WO2013096728A1 - Procédé de fabrication d'une balle de golf dotée d'une couche externe de film biaxiale fine - Google Patents

Procédé de fabrication d'une balle de golf dotée d'une couche externe de film biaxiale fine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013096728A1
WO2013096728A1 PCT/US2012/071164 US2012071164W WO2013096728A1 WO 2013096728 A1 WO2013096728 A1 WO 2013096728A1 US 2012071164 W US2012071164 W US 2012071164W WO 2013096728 A1 WO2013096728 A1 WO 2013096728A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
golf ball
mold half
thermoplastic film
robotic arm
ball core
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/071164
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bradley C. TUTMARK
Original Assignee
Nike International Ltd.
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 Nike International Ltd. filed Critical Nike International Ltd.
Publication of WO2013096728A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013096728A1/fr

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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
    • A63B45/00—Apparatus or methods for manufacturing 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
    • 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
    • A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
    • 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
    • A63B37/00221—Coatings, e.g. paint films; Markings characterised by the material
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B37/0039—Intermediate layers, e.g. inner cover, outer core, mantle characterised by the material
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B47/00—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls
    • A63B47/005—Ball heating devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B13/00—Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped
    • B29B13/02—Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped by heating
    • B29B13/023—Half-products, e.g. films, plates
    • 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
    • B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • 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
    • B29C55/00—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C55/02—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets
    • B29C55/10—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets multiaxial
    • B29C55/12—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets multiaxial biaxial
    • B29C55/14—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets multiaxial biaxial successively
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D22/00—Producing hollow articles
    • B29D22/04—Spherical articles, e.g. balls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B11/00—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses
    • B30B11/02—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses using a ram exerting pressure on the material in a moulding space
    • B30B11/14—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses using a ram exerting pressure on the material in a moulding space co-operating with moulds on a movable carrier other than a turntable or a rotating drum
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
    • B29C66/133—Fin-type joints, the parts to be joined being flexible
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
    • B29C66/433—Casing-in, i.e. enclosing an element between two sheets by an outlined seam
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
    • B29C66/433—Casing-in, i.e. enclosing an element between two sheets by an outlined seam
    • B29C66/4332—Casing-in, i.e. enclosing an element between two sheets by an outlined seam by folding a sheet over
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
    • B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • B29C66/83221—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis cooperating reciprocating tools, each tool reciprocating along one axis
    • 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
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/834—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools moving with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/8351—Jaws mounted on rollers, cylinders, drums, bands, belts or chains; Flying jaws
    • B29C66/83521—Jaws mounted on rollers, cylinders, drums, bands, belts or chains; Flying jaws jaws mounted on bands or belts
    • B29C66/83523—Cooperating jaws mounted on cooperating bands or belts and moving in a closed path
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
    • Y10T156/1028—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina by bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith
    • Y10T156/103—Encasing or enveloping the configured lamina
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
    • Y10T156/1051—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina by folding

Definitions

  • the embodiments herein relate to system and methods for manufacturing a golf ball. More specifically, the systems and methods relate to manipulating and disposing a thermoplastic film around a golf ball core. The systems and methods also relate to manipulating the golf ball core with a robotic arm during the manufacturing process.
  • thermoplastic film More specifically, a biaxially oriented thermoplastic film may allow for a thin outer layer that exhibits greater strength than injection molded layers.
  • thermoplastic film may be manipulated causing the molecules in the film to become biaxially oriented.
  • a robotic arm may manipulate the thermoplastic film.
  • a robotic arm may manipulate the golf ball core in order to dispose the thermoplastic film around the golf ball core.
  • a robotic arm may position the golf ball components in a mold. In some embodiments, a robotic arm may remove the golf ball components from a mold. In some embodiments, the mold may be associated with a conveyer belt.
  • a method of preparing thermoplastic film may include providing a sheet of thermoplastic film. In some embodiments, the method may further include providing a heat source. In some embodiments, the method may further include applying the heat source to the thermoplastic film. In some embodiments,
  • the method may further include stretching the thermoplastic film in a first direction. In some embodiments, the method may further include stretching the thermoplastic film in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
  • a method for manufacturing a golf ball may include disposing a biaxial thermoplastic film on an outer surface of a golf ball core.
  • the method may further include providing a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the method may further include gripping the golf ball core having the biaxial thermoplastic film disposed around the outer surface of the golf ball core with the robotic arm. In some embodiments, the method may further include providing a first mold half having a first inner surface and a first outer surface. In some embodiments, the method may further include providing a second mold half having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second inner surface is facing the first inner surface. In some embodiments, the method may further include positioning the golf ball core having the biaxial film disposed on the outer surface of the golf ball core between the first inner surface and second inner surface using the robotic arm.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a robotic arm
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the robotic arm shown in FIG. 1 preparing to grip an object
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the robotic arm shown in FIGS. 1 -2 gripping an object
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment for unrolling a film for golf balls
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment for applying heat to a film
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment for stretching a film for golf balls in a first direction
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment for stretching a film for golf balls in a second direction
  • FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a film for golf balls
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment for positioning a golf ball core with a robotic arm
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment for folding a film around a golf ball core using a robotic arm
  • FIG. 1 1 is another schematic view of an embodiment for folding a film around a golf ball core using a robotic arm
  • FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a method for manufacture a golf ball using a robotic arm
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment for manufacturing a golf ball using at least one robotic arm and two sheets of film;
  • FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a golf ball using at least one robotic arm and two sets of film;
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an embodiment for positioning golf ball components in a mold using a robotic arm
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an embodiment for golf ball components in a mold
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an embodiment for removing a golf ball from a mold using a robotic arm
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a conveyer belt assembly for manufacturing a golf ball.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a conveyer belt assembly for manufacturing a golf ball.
  • Embodiments provide systems and methods for applying a thermoplastic film of one or more layers to the core of a golf ball. More specifically, a thermoplastic film that is biaxially oriented provides for a stronger and thinner outer layer.
  • golf ball refers to any generally spherically shaped ball which may be used in playing the game of golf.
  • core normally refers to those portions of a golf ball which are closer to or proximate the center of the golf ball.
  • the core may have multiple layers, where the centermost portion of the golf ball is the “core” or “inner core” and any surrounding core layers are “outer core” layers.
  • the term “mantle” generally refers to an optional layer or layers of a golf ball which may be positioned between the core layer or layers and the outermost cover, and which may be proximate or adjacent to the cover.
