EP2854960A1

EP2854960A1 - Recyclable golf ball

Info

Publication number: EP2854960A1
Application number: EP13797882.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii; Takahisa Ono; Hsin Cheng; Bradley C. TUTMARK; Yasushi Ichikawa; Aaron Craig BENDER; Nicholas Yontz
Original assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2012-05-31
Filing date: 2013-05-31
Publication date: 2015-04-08
Also published as: EP2854960A4; WO2013181475A1; JP2015521082A; US20130324324A1

Abstract

A recyclable golf ball is disclosed. The structure of the disclosed goif bail and/or the materials used to make the golf ball may enhance the ability to recycle the golf bail. As a result, the disclosed goif bail may decrease waste and the costs associated with acquiring and/or processing new materials. The goif bail may be made of materials that make it easier to separate the materials in a used golf ball for recycling. The goif bail may be made of materials having different densities. The golf ball may be made of materials having different melting points. The golf ball may be made of materials mixed with a magnetic additive.

Description

RECYCLABLE GOLF BALL

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a golf ball made of recyclable materials.

The game of golf is an increasingly popular sport at both amateur and professional levels. A wide range of technologies related to the manufacture and design of golf balls are known in the art. Such technologies have resulted in golf balls with a variety of play characteristics. For example, some golf balls have a better flight performance than other golf balls. Some golf balls have a good feel when hit with a golf club. While materials have advanced to increase the performance of golf balls, the materials are not always easy to recycle. Thus, to help manage costs and reduce damage to the environment, it would be advantageous to make a golf ball made of recyclable materials.

SUMMARY

[0002] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a recyclable golf ball. The structure of the disclosed golf ball and/or the materials used to make the golf ball may enhance the ability to recycle the golf ball. As a result, the disclosed golf ball may decrease waste and the costs associated with acquiring and/or processing new materials.

[0003] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a golf ball that may have a first layer having a first melting point and a second layer enclosing the first layer. The second layer may have a second melting point that is at least 50 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point. The golf ball may include a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer may have a third melting point that is at least 10 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point and the second melting point. The golf ball may include a fourth layer disposed between the second layer and the third layer. The fourth layer may have a fourth melting point that is at least 10 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point, the second melting point, and the third melting point. The first layer may be a core layer and the second layer may be a cover layer. The golf ball may include a third layer that is a core layer made of a thermoset. The golf ball may include a first intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first intermediate layer may have a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 1 mm. The first intermediate layer may have a third melting point that is 10 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point and the second melting point.

[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a golf ball that may have a first layer and a second layer surrounding the first layer. The golf ball may have a first intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first intermediate layer may have a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 1 mm and the first intermediate layer may be made of at least one of epoxy adhesives, acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives, and rubber adhesives. The first intermediate layer may have a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 0.6 mm. The golf ball may have a third layer surrounding the second layer and a second intermediate layer disposed between the second layer and the third layer.

[0005] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a golf ball that may have a first layer and a second layer enclosing the first layer. One of the first layer and the second layer may include magnetic additive. A third layer may be disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer may include magnetic additive. One of the first layer and the second layer may include at least about 2 vol % to about 20 vol % less magnetic additive than the third layer. One of the first layer and the second layer may include of at least about 5 vol % to about 15 vol % of magnetic additive and the third layer may include about 7 vol % to about 35 vol % of magnetic additive. The type of magnetic additive added to one of the first layer and the second layer may be a ferrite magnetic powder. The first layer may be a thermoset containing magnetic additive. The first layer may be a thermoplastic containing magnetic additive. The second layer may be a thermoplastic containing magnetic additive.

[0006] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a golf ball according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a golf ball according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a golf ball according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0011] FIG. 4 is an outer view of the golf ball shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a recyclable golf ball. In this disclosure, the terms“used golf ball” and“new golf ball” are used to distinguish between a golf ball that is to be recycled and a golf ball that is made from recycled materials. Accordingly,“used golf ball” means a golf ball that is to be recycled. The term“used golf ball” can include golf balls that have literally been used in a golf game and golf balls that have not literally been used. “New golf ball” refers to a golf ball made from materials recycled from the“used golf ball.”

