US20030207728A1 - Multi-layered cores or golf balls - Google Patents
Multi-layered cores or golf balls Download PDFInfo
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- US20030207728A1 US20030207728A1 US10/461,085 US46108503A US2003207728A1 US 20030207728 A1 US20030207728 A1 US 20030207728A1 US 46108503 A US46108503 A US 46108503A US 2003207728 A1 US2003207728 A1 US 2003207728A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- center
- inches
- golf ball
- bottom mold
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/04—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using movable moulds
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C69/00—Combinations of shaping techniques not provided for in a single one of main groups B29C39/00 - B29C67/00, e.g. associations of moulding and joining techniques; Apparatus therefore
- B29C69/004—Combinations of shaping techniques not provided for in a single one of main groups B29C39/00 - B29C67/00, e.g. associations of moulding and joining techniques; Apparatus therefore making articles by joining parts moulded in separate cavities, said parts being in said separate cavities during said joining
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2009/00—Layered products
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/54—Balls
- B29L2031/545—Football balls
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to golf balls and/or golf ball cores. More particularly, the invention is directed to multi-layered cores or golf balls that are formed from a substantially automated process.
- Solid balls are generally comprised of a solid polymeric core and a cover. These balls are generally easy to manufacture, but are regarded as having limited playing characteristics.
- Wound balls are comprised of a solid or liquid-filled center surrounded by tensioned elastomeric material and a cover. Wound balls generally have good playing characteristics, but are more difficult to manufacture than solid balls.
- the prior art is comprised of various golf balls that have been designed to provide optimal playing characteristics. These characteristics are generally the initial velocity and spin of the golf ball, which can be optimized for various players. For instance, certain players prefer to play a ball that has a high spin rate for playability. Other players prefer to play a ball that has a low spin rate to maximize distance. However, these balls tend to be hard feeling and difficult to control around the greens.
- the prior art also provides for the manufacture of double cover golf balls. This is generally accomplished by injection molding a first and then a second cover layer around a core. This system, however, requires complex injection molds, usually with retractable pins within the mold to properly position the core. Moreover, this system generally works better with thermoplastic materials.
- the present invention is directed to a method of making a golf ball core, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.
- the step of forming a plurality of shells may further include the step of locating the top mold plate between the center and bottom mold plates so that the cavities in the top mold plate are adjacent to the center mold plate and the top, center and bottom mold plates are vertically aligned.
- the step of locating the top mold plate further includes vertically moving the center mold plate from an elevated position to a rotate position.
- the step of locating the top mold plate may further include vertically moving the top mold plate from a lower position to the rotate position.
- the center mold plate may be vertically moved from the rotate position to the elevated position, and vertically moving the top mold plate from the rotate position to the lower position.
- the step of locating the top mold plate further includes horizontally moving the center mold plate from a first position substantially vertically unaligned with the top mold plate to a second position substantially vertically aligned with the top mold plate.
- the step of forming a plurality of core hemispherical shells from elastomeric material further includes providing a lower elevator having a movable upper plate; and after applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates, separating the mold plates by moving the upper plate upward.
- the step of forming a plurality of shells may preferably include placing elastomeric material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities.
- the present invention is also directed to a golf ball comprising a center and at least one cover layer, formed from the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.
- the cover layer is an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, or an outer cover layer and includes a fully-neutralized ionic copolymer or terpolymer.
- the fully-neutralized ionic copolymers or terpolymers include methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, or itaconic acid.
- the cover layer should have a thickness of between about 0.03 inches and about 0.12 inches and preferably comprises a polyurethane or a polyurea.