  • cover generally refers to the outermost layer of a golf ball, which often has a pattern of dimples (dimple pattern) on the outer surface thereof.
  • the term “dimple” refers to an indentation in or a protrusion from the outer surface of a golf ball cover that is used to control the flight of the golf ball.
  • Dimples may be hemispherical (i.e., half of a sphere) or semi-hemispherical (i.e., a part or portion of a hemisphere) in shape, including various combinations of hemispherical and semi-hemispherical dimples, but may also be elliptical-shaped, square- shaped, polygonal-shaped, such as hexagonal-shaped, etc. Dimples which are more semi-hemispherical in shape may be referred to as being
  • the term “dimple pattern” refers to an arrangement of a plurality of dimples on the outer surface of the cover of a golf ball.
  • the dimple pattern may comprise dimples having the same shape, different shapes, different arrangements of dimples within the pattern (both as to shape and/or size), repeating subpatterns (i.e. a smaller pattern of dimples arranged within the dimple pattern), such as spherical triangular, etc.
  • the total number of dimples in the dimple pattern may be in the range of from about 250 to about 500, for example, from about 300 to about 400.
  • the total number of dimples in the dimple pattern is often an even number of dimples, but may also be an odd number of dimples.
  • thermoplastic refers to the conventional meaning of the term thermoplastic, i.e., a composition, compound, material, medium, substance, etc., which exhibits the property of a material, such as a high polymer, that softens when exposed to heat and generally returns to its original condition when cooled to room temperature (e.g., at from about 20° C to about 25° C).
  • thermoset refers to the conventional meaning of the term thermoset, i.e., a composition, compound, material, medium, substance, etc., that is cross-linked such that it does not have a melting temperature, and cannot be dissolved in a solvent, but which may be swelled by a solvent.
  • polymer refers to a molecule having more than 30 monomer units, and which may be formed or result from the polymerization of one or more monomers or oligomers.
  • oligomer refers to a molecule having 2 to 30 monomer units.
  • the term "monomer” refers to a molecule having one or more functional groups and which is capable of forming an oligomer and/or polymer.
  • the term "ionomer” refers to a monomer having at least one carboxylic acid group, and which may be at least partially or completely neutralized by one or more bases (including mixtures of bases) to provide carboxylic acid salt monomers (or mixtures of carboxylic acid salt monomers).
  • the ionomer may comprise a mixture of carboxylic acid sodium and zinc salts monomers, such as the mixed ionomer used in making the ionomer resin sold under DuPont's trademark SURLYN® for cut-resistant golf ball covers.
  • the term "ionomer resin” refers to an oligomer or polymer which may comprise, or be formed, from one or more ionomer units or ionomers, and which may be a copolymer of one or more ionomers (such as methacrylic acid which is at least partially or completely neutralized) and one or more monomers or oligomers which is not an ionomer, such as, for example, ethylene.
  • the term “elastomer” refers to oligomers or polymers having the property of elasticity, and may be used interchangeably with the term “rubber” herein.
  • polyol refers to an organic molecule having two or more hydroxy functional groups.
  • polyurethane refers to a polymer which is joined by urethane (carbamate) links, and which may be prepared, for example, from polyols (or compounds forming polyols such as by ring-opening mechanisms, e.g., epoxides) and polyisocyanates.
  • Polyurethanes useful herein may be thermoplastic or thermosetting, but are thermoplastic when used in the cover.
  • the soft segment of a thermoplastic polyurethane may also be partially cross-linked, for example, with a hyper branched or dendritic polyol, to provide improved scuff resistance, increased hardness, etc.
  • the term "Shore D” refers to a measure of the hardness of a material by a durometer, and especially the material's resistance to indentation. Shore D hardness may be measured with a durometer directly on the curved surface of the core, layer, cover, etc., according to ASTM method D2240. In other embodiments, the hardness may be measured using standard plaques.
  • the golf ball made by the disclosed method may include a golf ball having a core and a cover layer. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have an inner core and an outer core. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have multiple cover layers.
  • the golf ball may also include a mantle layer, also known as a "three-piece" golf ball.
  • a thermoplastic film may be used as a mantle layer.
  • a thermoplastic film may form the cover of the golf ball.
  • an outer coating may be applied over the cover of the golf ball.
  • ethylene vinyl acetate may be used to adhere one layer of the golf ball to another layer.
  • certain layers of the golf ball may contain one or more of the following types of material: polyol, elastomer, polyurethane, ionomer, ionomer resin, monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer.
  • the golf ball core may comprise a single solid core, often made of cross-linked rubber such as polybutadiene which may be chemically cross-linked with zinc diacrylate and/or similar cross-linking agents.
  • the core may be formed from Dupont ® HPF resins.
  • the core may be formed from other components known to those skilled in the art.
  • the golf ball core may be covered with SURLYN ® (the trademark for an ionomer resin produced by DuPont) to provide, a tough, cut-proof blended cover.
  • the cover layer(s) may be made from a highly neutralized acid polymer.
  • thermoplastic film may be any type of thermoplastic material known in the art.
  • the thermoplastic material known in the art.
  • the thermoplastic material known in the art.
  • the thermoplastic material known in the art.
  • thermoplastic material may be a polypropylene.
  • the thermoplastic material may be a thermoplastic polyurethane material, such as Estane 58219, which is commercially available by the Lubrizol Corporation.
  • the thermoplastic film may be manufactured by Nike IHM, Inc.
  • the thermoplastic film may be manufactured by BASF Corporation.
  • ethylene vinyl acetate may be used to adhere the thermoplastic resin to the golf ball core.
  • the thermoplastic film may be a multilayer film.
  • a multi-layer film may be made by a casting process that involves extruding a plurality of individual film layers together through a die and onto a roller.
  • the thermoplastic film may be preheated before extrusion.
  • the thermoplastic film may be heated during extrusion.
  • the thermoplastic material may be a multilayer film.
  • thermoplastic film may be chilled to set the individual layers as a single multilayer film after extrusion.
  • the extruded film may be pulled to in biaxial directions after extrusion.
  • the individual layers may be about 0.1 millimeter thick and the multi-layer film may include from 2 to 10 layers such that the multi-layer film has a thickness of about 0.2 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.
  • the thermoplastic film may contain one or more materials having different properties. These materials may, for example, enhance the hardness of the material.
  • the film may also have a base extruded or cast layer with additional layers sprayed on. These additional layers may also have one or more materials having different properties.
  • thermoplastic film used in manufacturing golf balls may be strengthened.