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball 100. Golf ball 100 may include an inner core layer 110, an outer core layer 120, a mantle (inner cover) layer 130, and an outer cover layer 140. While the exemplary embodiment of golf ball 100 has been described and illustrated as having four layers, other embodiments may include any number of layers. For example, in some embodiments, golf ball 100 may be a one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, or five-piece ball. In some embodiments, golf ball 100 may include more than five layers. The number of layers may be selected based on a variety of factors. For example, the number of layers may be selected based on the type of materials used to make the golf ball and/or the size of the golf ball.

[0014] The type of materials used to make the layers of the golf ball may be selected based on a variety of factors. For example, the type of materials used to make the layers of the golf ball may be selected based on the properties of the material and/or the processes used to form the layers.

Exemplary materials are discussed below with respect to the individual layers of the exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be made from different materials. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be made from the same materials.

[0015] In some embodiments, the materials used to make the layers of the golf ball may be selected to aid in recycling the golf ball. In such embodiments, the materials may be selected to aid in separating and identifying the materials before reusing the materials. This way the materials may be stored separately before using and/or the proper proportions of the materials may be measured out for reusing. For example, in an embodiment in which a used golf ball is made of material A and material B, the used golf ball may be pulverized into particles so that the materials may be reused to make new golf balls.

Pulverizing the used golf ball may result in particles of material A and material B to become intermixed. If only material A, and not material B, is to be used in a layer of a new golf ball, it may be helpful to be able to separate material A from material B. Similarly, if material A and material B are to be used in a certain proportion in a layer of a new golf ball, it may be helpful to be able to distinguish between material A and material B. Separating and identifying materials may be helpful in recycling golf balls made of any number of materials and during any type of recycling process. For example, separating and identifying materials may be helpful in recycling golf balls made of four different types of materials.

[0016] In some embodiments, the density and/or specific gravity of the materials used to make golf ball 100 may be used to separate the materials during recycling. Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance compared to the density of fresh water at 4°C (39°F). At this temperature the density of water is at its greatest value and equals 1 g/cm³. Since specific gravity is a ratio, specific gravity is dimensionless. An object will float in water if its density is less than the density of water and sink if its density is greater than the density of water. Thus, an object with specific gravity less than 1 will float in water and an object with a specific gravity greater than 1 will sink in water. The same principle may be applied to other types of liquids. For example, if the ratio of the density of an object to the density of a liquid is less than 1 , the object will float in that particular liquid. In some cases, the density of an object may cause the object to become suspended at a certain level within the liquid. The ratio of the density of the object to the density of the liquid may dictate the level to which the object is suspended in that particular liquid. These principles may be used to separate materials having different densities. For example, in some

embodiments, golf ball 100 made from materials having different densities. For recycling, golf ball 100 may be pulverized into particles. Then, the particles may be added to a liquid having a certain known density. The liquid and/or the materials may be selected based on their densities. In other words, the materials and/or liquid may be selected based on the levels the particles will float to within the liquid. This way, the particles can be separated based on the level to which the particles float in the liquid. In some embodiments, the temperature of the liquid may be changed to alter the density of the liquid, thereby altering the level to which the particles float. Similarly, the type of liquid may be changed to alter the density of the liquid. For example, in some embodiments, salt may be added to water to change the density of the water.

[0017] In an embodiment in which golf ball 100 is made from materials having different densities, inner core layer 110, outer core layer 120, mantle layer 130, and outer cover layer 140 may be each made from a single type of material or a composition including multiple materials. For example, inner core layer 110 may be made from HPF 2000, produced by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. HPF 2000 has a density of 0.96 g/cm³. Outer core layer 120 may be made from TAIPOL™ BR0150, which is the trade name of a rubber produced by Taiwan Synthetic Rubber Corp. The density of outer core layer 120 may be from about 1.05 g/cm³ to about 1.35 g/cm³. Mantle layer 130 may be made from Neothane 6303D, which is the trade name of a thermoplastic polyurethane produced by Dongsung Highchem Co. LTD. Cover layer 140 may be made from PTMEG. “PTMEG” is polytetramethylene ether glycol, commercially available from Invista under the trade name of Terathane® 2000. The density of mantle layer 130 or outer cover layer 140 may range from about 1.1 g/cm³ to about 1.35 g/cm³. Pulverizing golf ball 100 of this embodiment into particles and putting the particles in water having a temperature of 4°C (39°F) may result in the materials of each layer floating to a different level in the water. The particles may be removed from the water level by level to keep like particles together. For example, particles of HPF 2000 may have the lowest density and may, therefore, float to the top of the water. These particles may be removed first to reveal the next level of particles, which may include the particles having the second lowest density. Then, the particles having the second lowest density may be removed to reveal the next level of particles. In this manner, the particles may be separated into levels and removed level by to level to keep like particles together.

