WO2013101807A1 - Balle de golf avec noyau et couche médiane co-moulés et procédé de fabrication - Google Patents

Balle de golf avec noyau et couche médiane co-moulés et procédé de fabrication Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013101807A1
WO2013101807A1 PCT/US2012/071618 US2012071618W WO2013101807A1 WO 2013101807 A1 WO2013101807 A1 WO 2013101807A1 US 2012071618 W US2012071618 W US 2012071618W WO 2013101807 A1 WO2013101807 A1 WO 2013101807A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mold
golf ball
making
perforation
shell
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/071618
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Arthur P. MOLINARI
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
Priority claimed from US13/484,181 external-priority patent/US20130165260A1/en
Priority claimed from US13/484,193 external-priority patent/US8877110B2/en
Application filed by Nike International Ltd. filed Critical Nike International Ltd.
Priority to JP2014550422A priority Critical patent/JP2015505263A/ja
Priority to EP12861182.9A priority patent/EP2797673A4/fr
Publication of WO2013101807A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013101807A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/16—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
    • B29C45/1671—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles with an insert
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0077—Physical properties
    • A63B37/0097—Layers interlocking by means of protrusions or inserts, lattices or the like
    • 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
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/26—Moulds
    • B29C45/2628—Moulds with mould parts forming holes in or through the moulded article, e.g. for bearing cages
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/26—Moulds
    • B29C45/33—Moulds having transversely, e.g. radially, movable mould parts
    • 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
    • B29D99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • B29D99/0042—Producing plain 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
    • A63B37/007—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
    • A63B37/0072—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
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14336—Coating a portion of the article, e.g. the edge of the article
    • B29C45/14344—Moulding in or through a hole in the article, e.g. outsert moulding
    • B29C2045/1436—Moulding in or through a hole in the article, e.g. outsert moulding coating hollow articles having holes passing through the wall
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14065—Positioning or centering articles in the mould
    • B29C45/14073—Positioning or centering articles in the mould using means being retractable during injection
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14336—Coating a portion of the article, e.g. the edge of the article
    • B29C45/14344—Moulding in or through a hole in the article, e.g. outsert moulding
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B29C45/14819—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles the inserts being completely encapsulated
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present application relates generally to a multi-layer golf ball. More specifically, the present application relates to a golf ball that includes a perforated outer core layer. A method of making the ball creates a core and a medial layer that are co-formed around the perforated outer core layer.
  • Golf balls are conventionally made from various types of materials. The material selected depends on the play conditions desired for the ball. In some instances, a designer may select a harder core material and in other instances the designer may select a softer core material. The core material selected affects how the ball performs and how a golfer perceives the feel of the ball.
  • Conventional golf balls include a series of layers.
  • the layers are each selected to provide certain performance characteristics that, in combination, form a golf ball that has an appropriate feel for the golfer and provides an appropriate trajectory for the golfer's technique.
  • the layers may be overmolded.
  • the use of a plurality of layers creates, by necessity, a discontinuity between the layers.
  • This discontinuity can create a situation where the layers may cause one another to deteriorate or the multiple materials can cause cracking of the outer surface due to their different performance characteristics.
  • the difference in the layers may create shifting of the layers relative to one another within the ball.
  • the core of a golf ball is traditionally fairly small in diameter.
  • the core is often surrounded by varying types of outer core layers, medial layers, mantle layers, or the like. If it is desired to use a single material for, for example, a core layer and a medial layer, the two are often separated completely by an outer core layer or the medial layer is formed of two parts and mated with the core layer. Therefore, rather than assisting in the durability of the ball, the use of two layers of identical material instead may enhance the deterioration of the ball.
  • An embodiment of a golf ball includes a core, an outer core layer, a medial layer, and a cover.
  • the outer core layer may be a hollow shell until filled with the core and may be positioned radially outward of and partially surround the core. At least one perforation may be defined through the outer core layer.
  • the medial layer may be positioned radially outward of the outer core layer.
  • the medial layer may be made of a material that is capable of projecting into the at least one perforation in the outer core layer.
  • the cover may be positioned radially outward of and partially surround the medial layer.
  • the core and medial layer are formed of the same material.
  • a method of making a golf ball is disclosed.
  • a shell may be placed in a mold cavity.
  • the shell may define at least one perforation therethrough.
  • the mold cavity may be at least partially filled with a material having a viscosity and particle size capable of passing through the at least one perforation.
  • the method may be used to mold a core within the shell and a medial layer outside the shell at substantially the same time.
  • a golf ball in another embodiment, includes a first stratum and a second stratum.
  • the first stratum defines at least one perforation
  • the second stratum includes three substrata.
  • the first substratum includes a core having an outer surface.
  • the third substratum has an outer surface and an inner surface.
  • the second substratum includes at least one finger extending between the inner surface of the third substratum and the outer surface of the first substratum.
  • the at least one finger extends through the at least one perforation.
  • the first stratum defines a plurality of perforations and the second substratum includes a corresponding plurality of fingers, one finger extending through each
  • a mold having a first mold surface is provided. At least one perforator is inserted into the mold. An inner mold surface creator is actuated to move an expansion area to an expanded position and to create at least a portion of an inner mold surface. A first material is inserted between the first mold surface and the inner mold surface. The first material may then be cured and the inner mold surface creator and perforator retracted. The formed perforated hollow sphere may then be ejected from the mold. If multiple perforations are desired, multiple perforators may be used.
  • a mold having an inner surface is provided.
  • a plurality of perforators is inserted into the mold.
  • Each perforator has a free end sized and shaped to contact a free end of another adjacent perforator.
  • a material is then inserted into the mold. The material may be cured and the perforators removed from the mold, at which time the single- piece hollow sphere can be removed from the mold.
  • the free ends may be sized and shaped to interfit with one another to be capable of creating a polygonal or spherical void in the shell formed by the mold.
  • a method of making a golf ball includes providing a mold with a first mold surface. Perforators are then inserted into the mold. The perforators cooperate to form a second mold surface spaced from the first mold surface. A first material is inserted into the mold between the first mold surface and the second mold surface. The material is cured, thereby forming a single-piece perforated hollow shell. The shell may then be inserted into a second mold and a second material is inserted into the second mold to interfit with the shell and form a golf ball inner part. The golf ball inner part may then be inserted into a third mold and covered with a golf ball cover.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a golf ball
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an inner core layer
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an inner core layer
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a mold in which an embodiment of an inner core layer has been positioned;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the mold of FIG. 4 partially filled with a first material
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the mold of FIG. 4 substantially filled with the first material
  • FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a second mold in which a core, inner core layer, and medial layer have been positioned, partially filled with a third material;
  • FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of a golf ball.
  • FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a simplified shell having one perforation
  • FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a shell having a plurality of perforations therethrough;
  • FIG. 3a is a view, partially in section, of an inner mold surface creator in retracted form
  • FIG. 4a is a view, partially in section, of one exemplary embodiment of an inner mold surface creator in expanded form
  • FIG. 5a is a view, partially in section, of another exemplary embodiment of an inner mold surface creator in expanded form;
  • FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a plurality of the inner mold surface creators of FIG. 5 placed adjacent one another to form an inner mold surface;
  • FIG. 7a is a sectional view of the structure of FIG. 6 in position within a mold
  • FIG. 8a is a sectional view of a plurality of the inner mold surface creators of FIG. 4 in position within a mold;
  • FIG. 9 is the sectional view of FIG. 8a showing a material injection step
  • FIG. 10 is the sectional view of FIG. 9 after the material has been cured and after the inner mold surface creators have been retracted;
  • FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of another embodiment of inner mold surface creators placed adjacent one another to form an inner mold surface;
  • FIG. 12 is a view, partially in section, of the inner mold surface creators of FIG. 1 1 in position within a mold;
  • FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a hollow shell that may be made using the structures shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a second mold containing the a hollow shell being incorporated into additional layers of a golf ball.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a third mold containing the inner layers of the golf ball of FIG. 14 being covered by a golf ball cover.