  • a combination of heating and stretching processes may be applied to the film.
  • the stretching processes may be performed using robotic arms in order to more accurately position the golf ball components during the manufacturing process.
  • any machinery may be used to perform the heating and/or stretching processes.
  • a robotic arm may be utilized during the manufacture of a golf ball.
  • the term “robotic arm” refers to any electrical/mechanical device capable of
  • robotic arms may be controlled by electrical signals carried by electrical wires connected to the robotic arm.
  • robotic arms may be controlled mechanically, such as by hydraulics.
  • other systems known to those skilled in the art may be used to manipulate and control robotic arms.
  • robotic arms may be electronically connected to a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, and software all serving to monitor and supervise various parameters of the robotic arm 100.
  • Electronic signals to and from the robotic arm may be processed by a central processing unit (CPU) in accordance with software stored in an electronic memory, such as ROM or RAM.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • robotic arms may be preprogrammed so that the movements of the robotic arms are automated. In other embodiments, movements of the robotic arm may be controlled manually and/or remotely.
  • a robotic arm as shown in FIGS. 1 -3 may be used in conjunction with manufacturing a golf ball.
  • FIG. 1 shows the various components of one embodiment of a robotic arm 100.
  • a robotic arm 100 may include a first gripping member 102.
  • First gripping member 102 may include a first gripping end 107 and a first attachment end 109.
  • the first gripping end 107 may include a first contact surface 103 for contacting an object (not shown) for manipulation.
  • robotic arm 100 may include a second gripping member 104.
  • Second gripping member 104 may include a second gripping end 106 and a second attachment end 108.
  • the second gripping end 106 may include a second contact surface 105.
  • the first attachment end 109 of the first gripping member 102 may be attached to the second attachment end 108 of the second gripping member 104 at an attachment portion 1 10 of the robotic arm 100.
  • a securing member 1 1 1 may attach the first gripping member 102 to the second gripping member 104 at the attachment portion 1 10.
  • securing member 1 1 1 may include one or more screw(s), bolt(s), fastener(s), or any other mechanism known to those skilled in the art for securing two members together.
  • the attachment portion 1 10 of robotic arm 100 may be attached to arm extension 1 12.
  • the arm extension 1 12 may move in any direction in order to position the robotic arm 100 in the desired location. For example, arm extension 1 12 may extend outwardly, retract, or rotate in order to maneuver the robotic arm 100 into a desired position.
  • FIG. 2 shows the robotic arm 100 shown in FIG. 1 preparing to grip an object 1 15.
  • electrical or mechanical signals may cause the first gripping member 102 to pivot about the securing member 1 1 1 in an opening direction 1 14. This causes the first gripping end 107 to move in a direction 1 13 that is away from the second gripping end 106.
  • the extension arm 1 12 may advance the robotic arm 100 towards the object 1 15.
  • the object 1 15 may be a golf ball core. In other embodiments, the object 1 15 may be a sheet of thermoplastic film. In still further embodiments, the object 1 15 may be any item.
  • FIG. 3 shows the robotic arm 100 shown in FIGS. 1 -2 gripping a desired object 1 15.
  • electrical or mechanical signals cause the first gripping member 102 to rotate about the securing member 1 1 1 in a closing direction 1 16.
  • This causes the first contact surface 103 to move in a direction 1 17 towards the second contact surface 105, until the first contact surface 103 and second contact surface 105 are brought into contact with the object 1 15.
  • the mechanical and/or electrical structure of the robotic arm 100 may vary.
  • both the first gripping member 102 and the second gripping member 104 may pivot about the securing member 1 1 1 .
  • FIGS. 1 -3 illustrate a robotic arm 100 having two gripping members, other embodiments may include more than two gripping members.
  • components of the robotic arm 100 may be made from plastic, metal, an alloy, and/or other composite (or non-composite) material know to those skilled in the art.
  • the shape of the first contact surface 103 and second contact surface 105 may vary.
  • first contact surface 103 and/or second contact surface 105 may generally have a circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric or non- geometric shape.
  • one or more contact surfaces may have the same shape. In other embodiments, one or more contact surfaces may have a different shape.
  • robotic arms may improve the process for manufacturing golf balls.
  • the speed at which automated robotic arms can maneuver various golf ball components may decrease the amount of time it takes to manufacture each golf ball.
  • robotic arms can manipulate golf ball components with improved accuracy, which increases the quality of each golf ball.
  • FIGS. 4-7 illustrate one embodiment 400 of methods and systems for manufacturing a biaxial film for golf balls using one or more robotic arm(s).
  • the robotic arm 100 discussed in FIGS. 1 -3 may be used in the embodiment 400 shown in FIGS. 4-7.
  • robotic arms may be used to unroll a thermoplastic sheet.
  • FIG. 4 shows a roll of thermoplastic film 405 with an end edge 427 extended from the roll.
  • the end edge 427 may be extended in an outwardly direction 425 by a first robotic arm 435 and/or a second robotic arm 430 as the roll of film 405 remains stationary.
  • some other clamping or securing device known to those skilled in the art may be used instead of, or in conjunction with, the first robotic arm 435 and/or second robotic arm 430 shown in FIG. 4.
  • One skilled in the art would recognize other methods of extending the end edge 427 of the roll of thermoplastic material 405.
  • the end edge 427 may be held stationary by first robotic arm 435 and/or second robotic arm 430, while the roll of film 405 is moved away from the end edge 427.
  • a heat source may be applied to the thermoplastic film in order to prepare the film for further processing.
  • a heat source 420 may be applied to the exposed portion 440 of the thermoplastic film.
  • the exposed portion 440 of the thermoplastic film is heated to a temperature that is below the melting point of the film.
  • the exposed portion 440 may be heated to a temperature that is above the glass transition temperature of the film.
  • Any heat source 420 may be applied in order to raise the temperature of the thermoplastic film. Raising the temperature of the film allows the polymer molecules to be more easily oriented in a desired axial direction.
  • the film may be preheated before stretching, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and/or 7 below.
  • the film before stretching the film, the film may be preheated to a temperature that is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) to about 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) below the melting point of the film for a period of about 15 seconds to about 2 minutes.
  • the film before stretching the film, the film may be preheated to a temperature that is about 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) to about 1 13 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) below the melting point of the film for a period of about 30 seconds to about 1.5 minutes.
  • the film may be preheated to a temperature of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) for about 1 minute.
  • the film may be heated while being stretched. This heating may occur with or without the preheating discussed above.