- the center and shells can also be disposed concentrically within a layer of tensioned elastomeric material. Additionally, the center and shells define a core having an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches, preferably between about 1.5 inches and about 1.6 inches. In another embodiment, the center, shells, and cover layer have an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
- the cover layer is an inner cover layer and includes partially- or fully-neutralized ionomers, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, acrylic resins, polyphenylene oxide resins, thermoplastic polyesters, thermoplastic rubbers, or ethylene-, propylene-, butene-, or hexane-based homo- and co-polymers or their functional monomers.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid-filled ball formed using the method and apparatus of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a solid ball formed using the method and apparatus of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a molding apparatus according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side view of a lower elevator assembly prior to engaging a bottom mold plate
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of a guide assembly on the frame assembly of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of a slide assembly of the apparatus
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of the lower elevator assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of an upper elevator assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 10A is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a rotating assembly taken along arrow 10 A- 10 A of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial, top view of the rotating assembly of FIG. 10A with a top mold plate retained therein;
- FIG. 12 is an exploded, enlarged, perspective view of a lock assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged, perspective view of a mold press of the apparatus of FIG. 3, wherein portions are broken away for clarity;
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged, top view of the bottom mold plate shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 15 is an enlarged, top view of the top mold plate shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 16 is an enlarged, top view of a center mold plate shown in FIG. 4.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views illustrating step-by-step the method of forming a two-layer core according to the present invention.
- ball 2 includes a cover 4 surrounding a core 5 .
- the core 5 has a center or inner core 6 that is disposed concentrically within the cover and is a fluid center 7 in a cavity within an inner layer 8 .
- the core 5 also has an outer core 9 , which surrounds the center 6 .
- ball 2 ′ includes a cover 4 surrounding a core 5 .
- the core 5 has a center or inner core 6 ′ that is disposed concentrically within the cover, and which comprises a solid sphere, as set forth below.
- the core 5 also has an outer core 9 , which surrounds the center 6 ′.
- the cover 4 provides the interface between the ball 2 or 2 ′ and a club and other objects such as trees, cart paths, and grass.
- Properties that are desirable for the cover are good moldability, high abrasion resistance, high tear strength, high resilience, and good mold release, among others.
- the cover 4 can be comprised of polymeric materials such as ionic copolymers of ethylene and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, which are available under the trademark SURLYN® of E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Del. or IOTEK® or ESCOR® from Exxon. These are copolymers or terpolymers of ethylene and methacrylic acid or acrylic acid partially neutralized with zinc, sodium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, nickel or the like.
- polymeric materials such as ionic copolymers of ethylene and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, which are available under the trademark SURLYN® of E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Del. or IOTEK® or ESCOR® from Exxon. These are copolymers or terpolymers of ethylene and methacrylic acid or acrylic acid partially neutralized with zinc, sodium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, nickel
- the cover 4 has a thickness to generally provide sufficient strength, good performance characteristics and durability.
- the cover 4 is of a thickness from about 0.03 inches to about 0.12 inches. More preferably, the cover 4 is about 0.04 to 0.09 inches in thickness and, most preferably, is about 0.05 to 0.085 inches in thickness.
- the cover 4 can be formed from mixtures or blends of zinc, lithium and/or sodium ionic copolymers or terpolymers.
- the SURLYN® resins for use in the cover 4 are ionic copolymers or terpolymers in which sodium, lithium or zinc salts are the reaction product of an olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms.
- the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer may be totally or partially neutralized and might include methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric or itaconic acid.
- This invention can likewise be used in conjunction with homopolymeric and copolymer materials such as:
- Vinyl resins such as those formed by the polymerization of vinyl chloride, or by the copolymerization of vinyl chloride with vinyl acetate, acrylic esters or vinylidene chloride.
- Polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and copolymers such as ethylene methylacrylate, ethylene ethylacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methacrylic or ethylene acrylic acid or propylene acrylic acid and copolymers and homopolymers produced using single-site catalyst.
- Polyamides such as poly(hexamethylene adipamide) and others prepared from diamines and dibasic acids, as well as those from amino acids such as poly(caprolactam), and blends of polyamides with SURLYN®, polyethylene, ethylene copolymers, ethyl-propylene-non-conjugated diene terpolymer, etc.