  • the present disclosure relates to a golf ball that has a core and medial layer that are molded together or co-molded.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a method of making such a golf ball.
  • Golf ball 100 includes a plurality of layers.
  • the innermost layer is core 102.
  • Outer core layer 104 partially surrounds and is positioned radially outward of core 102.
  • Medial layer 1 14 at least partially surrounds and is positioned radially outward of outer core layer 104.
  • Cover 1 16 at least partially surrounds and is positioned radially outward of medial layer 1 14.
  • golf ball 100 can be considered as including four layers.
  • Core 102, outer core layer 104, and medial layer 1 14, including all the sub-parts, may be considered the internal layers of ball 100, and cover 1 16 may be considered the external layer.
  • Outer core layer 104 may be hollow and may be substantially spherical. Outer core layer 104 may include a plurality of perforations that penetrate through outer core layer 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 along the specific cross section taken, there are four perforations shown, specifically first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12. In FIG. 1 , first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12 are shown as being substantially equal in size and approximately evenly spaced around a circumference of outer core layer 104. However, such sizing and arrangement are exemplary only.
  • outer core layer 104 may be made in a process disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. , currently Provisional Application
  • the ball of this disclosure may be used in accordance with a recycling process as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. , currently Provisional Application Serial No. 61/580,525, entitled “Method of Recycling Ball and Ball for Use in Recycling Method” [attorney docket No. 72- 1 169], filed December 27, 201 1 , the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
  • Cover 1 16 is shown in the FIGS, in simplified form.
  • cover 1 16, and in particular, outer surface 1 18 of cover 1 16, is configured to be struck by a golf club.
  • cover 1 16 may include various dimples, frets or lands, projections, printing, or any other features that a designer thinks would be desirable in affecting the flight path of ball 100.
  • the particular patterns on cover 1 16 may be determined by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
  • Cover 1 16 may be designed to be scuff resistant.
  • Cover 1 16 may be made of any material deemed desirable for a golf ball cover, such as SURLYN or other polyurethane elastomer that has appropriate properties for a golf ball cover.
  • first material 101 is used to form core 102 and medial layer 1 14 and projects into and passes through first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12.
  • First perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12 are shaped and sized in such a manner as to allow passage of first material 101 through first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12.
  • first perforation 106 Sizing and shaping each of first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12 in this manner allows core 102 and medial layer 1 14 to be joined to or formed integrally with one another.
  • first material 101 fills each of first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12.
  • the qualities of the first material and the projections may vary depending on the full design of the ball.
  • the first material may have a higher viscosity than the material shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the outer core layer may be thicker than that shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the first material may be capable of only projecting partially through at least one of the perforations in the outer core layer from one or both of the core side or the medial layer side.
  • some perforations in the outer core layer may be completely filled and other perforations may be only partially filled.
  • the first material may join the core and medial layer through one or more projections, but the size of the area in which the core and medial layer are joined may be narrower or smaller in other ways than by completely filling each perforation.
  • the material selected to be used as the first material may be any of the typical materials used in manufacturing cores or other interior layers of a conventional golf ball.
  • the first material may be a
  • thermoplastic urethane or rubber such as a polybutadiene rubber.
  • the material used to form outer core layer 104 may be similar to that used for core 102 and medial layer 1 14. However, it may be desirable to form outer core layer 104 from a second material different from first material 101 . In some embodiments, it may be desirable for first material 101 to be softer than the second material, and in other embodiments, it may be desirable for the second material to be softer than first material 101 . It may be desirable for first material 101 and the second material to differ in other respects, such as elasticity, melting temperature, and the like. Golf balls have often been made with layers having different material properties, and a person having ordinary skill in the art can select appropriate materials for the core and medial layers, outer core layer, and cover that provide a desired set of flight properties.
  • outer core layer 104 shown in FIG. 1 defines four perforations, namely, first perforation 106, second perforation 108, third perforation 1 10, and fourth perforation 1 12.
  • First perforation 106 and third perforation 1 10 are generally aligned with one another along first axis 120.
  • Second perforation 108 and fourth perforation 1 12 are generally aligned with one another along second axis 122.
  • first axis 120 and second axis 122 are generally perpendicular to one another. This number and placement of perforations is exemplary and may take other forms, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of outer core layer 204.
  • Outer core layer 204 is the simplest version of an outer core layer in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, outer core layer 204 is a hollow sphere until filled to form an inner core layer or center of the golf ball. Outer core layer 204 defines a single perforation 206. As will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, a single perforation 206 on an outer core layer 204 has no orientation relative to other perforations or other structure.
  • FIG. 3 shows another alternative embodiment of outer core layer 304.
  • Outer core layer 304 defines a plurality of perforations therethrough. Specifically, outer core layer 304 defines first exemplary perforation 306, second exemplary perforation 308, third exemplary perforation 310, fourth exemplary perforation 312, and a plurality of additional perforations. Each perforation may be aligned with another perforation or may be unaligned with any other perforation. Alternatively, some perforations may be aligned with another perforation while other perforations remain unaligned with any other perforation.
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to select an outer core layer that has the appropriate properties useful for a particular application.
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art might select an outer core layer that defines a larger number of perforations.
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art might select an outer core layer that defines a smaller number of perforations or an outer core layer that has a larger thickness.
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art may wish to maximize the flow of the first material through the outer core layer in the molding process, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • the selection of a perforation pattern that encourages a particular flow pattern may be desirable.
  • the outer core layer and perforation configuration can be designed to accommodate the desired results.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates ball 800 having the same structure as ball 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • first stratum 870 is hollow until filled to finish ball 100 and may be substantially spherical.
  • First stratum 870 has an outer surface 872 and an inner surface 874.
  • First stratum 870 defines a plurality of perforations passing through first stratum 870 and extending from outer surface 872 to inner surface 874. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the perforations include first perforation 876, second perforation 878, third perforation 880, and fourth perforation 882.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the perforations may be any shape that is reasonably feasible in a given molding process and that provide appropriate stability to first stratum 870.
  • the perforations may have the same shape or different shapes. While there are four perforations shown along this cross-sectional line, first stratum 870 may have any desirable number of perforations. However, it is desirable for first stratum 870 to define at least one perforation.
  • Second stratum 884 has three substrata positioned in different locations relative to first stratum 870.
  • First substratum 886 comprises and may be considered to generally be a substantially spherical solid that is desirably positioned at the center of ball 800.
  • First substratum 886 may form the core of ball 800. Because first substratum 886 is generally solid, it includes only an outer surface 888. Outer surface 888 of first substratum 886 is adjacent inner surface 874 of first stratum 870.
  • Third substratum 890 comprises and many be generally considered to be substantially hollow (until filled to finish the ball) and substantially spherical. Because it is generally hollow, third substratum 890 includes inner surface 892 and outer surface 894. Inner surface 892 of third substratum 890 is positioned adjacent outer surface 872 of first stratum 870.
  • the second substratum of second stratum 884 comprises a plurality of fingers. These include first finger 896, second finger 898, third finger 900, and fourth finger 902. Each of first finger 896, second finger 898, third finger 900, and fourth finger 902 extends between outer surface 888 of first substratum 886 and inner surface 892 of third substratum 890. Each finger could be considered equally to extend from inner surface 892 to outer surface 888 or to extend from outer surface 888 to inner surface 892. In addition, second substratum 884 and first stratum 870 could be considered to be sandwiched between first substratum 886 and third substratum 890.
  • the number of fingers in the second substratum may correspond with the number of perforations in the first stratum. Accordingly, if the first stratum defines only a single perforation, the second substratum would desirably only include a single finger. Also, as will be discussed later in the disclosure, a molding process may be used that forms all of the second stratum integrally. In such an instance, the first substratum, the second substratum, and the third substratum are integrally formed and form a single piece. The use of such a molding process increases the likelihood that a finger will be positioned in each perforation.
  • the use of such a molding process facilitates or encourages the material forming the second stratum to completely fill the mold cavity.
  • Such a molding process tends to create a ball where at least one finger in the second substratum completely fills at least one perforation in the first stratum.
  • each finger will substantially fill a corresponding one of the perforations.