  • the film may be heated to a temperature that is about 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) to about 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) below the melting point of the film for a period of about 5 seconds to about 1 .5 minutes.
  • the film before stretching the film, the film may be preheated to a temperature that is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to about 1 13 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) below the melting point of the film for a period of about 15 seconds to about 1 minute.
  • the film is made of Estane 58219 (melting temperature of 284 degrees Fahrenheit (140 degrees Celsius)
  • the film may be heated to a temperature of about 257 degrees Fahrenheit (125 degrees Celsius) for about 30 seconds.
  • the exposed portion 440 of the thermoplastic film may be heated to between about 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and about 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). In other embodiments, the exposed portion 440 of the thermoplastic film may be heated to below 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). In still further embodiments, the exposed portion 440 of the thermoplastic film may be heated to above 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
  • force may be exerted on the extended portion 440 of thermoplastic film in order to align the molecules along a first axial direction 450.
  • a first robotic arm 435 and/or a second robotic arm 430 may pull on the end edge 427 of the roll of thermoplastic film in a first direction 426 away from the roll 405 in order to exert force on the extended portion 440. Exerting force in the first direction 426 may align some of the polymer molecules along a first axial direction 450.
  • first robotic arm 435 and/or second robotic arm 430 may hold the end edge 427 of the thermoplastic film steady while the thermoplastic roll 405 is moved away from one end edge 427.
  • the extended portion 440 may be cut or separated from the roll 405 of thermoplastic film. In such embodiments, more than two robotic arms may be utilized in order to align the polymer molecules in the first axial direction 450.
  • first robotic arm 435 and/or second robotic arm 430 may exert up to 1 ,1 10 Newtons on the extended portion 440. In some embodiments, more than 1 ,1 10 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion 440. For example, in some embodiments 1 ,200 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion. In other embodiments, less than 1 ,1 10 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion. For example, in some embodiments 1 ,000 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion 440. In some embodiments, the force exerted on the extended portion is adequate to align some of the polymer molecules along a first axial direction 450.
  • first robotic arm 435 and second robotic arm 430 are shown in FIG. 6 exerting force on the extended portion 440, one skilled in the art would recognize other methods of securing or gripping thermoplastic film.
  • a clamping or securing device may be used instead of first robotic arm 435 and second robotic arm 430.
  • force may be exerted on the extended portion 440 of thermoplastic film in order to align some of the polymer molecules along a second axial direction 460.
  • a first robotic arm 435 may grip a first side edge 455 and pull in a first direction 459.
  • a second robotic arm 430 may grip a second side edge 457 and pull in a second direction 458.
  • a third robotic arm 432 may grip the second side edge 457 and pull in the second direction 458.
  • a fourth robotic arm 437 may grip the first side edge 455 and pull in the first direction 459.
  • FIG. 7 shows four robotic arms, more or less robotic arms may be utilized.
  • the amount of force exerted on the extended portion 440 in FIG. 7 may vary.
  • the robotic arms may exert up to 1 ,1 10 Newtons on the extended portion 440.
  • more than 1 ,1 10 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion 440.
  • 1 ,200 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion.
  • less than 1 ,1 10 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion.
  • 1 ,000 Newtons may be exerted on the extended portion 440.
  • the force exerted on the extended portion 440 is adequate to align some of the polymer molecules along a second axial direction 460.
  • robotic arms are illustrated in FIG. 7, one skilled in the art would recognize other methods of securing or gripping thermoplastic film.
  • a clamping or securing device may be used instead of robotic arms.
  • force may be applied after being subjected to a heating process.
  • the heating process may be applied after the stretching processes shown in FIGS. 6 and/or 7.
  • second axial direction 460 in FIG. 7 may be substantially perpendicular to first axial direction 450 in FIG. 6.
  • Thermoplastic film having some of the polymer molecules oriented
  • substantially 90° from other polymer molecules may increase the strength of the thin layers of thermoplastic film.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment in which the extended portion 440 is sequentially stretched in two different axial directions.
  • the extended portion 440 may be simultaneously stretched in two different axial directions.
  • a linear motor simultaneous stretching technology LISIM
  • LISIM linear motor simultaneous stretching technology
  • Simultaneously stretching the extended portion 440 may result in a thinner film than
  • simultaneously stretching the extended portion 440 may result in a film having a stretch ratio (based on the thickness of the film before and after stretching) of between about 8:1 and about 10:1.
  • sequentially stretching the extended portion 440 may result in a film having a stretch ratio of about 4:1 to about 5:1 .
  • the amount of force exerted on the extended portion 440 may be determined by the desired stretch ratio (based on the thickness of the film before and after stretching). For example, in some embodiments, the extended portion 440 may be stretched until the thickness of the extended portion 440 has been reduced such that the stretch ratio is 9:1 . In some embodiments, the extended portion 440 may be heated after each stretching to set the extended portion 440.
  • FIG. 8 is one embodiment of a method 800 of manufacturing a thermoplastic film for golf balls. It will be understood that in some
  • a heat source may be applied to an extended portion of a roll of thermoplastic film.
  • a heat source 420 may be applied as described in FIG. 5.
  • the thermoplastic film may be stretched in a first direction.
  • the film may be stretched as described in FIG. 6.
  • the thermoplastic film may be stretched in a second direction.
  • the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
  • the thermoplastic film may be stretched as described in FIG. 7.
  • FIGS. 4-8 Although a roll 405 of thermoplastic film is depicted in FIGS. 4-8, the current embodiments are not so limited.
  • FIGS. 4-8 may be directed to a sheet of thermoplastic film instead of a roll 405 of
  • thermoplastic film The sheet of thermoplastic film may be preformed into various shapes in order to optimize the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the sheet of thermoplastic film may be rectangular, circular, oval, or any other geometrical or non-geometrical shape.
  • FIGS. 4-8 include robotic arms in manufacturing biaxial film, other embodiments may not include robotic arms.
  • the thermoplastic film may be fed into machinery that performs the processes described in FIGS. 4-8.
  • FIGS. 9-1 1 illustrate methods and systems 900 for disposing a thermoplastic film on a golf ball core using one or more robotic arms. While a golf ball core is shown in FIGS. 9-1 1 , it is understood that the method may be used to apply a thermoplastic film to any layer of a golf ball. For example, in some embodiments, the method may be used to apply the thermoplastic film to a mantle and/or a cover layer of a golf ball.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view of one embodiment of extending a thermoplastic sheet from a roll using a robotic arm.
  • FIG. 9 shows a roll 905 of thermoplastic film with the end edge 910 extended from the roll 905.
