US20160136485A1 - Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core - Google Patents
Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core Download PDFInfo
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- US20160136485A1 US20160136485A1 US15/004,440 US201615004440A US2016136485A1 US 20160136485 A1 US20160136485 A1 US 20160136485A1 US 201615004440 A US201615004440 A US 201615004440A US 2016136485 A1 US2016136485 A1 US 2016136485A1
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- bladder
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- 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
- A63B37/0051—Materials other than polybutadienes; Constructional details
- A63B37/0052—Liquid cores
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- 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
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- 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
- A63B37/0038—Intermediate layers, e.g. inner cover, outer core, mantle
- A63B37/004—Physical properties
- A63B37/0045—Thickness
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- 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
- A63B37/0051—Materials other than polybutadienes; Constructional details
- A63B37/0056—Hollow; Gas-filled
-
- 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
- A63B37/0075—Three piece balls, i.e. cover, intermediate layer and core
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- 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
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
- B29C49/06905—Using combined techniques for making the preform
- B29C49/0691—Using combined techniques for making the preform using sheet like material, e.g. sheet blow-moulding from joined sheets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
- A63B41/02—Bladders
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
- A63B41/02—Bladders
- A63B41/04—Closures therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
- B29C49/06905—Using combined techniques for making the preform
- B29C49/0691—Using combined techniques for making the preform using sheet like material, e.g. sheet blow-moulding from joined sheets
- B29C49/06914—Using combined techniques for making the preform using sheet like material, e.g. sheet blow-moulding from joined sheets using parallel sheets as a preform
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/22—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or parisons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/54—Balls
- B29L2031/546—Golf balls
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for manufacturing a golf ball including a bladder core. In at least one embodiment, the bladder core includes an ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer layer combined with multiple layers of thermoplastic polyurethane or other material to prevent leakage. In addition, it is contemplated that the bladder core may include a one-way valve for adjusting the pressure of a fluid within the bladder core to produce different performance characteristics.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/408,209 filed Feb. 29, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a multi-layer golf ball having a bladder core.
- Golf is a sport that enjoys wide popularity around the world and is played by golfers of all ages, from young to old. To aid and improve their performance, golfers continually search for and adopt the best and newest equipment, including golf clubs, golf balls, apparel and training devices. To that end, there are many equipment choices available, including a number of different golf balls brands and types, each designed to exhibit certain characteristics in play.
- Golf balls constructions have generally included a core made from a resilient material and a cover made from a more durable material, such as synthetic resin. The core is typically made from rubber or a similar material and typically has a wound or solid construction. Intermediate layers made from a variety of materials may be provided between the core and cover to vary the perceived feel when the ball is hit, or to exhibit certain performance characteristics in play. Typically, golfers use balls with constructions that achieve their desired feel and performance.
- The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for manufacturing a golf ball including a bladder core.
- The disclosure provides a golf ball with a bladder forming the inner core. The bladder includes walls made of thin sheets of polymeric materials, where the walls define an interior space. The interior space of the bladder is, in some embodiments, filled with a fluid, such as a pressurized gas or a liquid. The materials used to form the thin sheets are selected so as to inhibit the bleeding of the fluid through the walls of the bladder. In one aspect, where the gas is air or nitrogen, for example, the material may include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer may be used in conjunction with sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), so that the walls of the bladder are durable, flexible, readily manufactured, and cost-effective.
- In one aspect, the disclosure provides a golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer substantially surrounding the core, and an outer layer substantially surrounding the intermediate layer, wherein the outer layer includes a plurality of dimples. According to aspects described herein, the core of the golf ball comprises a bladder formed from an ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer layer and contains a pressurized fluid.
- In another aspect, the disclosure provides a golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer substantially surrounding the core, and an outer layer substantially surrounding the intermediate layer, wherein the outer layer includes a plurality of dimples. According to aspects described herein, the core of the golf ball comprises a bladder, the bladder formed from a plurality of bladder panels joined together to form a sealed structure that encloses a pressurized fluid,
- In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball the steps of: placing a plurality of flattened polymer elements in a restriction structure; bonding the plurality of flattened polymer elements together to define seams in a bladder; inflating the bladder to take on the shape of the restriction structure; injecting a pressurized fluid into the bladder and sealing the bladder; molding a rubber composition around the bladder to form an intermediate layer; and applying a cover layer.
- Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure 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 disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.
- The disclosure 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 disclosed herein.
- Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf ball having a bladder according to one or more embodiments set forth herein; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball depicted inFIG. 1 , as defined bysection line 2 inFIG. 1 , according to an embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mold for forming a bladder according to an embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mold according to an embodiment set forth herein; -
FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic perspective views of a manufacturing process for forming a bladder according to an embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bladder and residual portions of polymer sheets forming the bladder following the manufacturing process according to an embodiment set forth herein: -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bladder following the manufacturing process according to an embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf ball having a bladder according to an additional embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball depicted inFIG. 8 , as defined bysection line 9 inFIG. 8 , according to an additional embodiment set forth herein; -
FIGS. 10A-10B are schematic perspective views of a manufacturing process for forming a bladder according to an additional embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bladder and residual portions of polymer sheets forming the bladder following the manufacturing process according to an additional embodiment set forth herein; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bladder following the manufacturing process according to an additional embodiment set forth herein; and -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball depicted inFIG. 1 , as defined bysection line 2 inFIG. 1 , according to yet another embodiment set forth herein. - The present disclosure relates to a golf ball incorporating a bladder core, as well as a method for manufacturing a bladder core for a golf ball.
- The disclosure provides a golf ball with a bladder forming the inner core. The bladder includes walls made of thin sheets of polymeric materials, where the walls define an interior space. The interior space of the bladder is, in some embodiments, filled with a fluid, such as a pressurized gas or a liquid. The materials used to form the thin sheets are selected so as to inhibit the bleeding of the fluid through the walls of the bladder. In one aspect, where the gas is air or nitrogen, for example; the material may include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer may be used in conjunction with sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), so that the walls of the bladder are durable, flexible, readily manufactured, and cost-effective.
- The performance of a golf ball may be driven by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the materials that are used to make the ball, the number of layers within the ball, the hardness and/or density of the material that makes up each layer, the thickness of each layer, and the way the layers are put together to form the ball. Each of these features may affect the perceived feel of the ball when it is struck by the club face as well as the performance of the ball in flight and on touchdown, including the velocity and resulting spin achieved by the ball in flight. For example, solid golf balls with multiple internal layers may create more spin as the ball is launched from the face of a club. Other features of the core may create less spin on the ball causing increased velocity and distance when the ball is hit. Golfers typically select balls based on the desired play characteristics of the ball and the feel of the ball, often based upon the golfer's skill level and personal preferences.
- According to embodiments set forth herein, a golf ball may include a provision to lighten the core layer of the ball. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, a golf ball containing a core that is light relative to the other layers in the ball presents a number of benefits. One benefit known in the art is that a lighter core shifts the moment of inertia (MOI) of the ball to the perimeter of the ball. In shifting the MOI to the perimeter, the spin rate off the club head upon impact is also reduced, allowing the ball to travel farther.
- Another well-known result of a lighter core ball is a lower compression rate. As is known in the art, the compression rate of a ball is the expression (i.e., a number typically in the range of 0 to 200) of how much deflection a ball undergoes when it is subjected to a compressive load, such as a golf club. In other words, as a golf ball is hit, the spherical shape will become more hemispherical. The higher the compression rate of the ball, the less compression the ball will display when hit. When a ball has a soft and/or lighter core, the ball tends to be more easily compressed, allowing golfers with a slower club-head speed to take advantage of the spring effect that results from compression of the ball, and, thereby to achieve more total distance from a shot.
- Yet another benefit of a golf ball with a lighter core results from a combination of the shift in the MOI to the perimeter with the lower compression rate. In particular, the shift in the MOI (and the resulting reduction in spin rate) allows a golfer with a high club head speed to maintain performance, while the lower compression rate of the ball allows for enhanced performance from a golfer with a lower club head speed.