  • the degree to which each perforation will be filled by a corresponding finger depends on many factors, including the materials selected for the first stratum and the second stratum, the temperature of the mold, various atmospheric conditions, and the like.
  • Covering second stratum 884 may be cover 904.
  • Cover 904 may be substantially hollow (though filled with other layers of the ball) and substantially spherical. Accordingly, cover 904 may have inner surface 906 and outer surface 908.
  • Cover 904 covers first stratum 870 and all three substrata of second stratum 884.
  • Inner surface 906 of cover 904 is desirably positioned adjacent outer surface 894 of third substratum 890.
  • Outer surface 908 of cover 904 desirably forms the outer surface of the ball to be struck by a user's club.
  • Cover 904 may be any generally conventional cover. The properties of cover 904 may be those described in connection with cover 1 16 in FIG. 1 .
  • Outer surface 908 of cover 904 may be configured in a manner as described earlier in connection with outer surface 1 18 of FIG. 1 .
  • the materials selected and limitations described in connection with outer core layer 104 may be analogously applied to first stratum 870 and the materials selected and limitations described in connection with core 102 and medial layer 1 14 may be analogously applied to second stratum 884.
  • First stratum 870 and second stratum 884, together with all the sub-parts thereof may be considered the internal strata of ball 800 and cover 904 may be considered the external stratum of ball 800.
  • any number of strata in any particular ball is not limited to the specific strata identified above.
  • Other embodiments of balls may include any number of strata with fingers and corresponding perforations. It will also be appreciated that any number of fingers could be provided on any strata with corresponding perforations on any adjacent strata.
  • FIGS. 4-7 a method of making a golf ball is disclosed.
  • the configuration of the outer core layer is shown as being similar to that shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to select another configuration of outer core layer that would be appropriate in a particular embodiment and can modify the process shown in FIGS. 4-7 to accommodate that configuration of outer core layer.
  • the molds, nozzles, and pins are in exemplary configurations. In some embodiments, these configurations may be altered.
  • the seam lines of the molds are oriented to that the molds will separate by moving to the sides (in a horizontal direction), while the nozzle is positioned at the top of the mold.
  • the molds and nozzle may be re-oriented so that the mold halves will separate by lifting one mold half away from the other or moving both halves away from each other (in a vertical direction) while the nozzle will inject from a side of the mold.
  • the orientation of the mold halves with respect to each other and/or the nozzle and/or the pins may be shifted without undue experimentation.
  • a golf ball can be molded using mold 430.
  • Mold 430 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein.
  • first mold 430 is shown as a standard injection mold.
  • First mold 430 may include first mold portion 432 and second mold portion 434.
  • First mold portion 432 and second mold portion 434 can be separated from one another to place items in first mold 430 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 432 and second mold portion 434 form first mold cavity 436 therein.
  • First injection port 438 may be present, for example, at the top of first mold cavity 436.
  • First injection port 438 may be in fluid communication with first reservoir 440 that contains first material 401 .
  • first material 401 may be a highly neutralized polymer or a thermoplastic urethane.
  • First material 401 is introduced into first mold cavity 436 from first reservoir 440 via first injection port 438.
  • First mold 430 may be heated or cold, depending on what material is used as the first material and what its properties are. For example, if the material used is a thermosetting material, first mold 430 may be heated so that the material is heated to its setting temperature. If, instead, the material is thermoplastic, first mold 430 may only be heated to promote the even flow of first material 401 into first mold cavity 436 to ensure that first mold cavity 436 is evenly filled. Other materials may allow first mold 430 to remain at about room temperature during molding. After first material 401 is treated in an appropriate manner to allow first material 401 to be appropriately molded, first mold 430 may be cooled or allowed to cool, if necessary.
  • FIG. 4 shows one example of an appropriate structure for molding the intermediate structure. However, this precise structure need not be used. Instead, another structure appropriate for molding the intermediate structure could be used that is appropriate for the materials desired for the intermediate structure.
  • first mold cavity 436 has a diameter 442 and outer core layer 404 has a diameter 444.
  • Diameter 442 of first mold cavity 436 is larger than diameter 444 of outer core layer 404.
  • outer core layer 404 is spaced from or positioned away from the interior wall 445 of the mold cavity 436.
  • outer core layer 404 may desirably be supported within first mold cavity 436.
  • first mold cavity 436 may be spherical and have a substantially spherical interior wall 445 to correspond generally in shape to a substantially spherical and hollow outer core layer 404, so that outer core layer 404 may be considered a shell until filled.
  • FIG. 4 shows the use of first pin 446, second pin 448, third pin 450, and fourth pin 452.
  • First pin 446, second pin 448, third pin 450, and fourth pin 452 are designed to be retractable within first mold cavity 436.
  • FIG. 5 shows a first injection molding step.
  • first material 401 is injected via first injection port 438 between the interior wall 445 of first mold cavity 436 and outer core layer 404. While this configuration is shown in FIG. 5, alternative configurations may be possible. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to align a perforation in outer core layer 404 with first injection port 438 and to insert first injection port 438 into the cavity 454 within outer core layer 404. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to align a perforation with first injection port 438 but to keep first injection port between outer core layer 404 and interior wall 445 of first mold cavity 436.
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art is able to modify the positioning of the outer core layer 404 within first mold cavity 436 relative to interior wall 445, first injection port 438, and any support structure, such as first pin 446, second pin 448, third pin 450, and fourth pin 452.
  • any support structure such as first pin 446, second pin 448, third pin 450, and fourth pin 452.
  • first pin 446, second pin 448, third pin 450, and fourth pin 452 is exemplary only and may be modified to allow the appropriate support of a desired outer core layer 404.
  • outer core layer 404 The positioning of outer core layer 404 relative to first injection port 438 is also a consideration in the injection molding process.
  • the material injected into mold cavity 436 from reservoir 440 through first injection port 438 may be selected to have a viscosity and particle size to make first material 401 capable of passing through at least one of the perforations through outer core layer 404.
  • First material 401 must be injected at sufficient pressure and at an appropriate temperature to allow first material 401 to pass through at least one perforation in outer core layer 404 without deforming outer core layer 404. Accordingly, in selecting an orientation of the perforations on outer core layer 404 relative to first injection port 438, the person having ordinary skill in the art must be aware of the weight and pressure limitations of the second material from which outer core layer 404 may be made.
  • a solid section of outer core layer 404 such as solid section 456, it may be possible for a solid section of outer core layer 404, such as solid section 456, to be positioned directly under first injection port 438 without deforming outer core layer 404.
  • a perforation it may be possible for a perforation to be aligned with first injection port 438 and for first material 401 injected from first injection port 438 to drop into the hollow outer core layer 404 and partially fill the interior of outer core layer 404 without deforming outer core layer 404.
  • first material 401 when first material 401 is injected into first mold cavity 436, it flows around outer core layer 404 and enters outer core layer 404 through at least one perforation therethrough. As shown in FIG. 5, first material 401 may flow over outer core layer 404 and fall by gravity or other methods to the bottom 458 of the mold cavity. While other orientations of the mold are possible, it is often desirable to use gravity to assist in the molding process, rather than needing to use additional pressure to force a molding material into a mold. When first material 401 falls to bottom 458 of first molding cavity 436, the level of first material 401 in the molding cavity rises. Eventually, as shown in FIG. 5, the level rises as high as fourth perforation 412.
  • first material 401 When first material 401 reaches this level, it is permitted to penetrate into or pass through fourth perforation 412. In many embodiments, it is desirable for first material 401 to completely fill fourth perforation 412. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for first material 401 to only partially fill fourth perforation 412.
  • first material 401 when first material 401 is flowing over outer core layer 404, it may flow over a perforation. In some embodiments, depending on the orientation of the perforation relative to the flow of first material 401 , gravity, and the materials used, first material 401 may flow through the perforation into the hollow area 454 within the hollow, substantially spherical outer core layer 404. An example of such flow is shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, first material 401 is shown as flowing through second perforation 408 into cavity 454.
