The present invention provides methods for producing molded golf balls and the resultant balls. The methods of this invention involve producing foamed polyurethane covers and these methods help reduce dimple distortions and other surface imperfections. These golf balls contain an inner core and outer foamed polyurethane cover. One or more intermediate layers can be disposed between the core and cover. In one embodiment, a castable liquid polyurethane composition containing a foaming agent is dispensed into mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form a foam cover for the ball.

Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made from silicone (polysiloxane) elastomers; silicone (polysiloxane) elastomer/polyurethane blends; polycarbonate-polysiloxane blends and copolymers; and polycarbonate-polysiloxane/polyurethane blends are provided. For example, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece golf balls containing different core and cover structures can be made. The polysiloxane compositions have good thermal stability and durability without sacrificing resiliency. The polysiloxane compositions also have high elongation, tensile strength, chemical/fluid-resistance, and weatherability properties. These compositions can be used to form any layer, for example, core, intermediate, or cover, in the golf ball.

The invention relates to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a highly-neutralized polymer material that has been crosslinked. In particular, the compositions of the invention include a highly-neutralized polymer, at least one crosslinking initiator, and at least one coagent. The invention also relates to methods of making the compositions and golf ball constructions that incorporate the compositions of the invention in at least a portion thereof.

The invention relates to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a highly-neutralized polymer material that has been crosslinked. In particular, the compositions of the invention include a highly-neutralized polymer, at least one crosslinking initiator, and at least one coagent. The invention also relates to methods of making the compositions and golf ball constructions that incorporate the compositions of the invention in at least a portion thereof.

The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the alteration of the dimple surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having circular perimeters and dimple profiles having a concentric groove or a non-concentric groove on the surface of the dimple. The golf ball dimples of the present invention provide golf ball surfaces having unique appearances, while maintaining ideal aerodynamic characteristics.

Golf balls having a multi-layered core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core assembly preferably includes a foam inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam center. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values. The foamed inner core assembly includes a geometric center, outer surface (skin), and thermal barrier layer that helps protect the foamed center region from the negative effects of high temperatures used during the ball-manufacturing process. Non-foamed thermoset materials such as polybutadiene rubber may be used to form the thermal barrier layer. The foam cores have good resiliency, thermal stability, and durability over a wide temperature range. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered.

The sports ball (410) has an inner layer (416) and an outer panel (414). The inner layer (416) is secured to the outer panel (414) and several inner layers (416) and outer panels (414) are sewn together to form the sports ball (410). A strip (440) is positioned between the inner layer (416) and outer panel (414) under a white stripe (448) to raise the white stripe (448) on the sports ball (410) above the surrounding outer surface of the sports ball (410) to enhance grip. The sports ball (410) can be a football (412). A line of thread (424) can be stitched between the inner layer (416) and outer panel (414) on either side of the stripe (448) to enhance the shape retention of the sports ball (410), enhance grip and help keep the strip (440) in place. In a modification, a strip (480) is positioned between the inner layer (416) and outer panel (414) except under the white stripe (448) to form a void under the stripe (448) and enhance grip.

A DPS (dual pressure system) sport ball incorporating a special, environment friendly casing that forms an exterior surface of the ball, which is bonded to a multiple lining layers to form a laminated sheet. The laminated sheet is sized, printed, and cut out into specifically designed panels using highly optimized and automated specifically developed machines. The panel cut outs are stitched together using a special stitching machine and a specific, compatible bladder is incorporated in the ball. The partially machine stitched ball is then finally closed by manual stitching and the seams are protected with a special adhesive. Resultantly, due to unique construction materials, their unique arrangement, innovative technology, and highly automated manufacturing processes, the DPS sport ball has advantageous durability, playability, controllability and excellent flight characteristics. The DPS sport ball qualifies under the international standards of match/professional balls at a very competitive price.

A DPS (dual pressure system) sport ball incorporating a special, environment friendly casing that forms an exterior surface of the ball, which is bonded to a multiple lining layers to form a laminated sheet. The laminated sheet is sized, printed, and cut out into specifically designed panels using highly optimized and automated specifically developed machines. The panel cut outs are stitched together using a special stitching machine and a specific, compatible bladder is incorporated in the ball. The partially machine stitched ball is then finally closed by manual stitching and the seams are protected with a special adhesive. Resultantly, due to unique construction materials, their unique arrangement, innovative technology, and highly automated manufacturing processes, the DPS sport ball has advantageous durability, playability, controllability and excellent flight characteristics. The DPS sport ball qualifies under the international standards of match/professional balls at a very competitive price.

A golf ball including a spherical body, first regions, and second regions. The spherical body includes a core layer and a cover layer made from a synthetic resin covering the core layer. Dimples are formed in a surface of the cover layer. First regions that are electrically conductive are formed on a surface of the spherical body. The first regions are formed on a spherical surface having a center of the spherical body as a center. The first regions are positioned at six vertices of an imaginary regular hexahedron such that the vertices are positioned on the surface of the spherical body and, thus, six of the first regions are formed. The second regions are formed in areas of the surface other than where the first regions are formed. The second regions have a radio wave reflectance lower than that of the first regions.