[0018] In some embodiments, the melting point of the materials used to make golf ball 100 may be used to separate the materials during recycling. This way, the materials of golf ball 100 may be melted one at a time. In such an embodiment, golf ball 100 may be made from materials having different melting points such that, as the temperature of golf ball 100 is raised, more materials may begin to melt. In this manner, the layers may be melted one by one and molten material may be separated from solid material. The materials may be selected based on the melting temperatures of the materials. The melting temperatures may be used to control which material melts. The materials used to make the golf ball may include any suitable material generally known to be used in golf balls. In some embodiments, the materials may include

thermoplastics. For example, the materials may include high melt thermoplastics, such as polyetheramides and/or polyetheresters. In some embodiments, the materials may include PEBAX (a polyetheramide produced by Elf-Atochem), HYTREL (a polyetherester produced by DuPont), ESTANE (a thermoplastic urethane either ether or ester urethane produced by Lubrizol, Inc.), or any other material disclosed in Comeau et al., U.S. patent publication number

2009/0280928, entitled Golf Ball with Heat Resistant Layer, published on

November 12, 2009, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the materials may include resins, such as SURLYN, produced by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. In some embodiments, the materials may include a highly neutralized acid polymer, such as HPF 1000 or AD 1035, both produced by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. [0019] In some embodiments, the different materials used to make the golf ball may each have a melting temperature that is at least 10 degrees Celsius different from the melting temperatures of the other materials. For example, in some embodiments, a first material of the golf ball may include HPF 2000, produced by E. I. Dupont de Nemours and Company. HPF 2000 has a melting temperature of about 73 degrees Celsius. A second material of the golf ball may include SURLYN 8528, produced by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. SURLYN 8528 has a melting temperature of about 93 degrees Celsius. In such embodiments, when the temperature of the golf ball is raised to 75 degrees Celsius, the first material may melt and the second material may remain solid.

[0020] In some embodiments, golf ball 100 may be pulverized into particles before melting the materials. In such an embodiment, the materials may be selected based on the melting temperature of the materials. For example, outer cover layer 140 may have the highest melting temperature.

Mantle layer 130 may have the lowest melting temperature. Outer core layer 120 may have the second highest melting temperature. Inner core layer 110 may have the second lowest melting temperature. As discussed above, the melting points of the materials may be sufficiently disparate for the melting of the materials to occur at different temperatures. This way, the particles of golf ball 100 may be heated to the certain temperatures to control which materials melt. For example, the particles may be heated to a temperature that is the same or higher than the lowest melting point of the materials and lower than the second lowest melting point of the materials. This heating may cause the particles of the materials having the lowest melting point to melt without causing the particles of the other materials to melt. The melted material may be strained out from the solid particles.

[0021] In some embodiments, the temperature of the particles may be progressively raised to melt different types of materials. For example, after melting the particles having the lowest melting point, the particles may be heated to a temperature that is the same or higher than the second lowest melting point of the materials and lower than the second highest melting point of the materials. In some embodiments, less than all of the materials may be melted. For example, only one or two materials may be melted and strained from the solid particles. Then, the solid particles may be separated in another way and/or prepared for another type of processing. For example, the solid particles leftover after melting may be separated by their densities in the manner described above. Any of the techniques used to separate materials may be combined with each other. The materials of the particles not intended to be melted may include materials simply having melting points that are higher than the melting points of the materials intended to be melted. As another option, the materials of the particles not intended to be melted may be materials not conducive to melting, such as thermosets. The materials intended to be melted may include

thermoplastics.