  • the end edge 910 may be extended in an outwardly direction 915 by a first robotic arm 940 and/or a second robotic arm 945 as the roll of film 905 remains stationary. In other embodiments, the end edge 910 may be held stationary by first robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945, while the roll of film 905 is moved away from the end edge 910. In some embodiments, some other clamping or securing device known to those skilled in the art may be used instead of, or in conjunction with, the first robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945. One skilled in the art would recognize other methods of extending the end edge 910 of the roll 905 of thermoplastic film.
  • a third robotic arm 930 may position a golf ball core 920 in contact with a surface 955 of the extended portion 950.
  • the extended portion 950 of the roll 905 of thermoplastic film may have undergone the processes described in FIGS. 4-8. In other embodiments, the entire roll 905 may have undergone the processes described in FIGS. 4-8.
  • provisions may be made for folding thermoplastic film into an L-shape around a golf ball core using robotic arms.
  • robotic arms may fold the thermoplastic film in addition to positioning the golf ball core.
  • first robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945 may pull upwards 970 on the end edge 910 of the extended portion 950.
  • a crease 960 may form in the extended portion 950 of the thermoplastic film, bending the extended portion 950 into an L-shape.
  • the robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945 may hold the end edge 910 of the thermoplastic film steady while the entire roll 905 is maneuvered in order to create a crease 960, generally bending the extended portion 950 into an L-shape.
  • third robotic arm 930 may continue to hold the golf ball core 920 on the surface 955 of the extended portion 950, so that the golf ball core 920 is in contact with the crease 960.
  • a clamping or securing device may be used instead of the first robotic arm 940, second robotic arm 945, and/or third robotic arm 930.
  • provisions may be made for folding thermoplastic film into a U-shape around a golf ball core using robotic arms.
  • robotic arms may fold the thermoplastic film in addition to positioning the golf ball core.
  • a first robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945 may continue to fold the extended portion 950 of the roll 905 of thermoplastic film shown in FIG. 10.
  • first robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945 may pull the extended portion 950 in direction 975. This may cause the extended portion 950 to form a U-shape around the golf ball core 920.
  • first robotic arm 940 and/or second robotic arm 945 may hold the end edge 910 of the thermoplastic film steady while the entire roll 905 is maneuvered in order to fold the extended portion 950 into a U-shape.
  • third robotic arm 930 may continue to hold the golf ball core 920 on the surface 955 of the extended portion 950, so that the golf ball core 920 is in contact with the crease 960.
  • a clamping or securing device may be used instead of the first robotic arm 940, second robotic arm 945, and/or third robotic arm 930.
  • FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a method 1200 for
  • a robotic arm may hold a golf ball core in contact with a surface of a thermoplastic film. In some embodiments, this step may be performed in accordance with the description of FIG. 9.
  • the thermoplastic film may be bent into an L-shape around the golf ball core. The robotic arm may hold the golf ball core in contact with the crease of the thermoplastic film as the film is folded into an L-shape. In some embodiments, this step may be performed in accordance with the description of FIG. 10.
  • the thermoplastic film may be folded into a U-shape. The robotic arm may hold the golf ball core in contact with the crease of the thermoplastic film as the film is folded into a U-shape. In some embodiments, this step may be performed in accordance with the description of FIG. 1 1 .
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of methods and systems 1300 for manufacturing a golf ball using at least one robotic arm and two sets of thermoplastic films.
  • robotic arms may fold the thermoplastic film in addition to positioning the golf ball core.
  • a first roll 1305 of thermoplastic film may be positioned near a golf ball core 1330.
  • the end edge 1307 of the first roll 1305 of thermoplastic film may be extended by a first robotic arm 1340, exposing a first extended portion 1360.
  • the first robotic arm 1340 may hold the end edge 1307 of the first extended portion 1360 steady while the entire first roll 1305 is maneuvered.
  • the first extended portion 1360 may include a first surface 1364 facing a first half 1332 of the golf ball core 1330, and a second surface 1362 facing away from the golf ball core 1330.
  • a second roll 1310 of thermoplastic film may be positioned near the golf ball core 1330.
  • the end edge 1315 of the second roll 1310 of thermoplastic film may be extended by a second robotic arm 1350, exposing a second extended portion 1370.
  • the second robotic arm 1350 may hold the end edge 1315 of the second extended portion 1370 steady while the entire second roll 1310 is maneuvered.
  • the second extended portion 1370 may include a first surface 1372 facing a second half 1334 of the golf ball core 1330, and a second surface 1374 facing away from the golf ball core 1330.
  • a third robotic arm 1320 may position the golf ball core 1330 so that the second half 1334 of the golf ball core 1330 contacts the first surface 1372 of the second extended portion 1370 of the second roll 1310 of thermoplastic film.
  • the first surface 1364 of the first extended portion 1360 of the first roll 1305 of thermoplastic film may be brought into contact with a first half 1332 of the golf ball core 1330.
  • a clamping or securing device may be used instead of the first robotic arm 1340, second robotic arm 1350, and/or third robotic arm 1320.
  • Third robotic arm 1320 may continue to grip golf ball core 1330 while both sheets of thermoplastic film are positioned onto the outer surface of the golf ball core 1330. In some embodiments, the third robotic arm 1320 may continue to grip the golf ball core 1330 in place while the first surface 1364 of the first extended portion 1360 is positioned onto a first half 1332 of the golf ball core 1330. In some embodiments, the third robotic arm 1320 may continue to grip the golf ball core 1330 while the first surface 1372 of the second extended portion 1370 is positioned onto a second half 1334 of the golf ball core 1330. [0090] In some embodiments, the properties of the thermoplastic film shown in FIG. 13 may vary.
  • first extended portion 1360 and/or second extended portion 1370 may have undergone the processes described in FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments, the first extended portion 1360 and/or second extended portion 1370 may be biaxial. In other embodiments, the entire first roll 1305 and/or second roll 1310 may have undergone the processes described in FIGS. 1-4. In still further embodiments, forces exerted on the first extended portion 1360 and/or second extended portion 1370 during later molding processes may cause the first extended portion 1360 and/or second extended portion 1370 to become substantially biaxial.
  • the robotic arms may position the various golf ball components shown in FIG. 13 in a mold for further processing.
  • first robotic arm 1340 may continue to hold the end edge 1307 of the first extended portion 1360 until the first extended portion 1360 is placed in a mold.