  • first material 401 As first material 401 is injected into first mold cavity 436, it fills first mold cavity 436 and outer core layer 404. As it begins to harden, it becomes capable of supporting outer core layer 404 within first mold cavity 436. As first material 401 begins to harden and support outer core layer 404, first pin 446 and fourth pin 452 can be retracted. As first material 401 begins to further fill first mold cavity 436, second pin 448 and third pin 450 can be retracted. This retraction after the partial hardening of first material 401 allows outer core layer 404 to remain centered within first mold cavity 436 and for first material 401 to evenly fill first mold cavity 436 and outer core layer 404.
  • FIG. 5 shows a state where it may be possible to retract first pin 446 and fourth pin 452 in some embodiments.
  • first mold cavity 436 While four pins 446, 448, 450, and 452 are shown, and while they are shown protruding only from the sides of first mold cavity 436, these features should not be seen as being limiting. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to place more or fewer pins in first mold cavity 436. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to space the pins more evenly throughout first mold cavity 436. Finally, it may be desirable to include pins on the top or bottom sides of first mold cavity 436. A person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to modify the mold design to provide an appropriate molding environment based on the materials selected and the design characteristics desired.
  • FIG. 6 there is shown an embodiment of the mold where the first mold cavity 436 is substantially filled with first material 401 .
  • the first injection port 438 has been retracted to be about even with or recessed from interior wall 445 of mold 430 in order to allow the first material to substantially fill mold cavity 436.
  • the injection step allows the filling of the interior 454 of outer core layer 404 to form core 402.
  • the injection step also allows each perforation to be filled with first material 401 .
  • first perforation 406, second perforation 408, third perforation 410, and fourth perforation 412 are all substantially filled with first material 401 .
  • outer core layer 404 and interior mold wall 445 is filled with first material 401 to form medial layer 414.
  • the use of such a method of molding allows the substantially simultaneous molding of a core 402 and a medial layer 414 partially separated from one another via a perforated outer core layer 404.
  • Such a method allows the partial integration of core 402 and medial layer 414 in a single molding process and minimizes shifting between core 402 and medial layer 414 due to this integration.
  • the degree of integration will vary depending on the materials used and the number, size, and shape of perforations in outer core layer 404.
  • fill and filling are used. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these terms in many embodiments do not mean to completely fill a space.
  • the use of particular materials for a mold and a material to fill the mold may, for example, cause the material to spring back from the mold, particularly upon curing. Accordingly, some small gaps that are caused by such limitations are to be expected in any manufacturing process, and these gaps do not mean that the mold is not filled.
  • first material 401 may be cured, when necessary or desirable.
  • first material 401 may be cured, when necessary or desirable.
  • Various materials that are appropriate for use in the present embodiments have different curing requirements. If a thermosetting resin is used as the first material, the curing process often requires the mold to be heated after it is filled. If a thermoplastic resin is used as the first material, the curing process often requires the mold to be cooled after it is filled. Other materials might simply require the passage of time to cure.
  • first mold portion 432 and second mold portion 434 are separated from one another and the intermediate product is removed from first mold 430.
  • FIG. 7 shows the use of second mold 530 to form a cover over the intermediate product formed in the steps shown in FIGS. 4-6.
  • Mold 530 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein.
  • second mold 530 is shown as a standard injection mold.
  • Second mold 530 may include first mold portion 532 and second mold portion 534.
  • First mold portion 532 and second mold portion 534 can be separated from one another to place items in first mold 530 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 532 and second mold portion 534 form second mold cavity 536 therein.
  • Second injection port 538 may be present, for example, at the top of second mold cavity 536.
  • Second injection port 538 may be in fluid communication with second reservoir 540 that contains third material 501 .
  • third material 501 may be a thermoplastic urethane, such as SURLYN®.
  • Third material 501 is introduced into second mold cavity 536 from second reservoir 540 via second injection port 538.
  • the interior wall 545 of second mold cavity 536 may be patterned to mold the dimple pattern of the ball cover onto the ball cover in this step.
  • FIG. 7 shows the use of fifth pin 546, sixth pin 548, seventh pin 550, and eighth pin 552.
  • Fifth pin 546, sixth pin 548, seventh pin 550, and eighth pin 552 are designed to be retractable within third mold cavity 536.
  • third material 501 is injected into second mold cavity 536, it fills second mold cavity 536. As it begins to harden, it becomes capable of supporting medial layer 414 within second mold cavity 536. As third material 501 begins to harden, fifth pin 546 and eighth pin 552 can be retracted.
  • sixth pin 548 and seventh pin 550 can be retracted. This retraction after the partial hardening of third material 501 allows medial layer 414 to remain centered within second mold cavity 536 and for third material 501 to evenly fill second mold cavity 536.
  • pins 546, 548, 550, 552 are shown, and while they are shown protruding only from the sides of second mold cavity 536, these features should not be seen as being limiting. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to place more or fewer pins in second mold cavity 536. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to space the pins more evenly throughout second mold cavity 536. Finally, it may be desirable to include pins on the top or bottom sides of second mold cavity 536. A person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to modify the mold design to provide an appropriate molding environment based on the materials selected and the design characteristics desired.
  • second mold cavity 536 has a diameter 542
  • medial layer 414 has a diameter 544.
  • Diameter 542 of second mold cavity 536 is larger than diameter 544 of medial layer 414.
  • third material 501 may be injected from second reservoir 540 through second injection port 538 into the space between medial layer 414 and second mold interior wall 545.
  • This injection step is shown in FIG. 7. This step is substantially conventional, as the configuration of medial layer 414 is substantially the same on the exterior as other medial layers known in the art.
  • Second mold 530 may also be heated or at room temperature, depending on the material to be injected to form the cover. If second mold 530 is heated, second mold 530 may be allowed to cool. After second mold 530 reaches room temperature or after the cover, medial layer 414, and core 402 have been allowed to cure for an appropriate amount of time, the formed ball may be removed from second mold 530, such as by separating first mold portion 532 from second mold portion 534.
  • second mold interior wall 545 may be designed to mold the outer surface of the ball. Accordingly, the interior wall 545 may be patterned to allow for dimples and lands and other desirable markings to be molded into the cover of the ball.
  • the precise configuration of the outer ball surface will depend on the desired ball characteristics. A person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to easily design the interior wall 545 with desired characteristics in accordance with the ball's desired characteristics without undue experimentation.
  • the pattern of dimples on the outside of the ball may be designed independently of the characteristics for the inner layers of the ball.
  • the use of a structure and method as described herein may allow the present embodiments to be used in a variety of advantageous ways.
  • the present embodiments may permit the greater reuse of the ball.
  • shifting between the various ball layers is prevented or minimized by applying one or more layers of adhesive therebetween.
  • the adhesive deteriorates due to repeated compression and expansion of the ball, as well as chemical deterioration from exposure to the adjacent ball layers.
  • This deterioration of the adhesive then allows the layers to shift relative to one another, which may create a deterioration of the cover, through cracking or other deformity, and may create a different ball flight profile.
  • the golfer discards the ball in favor of one that has not deteriorated.
  • the elimination of the adhesive also may allow for increased reuse of the ball.
  • the layers or strata of the ball internal to the cover are typically, and also in these embodiments, made of material that has a longer life expectancy than the material used for the cover.
  • a ball cover has increased opportunity for damage relative to internal layers, as the cover comes into contact repeatedly with a club, a tee, and the various materials present on a golf course and atmospheric elements.
  • a golfer may choose to have a damaged cover of the ball removed and a new cover applied to the internal layers or strata to further extend the ball life. While some adhesive may be used between the cover and the layer or stratum that is immediately adjacent, such an adhesive may be easily removed mechanically or chemically before the new cover is applied.
  • the use of a ball with only a minimal amount of adhesive can provide for increased recyclability of the internal layers of the ball.
  • recycling of the first and second strata or the core, outer core layer, and medial layer of a golf ball is impeded because an adhesive is used to secure the layers together.
  • the adhesive itself may taint the batch of material.