- Thermoplastics such as the urethanes, olefinic thermoplastic rubbers such as blends of polyolefins with ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene terpolymer, block copolymers of styrene and butadiene, isoprene or ethylene-butylene rubber, or copoly (ether-amide), such as PEBAX® sold by ELF Atochem.
- Thermoplastic polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephtha late, polyethylene terephthalate/glycol modified and elastomers sold under the trademarks HYTREL® by E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Del. and LOMOD® by General Electric Company of Pittsfield, Mass.
- Blends and alloys including polycarbonate with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, styrene maleic anhydride, polyethylene, elastomers, etc. and polyvinyl chloride with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ethylene vinyl acetate or other elastomers.
- the cover 4 is comprised of polymers such as ethylene, propylene, butene-1 or hexane-1 based homopolymers and copolymers including functional monomers such as acrylic and methacrylic acid and fully or partially neutralized ionomer resins and their blends, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate homopolymers and copolymers, imidized, amino group containing polymers, polycarbonate, reinforced polyamides, polyphenylene oxide, high impact polystyrene, polyether ketone, polysulfone, poly(phenylene sulfide), acrylonitrile-butadiene, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and their copolymers including functional comonomers and blends thereof.
- polymers such as ethylene, propylene, butene-1 or hexane-1
- the cover 4 is preferably comprised of a polyether or polyester thermoplastic urethane, a thermoset polyurethane, a low modulus ionomer such as acid-containing ethylene copolymer ionomers, including E/X/Y terpolymers where E is ethylene, X is an acrylate or methacrylate-based softening comonomer present in 0-50 weight percent and Y is acrylic or methacrylic acid present in 5-35 weight percent. More preferably, in a low spin rate embodiment designed for maximum distance, the acrylic or methacrylic acid is present in 15-35 weight percent, making the ionomer a high modulus ionomer. In a high spin embodiment, the acid is present in 10-15 weight percent or a blend of a low modulus ionomer with a standard ionomer is used.
- a low modulus ionomer such as acid-containing ethylene copolymer ionomers, including E/X/Y terpoly
- the outer core 9 is preferably made of thermoset rubber base materials, including those conventionally employed in golf ball cores.
- the conventional materials for such cores include compositions having a base rubber, a crosslinking agent, a filler and a co-crosslinking agent.
- the base rubber is typically a synthetic rubber like 1,4-polybutadiene having a cis-structure of at least 40%. Natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber and/or styrene-butadiene rubber may optionally be added to the 1,4-polybutadiene.
- the initiator included in the core composition can be any polymerization initiator which decomposes during the cure cycle.
- the crosslinking agent includes a metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid such as sodium, zinc, lithium or magnesium salt or an unsaturated fatty acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms such as acrylic or methacrylic acid.
- the filler typically includes materials such as zinc oxide, barium sulfate, silica, calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate, regrind and the like.
- the outer core 9 may be comprised of thermoplastic elastomers such as a thermoplastic polyesterester, thermoplastic polyetherester, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomers, thermoplastic urethanes or metallocene polymers or blends thereof.
- thermoplastic elastomers such as a thermoplastic polyesterester, thermoplastic polyetherester, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomers, thermoplastic urethanes or metallocene polymers or blends thereof.
- the present invention is not limited to a particular outer core 9 material, and the materials are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the present invention is generally directed to the use of a standard thermoset material, but those of ordinary skill will easily know how to convert the process for using thermoplastic materials.
- the outer core 9 preferably has an outside diameter in the range of 80 to 98% of the finished ball diameter and an inner diameter in the range of 30 to 90% of the finished ball diameter.
- the outer core 9 has an inner diameter of approximately 0.8 to 1.5 inches and, more preferably, the inner diameter is approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches.
- the outer core 16 has an outside diameter in the range of 1.3 to 1.7 inches and, more preferably, approximately 1.5 to 1.6 inches.
- a golf ball incorporating these measurements can be designed with the various attributes discussed below, such as specific gravity, resiliency and hardness, to provide the desired playing characteristics, such as spin rate and initial velocity.
