CUSTOMIZABLE GOLF BALL AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZABLE GOLF BALL
The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for providing a golf ball that is customizable by a golfer to achieve a golfer's desired playing characteristics. The customizable golf ball includes multiple layers of customizable thermoplastic or thermoset materials in varying hardness levels that may be assembled by the golfer to achieve a desired feel in play. After play, the customizable golf ball may be disassembled to again vary the playing characteristics of the ball by substituting layers of varying hardness levels, or to simply replace old or worn out parts.
1 . A method of assembling a customized golf ball, the method comprising:
providing an inner core piece, wherein the inner core piece comprises a first hardness;
assembling at least two intermediate layer pieces about the inner core piece, wherein the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise a second hardness, wherein interior surfaces of the at least two intermediate layer pieces interlock with an exterior surface of the inner core piece via a plurality of tenons extending therebetween, and wherein the at least two intermediate pieces form a sphere when joined together; and
assembling at least two cover pieces about the at least two intermediate layer pieces, wherein the at least two cover pieces comprise a third hardness, wherein interior surfaces of the at least two cover pieces abut an exterior surface of the at least two intermediate layer pieces, and wherein the at least two cover pieces form a sphere when joined together.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising providing a thermoplastic adhesive for connecting the inner core piece, the at least two intermediate layer pieces and the at least two cover pieces.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the inner core further comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of tenons.
4 . The method according to claim 3 , wherein the interior surfaces of the at least two intermediate layer pieces further comprise a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of tenons.
5 . The method according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of tenons comprise a fourth hardness, and wherein the fourth hardness is different than the first hardness.
6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first hardness is different than the second hardness.
7 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein the first hardness is less than the second hardness.
8 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise four adjoining quarter spheres.
9 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise two adjoining half spheres.
10 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first hardness is in a range from about 30 to about 65 Shore D, wherein the second hardness is in a range from about 40 to about 80 Shore D, and wherein the third hardness is in a range from about 25 to about 60 Shore D.
11 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two cover pieces further comprise threaded edges, and wherein the threaded edges are configured to engage with each other.
12 . A method of assembling a customized golf ball, the method comprising:
providing an inner core piece, wherein the inner core piece includes a plurality of apertures for receiving portions of a plurality of tenons;
inserting each of a plurality of tenons into a respective one of the plurality of apertures;
assembling at least two intermediate layer pieces to create a spherical cover surrounding the inner core piece, wherein each intermediate layer piece comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surfaces of the intermediate layer pieces include a plurality of apertures for receiving portions of the plurality of tenons; and
assembling at least two cover pieces to create a spherical cover surrounding the at least to intermediate layer pieces, wherein each cover piece comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, and wherein the interior surfaces of the at least two cover pieces abut the exterior surfaces of the at least two intermediate layer pieces.
13 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of tenons are cylindrical-shaped.
14 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein:
the inner core piece comprises a first hardness ranging from about 30 to 65 Shore D;
the at least two intermediate layer pieces comprise a second hardness that ranges from about 40 to 80 Shore D; and
the at least two cover pieces comprise a third hardness ranging from about 25 to 60 Shore D.