  • the use of the adhesive increases greatly the difficulty of separating the materials in a recycling process, as the materials continue to stick together. The elimination of the adhesive from the internal layers or strata of the ball may allow the reuse and recycling of all the internal layers of the ball.
  • FIGS. 1 a and 2a show exemplary hollow spheres that may be used in connection with the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 a shows a hollow sphere 100a.
  • Hollow sphere 100a defines at least one perforation 102a therethrough.
  • the methods disclosed herein could be used to create a hollow sphere such as hollow sphere 100a with a single perforation 102a or very few perforations around hollow sphere 100a.
  • Hollow sphere 200a defines a plurality of perforations 202a therethrough.
  • the number of perforations desirable in any particular further application of the shell, such as in a golf ball application can be determined easily by a person having ordinary skill in the art. A person having ordinary skill in the art may make this determination based on the final use for the hollow shell.
  • the terms sphere and shell are used substantially interchangeably. In most molding situations, it is difficult to mold a precise sphere, and in many cases, there is no need to have a perfectly spherical shell for commercial use. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to shells that may or may not be spherical. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that a shell having a non-spherical profile may be useful in some contexts. Accordingly, even if a shape is shown a substantially spherical and is described in this disclosure as being a sphere or spherical, it is understood that a substantially spherical or non-spherical shell may be equivalent in many contexts.
  • a perforator In order to create the perforations in the hollow shell, a perforator may be used.
  • the perforators of the present invention assist in the creation of the perforations in the hollow shell by acting as a movable molding surface.
  • the perforators block the melt injected by an injection molding machine when in a first position, but are retractable to a second position to leave a void in the molded article. While in many of the embodiments described herein the perforators are injection nozzles, various embodiments of perforators are disclosed herein and a person having ordinary skill in the art can select from among the available perforators disclosed or can select an alternative perforator that is equivalent to those disclosed.
  • FIG. 3a shows a first embodiment of a perforator 304a.
  • Perforator 304a includes a hollow tube 306a.
  • Hollow tube 306a can be inserted into or removed from a mold (not shown in this FIG.).
  • Hollow tube 306a contains inner mold surface creator 308a.
  • Inner mold surface creator 308a may be slidable within hollow tube 306a to move from a retracted position as shown in FIG. 3a to an active position as shown in FIGS. 4a and 5a.
  • inner mold surface creator 308a may be permanently positioned outside of free end 310a of perforator 304a and only various actuating mechanisms and links may be present within hollow tube 306a, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • inner mold surface creator 308a desirably has a compressed position and an expanded position.
  • inner mold surface creator 308a is positioned and removed from a mold and molded hole or perforation through the hole or perforation created by the perforator 304a, the compressed position of the inner mold surface creator 308a compresses inner mold surface creator 308a to a dimension where inner mold surface creator 308a can be removed from the mold through the perforation with perforator 304a.
  • Inner mold surface creator 308 can take a number of forms and can be actuated in a number of ways with varying structures. As shown in FIG. 4a, inner mold surface creator 308 includes an actuator 412a and an expansion area 414a. When it is desired that inner mold surface creator 308a form the inner mold surface, inner mold surface creator 308a, if necessary, is extended through free end 310a of perforator 304a. Inner mold surface creator 308a is desirably extended or positioned so that expansion area 414a is permitted to expand out from free end 310a of perforator 304a.
  • expansion area 414a is actuated to attain its expanded position as shown in FIG. 4a.
  • expansion area 414a may be actuated by a spring (not shown) that automatically moves expansion area 414a from its compressed position to its expanded position when it leaves free end 310a.
  • expansion area 414a could be actuated by a variety of mechanical or electrical actuators.
  • actuator 412a may be a threaded bolt and the arms of expansion area 414a move outwardly when actuator 412a is rotated one direction and move inwardly when actuator 412a is rotated the other direction.
  • actuator may comprise electrical wiring that actuates an electrical switch within expansion area 414a to move each arm of expansion area 414a outwardly.
  • the expansion area shown in FIG. 4a can be considered to be a generally umbrella or wedge shaped section. However, it is desirable for there to be material linking the outer surface of expansion area 414a with actuator mechanism 412a or free end 310a of perforator 304a. As will be discussed later, the inner mold surface creator 308a forms a mold surface. Accordingly, the surface 416a should be a resilient or solid surface that can withstand the weight or force from the material and equipment used in the molding process.
  • hollow tube 306a may be desirable in some instances for hollow tube 306a to have a curved or beveled profile 418a at free end 310a to allow hollow tube 306a to properly mate with expansion area 414a and may further include a seal or other resilient material to further enhance the mating.
  • FIG. 5a shows an actuator 512a in hollow tube 306a ending in expansion area 514a.
  • Expansion area 514a may function generally like a molly bolt.
  • a threaded actuator 512a can be tightened to fold expansion area 514a towards hollow tube 316a.
  • expansion area 514a is pulled against free end 310a of hollow tube 316a.
  • free end 310a may be beveled or curved as at 518a to conform in shape to expansion area 514a and may further include a seal or other resilient member to assist in the mating.
  • FIGS. 6a and 7a show the cooperation of a plurality of inner mold surface creators to create an inner mold surface.
  • FIG. 6a shows the plurality of inner mold surface creators by itself for clarity and
  • FIG. 7a shows them positioned in a mold.
  • the molds, nozzles, and parts are in exemplary configurations. In some embodiments, these configurations may be altered.
  • the seam lines of the molds are oriented to that the molds will separate by moving to the sides (in a horizontal direction), while the nozzle is positioned at the top of the mold.
  • the molds and nozzle may be re-oriented so that the mold halves will separate by lifting one mold half away from the other or moving both halves away from each other (in a vertical direction) while the nozzle will inject from a side of the mold.
  • the orientation of the mold halves with respect to each other and/or the nozzle and/or the part may be shifted without undue experimentation.
  • a mold 630 is provided. Mold 630 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein.
  • first mold 630 is shown as a standard injection mold.
  • First mold 630 may include first mold portion 632 and second mold portion 634.
  • First mold portion 632 and second mold portion 634 can be separated from one another to place items in first mold 630 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 632 and second mold portion 634 form first mold cavity 636 therein.
  • First injection port 638 may be present, for example, at the top of first mold cavity 636.
  • First injection port 638 may be in fluid communication with first reservoir 640 that contains first material 601 .
  • first material 601 may be a natural or synthetic rubber.
  • First material 601 may be introduced into first mold cavity 636 from first reservoir 640 via first injection port 638.
  • First mold 630 includes first mold inner surface or wall 645. Inner surface 645 defines the outer shape of the item to be molded therein, as is typical of molds.
  • a plurality of perforators are inserted into mold 630.
  • various perforators are partially or completely visible. These include first perforator 650, second perforator 652, third perforator 654, fourth perforator 656, fifth perforator 658, and sixth perforator 660.
  • first perforator 650, second perforator 652, fourth perforator 656, and sixth perforator 660 are not visible.
  • Each perforator is inserted into a hole in mold 630. In the section taken in FIG. 7a, only one hole 666 is visible and shows the insertion of third perforator 654 into mold cavity 636.
  • each inner mold surface creator is actuated to form its portion of the inner mold surface. Only some of the inner mold surfaces thus created are visible in FIGS. 6a and 7a. As shown in FIG. 6a, the inner mold surface creator for second perforator 652 has been actuated and creates second portion 662 of inner mold surface 664. Similarly, the inner mold surface creator for fourth perforator 656 has been actuated and creates fourth portion 668 of inner mold surface 662. Similarly, the inner mold surface creator for sixth perforator 660 has been actuated and creates sixth portion 670 of inner mold surface 664.
  • first inner mold surface portion 672 created by the action of first perforator 650 inner mold surface creator
  • third inner mold surface portion 674 created by third perforator 654 inner mold surface creator 676 shown in this figure
  • fifth inner mold surface portion 678 created by fifth perforator 658 inner mold surface creator are visible. It is noted that as discussed earlier in the disclosure, actuation of the inner mold surface creator causes the expansion area to expand and form a portion of the inner mold surface. Also visible is a seventh inner mold surface portion 680 that is created by a perforator and actuator that are not visible in this figure.