[0022] In some embodiments, the materials used to make the layers of golf ball 100 may be selected such that the melting points of the layers

correspond with the order in which the layers are to be melted. For example, in some embodiments, the melting temperatures of the layers may become progressively higher from outer cover layer 140 to inner core layer 110. This way, golf ball 100 may be melted without being pulverized first. Outer cover layer 140 may have the lowest melting temperature. Mantle layer 130 may have the second lowest melting temperature. Outer core layer 120 may have the second highest melting temperature. Inner core layer 110 may have the highest melting temperature. This embodiment may be recycled by melting each layer from the outside in. For example, the temperature of the golf ball 100 may be raised to a temperature that is the same or higher than the melting point of outer cover layer 140 and lower than the melting point of the other layers of golf ball 100. This temperature may cause outer cover layer 140 to melt without causing the other layers of golf ball 100 to melt. In the same manner that outer cover layer 140 is melted and removed from underlying layers, mantle layer 130, and outer core layer 120 may be melted and removed from underlying layers. With all of the layers surrounding inner core layer 110 being separately melted and collected, inner core layer 110 may be melted and collected.

[0023] In some embodiments, less than all of the layers may be melted. In such embodiments, the melting point of the layers not intended to be melted may be sufficiently high to prevent such layers from melting during processing. For example, inner core layer 110 may have a melting point that is higher than all of the other layers. After all of the other layers are melted and removed from inner core layer 110, inner core layer 110 may be left whole or may be prepared for another type of processing. For example, inner core layer 110 may be pulverized to prepare the material of inner core layer 110 to be mixed with particles of other materials. In some embodiments, the layers not intended to be melted may be made of a thermoset or other type of material that may not be conducive to melting. Accordingly, the materials of these layers may be separated from each other by another manner. For example, these layers may be ground away from the other layers. In another example, these layers may be pulverized and separated by their densities in the manner discussed above. In another example, outer cover layer 140 may be the only layer removed through melting. In such an example, the materials of the other layers may have a higher melting point than that of outer cover layer 110 such that the other layers do not melt when outer cover layer 110 is melted. However, the melting points of the other layers may be the same or different from each other since the other layers may not be melted.

[0024] In some embodiments, the materials used to make the layers of golf ball 100 may be selected based on the magnetic susceptibility of the materials. For example, in some embodiments, the material used to make a first layer of golf ball 100 may be magnetically susceptible and the material used to make a second layer be magnetically non-susceptible. Magnetic additives may be mixed with materials to make the materials magnetically susceptible. For example, the layers of golf ball 100 may be made of thermoplastics and/or thermosets containing a magnetic additive. The magnetic additive may include any suitable magnetic additive. For example, in some embodiments, the magnetic additive may include a ferrite magnetic powder, such as barium ferrite powder, strontium ferrite powder, and/or AlNiCo powder. In some embodiments, the magnetic additive may include iron oxides, such as hematite and magnetite. In some embodiments, a material of the golf ball may include from about 5 vol % to about 80 vol % magnetic additive.

[0025] In some embodiments, during recycling, golf ball 100 may be pulverized into particles and separated by applying a magnetic field to the particles. Materials with different amounts of magnetic additive may have different levels of attraction toward magnetic fields. For example, materials including 5 vol % magnetic additive may be less attracted to a magnetic field than materials including 10 vol % magnetic additive. Following this principle, a weak magnetic field may be used to separate material particles having the highest amount of magnetic additive from the other material particles. In some

embodiments, each layer may have a different amount of magnetic additive. For example, outer cover layer 140 may include about 5 vol % to about 15 vol % magnetic additive. Mantle layer 130 may include about 20 vol % to about 35 vol % magnetic additive. Outer core layer 120 may include about 40 vol % to about 55 vol % magnetic additive. Inner core layer 110 may include 0% magnetic additive.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball 200. Golf ball 200 may include an inner core layer 210, an outer core layer 220, a mantle layer 238, and an outer cover layer 240. While the exemplary embodiment of golf ball 200 has been described and illustrated as having three layers, other embodiments may include any number of layers. For example, in some embodiments, golf ball 200 may be a one-piece, two-piece, four-piece, or five- piece ball. In some embodiments, golf ball 200 may include more than five layers. The number of layers may be selected based on a variety of factors. For example, the number of layers may be selected based on the type of materials used to make the golf ball and/or the size of the golf ball. [0027] Golf ball 200 may include an intermediate layer 216 between inner core layer 210 and outer core layer 220. Similarly, golf ball 200 may include an intermediate layer 236 between outer core layer 220 and mantle layer 238. In some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and intermediate layer 236 may be made of the same types of materials. In some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and intermediate layer 236 may be made of different types of materials. In some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may act as primers and/or adhesives. For example, in some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may include epoxy adhesives, acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives, and/or rubber adhesives. Intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may be made of materials that aid in separation between inner core layer 210, outer core layer 220, and mantle layer 238. For example, in some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may be made of materials having lower melting points than the other layers. Such materials may be softened and/or melted to help separate inner core layer 210, outer core layer 220, and cover layer 240 from each other.

