IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,766,768
Granted Patent B2
US 7,766,768 · App. 12/605,879 · Granted Aug 3, 2010

Golf balls having two or more core layers formed from HNP compositions

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,766,768
App. No.
12/605,879
Granted
Aug 3, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention is directed to golf balls having a layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and a layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. Golf balls of the present invention have at least three layers, including an inner core layer, an outer core layer, a cover, and optionally an intermediate core layer. The present invention is not limited by which golf ball layers are formed from an HNP composition, so long as at least one layer is formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer is formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. Relatively soft HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer preferably having a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. Relatively hard HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer preferably having a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi.

Claims (12)

1. A golf ball comprising:

(a) an inner core layer formed from a first HNP composition, the first HNP composition having a Shore D hardness of 45 or greater and comprising a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer;

(b) an intermediate core layer formed from a rubber composition;

(c) an outer core layer formed from a second HNP composition, the second HNP composition having a Shore D hardness of 55 or less and comprising a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer; and

(d) a cover;

wherein the Shore D hardness of the first HNP composition is greater than the Shore D hardness of the second HNP composition.

2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the Shore D hardness of the second HNP composition is from 10 to 55.

3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the Shore D hardness of the second HNP composition is from 20 to 50.

4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the Shore D hardness of the first HNP composition is from 50 to 80.

5. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the second HNP composition has a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi.

6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the first HNP composition has a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi.

7. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the second HNP composition has a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi, the first HNP composition has a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi, and the modulus of the second HNP composition is at least 10% less than the modulus of the first HNP composition.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (ASSIGNS 039506-0030) Recorded Aug 3, 2022
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS RESIGNING ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 061521/0414 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (027332/0829) Recorded Sep 7, 2016
From: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH
To: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Reel/Frame 039939/0012 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2016
From: ACUSHNET COMPANY
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 039506/0030 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 6, 2011
From: ACUSHNET COMPANY
To: KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH
Reel/Frame 027332/0829 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 28, 2009
From: SULLIVAN, MICHAEL J.; LADD, DEREK A.; HEBERT, EDMUND A.; RAJAGOPALAN, MURALI
To: ACUSHNET COMPANY
Reel/Frame 023433/0326 →