ionomer resins.
  • materials other than ionomer resins for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, certain TPE's, EVA, etc. can be used.
  • the color of the core and any indicia of the core are protected by the cover.
  • Used golf balls can therefore be recycled in a simple, economical and environmentally sound manner without stripping the primer and finish coats from the cover. Instead, minor scrapes and abrasions in the top coats and cover are simply smoothed or lightly abraded, and new top coats are applied.
  • the recycled ball has a good, almost new appearance, and the core and indicia on the core are clearly visible. Any major defect or core/cover damage can also be visibly detected and can be sorted out.
  • the recycling process in accordance with the invention can be compared with a conventional recycling process as follows:
  • Balls must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. They are then placed into a caustic stripper solution which is used to soften and breakdown the urethane coatings sprayed on the ball used to protect from abrasion and wear as well as protect the logo stamping on the ball.
  • the stripper solution is a combination of sodium hydroxide, xylol, methanol and 2-butoxy ethanol. This solution if not properly and carefully used presents both fire and potential health problems. Both vapor and or skin contact can cause acute and chronic dermatitis reactions as well as respiratory burns or irritations. Disposal is also an environmental problem.
  • the balls must be agitated, flushed clean and brushed to remove softened coating material.
  • the ball must then go through the roto stone process plus the entire coating and logo process namely primer coat, dry, logo stamp, dry, topcoat (1), topcoat (2).
  • Ball is cleaned of heavy debris with a commercial ball washer and then placed into a roto tub which vibrates the balls through a stone media. This process removes minor scrapes, abrasions, debris, etc. The ball is then dried and recoated with topcoats only. The ball has a near new appearance without the cost or hazards of the caustic stripper solution. Environmentally the process is far more desirable and less expensive and the finished product is of higher quality and appearance. The new recycling process smooths the outer surface of the ball mechanically without using any chemical or solvent treatment.
  • the recycling process can be used on range balls up to about four times, thereby substantially increasing the useful life of the balls in a safe, economic manner.
  • Stamping logos, identification markings, and/or range ball identification on the core rather than on the cover also reduces the possibility that markings will be improperly stripped from balls and replaced with unauthorized markings.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Paints Or Removers (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
EP95114695A 1995-01-17 1995-09-19 Golfball mit durchsichtiger Hülle Expired - Lifetime EP0722752B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US36967595A 1995-01-17 1995-01-17
US369675 1995-01-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0722752A1 true EP0722752A1 (de) 1996-07-24
EP0722752B1 EP0722752B1 (de) 2000-05-03

Family

ID=23456438

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95114695A Expired - Lifetime EP0722752B1 (de) 1995-01-17 1995-09-19 Golfball mit durchsichtiger Hülle

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0722752B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH08229162A (de)
KR (1) KR960028935A (de)
AU (1) AU2856195A (de)
CA (1) CA2156551A1 (de)
DE (1) DE69516658T2 (de)
ZA (1) ZA957016B (de)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7524539B2 (en) 2002-09-18 2009-04-28 Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Golf ball preparation method and golf ball
KR100538945B1 (ko) * 2004-06-15 2005-12-27 최원실 폐골프공의 재생을 위한 피복분리방법
US7717810B2 (en) 2005-07-14 2010-05-18 Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. Golf ball
JP4542024B2 (ja) * 2005-11-24 2010-09-08 Ｓｒｉスポーツ株式会社 塗装ゴルフボール及びその製造方法
KR100822643B1 (ko) * 2007-03-05 2008-04-16 윤승환 연습용 골프공의 재생방법
US20100112254A1 (en) * 2007-03-21 2010-05-06 Data F. S.R.L. Coloured playing bowl
JP7342455B2 (ja) * 2019-06-28 2023-09-12 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフボール
JP7490458B2 (ja) * 2020-06-10 2024-05-27 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフボール

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3264272A (en) 1961-08-31 1966-08-02 Du Pont Ionic hydrocarbon polymers
US4546980A (en) * 1984-09-04 1985-10-15 Acushnet Company Process for making a solid golf ball
AU3251784A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-06 Okamoto, M. Golf ball
US4798386A (en) 1986-12-22 1989-01-17 Acushnet Company Golf ball with fluorescent cover
US5000458A (en) 1990-04-20 1991-03-19 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Golf ball with optical brightener in the primer coat
EP0470854A2 (de) * 1990-08-10 1992-02-12 Sumitomo Rubber Industries Limited Golfball
EP0578465A1 (de) * 1992-07-09 1994-01-12 Acushnet Company Methode zur Aufbereitung von Golfbällen nach der Nutzung und aufgearbeitete Golfbälle

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3264272A (en) 1961-08-31 1966-08-02 Du Pont Ionic hydrocarbon polymers
AU3251784A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-06 Okamoto, M. Golf ball
US4546980A (en) * 1984-09-04 1985-10-15 Acushnet Company Process for making a solid golf ball
US4798386A (en) 1986-12-22 1989-01-17 Acushnet Company Golf ball with fluorescent cover
US5000458A (en) 1990-04-20 1991-03-19 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Golf ball with optical brightener in the primer coat
EP0470854A2 (de) * 1990-08-10 1992-02-12 Sumitomo Rubber Industries Limited Golfball
EP0578465A1 (de) * 1992-07-09 1994-01-12 Acushnet Company Methode zur Aufbereitung von Golfbällen nach der Nutzung und aufgearbeitete Golfbälle

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPI Section Ch Week 8617, Derwent World Patents Index; Class A86, AN 86-106768, XP002001955 *
DATABASE WPI Section PQ Week 7914, Derwent World Patents Index; Class P36, AN 79-D0944B, XP002001956 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69516658T2 (de) 2001-01-11
DE69516658D1 (de) 2000-06-08
AU2856195A (en) 1996-07-25
EP0722752B1 (de) 2000-05-03
JPH08229162A (ja) 1996-09-10
KR960028935A (ko) 1996-08-17
ZA957016B (en) 1996-04-04
CA2156551A1 (en) 1996-07-18

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