  • the various inner mold surface portions need not be the same shape. In fact, in many embodiments, the inner mold surface portions will differ in shape. In FIGS. 6a and 7a, it is noted that many of the edges of the inner mold surface portions are rounded. It may be desirable in some embodiments to use rounded edges. In other embodiments, other types of edges, such as a straight edge or a beveled edge may be used. However, the plurality of perforators that are selected are typically selected and arranged in a manner so that when the corresponding expansion area for each corresponding perforator is actuated to move to its expanded position, the corresponding expansion areas form corresponding inner mold surfaces that abut one another to together form a substantially continuous inner mold surface. As shown in FIGS. 6a and 7a, it may be desirable for inner mold surface 664 to be substantially spherical.
  • FIGS. 6a and 7a an inner mold surface creator similar to that shown in FIGS. 3a and 5a is shown. If such an inner mold surface creator is used, it will tend to create a substantially hollow area 682 within inner mold surface 664.
  • FIG. 8a An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8a.
  • an inner mold surface creator similar to that shown in FIGS. 3a and 4a is shown. If such an inner mold surface creator is used, it will tend to create a filled area 882 within inner mold surface 864.
  • the outward appearance of the perforators and inner mold surface from the outside of the mold or in non-sectional view is likely to be substantially the same whether an inner mold surface creator like that shown in FIG. 4a is used or whether one like that shown in FIG. 5a is used.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 8a is also shown in FIG. 9 along with other equipment.
  • a mold 830 is provided that is a first mold that corresponds to first mold 630 described in connection with FIGS. 6a and 7a. Because they are substantially the same mold and are used in different embodiments in the same first molding step, both mold 630 and mold 830 are referred to as a first mold. Mold 830 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein. In FIGS. 8a and 9, first mold 830 is shown as a standard injection mold. First mold 830 may include first mold portion 832 and second mold portion 834. First mold portion 832 and second mold portion 834 can be separated from one another to place items in first mold 830 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 832 and second mold portion 834 form first mold cavity 836 therein.
  • First injection port 838 may be present, for example, at the top of first mold cavity 836.
  • First injection port 838 may be in fluid communication with first reservoir 840 that contains first material 801 .
  • first material 801 may be a natural or synthetic rubber.
  • First material 801 may be introduced into first mold cavity 836 from first reservoir 840 via first injection port 838.
  • First mold 830 includes first mold inner surface or wall 845. Inner surface 845 defines the outer shape of the item to be molded therein, as is typical of molds.
  • a plurality of perforators are inserted into mold 830.
  • various perforators are partially or completely visible.
  • FIGS. 8a and 9 show first perforator 850, second perforator 852, third perforator 856, and fourth perforator 858.
  • Each perforator is inserted into a hole in mold 830.
  • only one hole 866 is visible and shows the insertion of second perforator 852 into mold cavity 836.
  • each inner mold surface creator is actuated to form its portion of the inner mold surface. Only some of the inner mold surfaces thus created are visible in FIGS. 8a and 9.
  • the inner mold surface creator for first perforator 850 has been actuated and creates first portion 872 of inner mold surface 864.
  • the inner mold surface creator for second perforator 852 has been actuated and creates second portion 862 of inner mold surface 864.
  • the inner mold surface creator for third perforator 856 has been actuated and creates third portion 868 of inner mold surface 864.
  • the inner mold surface creator for fourth perforator 858 has been actuated and creates fourth portion 878 of inner mold surface 864.
  • the various inner mold surface portions need not be the same shape. In fact, in many embodiments, the inner mold surface portions will of necessity differ in shape. It may be desirable in some embodiments to use rounded edges. In other embodiments, a straight edge may be used.
  • the plurality of perforators that are selected are typically selected and arranged in a manner so that when the corresponding expansion area for each corresponding perforator is actuated to move to its expanded position, the corresponding expansion areas form corresponding inner mold surfaces that abut one another to together form a substantially continuous inner mold surface. As shown in FIGS. 8a and 9, it may be desirable for inner mold surface 864 to be substantially spherical. [00105] As noted above, among the first steps in creating a single- piece hollow perforated sphere is to provide a first mold, such as first mold 630 or first mold 830. Then, a desired plurality of perforators are inserted into the first mold 630 or first mold 830.
  • an inner mold surface creator corresponding to an individual perforator is actuated to expand an expansion area associated with each individual perforator.
  • These perforators and expansion areas are selected, arranged, designed, and positioned such that when the expansion areas are in their corresponding expanded positions, each expansion area desirably forms a portion of the inner mold surface.
  • the expansion areas desirably abut one another and form a substantially continuous inner mold surface, such as inner mold surface 664 or inner mold surface 864.
  • first material 801 may be positioned in first reservoir 840.
  • First reservoir 840 is in fluid communication with first mold cavity 836 through first injection portion 838.
  • first material 801 is inserted into mold 830 between first mold surface 845 and inner mold surface 864.
  • First material 801 is selected from a variety of materials that are capable of being molded within mold 830 and that are capable of forming between first mold surface 845 and inner mold surface 864 and flowing and forming around the various perforators, such as exemplary perforator 852, positioned within the mold.
  • FIG. 9 shows an intermediate time of this step before first material 801 has completely filled the gap between first mold surface 845 and inner mold surface 864.
  • first material 801 will continue to fill the available portion of mold 830 until it has been filled.
  • First material 801 may then be cured or allowed to cure.
  • thermosetting resin used as the first material
  • thermoplastic resin used as the first material
  • the curing process often requires the mold to be cooled after it is filled.
  • Other materials might simply require the passage of time to cure.
  • first material 801 is cured, the perforators are retracted from mold 830.
  • first perforator 850, third perforator 856, and fourth perforator 858 have been removed from mold 830.
  • second perforator 852 is about to be removed from mold 830.
  • the inner mold surface creator may be actuated again in order to cause the retraction of the expansion area into its retracted position.
  • FIG. 10 shows expansion area 853 of second perforator 852 in its retracted position being able to be removed or retracted from mold 830 through hole 866 after actuator 855 has been actuated to cause retraction of the expanded area.
  • perforator 852 along with its component parts, including inner mold surface creator 851 , including expansion area 853 and actuator 855, can be removed from mold 830 through hole 866.
  • first mold portion 832 and second mold portion 834 may be moved away from one another to eject hollow sphere 1000 from mold 830.
  • Hollow sphere 1000 in FIG. 10 is shown in cross-section, but in the complete mold, hollow sphere 1000 will have been formed in a single piece without any seam lines.
  • Four perforations 1002 are shown in the portion of hollow sphere shown in FIG. 10 and may be the only substantial discontinuities in the inner surface 1004 or outer surface 1006 of single-piece hollow sphere 1000. These include first perforation 1010, second perforation 1012, third perforation 1014, and fourth perforation 1016.
  • Each perforation 1002 was formed from the positioning of a respective perforator and inner mold surface creator in an appropriate position within mold 1000 and extends between inner surface 1004 of hollow shell 1000 and outer surface 1006 of hollow shell 1000. As shown in FIG. 10, these perforations 1002 may be spaced unevenly, and any arrangement that allows the formation of an inner mold surface could be acceptable.
  • a person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to position the perforators to create perforations in a desired location and will be able to design, select and arrange the perforators and their associated inner mold surface creators to create an analogous hollow sphere with the desired perforation pattern.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 show an exemplary embodiment of how single-piece hollow shell 1000 may be used.
  • single-piece hollow shell 1000 is used in a method of making a golf ball. It is conceivable that a designer could use single-piece hollow shell 1000 in other methods to make other structures.
  • Shell 1000 may desirably be used in any context where a single-piece hollow shell is desired for a variety of reasons. Shell 1000 may be useful in the process described in US Patent
  • a golf ball can be molded using mold 1430.
  • Mold 1430 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein.
  • second mold 1430 is shown as a standard injection mold.
  • Second mold 1430 may include first mold portion 1432 and second mold portion 1434.
