GOLF BALLS HAVING NON-UNIFORM CORE STRUCTURES WITH METAL-CONTAINING CENTERS

摘要

Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core and cover are provided. The ball contains a small, heavy inner core and surrounding outer core layer. The inner core preferably contains metal materials such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, nickel, iron, tin, and bronze particles dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymeric matrix. Preferably, the polymeric matrix comprises polybutadiene rubber. The outer surface of the inner core preferably has a non-uniform structure and includes projecting members. For example, the outer surface may contain multiple projecting ribs with gaps located between the ribs. The ball includes a cover surrounding the core structure. The cover may be multi-layered.

主权项

1. A multi-layered golf ball, comprising:
i) an inner core comprising a metal material dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymeric matrix, the inner core having a center and outer surface, and a diameter in the range of about 0.100 to about 1.100 inches, the inner core having projecting members on the outer surface; ii) an outer core layer comprising a thermoset or thermoplastic material, the outer core layer being disposed about the inner core and having a thickness in the range of about 0.200 to about 0.800 inches, wherein the inner core has a specific gravity (SGinner) and a center hardness (Hinner core center), and the outer core has a specific gravity (SGouter) and an outer surface hardness ((Houter surface of OC), the SGinner being greater than the SGouter, and the Hinner core center being in the range of about 10 to about 80 Shore C and the Houter surface of OC being in the range of about 65 to about 96 Shore C to provide a positive hardness gradient across the core assembly; and iii) a cover having at least one layer disposed about the multi-layered core.