[0028] In some embodiments, golf ball 200 may be pulverized into particles. Then, to aid in separating the different materials, the particles may be heated to a temperature that is the melting point of intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236. The materials of intermediate layer 216 and intermediate layer 236 soften and/or melt, releasing particles of mantle layer 238 from particles of outer core layer 220 and releasing particles of outer core layer 220 from particles of inner core layer 210. The melted material may be strained from the solid particles.

[0029] In some embodiments, inner core layer 210 may have a diameter ranging from about 19 mm to about 32 mm. In some embodiments, inner core layer 210 may have a diameter ranging from about 20 mm to about 30 mm. In some embodiments, inner core layer 210 may have a diameter ranging from about 21 mm to about 28 mm. In some embodiments, outer core layer 220 may have a thickness ranging from about 5 mm to about 11 mm. For example, outer core layer 220 may have a thickness of about 7 mm. In some

embodiments, outer core layer 220 may have a thickness ranging from about 8 mm to about 15 mm. For example, in some embodiments, outer core layer 220 may have a thickness of about 11 mm.

[0030] In some embodiments, outer cover layer 240 and/or mantle layer 238 of golf ball 200 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. For example, outer cover layer 240 and/or mantle layer 238 may have a thickness of about 1 mm. In some embodiments, outer cover layer 240 and/or mantle layer 238 may have a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. For example, in some embodiments, outer cover layer 240 and/or mantle layer 238 may have a thickness of about 1.2 mm.

[0031] In some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or

intermediate layer 236 may be substantially thinner than the other layers of golf ball 200. For example, in some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may be less than or equal to 1 mm. In some

embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may range from about 1 μm to about 0.70 mm. In some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or intermediate layer 236 may range from about 0.01 mm to about 0.4 mm.

[0032] In some embodiments, golf ball 200 may have an intermediate layer between each layer. For example, in some embodiments, golf ball 200 may include an intermediate layer between mantle layer 238 and outer cover layer 240. In some embodiments, golf ball 200 may have an intermediate layer between less than all of the layers. For example, golf ball 200 may include intermediate layer 216 and not intermediate layer 236. In another example, golf ball may include intermediate layer 236 and not intermediate layer 216. The number of intermediate layers may be selected based on a variety of factors. For example, the number of intermediate layers may be selected based on the process used to recycle golf ball 200. [0033] In some embodiments, intermediate layer 216 and/or

intermediate layer 236 may be made of materials that are dissolvable in certain solvents. Accordingly, in such embodiments, golf ball 200 may be pulverized into particles. Then, to aid in separating the different materials, the particles may be placed in a solvent. The materials of intermediate layer 216 and intermediate layer 236 may be dissolved, releasing particles of mantle layer 238 from particles of outer core layer 220 and releasing particles of outer core layer 220 from particles of inner core layer 210. For example, in some embodiments,

dissolvable materials may include thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubbers. In some embodiments, solvents used to dissolve the dissolvable materials may include tetrahydrofuran, methyl isobutyl ketone, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, methylpyrrolidone, toluene, acetone, chloroform, and ethyl acetate.