- the method for making golf balls of the present invention uses a molding apparatus 10 .
- the molding apparatus 10 includes a frame assembly 12 , a guide assembly 14 , a slide assembly 16 , a lower elevator assembly 18 , an upper elevator assembly 20 , a rotating assembly 22 , a light source 24 , sensors 26 , a plurality of lock assemblies 28 , controls (not shown), and a mold press 30 .
- a combination of pneumatic, electrical, and computerized systems are used to control the operation of the apparatus, however any conventional manufacturing controls known to those skilled in the art can be used to control the apparatus operation.
- the molding apparatus 10 further includes a bottom mold plate 32 , a top mold plate 34 , and a center mold plate 36 .
- the frame assembly 12 includes two frame sections 38 and 40 joined to form a substantially L-shaped frame.
- the frame sections 38 and 40 include elongated members that form rectangular three-dimensional boxes.
- the first frame section or slide frame 38 is elongated more in the y-direction than in the x- and z-directions, so the slide frame 38 extends substantially horizontally and longitudinally.
- the second frame section or elevator frame 40 is elongated more in the z-direction than in the x- and y-directions, so that the elevator frame extends substantially vertically.
- the slide frame 38 has a first end 38 a, a spaced second end 38 b, and further includes a pair of lower longitudinal members 42 , a pair of upper longitudinal members 44 , four pairs of vertical members 46 , four upper transverse members 48 , four lower transverse members 50 , and a pair of inclined members 52 .
- the pair of upper longitudinal members 44 are longer than the pair of lower longitudinal members 42 such that the upper pair 44 extend beyond the lower pair 42 at the second end 38 b of the slide frame 38 .
- the pairs of vertical members 46 join the lower and upper longitudinally extending members 42 and 44 . Each pair of vertical members 46 are spaced longitudinally from the adjacent pair.
- the upper transverse members 48 extend between the upper longitudinal members 44 .
- the lower transverse members 50 extend between the lower longitudinal members 42 .
- Each inclined member 52 extends from the center of the associated vertical member 46 at the second end 38 b to the second end 38 b of the upper longitudinal member 44 .
- the upper longitudinal members 44 and the three upper transverse members 48 closest to the second end 38 b include spaced frame pads 54 of various sizes attached to the upper surfaces thereof.
- the various sized pads define either one or two holes, which extend through the entire pad to enable mounting of the guide assembly 14 (as shown in FIG. 3) on the upper surface of the pads using conventional fasteners.
- the slide frame 38 further includes two reflector assemblies 56 attached thereto at the first end 38 a .
- Each reflector assembly 56 includes an upper mount plate 58 , a lower mount plate 60 , a lower mount member 62 , a vertical member 64 , an upper mount member 66 , a tubular member 68 , and a mirror 70 .
- the upper mount plate 58 is coupled to the upper corner of the slide frame 38 above the vertical member 46 at the first end 38 a .
- the lower mount plate 60 is coupled to the center of the vertical member 46 at the first end 38 a .
- the lower mount member 62 is coupled to and horizontally extends from the lower mount plate 60 .
- the vertical member 64 extends vertically from the upper surface of the upper mount plate 58 .
- the upper mount member 66 is coupled to and horizontally extends from the vertical member 64 .
- the lower and upper mount members 62 and 66 are parallel to one another and extend away from the first end 38 a of the slide frame 38 .
- the tubular member 68 extends between the lower and upper mount members 62 and 66 .
- the lower and upper mount plates 58 and 60 , mount members 62 and 66 , the vertical member 64 and the tubular member 68 are joined together using conventional fasteners.
- the mirror 70 is rotatably mounted to the tubular member 68 .
- the elevator frame 40 is aligned with the slide frame 38 , and includes a lower rectangular frame 72 , a spaced upper rectangular frame 74 , a plurality of vertical members 76 , a rotating assembly mount frame 80 , and a light source/receiver unit 82 (as shown in FIG. 3).