  • First mold portion 1432 and second mold portion 1434 can be separated from one another to place items in second mold 1430 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 1432 and second mold portion 1434 form second mold cavity 1436 therein.
  • Second injection port 1438 may be present, for example, at the top of second mold cavity 1436.
  • Second injection port 1438 may be in fluid communication with second reservoir 1440 that contains second material 1401 .
  • second material 1401 may be a highly neutralized polymer or a thermoplastic urethane. Second material 1401 is introduced into second mold cavity 1436 from second reservoir 1440 via second injection port 1438. [00112] Second mold 1430 may be heated or cold, depending on what material is used as second material 1401 and what its properties are. For example, if the material used is a thermosetting material, second mold 1430 may be heated so that the material is heated to its setting temperature. If, instead, the material is thermoplastic, second mold 1430 may only be heated to promote the even flow of second material 1401 into second mold cavity 1436 to ensure that second mold cavity 1436 is evenly filled. Other materials may allow second mold 1430 to remain at about room temperature during molding.
  • second mold 1430 may be cooled or allowed to cool, if necessary. Once second mold 1430 reaches room temperature and the material is allowed to cure for the appropriate amount of time, the intermediate material formed by the molding process can be removed from second mold 1430.
  • FIG. 14 shows one example of an appropriate structure for molding a golf ball inner part. However, this precise structure need not be used. Instead, another structure appropriate for molding the inner part could be used that is appropriate for the materials desired for the inner part.
  • FIG. 14 shows a first injection molding step.
  • second material 1401 is inserted into second mold 1430 via second injection port 1438 between the interior wall 1445 of second mold cavity 1436 and single-piece hollow shell 1000.
  • second material 1401 When second material 1401 is injected into second mold cavity 1436, it flows around shell 1000 and enters shell 1000 through at least one perforation 1002 therethrough. Second material 1401 may flow over shell 1000 and fall by gravity or other methods to the bottom of mold cavity 1436. While other orientations of the mold are possible, it is often desirable to use gravity to assist in the molding process, rather than needing to use additional pressure to force a molding material into a mold.
  • second mold cavity 1436 is substantially filled with second material 1401 and second injection port 1438 has been retracted to be about even with or recessed from interior wall 1445 of mold 1430 in order to allow second material 1401 to substantially fill mold cavity 1436.
  • the injection step allows the filling of the interior 1454 of shell 1000.
  • the injection step also allows each perforation 1002 to be filled with second material 1401 .
  • first perforation 1010, second perforation 1012, third perforation 1014, and fourth perforation 1016 are all substantially filled with second material 1401 .
  • Such a method of molding allows the substantially simultaneous molding of a core 1402 and a medial layer 1414 partially separated from one another via a perforated single-piece hollow shell 1000.
  • Such a method allows the integration of core 1402 and medial layer 1414 in a single molding process and minimizes shifting between core 1402 and medial layer 1414 due to this integration.
  • the degree of integration will vary depending on the materials used and the number, size, and shape of perforations 1002 in shell 1000.
  • the integral molding of core 1402 and medial layer 1414 around and through shell 1000 is a mechanical interfitting of shell 1000 with core 1402 and medial layer 1414.
  • This interfitting is well within the outer circumference or surface of the golf ball inner part formed by the process of FIG. 14 and minimizes or eliminates shifting between shell 1000, core 1402, and medial layer 1414.
  • the mechanical interfitting also minimizes or eliminates the need for a chemical attachment of core 1402, shell 1000, and medial layer 1414. This elimination of a chemical attachment improves the ability of a golf ball inner part formed in this manner to be recycled later.
  • first material 601 forming perforated single-piece hollow shell 1000 and second material 1401 forming core 1402 and medial layer 1414 have different properties, such as different densities
  • the golf ball inner part can be pulverized and first material 601 separated from second material 1401 for recycling without concern about any adhesive residue entering the recycling process.
  • One example of a method of recycling a golf ball and a golf ball inner part made in this manner may be found in US Patent Publication No. , currently Provisional
  • fill and filling are used. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these terms in many embodiments do not mean to completely fill a space.
  • the use of particular materials for a mold and a material to fill the mold may, for example, cause the material to spring back from the mold, particularly upon curing. Accordingly, some small gaps that are caused by such limitations are to be expected in any manufacturing process, and these gaps do not mean that the mold is not filled.
  • second material 1401 may be cured, when necessary or desirable.
  • Various materials that are appropriate for use in the present embodiments have different curing requirements. If a thermosetting resin is used as the first material, the curing process often requires the mold to be heated after it is filled. If a thermoplastic resin is used as the first material, the curing process often requires the mold to be cooled after it is filled. Other materials might simply require the passage of time to cure.
  • first mold portion 1432 and second mold portion 1434 are separated from one another and the golf ball inner part is removed from second mold 1430.
  • FIG. 15 shows the use of third mold 1530 to form a cover over the golf ball inner part formed in the step shown in FIG. 14.
  • Third mold 1530 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein.
  • third mold 1530 is shown as a standard injection mold.
  • Third mold 1530 may include first mold portion 1532 and second mold portion 1534.
  • First mold portion 1532 and second mold portion 1534 can be separated from one another to place items in third mold 1530 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 1532 and second mold portion 1534 form third mold cavity 1536 therein.
  • Third injection port 1538 may be present, for example, at the top of third mold cavity 1536.
  • Third injection port 1538 may be in fluid communication with third reservoir 1540 that contains third material 1501 .
  • third material 1501 may be a thermoplastic urethane, such as SURLYN®.
  • Third material 1501 is introduced into third mold cavity 1536 from third reservoir 1540 via third injection port 1538.
  • the interior wall 1545 of third mold cavity 1536 may be patterned to mold the dimple pattern of the ball cover onto the ball cover in this step.
  • FIG. 15 shows the use of first pin 1546, second pin 1548, third pin 1550, and fourth pin 1552.
  • First pin 1546, second pin 1548, third pin 1550, and fourth pin 1552 are designed to be retractable within third mold cavity 1536.
  • third material 1501 is injected into third mold cavity 1536, it fills third mold cavity 1536. As it begins to harden, it becomes capable of supporting medial layer 1414 within second mold cavity 1536. As third material 1501 begins to harden, first pin 1546 and fourth pin 1552 can be retracted.
  • third material 1501 begins to further fill third mold cavity 1536
  • second pin 1548 and third pin 1550 can be retracted. This retraction after the partial hardening of third material 1501 allows medial layer 1414 to remain centered within third mold cavity 1536 and for third material 1501 to evenly fill third mold cavity 1536. While not specifically shown and described, a similar method could be used to mold ball inner part 1414 around shell 1000.
  • pins 1546, 1548, 1550, 1552 are shown, and while they are shown protruding only from the sides of third mold cavity 1536, these features should not be seen as being limiting. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to place more or fewer pins in third mold cavity 1536. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to space the pins more evenly throughout third mold cavity 1536. Finally, it may be desirable to include pins on the top or bottom sides of third mold cavity 1536. A person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to modify the mold design to provide an appropriate molding environment based on the materials selected and the design characteristics desired.
  • Third mold 1530 may also be heated or at room temperature, depending on the material to be injected to form the cover. If third mold 1530 is heated, third mold 1530 may be allowed to cool. After third mold 1530 reaches room temperature or after the cover, medial layer 1414, core 1402, and shell 1000 have been allowed to cure for an appropriate amount of time, the formed ball may be removed from third mold 1530, such as by separating first mold portion 1532 from second mold portion 1534.
  • third mold interior wall 1545 may be designed to mold the outer surface of the ball. Accordingly, the interior wall 1545 may be patterned to allow for dimples and lands and other desirable markings to be molded into the cover of the ball.
  • the precise configuration of the outer ball surface will depend on the desired ball characteristics. A person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to easily design the interior wall 1545 with desired characteristics in accordance with the ball's desired characteristics without undue experimentation.
  • the pattern of dimples on the outside of the ball may be designed independently of the characteristics for the inner layers of the ball.