[0034] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball 300. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of golf ball 300 and FIG. 4 shows the outside of golf ball 300. In some embodiments, golf ball 300 may include a core layer 310 and a cover layer 340. In other embodiments, golf ball 300 may include multiple core layers and/or multiple cover layers. For example, golf ball 300 may include an inner core layer, an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer. In some embodiments, an outer cover layer with dimples may be formed around golf ball 300.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, golf ball 300 may be made through a sandwich molding process. During the sandwich molding process, concentric nozzles may be used to simultaneously inject multiple layers of a golf ball. For example, concentric nozzles may include an outer nozzle 342 surrounding an inner nozzle 344. In embodiments including more layers, more concentric nozzles may be used. FIG. 3 shows golf ball 300 after golf ball 300 has been formed. The concentric nozzles are shown to illustrate how the materials flow from the concentric nozzles to form a pattern including a plume 348 within golf ball 300. A first material may be dispensed from outer nozzle 342 and a second material may be dispensed from inner nozzle 344. In some embodiments, a first material may include a core material and the second material may include a cover material. In some embodiments, the first material and the second material may include thermosets. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the simultaneous injection of the first material and the second material may create plume 348 of the second material. The first material may flow around plume 348 and into the center of the mold. The second material may continue to flow from outer nozzle 342 and plume 348 to the walls of the mold to form outer cover layer 340. Plume 348 may solidify as a distinct region of the second material that is surrounded by the first material. As shown in FIG. 3, plume 348 may have a fan-shaped cross-section. As shown in FIG. 4, core layer 310 may be exposed through cover layer 340 at region 346. Region 346 may include a thinned region of cover layer 340 that is radially spaced from plume 348. Region 346 may be sufficiently thin for cover layer 340 to be visible from the outside of golf ball 300. In some embodiments, a border between cover layer 340 and core layer 310 may be substantially more uneven, or ragged, in a first portion of golf ball 300 near plume 348. The border may become smoother and more even in a second portion of golf ball 300 that is located opposite plume 348.

[0036] Golf ball 100, golf ball 200, and golf ball 300 may be made by any suitable process. For example, in some embodiments, injection molding and/or compression molding may be used to make any of the golf ball layers. The process of making the golf ball may be selected based on a variety of factors. For example, the process of making the golf ball may be selected based on the type of materials used and/or the number of layers included.

[0037] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A golf ball comprising:

a first layer having a first melting point; and

a second layer enclosing the first layer, the second layer having a second melting point that is at least 50 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point.

2. The golf ball according to claim 1 , further comprising:

a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, the third layer having a third melting point that is at least 10 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point and the second melting point.

3. The golf ball according to claim 2, further comprising:

a fourth layer disposed between the second layer and the third layer, the fourth layer having a fourth melting point that is at least 10 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point, the second melting point, and the third melting point.

4. The golf ball according to claim 1 , wherein the first layer is a core layer and the second layer is a cover layer.

5. The golf ball according to claim 1 , further comprising a third layer that is a core layer made of a thermoset.

6. The golf ball according to claim 1 , further comprising a first intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the first intermediate layer has a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 1 mm.

7. The golf ball according to claim 6, wherein the first intermediate layer has a third melting point that is 10 degrees Celsius different from the first melting point and the second melting point.

8. A golf ball comprising:

a first layer;

a second layer surrounding the first layer;

a first intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the first intermediate layer has a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 1 mm and the first intermediate layer is made of at least one of epoxy adhesives, acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives, and rubber adhesives.

9. The golf ball according to claim 8, wherein the first intermediate layer has a thickness ranging from about 1 μm to about 0.6 mm.

10. The golf ball according to claim 8, further comprising:

a third layer surrounding the second layer; and

a second intermediate layer disposed between the second layer and the third layer.

11. A golf ball comprising:

a first layer; and

a second layer enclosing the first layer,

wherein one of the first layer and the second layer includes magnetic additive.

12. The golf ball according to claim 11 , further comprising a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the third layer includes magnetic additive.

13. The golf ball according to claim 12, wherein one of the first layer and the second layer includes at least about 2 vol % to about 20 vol % less magnetic additive than the third layer.

14. The golf ball according to claim 12, wherein one of the first layer and the second layer includes about 5 vol % to about 15 vol % of magnetic additive and the third layer includes about 7 vol % to about 35 vol % of magnetic additive.

15. The golf ball according to claim 11 , wherein the magnetic additive included in one of the first layer and the second layer is a ferrite magnetic powder.

16. The golf ball according to claim 11 , wherein the first layer is a thermoset containing magnetic additive.

17. The golf ball according to claim 11 , wherein the first layer is a

thermoplastic containing magnetic additive.

18. The golf ball according to claim 11 , wherein the second layer is a thermoplastic containing magnetic additive.

19. A golf ball comprising:

a first layer made of a first material;

a second layer made of a second material enclosing the first layer; and a plume made from the second material, wherein the plume is surrounded by the first material.

20. The golf ball according to claim 19, wherein the plume has a fan-shaped cross-section.

21. The golf ball according to claim 19, wherein the second layer has a thinned region radially spaced from the plume.

22. The golf ball according to claim 19, wherein a border between the first layer and the second layer is substantially uneven in a first portion of the golf ball and the border is substantially even in a second portion of the golf ball.