Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Ball
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-02
2001-10-30
Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Ball
C473S377000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309314
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to golf balls, and more particularly to golf balls having thick covers.
Spin rate is an important golf ball characteristic for both the skilled and unskilled golfer. High spin rates allow for the more skilled golfer, such as PGA professionals and low handicap players, to maximize control of the golf ball. This is particularly beneficial to the more skilled golfer when hitting an approach shot to a green. The ability to intentionally produce “back spin”, thereby stopping the ball quickly on the green, and/or “side spin” to draw or fade the ball, substantially improves the golfer's control over the ball. Thus, the more skilled golfer generally prefers a golf ball exhibiting high spin rate properties.
However, a high spin golf ball is not desired by all golfers, particularly high handicap players who cannot intentionally control the spin of the ball. In this regard, less skilled golfers, have, among others, two substantial obstacles to improving their game: slicing and hooking. When a club head meets a ball, an unintentional side spin is often imparted which sends the ball off its intended course. The side spin reduces one's control over the ball as well as the distance the ball will travel. As a result, unwanted strokes are added to the game.
Consequently, while the more skilled golfer desires a high spin golf ball, a more efficient ball for the less skilled player is a golf ball that exhibits low spin properties. The low spin ball reduces slicing and hooking and enhances roll distance for the amateur golfer. It would be useful to develop a low spin golf ball with excellent distance for use by high handicap players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a golf ball with a low spin rate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a golf ball having better distance than conventional golf balls having a comparable coefficient of restitution.
Another object of the invention is to provide a golf ball having a low spin rate and excellent distance on full shots, combined with a soft feel when the ball is used for chipping and putting.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of making a golf ball of the type described above.
The invention in a preferred form is a golf ball comprising a solid core having a coefficient of restitution (COR) of at least 0.650, and a cover having a thickness of at least 3.6 mm (when measured at a land area of the cover) and a Shore D hardness (measured generally in accordance with A.S.T.M. D-2240, but measured on the land area of a curved surface of a molded ball) of at least 60, preferably at least 64.
In one embodiment of the invention, the cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner and outer cover layers preferably have substantially the same Shore D hardness.
The golf ball preferably has a cover thickness of at least 3.8 mm, even more preferably at least 4.0 mm, and most preferably at least 4.5 mm when measured at a land area of the cover. The core preferably has a COR of at least 0.700 and more preferably at least 0.750. The difference between the coefficient of restitution of the ball and the coefficient of restitution of the core is at least 0.025. The core preferably has a PGA compression of about 85 or less.
Another preferred form of the invention is a method of making a golf ball comprising forming a core having a COR of at least 0.650 and forming a cover over the core, the cover having a thickness of at least 3.6 mm (when measured at a land area of the cover) and a Shore D hardness (measured generally in accordance with A.S.T.M. D-2240, but measured on a land area of a curved surface of a molded ball) of at least 60, and preferably at least 64. The core preferably has a PGA compression of 85 or less.
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Binette Mark L.
Sullivan Michael J.
Gorden Raeann
Graham Mark S.
Spalding Sports Worldwide Inc.
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