  • FIGS. 1 1 and 12 show a method and structure for making such a shell and FIG. 13 shows the shell made with such a method. Because this method and structure may be substituted for that shown in FIGS. 6a and 7a or that shown in FIGS. 8a-10, and the structure made from this method can be used in the method and apparatus shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it will be referred to as a first mold and analogous structures.
  • FIGS. 1 1 and 12 show the cooperation or combination of a plurality of perforators to create an inner mold surface.
  • FIG. 1 1 shows the plurality of perforators by itself for clarity and FIG. 12 shows them positioned in a mold.
  • a mold 1 130 is provided.
  • Mold 1 130 may be one of a variety of types of molds, depending on the material to be molded therein.
  • first mold 1 130 is shown as a standard injection mold.
  • First mold 1 130 may include first mold portion 1 132 and second mold portion 1 134.
  • First mold portion 1 132 and second mold portion 1 134 can be separated from one another to place items in first mold 1 130 before molding occurs or to remove the formed material after molding.
  • First mold portion 1 132 and second mold portion 1 134 form first mold cavity 1 136 therein.
  • First mold 1 130 includes first mold inner surface or wall 1 145.
  • Inner surface 1 145 defines the outer shape of the item to be molded therein, as is typical of molds.
  • a plurality of perforators is inserted into mold 1 130.
  • various perforators are partially or completely visible. These include first perforator 1 150, second perforator 1 152, third perforator 1 154, fourth perforator 1 156, fifth perforator 1 158, sixth perforator 1 160, seventh perforator 1 162, eighth perforator 1 164, ninth perforator 1 166, and tenth perforator 1 168.
  • first perforator 1 150 includes first perforator 1 150, second perforator 1 152, third perforator 1 154, fourth perforator 1 156, fifth perforator 1 158, sixth perforator 1 160, seventh perforator 1 162, eighth perforator 1 164, ninth perforator 1 166, and tenth perforator 1 168.
  • FIG. 12 is presented only in partial section to show, for example, the general appearance of a perforator exiting mold 1 130.
  • FIG. 12 is presented only in partial section to show, for example, the general appearance of a per
  • third perforator 1 154 is shown projecting from an outer surface 1 133 of mold 1 130.
  • Each perforator in each embodiment desirably projects from a corresponding outer surface of a corresponding mold or has an insertion and removal apparatus that is capable of causing the perforator to be inserted or removed from the mold.
  • an electronic insertion and removal system may be desirable.
  • a mechanical insertion or removal system may be desirable.
  • the tolerances in molding of the hollow shell may be dependent on the proper mating of the free ends of the projections. Accordingly, a supplemental system that holds the perforators in place during molding incorporated into the mold or outside the mold may be desirable in order to ensure proper placement of the perforators.
  • These structures are not specifically shown and may be selected from any of the structures that are known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
  • FIG. 13 shows a hollow shell 1300 created from the process and structure shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12.
  • Each perforator creates one perforation shown in FIG. 13.
  • an exemplary perforator 1304 enters the mold at the first mold surface.
  • the first mold surface corresponds generally to outer surface 1306 of perforated single- piece hollow shell 1300. While perforator 1304 would not remain in shell 1300 after it is ejected from the mold, it is illustrated here for ease of understanding.
  • Perforator 1304 includes free end 1308. Free end 1308 is tapered. Each perforator 1304 is inserted into the mold to create a
  • Each perforator 1304 and free end 1308 cooperates with the other perforators 1304 and free ends 1308 to form a solid shape where they meet.
  • This area is shown as 1 170 in FIG. 1 1 and forms void 1310 in the middle of shell 1300.
  • These free ends 1308 are shaped and sized to contact the free end 1308 of at least one adjacent perforator 1304.
  • the free end of third perforator 1 154 contacts at least the free end of second perforator 1 152 and may contact the free ends of some or all of the other perforators. If all the perforators taper to meet at a single point in the center of mold 1 130, all the perforators may contact all the other perforators.
  • some or all of the perforators may contact fewer than all the other perforators. This contact between the perforators effectively creates a solid surface in the center of mold 1 130 and effectively creates an inner mold surface through the combined or cooperative action of the free ends of the perforators.
  • void 1310 it may be desirable to simplify the interfitting of the perforators.
  • void 1310 it may be desirable in one embodiment for void 1310 to resemble a soccer ball.
  • a soccer ball typically combines thirty-two panels to form a truncated isocahedron formed from twelve regular pentagon shapes and twenty regular hexagon shapes.
  • a designer could create twenty perforators having a hexagonal cross section that have free ends that each taper to a point and twelve perforators having a pentagonal cross section that also have free ends that taper to a point.
  • the taper of the free ends may be selected so that the free ends of the thirty two perforators meet at a central point and they interfit with one another to form a soccer ball shaped void in the center of the hollow shell.
  • This selection of a shape may be well known and may be relatively easy for a person having ordinary skill in the art. If a greater or lesser number of perforators is desired, a designer can select an appropriate cross section of perforator to be used to create an appropriate central void. As noted, the central void 310 may be polygonal or spherical, depending on the desires of the designer, constraints of the materials used, and the like. The designer can select an appropriate taper for the free ends to create the desired shape, whether spherical or polygonal.
  • FIG. 12 shows, for example that first perforator 1 150 might be octagonal in cross section and second perforator 1 152 might be square in cross section, and that the two different shapes may be used together in the same molding process.
  • FIGS. 1 1 -13 do not show some of the structures shown in the earlier analogous FIGS., and other structures not shown in the analogous FIGS, are shown. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the structures shown in the earlier FIGS, may be used in this FIG. and the modifications shown in this FIG. can be applied to the structures in the previously disclosed embodiments.
  • FIGS. 1 1 and 12 do not include the specific structures shown in earlier FIGS, to insert a material into a mold. These structures were eliminated from these FIGS, to provide greater clarity and show different features that were not shown in the earlier FIGS.
  • a material is inserted into first mold cavity 1 136.
  • the material is cured in an appropriate manner, as described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 6a, 7a, 8a, 9, and 10 above.
  • the perforators are removed from mold 1 130 and first mold portion 1 132 and second mold portion 1 134 may be separated from one another to eject perforated single-piece hollow shell 1300 as shown in FIG. 13.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une balle de golf ayant un noyau, une couche de noyau extérieure, une couche médiane et une enveloppe, ainsi qu'un procédé de fabrication. La couche de noyau extérieure définit des perforations à travers celle-ci. Les couches médiane et de noyau sont formées en une seule pièce à travers les perforations. Un procédé de fabrication d'une coque creuse à pièce unique est décrit. Une pluralité de perforateurs est introduite dans un moule et crée une surface du moule intérieur. Un matériau est introduit dans le moule pour créer une coque creuse perforée entre le moule, la surface de moule intérieure et les perforations.
PCT/US2012/071618 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 Balle de golf avec noyau et couche médiane co-moulés et procédé de fabrication WO2013101807A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

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JP2014550422A JP2015505263A (ja) 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 共成形されたコアおよび中間層を備えたゴルフボールおよびこれを製造する方法
EP12861182.9A EP2797673A4 (fr) 2011-12-27 2012-12-26 Balle de golf avec noyau et couche médiane co-moulés et procédé de fabrication

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US201161580549P 2011-12-27 2011-12-27
US201161580537P 2011-12-27 2011-12-27
US61/580,537 2011-12-27
US61/580,549 2011-12-27
US13/484,181 US20130165260A1 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-05-30 Golf Ball With Co-Molded Core And Medial Layer And Method Of Making
US13/484,181 2012-05-30
US13/484,193 US8877110B2 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-05-30 Method of molding a single-piece hollow shell including perforations
US13/484,193 2012-05-30

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CN113428972A (zh) * 2021-07-16 2021-09-24 南京沃谱瑞环境研究院有限公司 一种人工湿地专用填料的制备模具及其制备方法

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CN113428972A (zh) * 2021-07-16 2021-09-24 南京沃谱瑞环境研究院有限公司 一种人工湿地专用填料的制备模具及其制备方法
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EP2797673A1 (fr) 2014-11-05
EP2797673A4 (fr) 2016-02-24

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