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FIG. 1 depicts agolf ball 10, according to at least one embodiment described herein. According toFIG. 1 ,golf ball 10 includes acover layer 20.Cover layer 20 may be covered in its entirety with a plurality ofdimples 24 to create an overall dimpled pattern, as is known in the art. Most golf balls in play today may look and feel very similar togolf ball 10 with exterior variations in color, markings on the ball, the dimple pattern, and the hardness of the cover layer. Internally, however, golf balls may exhibit a variety of features including multiple layers made from a variety of materials. - As depicted in the cross-sectional view of
golf ball 10 inFIG. 2 , an embodiment ofgolf ball 10 exhibits a layered structure having (a) acover layer 20 that forms an exterior portion ofgolf ball 10, (b) anintermediate layer 30 located withincover layer 20, wherecover layer 20 substantially surroundsintermediate layer 30, and (c) aninternal core 40 that forms an interior portion ofball 10, whereintermediate layer 30 substantially surroundsinternal core 40. As discussed in more detail below,golf ball 10 may be varied to include additional layers of varying materials and varying hardnesses to achieve a desired play characteristic, such as a specific “feel” when the ball is hit or a specific spin or velocity characteristic in flight. - As used herein, the term “cover layer” may be understood as the outermost structural layers of a golf ball, not including any relatively thin finishing or coating layers. In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 2 ,cover layer 20 may include anouter cover 21 andinner cover layer 22. Theouter cover 21 ofcover layer 20 includes at least onedimple 24, and typically, a plurality ofdimples 24, which affect the aerodynamic performance ofgolf ball 10.Inner cover layer 22 may or may not be present. -
Cover layer 20 may be made from a variety of materials known in the art.Outer cover 21 may be constructed from a variety of materials ranging from harder to softer, depending on the specific performance characteristics desired. For example, softer covers are generally associated with greater control, asgolf ball 10 may be easier to spin with a soft cover, which harder covers are generally associated with durability.Inner cover layer 22 may be formed from a harder material thanouter cover 21, thus adding protection togolf ball 10 facilitating its durability.Inner cover 22 may also be a harder material thanouter cover 21 so that spin and control are maximized on iron shots, which experience softerouter cover 21, while also maximizing distance on driver shots, which experience harderinner cover 22. Cover layers with different hardnesses may also improve the feel ofgolf ball 10. Materials used for theouter cover 21 andinner cover layer 22 ofcover layer 20 may include any known golf ball cover materials, such as, synthetic resins, rubber compositions, and other polymers in a variety of hardness levels. - In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 2 ,intermediate layer 30 covers and substantially enclosesinternal core 40.Intermediate layer 30 may have any thickness. While the thickness ofintermediate layer 30 will generally be dictated by the thickness ofinternal core 40 and the existence of additional layers within the golf ball, in one embodiment, the thickness of intermediate layer may range from about 3 millimeters to about 11 millimeters. In some embodiments, the thickness ofintermediate layer 30 may be selected to ensure thatgolf ball 10 is a conforming golf ball, i.e., conforms to the USGA Rules of Golf.Intermediate layer 30 may be made from a variety of polymer and/or thermoset materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the thermoset material may be a rubber composition using any rubber composition known in the art. - According to at least one embodiment,
internal core 40 is the innermost portion ofgolf ball 10 and may comprise abladder 41 filled with acore substance 48, such as pressurized fluid. In other embodiments,core substance 48 could comprise a liquid or a gel. Similar to inflatable sport balls, such as a soccer ball or a volley ball,internal core 40 may be formed from multiple malleable panels capable of being thermo-formed and inflated during manufacturing. Such technology has previously been described in relation to inflatable sport balls in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2009/0325745, filed on Jun. 27, 2008, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/101,026, filed on May 4, 2011, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/101,041, filed on May 4, 2011, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. - As described in greater detail below, the walls of
bladder 41 may be constructed from multiple panels (e.g.,first panel 61 andsecond panel 62 inFIG. 5A ) bonded together to form seams. Further, each offirst panel 61 andsecond panel 62 may be formed from a wide range of polymer materials, selected in part on a material's resistance to the bleeding of air molecules through the material. One such suitable material is thermoplastic polyurethane. In addition to thermoplastic polyurethane, examples of polymer materials that may be suitable for the walls ofbladder 41 include urethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. The walls ofbladder 41 may also be formed from a material that includes alternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. in some embodiments, the walls ofbladder 41 may be formed from multiple layers fused together wherein a center layer is formed of ethylene.-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), layers adjacent to the center layer are formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). - In at least one embodiment, the walls of