- the lower rectangular frame 72 is coupled to the lower longitudinal members 42 of the slide frame 38 .
- the elevator frame 40 supports the slide frame 38 that extends therethrough.
- the vertical members 76 join the lower and upper frames 72 and 74 of the elevator frame 40 .
- One vertical member 76 connects each corner of the lower frame 72 to each corner of the upper frame 74 .
- At least one of the vertical members 76 includes a bracket 84 that is attached thereto.
- the bracket 84 supports a hydraulic cushion 86 (as shown in FIG. 10) that is attached thereto.
- the upper rectangular frame 74 further includes two pairs of upper elevator support members 88 and 90 .
- the support members 88 extend longitudinally and are spaced apart.
- the first pair of upper elevator support members 88 is connected to the upper rectangular frame 74 by brackets 92 .
- the support members 90 extend transversely between the first pair of upper elevator support members 88 .
- the rotating assembly mount frame 80 includes two pairs of longitudinally extending mount members 94 .
- the members 94 extend between the vertical support members 76 , respectively.
- the mount members 94 are vertically positioned between the slide frame 38 and the upper frame 74 .
- a pair of sensor array supports 96 extend longitudinally between the vertical members 76 .
- the supports 96 are located on the upper end of the elevator frame 40 between the rotating assembly mount frame 80 and the upper frame 74 .
- Each sensor array support 96 is secured to the elevator frame 40 by brackets 98 , which are mounted to the vertical members 76 .
- one light source/receiver unit 100 is attached to each of the vertical support members 76 closest to the slide frame first end 38 a .
- Each unit 100 produces a light beam that travels the longitudinal length of the slide frame 38 toward the mirror 70 .
- Each unit 100 is in electronic communication with the controls.
- the mirror 70 reflects the beam of light back toward the unit 100 .
- the unit 100 When the unit 100 receives the light, a circuit is completed. If the light path from the mirror 70 to the unit 100 is obstructed, the circuit will not be completed. An incomplete circuit causes a signal to be sent to the controls from the unit 100 . The signal prevents movement of various parts of the apparatus along the slide frame 38 .
- the guide assembly 14 includes three pairs of guide blocks 102 - 106 mounted to the upper surface of the upper longitudinal members 44 of the slide frame 38 on the pads.
- the first pair of guide blocks 102 closest to the second end 38 b of the slide frame 38 defines a working station W.
- the second pair of guide blocks 104 defines an intermediate loading station IL.
- the third pair of guide blocks 106 defines an end loading station EL.
- Each guide block 102 - 106 is a rectangular track with two sets of cam-follower bearings 108 and 110 .
- the cam-follower bearings 108 are rotatably coupled to the upper surface of each guide block.
- Cam-follower bearings 108 rotate about an axis z′ that is parallel to the z-axis.
- the cam-follower bearings 110 are rotatably coupled to the inner, side surface of each guide block.
- Cam-follower bearings 110 rotate about an axis x′ that is parallel to the x-axis.
- the second set of cam-follower bearings 110 support the mold plates thereon, and the first set of cam-follower bearings 108 prevent the mold plates from moving in the transverse, or x-direction.
- the first pair of guide blocks 102 further includes two sets of working station lock assemblies 28 W and 28 W′ coupled thereto that secure various mold plates in the working station W.
- the lock assemblies 28 W and 28 W′ are coupled to the first pair of guide blocks 102 so that they extend transversely therefrom.
- the first set of working station lock assemblies 28 W is spaced vertically from the second set of working station lock assemblies 28 W′ to allow two mold plates to be secured simultaneously at the working station W.
- Each set of assemblies 28 W and 28 W′ has a forward pair of assemblies and a rearward pair of assemblies, where one lock assembly in the pair is coupled to the opposing guide block.
- the second and third pair of guide blocks 104 and 106 each have a pair of intermediate and end loading lock assemblies 28 IL and 28 EL, which are vertically coupled to extensions on the guide blocks.