  • second robotic arm 1350 may continue to hold the end edge 1315 of the second extended portion 1370 until the second extended portion 1370 is placed in a mold.
  • third robotic arm 1320 may move the golf ball core 1330 to the location of a mold once the first surface 1364 of the first extended portion 1360 is placed on the first half 1332 of the core 1330 and the first surface 1372 of the second extended portion 1370 is placed on the second half 1334 of the core 1330.
  • the first extended portion 1360 and the second extended portion 1370 and golf ball core 1330 may already be located near a mold.
  • FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a method 1400 for
  • a robotic arm may grip a golf ball core during the
  • a first sheet of thermoplastic film may be placed near a first half of a golf ball core.
  • a second sheet of thermoplastic film may be placed near a second half of the golf ball core.
  • the second sheet of thermoplastic film may be brought into contact with the golf ball core.
  • the first sheet of thermoplastic film may be brought into contact with the golf ball core.
  • FIGS. 15-17 show one embodiment of methods and systems for using one or more robotic arms during the molding process of golf ball manufacturing.
  • the processes described in FIGS. 15- 17 may be performed on the golf ball components described in FIGS. 4-14.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic view of systems and methods of at least one robotic arm positioning golf ball components into a mold for further processing.
  • a robotic arm 1510 may assist in positioning a golf ball core 1510 enveloped in thermoplastic film 1515 during the molding process.
  • the robotic arm 1505 may position a golf ball core 1510 covered with a thermoplastic film 1515 between a first mold half 1520 and a second mold half 1530.
  • the speed of the robotic arm 1505 may help to decrease the overall manufacturing time of each golf ball, while the positioning accuracy of the robotic arm 1505 may help to increase the overall quality of each golf ball.
  • the mold may have projections on an inner surface in order to form dimples on the golf ball.
  • the first mold half 1520 may have one or more protuberances 1525 located on a first curved inner surface 1522.
  • second mold half 1530 may have one or more protuberances 1535 on a second curved inner surface 1532.
  • protuberances 1525 on the first curved inner surface 1522 of the first mold half 1520, as well as the protuberances 1535 on the second curved inner surface 1532 of the second mold half 1530, may form dimples in the outer layer of thermoplastic film 1515.
  • the protuberances 1525 may extend outward from the first curved inner surface 1522 in such a manner as to form dimples in the outer layer of thermoplastic film 1515 as well as in the golf ball core 1510.
  • the protuberances 1535 may extend outward from the second curved surface 1532 in such a manner as to form dimples in the outer layer of thermoplastic film 1515 as well as in the golf ball core 1510.
  • first mold half 1520 may include provisions for applying positive and/or negative pressure to the golf ball components during the molding process.
  • first mold half 1520 may include a first passage 1542 and a second passage 1546 capable of providing positive pressure and/or negative pressure (e.g., a vacuum) during the molding process.
  • positive pressure and/or negative pressure may be provided at the outer end 1543 of first passage 1542 and at the outer end 1547 of second passage 1546.
  • the outer end 1543 of the first passage 1542 may be located on a first exterior surface 1528 of the first mold half 1520, while the inner end 1544 may be located on the first curved inner surface 1522.
  • the outer end 1547 of the second passage 1546 may be located on a second exterior surface 1529 of the first mold half 1520, while the inner end 1548 may be located on the first curved inner surface 1522.
  • Providing positive pressure and/or negative pressure at the outer end 1543 of first passage 1542 and at the outer end 1547 of second passage 1546 may result in a positive pressure and/or negative pressure at the inner end 1544 of first passage 1542 and the inner end 1548 of second passage 1546.
  • the second mold half 1530 may include provisions to apply positive and/or negative pressure to the golf ball components during the molding process.
  • second mold half 1530 may include a third passage 1552 and a fourth passage 1556 capable of providing positive pressure and/or vacuum pressure during the molding process.
  • a positive pressure and/or negative pressure may be provided at the outer end 1553 of third passage 1552 and at the outer end 1557 of fourth passage 1556.
  • the outer end 1553 of the third passage 1552 may be located on a first exterior surface 1538 of the second mold half 1530, while the inner end 1554 may be located on the second curved inner surface 1532.
  • the outer end 1557 of the fourth passage 1556 may be located on a second exterior surface 1539 of the second mold half 1530, while the inner end 1558 may be located on the second curved inner surface 1532. Providing positive pressure and/or negative pressure at the outer end 1553 of third passage 1552 and at the outer end 1557 of fourth passage 1556 may result in a positive pressure and/or negative pressure at the inner end 1554 of third passage 1552 and the inner end 1558 of fourth passage 1556.
  • each mold half may correspond to another mold half.
  • first mold half 1520 may correspond with second mold half 1530.
  • first mold half 1520 may include a first interior edge surface 1523 and a second interior edge surface 1524.
  • second mold half 1530 may include a first interior edge surface 1533 and a second interior edge surface 1534.
  • the first interior edge surface 1523 of the first mold half 1520 may be brought into contact with the first interior edge surface 1533 of the second mold half 1530.
  • the second interior edge surface 1524 of the first mold half 1520 may be brought into contact with the second interior edge surface 1534 of the second mold half 1530.
  • compression forces may cause the thermoplastic film 1015 to bond with the golf ball core 1510 once the first mold half 1520 is brought into contact with the second mold half 1530.
  • the first interior edge surface 1523 of the first mold half 1520 may contact the first interior edge surface 1533 of the second mold half.
  • the second interior edge surface 1524 of the first mold half 1520 may be brought into contact with the second interior edge surface 1534 of the second mold half 1530.
  • the first curved inner surface 1522 and the second curved inner surface 1532 may exert forces on the golf ball components causing the thermoplastic film 1015 to bond to the golf ball core 1510.
  • protuberances 1525 on the first curved inner surface 1522, as well as protuberances 1535 on the second curved inner surface 1532, may form dimples in the thermoplastic film 1515. In some embodiments, dimples may also form in the golf ball core 1510.
  • positive pressure may be applied through the passages in FIG. 16, causing the thermoplastic film 1515 to be forced against the golf ball core 1510.
  • positive pressure may be applied through the first passage 1542, second passage 1546, third passage 1552, and/or fourth passage 1556.
  • positive pressure may be provided at the outer end 1543 of first passage 1542 and at the outer end 1547 of second passage 1546, resulting in positive pressure at the inner end 1544 of first passage 1542 and the inner end 1548 of second passage 1546.
  • positive pressure may be provided at the outer end 1553 of third passage 1552 and at the outer end 1557 of fourth passage 1556, resulting in a positive pressure at the inner end 1554 of third passage 1552 and the inner end 1558 of fourth passage 1556.
