The invention provides a golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layer encasing the core, wherein the core has a center core and a foamed outer layer that directly, or indirectly through another layer, envelops the center core. The foamed outer layer is made of a rubber composition that includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent and an organic peroxide. The foamed outer layer has an inside portion facing the ball center and an outside portion facing the outside of the ball that are unfoamed regions, and contains a foamed region in an intermediate portion therebetween. A method of manufacturing such a golf ball is also provided.

A training system includes apparel and balls that fasten to the apparel. The apparel includes patches or strips of hook/loop fastener material that couples to strips of the hook/loop fastener material on the balls. The balls are removed during training by an opponent. The balls are placed on the apparel to emphasize training to that region.

A spherical punching ball specifically designed for striking against a wall is disclosed. Embodiments with varied weight, size, rebound characteristics, density parameters, and other considerations are disclosed. Methods of construction, training, and related safety considerations are disclosed.

Multi-layered, golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. The core also includes a structural insert such as, for example, a solid shell, perforated shell, a lattice or mesh, or a central hub with extending arms, and the like. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values. The ball further includes a cover having at least one layer. By adjusting the respective specific gravity values of the core layers, the Moment of Inertia (MOI) of the ball can be increased or decreased. In one embodiment, the ball has generally good flight distance and low spin rate.

Closed cell foam articles, such as sports balls, and related manufacturing methods are disclosed herein. The article includes a main body made of closed-cell elastomeric resin foam having a density ranging between about 0.050 sg and about 0.800 sg after curing. Some articles are assembled by inserting a cured core into a main body so that the core is secured in the main body via an interference fit, and the core has one or more portions extending to the exterior surface of the main body such that the an exposed surface of the one or more exposed portions of the core blend substantially with the exterior surface of the main body.

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 invention provides a golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layer encasing the core, wherein the core is formed of a rubber composition that includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent and an organic peroxide. The core has a center portion and a surface portion that are unfoamed regions, and has an intermediate portion that contains a foamed region. A method of manufacturing such a golf ball is also provided.

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a particle foam part, in particular a cushioning element for sportswear, such as a shoe sole, or a cushioning element, which has been produced by such a method, in particular a shoe sole. The method for manufacturing a cushioning element for sportswear such as a shoe sole, may comprise the steps of feeding foam particles into a mold cavity of a mold tool, and welding of the foam particles in the mold cavity while applying a predetermined pressure, wherein the foam particles comprise a fraction of at least 10% by weight of recycled, shredded foam particles (regenerated material) and the welding of the foam particles is effected by means of electromagnetic waves.

An object with a tactile outer layer includes, for example, a ball having an outer surface and a series of protrusions or spikes on the outer surface. The protrusion each appear as a tear-dropped shape mass that includes a base having a relatively flat bottom adhered to the outer surface of the ball and a narrow tip and/or curved tail extending away from the outer surface.

Manufacturing can be performed by mounting the object and utilizing injection arms that deposit elastomer globules on the object. The globules are deposited by pressure through a reservoir in the injection arm and the injection arms are then withdrawn to product the tail shape.

A spiked ball includes an inflatable ball having an outer surface and a series of protrusions on the outer surface. The protrusion each appear as a tear-dropped shape mass that includes a base having a relatively flat bottom adhered to the outer surface and a narrow tip extending away from the outer surface. The narrow tip may also appear as a curved tale.

The spikes provide a unique tactile feel and a surface for gripping that is different than other balls. The spikes also cause the ball to contact or grab the ground to create a unique bounce.