- the lock assemblies 28 IL and 28 EL secure various plates thereabove in the intermediate or end loading station, respectively.
- the slide assembly 16 transports the mold plates longitudinally along the slide frame 38 between the various stations W, IL and EL.
- the slide assembly 16 includes a base assembly 112 , a sliding member 114 , and a plurality of slide lock assemblies 28 S and 28 S′.
- the base assembly 112 includes two spaced support feet 116 , a floor member 118 , and a rectangular side wall member 120 .
- the support feet 116 are connected to the central, upper transverse members 48 (as shown in FIG. 5).
- the floor member 118 extends horizontally between the support feet 116 and is connected thereto.
- the rectangular side wall member 120 is coupled to the floor member 118 and extends vertically therefrom.
- the side wall member 120 forms a chamber 122 that receives a motorized linear slide 124 .
- the linear slide 124 causes the sliding member 114 to move longitudinally.
- One recommended linear slide is commercially available from Thomson Industries Inc. located in Fort Washington, N.Y. and called AccuSlide. However, any conventional motorized slide known to those skilled in the art can be used. Other types of components can also be used to move plates longitudinally instead of the linear slide, such as a belt drive.
- the linear slide 124 has a ball screw 126 operatively connected to a servo motor 128 .
- the servo motor 128 is connected to a first end of the side wall member 120 for driving the ball screw 126 .
- a ball bushing bearing 130 is operatively connected to and travels along the ball screw 126 and is coupled to the sliding member 114 .
- the sliding member 114 is H-shaped and includes two spaced mounting plates 132 joined by a plate 134 .
- the slide lock assemblies 28 S and 28 S′ are coupled to the ends of the mounting plates 132 and releasably couple the mold plates to the sliding member 114 .
- the sliding member 114 is shown in an extended position, where the sliding member 114 is unaligned with the base assembly 112 .
- Sensors (not shown) are mounted on the base assembly 112 to detect the position of the sliding member 114 .
- the lower elevator assembly 18 includes a lower plate 136 , an actuation assembly 138 , and a movable, upper plate 140 .
- the lower plate 136 is connected to the slide frame 38 within the elevator frame 40 .
- Each of the lower and upper plates 136 and 140 define first holes (not shown) at the corners for receiving guide rods 142 .
- Each of the plates also define a second hole (not shown) at the center of each plate for receiving a central shaft 144 .
- the upper surface of the lower plate 136 further includes four ball bushing blocks 146 .
- the blocks 146 are at the corners for receiving the rods 142 .
- Each ball bushing block 146 has a bushing 150 secured thereto for receiving each guide rod 142 and allowing smooth vertical movement of the guide rods 142 through the block 146 and lower plate 136 .
- the first end 142 a of each guide rod 142 is below the lower plate 136 and the second end of each guide rod 142 receives a top cap 152 for fixedly connecting the guide rod 142 to the upper plate 140 .
- One of the ball bushing blocks 146 includes a home sensor 154 mounted thereto to indicate when the upper plate 140 is in a lower position.
- An upper limit sensor (not shown) is mounted in the elevator frame 40 (as shown in FIG. 4) at the rotate or central position to indicate the upper limit of the top plate 140 of the lower elevator assembly 18 .
- the top plate 140 moves between a lowest position beneath the level of the guide blocks 102 (as shown in FIG. 6) and the rotate position.
- the actuation assembly 138 for moving the upper plate 140 vertically includes a servo motor 154 and a jack screw 156 .
- the servo motor 154 is connected to the lower plate 136 and operatively connected to the jack screw 156 .
- the central shaft 144 has a first end 144 a beneath the lower plate 136 and a second end above the upper plate 140 .
- a shaft coupling 158 operatively connects the jack screw 156 to the central shaft 146 .
- a screw cap 160 is connected to the second end of the central shaft 144 to fixedly couple the central shaft 144 to the upper plate 140 .