  • a positive pressure applied through the passages may align the axis of some of the molecules in the thermoplastic film 1515.
  • vacuum pressure may be applied through the passages in FIG. 16, causing the thermoplastic film 1515 to be forced against the first curved inner surface 1522 and/or second curved inner surface 1532.
  • vacuum pressure may be applied through the first passage 1542, second passage 1546, third passage 1552, and/or fourth passage 1556.
  • vacuum pressure may be provided at the outer end 1543 of first passage 1542 and at the outer end 1547 of second passage 1546, resulting in a vacuum at the inner end 1544 of first passage 1542 and the inner end 1548 of second passage 1546.
  • vacuum pressure may be provided at the outer end 1553 of third passage 1552 and at the outer end 1557 of fourth passage 1556, resulting in a vacuum at the inner end 1554 of third passage 1552 and the inner end 1558 of fourth passage 1556.
  • vacuum pressure applied through the passages may align the axis of some of the molecules in the thermoplastic film 1515.
  • positive pressure may be applied through some of the passages and vacuum pressure may be applied through other passages.
  • vacuum pressure may be provided at the outer end 1543 of first passage 1542 and a positive pressure may be applied at the outer end 1547 of second passage 1546.
  • vacuum pressure may be provided at the outer end 1553 of third passage 1552 and positive pressure may be applied at the outer end 1557 of fourth passage 1556. This may result in a vacuum at the inner end 1554 of third passage 1552 and positive pressure at the inner end 1558 of fourth passage 1556.
  • applying positive pressure in some of the passages and vacuum pressure in other passages may align the axis of some of the molecules in the thermoplastic film 1515.
  • heat may be applied to the mold halves. Applying heat to the mold halves may facilitate the thermoplastic film 1515 bonding onto the golf ball core 1510. Additionally, heat may also facilitate the alignment of some of the molecules in the thermoplastic film.
  • the entire mold may be subjected to a heat source.
  • heated air may be supplied through the outer end 1543 of the first passage 1542, the outer end 1547 of the second passage 1546, the outer end 1553 of the third passage 1552, and/or the outer end 1557 of the fourth passage 1556.
  • a heating element (not shown) may be included near the first curved inner surface 1522 and/or the second curved inner surface 1532.
  • a robotic arm 1505 may grip the outer thermoplastic layer 1515 of the golf ball.
  • the forces exerted on the golf ball components may cause the thermoplastic film 1515 to form an outer layer on the golf ball core 1510.
  • dimples 1560 may be formed on the outer surface of the golf ball caused by the protuberances 1525 in the first mold half 1520 and protuberances 1535 in the second mold half 1530.
  • the first curved inner surface 1522 and second curved inner surface 1532 may be smooth.
  • the outer surface of the thermoplastic layer 1515 may be smooth and may not have the dimples 1560 illustrated in FIG. 17.
  • each mold half has two passages in FIGS. 15-17, other embodiments may include more or less passages. In some
  • each mold half may have less than two passages. In other embodiments, each mold half may have more than two passages.
  • a plurality of molds may be used to manufacture golf balls.
  • molds may be mounted on conveyer belts in order to reduce manufacturing time and increase efficiency.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic view of methods and systems 1800 for manufacturing a golf ball using a plurality of conveyer belts. Referring to FIG. 18, a first conveyer belt 1815 may rotate in a first direction 1802, while a second conveyer belt 1865 may rotate in a second direction 1804. In some embodiments, first conveyer belt 1815 may be in contact with the
  • a power source (not shown) may be electrically connected to the first wheel 1840 and second wheel 1842 causing the first wheel 1840 and second wheel 1842 to rotate. The rotation of the first wheel 1840 and second wheel 1842 may cause the first conveyer belt 1815 to move in the first direction 1802.
  • second conveyer belt 1865 may be in contact with the circumference of a third wheel 1890 and the circumference of a fourth wheel 1892.
  • a power source (not shown) may be electrically connected to the third wheel 1890 and fourth wheel 1892 causing the third wheel 1890 and fourth wheel 1892 to rotate. The rotation of the third wheel 1890 and fourth wheel 1892 may cause the second conveyer belt 1865 to move in the second direction 1804.
  • the type of power source may vary.
  • the power source may be an electric motor.
  • the power source may be an internal combustion engine.
  • other power sources known to those skilled in the art may also be provided.
  • first conveyer belt 1815 and second conveyer belt 1865 may include a plurality of mold halves.
  • first conveyer belt 1815 may include a first mold half 1820, second mold half 1822, third mold half 1824, and fourth mold half 1826.
  • second conveyer belt 1865 may include a fifth mold half 1870, sixth mold half 1872, seventh mold half 1874, and eighth mold half 1876. In other embodiments, more or less mold halves shown in FIG. 18 may be provided.
  • each mold half may be similar to.
  • first mold half 1820, second mold half 1822, third mold half 1824 and fourth mold half 1826 may be similar to the first mold half 1520 shown in FIGS. 15-17.
  • fifth mold half 1870, sixth mold half 1872, seventh mold half 1874 and eighth mold half 1876 may be similar to the second mold half 1530 shown in FIGS. 15-17.
  • first mold half 1820, second mold half 1822, third mold half 1824, fourth mold half 1826, fifth mold half 1870, sixth mold half 1872, seventh mold half 1874 and eighth mold half 1876 may have more or less features than the first mold half 1520 and second mold half 1530 shown in FIGS. 15-17.
  • a robotic arm may position the golf ball components 1806 between first mold half 1820 and fifth mold half 1870.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1 - 3 may be used in conjunction with the embodiment 1800 shown in FIG. 18.
  • golf ball components 1806 may be formed by the methods and systems described in FIGS. 4-17.
  • each mold half shown in FIG. 18 may be associated with an extension arm.
  • second mold half 1822 is associated with extension arm 1830
  • third mold half 1824 is associated with extension arm 1832
  • sixth mold half 1872 is associated with extension arm 1880
  • seventh mold half 1874 is associated with extension arm 1882.
  • first mold half 1820, fourth mold half 1826, fifth mold half 1870 and eighth mold half 1876 may also be associated with extension arms.
  • an extension arm may be associated with the third exterior surface 1527 of the first mold half 1520, as well as the third exterior surface 1537 of the second mold half 1530.
  • each extension arm may be capable of extending outwardly from the conveyer belt causing each mold half to come into contact with a mold half from the opposing conveyer belt.