bladder 41 may be comprised of seven layers fused together, as is depicted in the inset portion ofFIG. 2 . In particular,bladder 41 may comprise oneEVOH layer 46 in the center with multiple layers of TPU, upper TPU layers 42 and lower TPU layers 44.EVOH layer 46 serves to prevent the molecules of gas enclosed within from escaping According to aspects described herein, each ofEVOH layer 46, upper TPU layers 42 and lower TPU layers 44 may comprise a thin film such that the film thickness is in the range of about 5-10 microns. In some embodiments, an additional EVA/Surlyn® film may be applied over upper TPU layers 42 to improve adhesion betweenbladder 41 and any adjacent layers, such asintermediate layer 30. - The number and order of the layers of EVOH and TPU of
bladder 41 may be altered as would be contemplated by a skilled artisan. Furthermore, it should be understood that any of the multiple upper TPU layers 42 and lower TPU layers 44 in the depicted embodiment may be achieved by an alternate thermoplastic polymer that is capable of being turned into a film. -
Bladder 41 may enclose acore substance 48, such as a fluid. If the fluid is a gas, the gas may be pressurized between zero and three-hundred-fifty kilopascals (i.e., approximately fifty-one pounds per square inch) or more. In addition to air and nitrogen, the fluid contained bybladder 41 may include octafluoropropane or be any of the gasses disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,626 to Rudy, such as hexafluoroethane and sulfur hexafluoride, for example. Although discussed above as having a sealed and valve-less configuration, some configurations ofbladder 41 may incorporate a valve that permits adjustments to the pressure of the fluid, such as the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 8-12 and described in more detail below. - A variety of manufacturing processes may be utilized for the
bladder 40 depicted inFIG. 2 . As an example, a thermoforming process may formbladder 41 from a pair of polymer sheets that are molded to formfirst bladder panel 61 and second bladder panel 62 (shown inFIGS. 5A-5C ) and bonded to sealbladder 41 and define seam 64 (shown inFIG. 5C ). More particularly, the thermoforming process (a) imparts shape to one of the polymer sheets in order to form a hemispherical or otherwise curved structure of one offirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62, (b) imparts shape to another of the polymer sheets in order to form a hemispherical or otherwise curved structure of the other offirst bladder panel 61 orsecond bladder panel 62, and (c) formsseam 64 by bonding peripheries of the curved structures formed from the polymer sheets. The thermoforming process may also involve sealingbladder 40 or incorporating an inflation tube 63 (shown inFIG. 5B ) that permitsbladder 41 to be pressurized. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 depict anexemplary mold 50 that may be used for the thermoforming process described above, according to at least one embodiment. In particular,mold 50 having anupper mold portion 51 and alower mold portion 52 may be formed to define aninternal cavity 53 with the configuration ofbladder 41, so that the inner surface ofupper mold portion 51 andlower mold portion 52 are mold surfaces or restriction surfaces against which the polymer material of the walls ofbladder 41 are to be pressed to be shaped during the molding process. Whenupper mold portion 51 andlower mold portion 52 are joined together, therefore,internal cavity 53 has a generally spherical shape with the approximate dimensions ofbladder 41. Depending upon the degree to which the pressurization ofbladder 41 induces the polymer material to stretch,internal cavity 53 may exhibit lesser volume or a lesser diameter thanbladder 41 in the pressurized state. - According to aspects set forth herein,
mold 50 may be utilized to formbladder 41 from a pair of polymer sheets,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62. Initially, various conductive or radiative heaters may be utilized to heatfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62. At elevated temperatures that depend upon the specific polymer material utilized,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 soften or become more deformable, which facilitates shaping and bonding. Once heated,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 are positioned betweenupper mold portion 51 andlower mold portion 52, as depicted inFIG. 5A . In some manufacturing processes, a plurality of conduits may extend throughmold 50 in order to channel a heated liquid, such as water or oil, throughmold 50, thereby raising the overall temperature ofmold 50. Whenfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 are positioned withinmold 50, heat may be transferred frommold 50 tofirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 in order to further raise the temperature offirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62. The temperature ofmold 50 may vary depending upon the specific materials utilized forfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62. - When formed into