- the upper plate 140 defines a cutout 162 and includes a plurality of lift elements 164 . As shown in FIG. 3, once the lower elevator 18 is installed, cutout 162 is aligned with the slide assembly 16 to allow the upper plate 140 to move without the slide assembly 16 interfering with the movement of the upper plate.
- the lift elements 164 are disposed at each corner on the upper surface of the upper plate 140 .
- the lift elements 164 engage the mold plates, upon vertical movement of the upper plate 140 to separate the plates from one another.
- each lift element 164 includes a block 166 having an upper surface 168 , and a lift pin 170 extending vertically therefrom.
- Each lift pin 170 includes a cylindrical base portion 172 and a cylindrical upper portion 174 .
- the diameter of the base portion 172 is larger than the diameter of the upper portion 174 .
- the base portion 172 and the upper portion 174 are separated by a shoulder 176 .
- Each pin further includes a free end 178 .
- the upper elevator assembly 20 includes a movable lower plate 180 , an actuation assembly 182 , and an upper plate 184 .
- the upper plate 184 is connected to the support members 88 and 90 (as shown in FIG. 5) within the elevator frame 40 .
- Each of the lower and upper plates 180 and 184 define first holes (not shown) at the corners for receiving guide rods 186 .
- Each of the plates also define a second hole (not shown) at the center of each plate for receiving a central shaft 188 .
- the upper surface of the upper plate 184 further includes four ball bushing blocks 190 at the corners for receiving the rods 186 .
- Each ball bushing block 190 has a bushing 192 secured therein for receiving each guide rod 186 and allowing smooth vertical movement of the guide rods 186 through the block 190 and lower plate 180 .
- each guide rod 186 When the guide rod 186 is disposed through the first holes and the bushing blocks, the first end 186 a of each guide rod 186 is above the upper plate 184 .
- the second end of each guide rod 186 receives a cap (not shown) for fixedly connecting the guide rod 186 to the lower plate 180 .
- One of the ball bushing blocks 190 includes a home sensor (not shown) mounted thereto to indicate when the lower plate is in an elevated or home position.
- a lower limit sensor (not shown) is mounted in the elevator frame 40 (as shown in FIG. 5) at the rotating position to indicate the lower limit of the lower plate of the upper elevator assembly.
- the upper surface of the lower plate 180 includes braces 194 with an X-shape for adding rigidity to the lower plate 180 .
- the lower plate 180 further includes two spaced, parallel, end walls 196 connected thereto, which extend vertically below the lower surface of the lower plate 180 .
- Each end wall 196 has a pair of upper elevator lock assemblies 28 UE attached thereto to releasably secure the center mold plate 34 (as shown in FIG. 4) to the upper elevator 20 .
- the upper surface of the upper plate 184 includes braces 198 with an X-shape for adding rigidity to the upper plate.
- the upper surface also has the actuation assembly 182 disposed thereon.
- the actuation assembly 182 includes a servo motor 200 and a jack screw 202 for moving the lower plate 180 vertically.
- the servo motor 200 is connected to the upper plate 184 and operatively connected to the jack screw 202 .
- the central shaft 188 has a first end 188 a above the upper plate 184 and a second end (not shown).
- a shaft coupling 204 connects the jack screw 202 to the central shaft 188 .
- a bracket 206 is connected to the second end of the central shaft 188 to connect the central shaft 188 to the lower plate 180 .
- the rotating assembly 22 is mounted to the rotating mount frame 80 .
- the rotating assembly 22 includes an actuator assembly 208 , a pair of rotating subassemblies 210 , and a rotating frame 212 .
- the rotating assembly 22 is located within the elevator frame 40 so that the rotating frame 212 can rotate within the elevator frame 180° between an upright and an inverted position.
- the elevated position of the center mold plate as discussed below, is spaced from the rotating position more than half the width of the rotating frame to allow rotation of the frame.
- the actuator assembly 208 is connected to a mount plate 214 that is coupled to the outside of the first pair of longitudinally extending mount members 94 .
