Appeal No. 2004-0242 Page 7
Application No. 09/873,594
In producing the golf ball of the invention, the density of the center or core
may be varied and the relative thicknesses of the layers, plies or laminations 14
and 16 may be varied within limits so that the golf ball weight does not exceed
1.620 ounces, the minimum diameter not less than 1.680 inches, and the ball be
capable of an initial velocity approaching 255 feet per second. However, the
finished golf ball may be of larger diameter providing the total weight of the ball
does not exceed 1.620 ounces.
Thus, by varying the density of the center or core 12 and varying the
thicknesses of the plies or layers 14 and 16 of the cover construction, a golf ball
may be produced having a total weight not exceeding 1.620 ounces and a
minimum diameter of 1.680 inches and having a comparatively high coefficient of
restitution, the ball closely approaching or attaining in play the maximum
permitted initial velocity of 255 feet per second.
In the golf ball of the invention the thickness of the inner layer or ply 14
and the thickness of the outer layer or ply 16 may be varied to secure the
advantages herein mentioned. It is found that the inner layer 14 of hard, high
flexural modulus resinous material, such as Surlyn resin type 1605, is preferably
of a thickness in a range of 0.020 inches and 0.070 inches. The thickness of the
outer layer or cover 16 of soft, low flexural modulus resin, such as Surlyn type
1855, may be in a range of 0.020 inches and 0.100 inches.
For example, a center or core 12 having a 0.770 coefficient of restitution is
molded with a layer of hard, high modulus Surlyn resin, such as Surlyn type
1605, to form a spherical body of a diameter of about 1.565 inches. This
spherical body comprising the core or center 12 and layer 14 of the hard, high
modulus Surlyn resin has a coefficient of restitution of 0.800 or more.
This center or core 12 and inner layer 14 of hard resinous material in the
form of a sphere is then re-molded into a dimpled golf ball of a diameter of 1.680
inches minimum with an outer or cover layer 16 of a soft, low flexural modulus
resin such as Surlyn type 1855. The outer layer of the soft resin is of a thickness
of 0.0575 inches. The soft Surlyn resin cover would have about the same
thickness and shore hardness of a balata covered golf ball and would have the
advantageous "feel" and playing characteristics of a balata covered golf ball.
It is to be understood that the golf ball of the invention may be made of a
diameter greater than 1.680 inches without exceeding the total weight of 1.620
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