bladder 41 as depicted inFIG. 7 ,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 formbladder top hemisphere 66 andbladder bottom hemisphere 68, respectively. In addition,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 each form portions ofseam 64. The thickness offirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 prior to molding may be greater than the thickness of the polymermaterial forming bladder 41, as seen in the inset ofFIG. 2 . The rationale for the difference in thickness betweenfirst bladder panel 61,second bladder panel 62 andbladder 41 is thatfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 may stretch during the thermoforming process. That is, the thickness differences compensate for thinning infirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 that occurs whenfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 are stretched or otherwise deformed during the formation ofbladder 41. - Once
first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 are positioned betweenmold portion 51 andmold portion 52 as depicted inFIG. 5A ,mold portion 51 andmold portion 52 translate toward each other such thatfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62enter cavity 63 and are shaped and bonded, as depicted inFIG. 5B . Asmold 50 contacts and compresses portions offirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62, a fluid, such as air, having a positive pressure in comparison with ambient air may be injected betweenfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 to inducefirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 to respectively contact and conform to the contours ofmold portion 51 andmold portion 52. Air may also be removed from the area betweenfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 andmold portion 51 andmold portion 52 through various vents, thereby drawingfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 onto the surfaces ofmold portion 51 andmold portion 52, respectively. That is, at least a partial vacuum may be formed betweenfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 and the surfaces ofmold 50. As the area betweenfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 is pressurized and air is removed from the area betweenmold 50 andfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 conform to the shape ofcavity 53. More specifically,first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 stretch, bend, or otherwise conform to extend along the surfaces ofcavities 53 and form the general shape ofbladder 41. The final diameter ofbladder 41 may be a variety of sizes and chosen to enhance performance properties. In at least one configuration,bladder 41 may have a diameter of about 24 mm and may form theinner core layer 40 ofgolf ball 10 as discussed above. - In addition to shaping
first bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62,mold portion 51 andmold portion 52 compressfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 together at locations corresponding withseam 64. More particularly, aridge 54 extending aroundcavity 63 may compressfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 together andform seam 64. - Once
bladder 41 is formed withinmold 50,mold portion 51 andmold portion 52 separate such thatbladder 41 and peripheral portions offirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 may be removed frommold 50, as depicted hi FIGS, 5C and 6.Bladder 41 is then permitted to cool, and a pressurized fluid may be injected into an interior ofbladder 41. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4 ,mold portion 51 andmold portion 52 are depicted as each including achannel 55 extending fromareas forming cavity 53. During the thermoforming process discussed above,channels 55 form aconduit 63 that leads tobladder 41 atseam 64.Conduit 63 may be utilized to inject the pressurized fluid, andconduit 63 may then be sealed at a position that corresponds withseam 64 to sealbladder 41, including thecore substance 48 comprising the pressurized fluid, In addition, excess portions offirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62 may be trimmed or otherwise removed frombladder 41 alongseam 64. - Once
bladder 41 is formed to createcore layer 40,intermediate layer 30 andcover layer 20 may be applied using known techniques. For example, a resin, rubber or other composition as would be known in the art may be subsequently molded aroundbladder 41 to formintermediate layer 30. Onceintermediate layer 30 is formed,cover layer 20, includinginner cover layer 22 andexternal cover 21, may be formed as is known in the art. - It should be understood that further manufacturing processes may be utilized to form a bladder core such as
bladder 41 set forth herein, and those skilled in the art will readily recognize such further processes. Examples of alternative processes that may be used for formingbladder 41 include, but are not limited to, a blow molding process, a conventional rotational molding process, or by joining various bladder panels by heat bonding or radio frequency bonding processes. These alternative techniques are discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2009/0325745, filed on Jun. 27, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. - A golf ball with a bladder core as set forth herein may also include a one-way valve to allow for adjustment of the pressurized fluid within the core. In the past, golfers have been unable to make adjustments to a specific ball for different playing environments or to achieve certain play characteristics. For example, a golfer might want to alter a ball for play at a golf course at sea level in contrast with a golf course in the mountains; for play during colder weather in contrast with play during warmer weather; or for improving the performance of a ball for a golfer with a low golf club head speed.