  • FIG. 18 shows extension arm 1830 extending second mold half 1822 outwardly from first conveyer belt 1815, and extension arm 1880 extending sixth mold half 1872 outwardly from second conveyer belt 1865, so that second mold half 1822 and sixth mold half 1872 contact one another.
  • each mold half may contact its corresponding mold half as described and illustrated in FIG. 16.
  • each extension arm may be capable of retracting inwardly back towards the conveyer belt, resulting in each mold half returning to the surface of the conveyer belt.
  • a robotic arm may remove the golf ball 1808 when the mold halves separate. For example, a robotic arm may grip golf ball 1808 once the fourth mold half 1826 separates from the eighth mold half 1876.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1 -3 may be used in conjunction with the embodiment 1800 shown in FIG. 18.
  • the outer surface of the golf ball 1808 may have dimples. In other embodiments, the golf ball 1808 may have a smooth outer surface.
  • Some embodiments may include golf ball assembling methods and systems 1900 having mold halves that are different from one another.
  • each mold half may perform a specific function.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a golf ball manufacturing assembly 1900 wherein each mold half performs a specific function.
  • connected golf ball components 1902 may be positioned between a first mold half 1910 and a second mold half 1920.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1-3 may position the connected golf ball components 1902 between the first mold half 1910 and the second mold half 1920.
  • connected golf ball components 1902 may be formed by the methods and systems described in FIGS. 4-17.
  • first mold half 1910 may be associated with a first extension arm 191 1
  • second mold half 1920 may be associated with a second extension arm 1921.
  • first extension arm 191 1 may urge first mold half 1910 towards the second mold half 1920
  • second extension arm 1921 may urge second mold half 1920 towards the first mold half 1910.
  • first mold half 1910 and second mold half 1920 may come into contact with one another so as to separate the connected golf ball components 1902.
  • the first extension arm 191 1 may pull the first mold half 1910 away from the second mold half 1920
  • the second extension arm 1921 may pull the second mold half 1920 away from the first mold half 1910.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1 -3 may be used to retrieve the isolated golf ball components 1903 from the first mold half 1910 and the second mold half 1920.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1- 3 may then position the isolated golf ball components 1903 between the third mold half 1912 and fourth mold half 1922.
  • third mold half 1912 may be associated with a third extension arm 1913
  • fourth mold half 1922 may be associated with a fourth extension arm 1923.
  • third extension arm 1913 may urge third mold half 1912 towards the fourth mold half 1922
  • fourth extension arm 1923 may urge the fourth mold half 1922 towards the third mold half 1912.
  • third mold half 1912 and fourth mold half 1922 may come into contact with one another so as to exert compressive forces on the isolated golf ball components 1902.
  • the third extension arm 1913 may pull the third mold half 1912 away from the fourth mold half 1922, and the fourth extension arm 1923 may pull the fourth mold half 1922 away from the third mold half 1912.
  • the compressive forces exerted by the third mold half 1912 and fourth mold half 1922 may cause the thermoplastic film to bond to the golf ball core, forming a golf ball 1905 having smooth surface.
  • third mold half 1912 and fourth mold half 1922 may come into contact with one another so as to trim away excess thermoplastic film.
  • the thermoplastic seam material that was cut or removed may be recycled and may be used to form another roll of thermoplastic film.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1-3 may be used to retrieve the golf ball 1905 having a smooth surface from between the third mold half 1912 and fourth mold half 1922.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1- 3 may then position the golf ball 1905 having a smooth surface between the fifth mold half 1914 and sixth mold half 1924.
  • the fifth mold half 1914 may be associated with a fifth extension arm 1915
  • the sixth mold half 1924 may be associated with a sixth extension arm 1925.
  • the fifth extension arm 1915 may urge the fifth mold half 1914 towards the sixth mold half 1924
  • the sixth extension arm 1925 may urge the sixth mold half 1924 towards the fifth mold half 1914.
  • the fifth mold half 1914 and sixth mold half 1924 may come into contact with one another so as to form dimples in the outer surface of the smooth golf ball 1905.
  • the fifth extension arm 1915 may pull the fifth mold half 1914 away from the sixth mold half 1924, and the sixth extension arm 1924 may pull the sixth mold half 1924 away from the fifth mold half 1914.
  • the robotic arm discussed in FIGS. 1 - 3 may be used to retrieve the dimpled golf ball 1907 from between the fifth mold half 1914 and sixth mold half 1924.
  • the outer surface of the golf ball resulting from the processes described in FIGS. 4-19 may vary.
  • the golf ball may have a hardness of 40-70 Shore D.
  • the golf ball may have a hardness that is less than 40 Shore D.
  • the golf ball may have a hardness that is greater than 70 shore D.
  • the outer surface of the golf ball may have dimples. However, in other embodiments, the outer surface of the golf ball may be smooth.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Shaping By String And By Release Of Stress In Plastics And The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des systèmes et des procédés pour fabriquer une balle de golf. Selon des modes de réalisation, un film thermoplastique peut être manipulé provoquant l'orientation biaxiale des molécules dans le film. Selon certains modes de réalisation, un bras robotique peut manipuler le film thermoplastique. Selon certains modes de réalisation, un bras robotique peut manipuler le corps de balle de golf afin de disposer le film thermoplastique autour du corps de balle de golf. Selon certains modes de réalisation, un bras robotique peut positionner les composants de balle de golf dans un moule. Selon certains modes de réalisation, un bras robotique peut retirer ces composants de balle de golf du moule. Selon certains modes de réalisation, le moule peut être associé à une bande transporteuse.
PCT/US2012/071164 2011-12-21 2012-12-21 Procédé de fabrication d'une balle de golf dotée d'une couche externe de film biaxiale fine WO2013096728A1 (fr)

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US201161578347P 2011-12-21 2011-12-21
US61/578,347 2011-12-21
US13/722,070 US20130206329A1 (en) 2011-12-21 2012-12-20 Golf Ball With Thin Biaxial Film Outer Layer
US13/722,070 2012-12-20

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DE102015204151A1 (de) 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Adidas Ag Ball, insbesondere Fußball, und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Balls

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US5429785A (en) * 1994-03-01 1995-07-04 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method of making biaxially oriented thermoplastic films
US20040162159A1 (en) * 2002-08-28 2004-08-19 Hideaki Kawamatsu Golf ball and golf ball manufacturing method
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US7595016B2 (en) * 2003-09-12 2009-09-29 Sri Sports Limited Method for manufacturing golf ball

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