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FIGS. 8-9 depict agolf ball 100 which includes a pin-sized one-way valve 170 for adding pressure or releasing pressure from abladder core 140 contained withinball 100. Similar to the previously discussed embodiments,golf ball 100 may include a layered structure having (a) acover layer 120 that forms an exterior portion ofgolf ball 100, (b) anintermediate layer 130 and/or mantle shell located withincover layer 120, and (c) aninternal core 140. Similar to the embodiments described above,internal core 140 may be formed from abladder 141 containing a core substance 148 that forms an interior portion ofball 100.Cover layer 120 ofgolf ball 100 may also include both anouter cover layer 121 andinner cover layer 122.Outer cover layer 121 ofcover layer 120 includes at least one dimple 124, and typically, a plurality of dimples 124, which affect the flight characteristics ofgolf ball 100.Golf ball 100 may be formed from the same materials previously discussed with respect togolf ball 10. Furthermore,golf ball 100 may be altered in a variety of ways known to those of skill, such as by altering the composition of the materials used to form the ball or the number and thicknesses of the layers. - According to the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 8 and 9 ,golf ball 100 may further include provisions for making adjustments to the pressurized fluid or core substance 148. In at least one embodiment,golf ball 100 may include a pin-sized one-way valve 170. One-way valve 170 may be configured as is known in the art, that is, one-way valve 170 may be configured such that a pressurized substance is held withinbladder 141 without escaping during normal play, yet may be adjusted using an interfacing nozzle. In particular, as shownFIG. 9 , one-way valve 170 may include anipple 171 that extends intobladder 141 and is capable of interfacing with anozzle 172.Nozzle 172 may be attached to ahose 174 which is ultimately attached to a pump.Nipple 171 allows for a fluid to be introduced intobladder 141, or for a fluid to be withdrawn frombladder 141. -
Bladder 141 may be formed using any one of the manufacturing processes set forth above in relation to the forming ofbladder 41 ofgolf ball 10. As one example,FIGS. 10A-12 set forth an exemplary method of manufacturing using the thermoforming process described above. In particular,FIGS. 10A-10B depict an exemplary thermoforming process using theexemplary mold 50 depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4 and previously described. According to at least one embodiment,mold 50 may be utilized to formbladder 141 from a pair of polymer sheets,bladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162, similar to the process described above with respect togolf ball 10. In particular,bladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 are positioned betweenupper mold portion 51 andlower mold portion 52, as depicted inFIG. 10A . In addition, according to at least one embodiment, a one-way valve 170 may be placed betweenbladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 such thatnipple 171 is positioned insideseam area 164 andnozzle 172 extends through aconduit 163. - Thus, when formed into
bladder 141 as depicted inFIG. 12 ,bladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 formbladder top hemisphere 166 andbladder bottom hemisphere 168, respectively. Further, one-way valve 170 may be positioned betweenbladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162, and configured to protrude atseam 164. - During forming, once
bladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 are positioned betweenmold portion 51 andmold portion 52 as depicted inFIG. 10A ,mold portion 51 andmold portion 52 translate toward each other such thatfirst bladder panel 61 andsecond bladder panel 62enter cavity 63 around one-way valve 170 and are shaped and bonded, as depicted inFIG. 10B , Asmold 50 contacts and compresses portions ofbladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162, a fluid, such as air, having a positive pressure in comparison with ambient air may be injected betweenbladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 to inducebladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 to respectively contact and conform to the contours ofmold portion 51 andmold portion 52 as discussed above. - Once
bladder 141 is formed withinmold 50,mold portion 51 andmold portion 52 separate such thatbladder 141, one-way valve 170 and peripheral portions ofbladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 may be removed frommold 50, as depicted inFIG. 11 .Bladder 141 is then permitted to cool, and a pressurized fluid or core substance 148 may be injected into an interior ofbladder 141 using one-way valve 170 orconduit 163. Afterbladder 141 is filled with core substance 148,conduit 163 may then be sealed at a position that corresponds withseam 164 and around one-way valve 170 to sealbladder 141. In addition, excess portions ofbladder panel 161 andbladder panel 162 may be trimmed or otherwise removed frombladder 141, leavingbladder 141 with one-way valve 170 as depicted in FIG. - 12. Once
bladder 141 is formed to createcore layer 140,intermediate layer 130 andcover layer 120 may be applied as above using known techniques. - It is further contemplated that a golf ball with a bladder core, such as discussed herein, may be further altered in various ways known to those skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a skilled artisan may modify the number of layers in the golf ball, alter the relative sizes of the layers, or the diameter of the core, alter the materials used on one or multiple layers, change the dimple pattern, or perform another alternation known in the art to enhance or alter performance characteristics of the ball.
-
FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of one such additional embodiment, i.e.,golf ball 200, havingbladder core 240. As may be seen inFIG. 13 ,golf ball 200 exhibits a layered structure similar to the previously described embodiments, but with an additional layer,mantle layer 250. In particular, according to one embodiment,golf ball 200 is depicted as having (a) a cover layer 220 (with both aninner cover layer 222 and an outer cover layer 221) that forms an exterior portion ofgolf ball 200, (b) amantle layer 250, wherecover layer 220 substantially surrounds and enclosesmantle layer 250, (c) anintermediate layer 230 orouter core layer 230, wheremantle layer 250 substantially surrounds and enclosesouter core layer 230, and (d) aninternal bladder core 240 that forms an interior portion ofball 200, whereouter core layer 230 substantially surrounds and enclosescore 240.Golf ball 200 may be manufactured and formed in the same manner discussed above in relation to the previous embodiments, with theadditional mantle layer 250 being molded or otherwise applied overintermediate layer 230 beforecover layer 220 is applied. The addition ofmantle layer 250 may allow the manufacturer to add additional performance enhancements togolf ball 200, such as increased distance and spin control off of the golf club head. - While various embodiments have been described herein, 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 present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure 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 (21)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A golf ball comprising:
a core comprising a bladder, the bladder having walls that define an internal space and that contain a fluid in the internal space, wherein the walls of the bladder are formed from layers of polymeric materials that are fused to each other, wherein at least one layer of the bladder is formed of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a layer adjacent to the at least one layer of the bladder is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane;
an intermediate layer substantially surrounding the core; and
an outer layer substantially surrounding the intermediate layer, the outer layer including a plurality of dimples.
22. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the intermediate layer comprises a rubber composition.
23. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the bladder comprises a center layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.
24. The golf ball according to claim 23 , wherein the bladder further comprises layers of thermoplastic polyurethane adjacent to the center layer.
25. The golf ball according to claim 24 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester-polyurethane.
26. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the bladder is formed from seven layers fused together.
27. The golf ball according to claim 26 , wherein the seven layers comprise a center layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and layers of thermoplastic polyurethane adjacent to the center layer.
28. The golf ball according to claim 27 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester-polyurethane.
29. The golf ball according to claim 21 , further comprising a one-way valve configured to interface with the bladder.
30. The golf ball according to claim 21 , further comprising a mantle layer substantially surrounding the intermediate layer.
31. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the fluid comprises a pressurized gas.
32. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the fluid is a pressurized gas.
33. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the fluid is a liquid.
34. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the walls of the bladder are formed from a plurality of bladder panels joined together.
35. The golf ball according to claim 34 , wherein a center layer of the bladder panels are formed of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.
36. The golf ball according to claim 35 , wherein the bladder panels further comprises layers of thermoplastic polyurethane adjacent to the center layer.
37. The golf ball according to claim 36 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester-polyurethane.
38. The golf ball according to claim 34 , wherein the bladder panels are formed from seven layers fused together.
39. The golf ball according to claim 38 , wherein the center layer of the seven layers is a layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and layers adjacent to the center layer are made of polyester-polyurethane.
40. The golf ball according to claim 21 , wherein the core is lighter in weight relative to other layers of the golf ball.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/004,440 US20160136485A1 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2016-01-22 | Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/408,209 US9272188B2 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2012-02-29 | Multi-layer golf ball with bladder core |
US15/004,440 US20160136485A1 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2016-01-22 | Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/408,209 Continuation US9272188B2 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2012-02-29 | Multi-layer golf ball with bladder core |
Publications (1)
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US20160136485A1 true US20160136485A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
Family
ID=49003482
Family Applications (2)
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US13/408,209 Expired - Fee Related US9272188B2 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2012-02-29 | Multi-layer golf ball with bladder core |
US15/004,440 Abandoned US20160136485A1 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2016-01-22 | Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/408,209 Expired - Fee Related US9272188B2 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2012-02-29 | Multi-layer golf ball with bladder core |
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US (2) | US9272188B2 (en) |
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USD823956S1 (en) * | 2017-05-19 | 2018-07-24 | Nexen Corporation | Golf ball |
USD868912S1 (en) * | 2017-05-09 | 2019-12-03 | Volvik, Inc. | Golf ball |
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US9272188B2 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2016-03-01 | Nike, Inc. | Multi-layer golf ball with bladder core |
JP6375938B2 (en) * | 2014-12-25 | 2018-08-22 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | Golf ball |
USD813326S1 (en) * | 2017-01-27 | 2018-03-20 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf ball |
USD814578S1 (en) * | 2017-02-14 | 2018-04-03 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf ball |
WO2018157003A1 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2018-08-30 | Brummond Darren | Objects and methods for building small muscle fibers and nerves using fluid disposed in the objects |
USD811498S1 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2018-02-27 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf ball |
USD815219S1 (en) * | 2017-03-24 | 2018-04-10 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf ball |
USD811499S1 (en) * | 2017-03-24 | 2018-02-27 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf ball |
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US20130225323A1 (en) | 2013-08-29 |
US9272188B2 (en) | 2016-03-01 |
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