- the actuator assembly 208 has a cylindrical shaft 216 that extends through the mount plate 214 .
- the actuator assembly 208 is a conventional air/oil tandem rotary actuator available from PHD, Inc. However, other components that impart rotary motion can be used.
- the shaft 216 is coupled to a first pivot shaft 218 by a bore coupling 220 . When the shaft 216 rotates, the first pivot shaft 218 also rotates. The rotation is about a rotate axis RA.
- the pair of rotating subassemblies 210 are mounted to the inside of the longitudinally extending mount members 94 on either side of the elevator frame.
- Each subassembly 210 includes a mount frame 222 , a horizontal adjustment plate 224 , a vertical adjustment plate 226 , a bearing 228 , and a second pivot shaft 230 .
- the mount frame 222 is coupled to the inside of one of the mount members 94 . As best shown in FIG. 5, the mount frame defines a central bore 232 for receiving the associated shaft 218 or 230 .
- the mount frame 222 also includes an outwardly extending shelf 234 for supporting the other components of the rotate assembly.
- the horizontal adjustment plate 224 defines a central hole 236 and is mounted adjacent to the mount frame 222 .
- the horizontal adjustment plate 224 is rectangular and also defines four horizontal slots (not shown) to accommodate screws and allow for horizontal adjustment of the pivot assemblies.
- the central hole 236 has a sufficiently large diameter to permit the second pivot shaft 230 with a smaller diameter to enter therein.
- the vertical adjustment plate 226 defines a central hole 238 and is mounted adjacent to the horizontal adjustment plate 224 .
- the vertical adjustment plate 226 is rectangular and defines four vertical slots (not shown) to accommodate screws and allow for vertical adjustment of the pivot assemblies.
- the central hole 238 has a sufficiently large diameter to permit the second pivot shaft 230 to enter therein and to receive the bearing 228 .
- the bearing 228 has a central hole 240 for receiving and supporting the first and second pivot shafts, respectively, and allowing rotation of the shafts.
- the combination of the horizontal and vertical adjustment plates 224 and 226 permits the adjustment of the bearing 228 to concentrically align with the first and second pivot shafts 218 and 230 during installation of the rotating frame 212 .
- the pivot shaft 218 and 230 are coupled to opposite sides of the rotating frame 212 (as best shown in FIG. 11).
- the rotating frame 212 includes a pair of longitudinally extending side members 242 a and 242 b and a pair of transversely extending end members 244 fastened together to form a substantially square frame.
- the side members 242 a and 242 b include two sets of frame locking assemblies 28 F and 28 F′ secured thereto.
- the first set of locking assemblies 28 F is vertically spaced from the second set of locking assemblies 28 F′ so that the rotating frame 212 can support two mold plates.
- the first set of locking assemblies 28 F has two spaced assemblies at either end of the side members 242 a , and two spaced assemblies at either end of the side members 242 b .
- the second set of locking assemblies 28 F has two spaced assemblies at either end of the side members 242 a , and two spaced assemblies at either end of the side members 242 b.
- one end of one of the side members 242 a includes a cushion block 246 and a sensor block 248 .
- the cushion and sensor blocks 246 and 248 are attached to opposite sides of the side member 242 a .
- the cushion block 246 is positioned so that when the rotating frame is horizontal, the cushion block 246 contacts the hydraulic cushion 86 to prevent excess rotation of the rotating frame 212 .
- the sensor block 248 senses when the cushion block 246 contacts the hydraulic cushion 86 to send a signal to the controls to stop rotation of the rotating frame 212 .
- the end members 244 are horseshoe-shaped, and each has corner guide blocks 250 secured thereto.
- the corner guide blocks 250 align the rotating frame 212 with the lower elevator assembly 18 (as shown in FIG. 3) during operation.
- light source 24 and sensors 26 are mounted on each sensor array support 96 .
- the light source 24 produces a light beam.
- the sensors 26 receive the light beam. If the sensors 26 do not receive the light beam, a circuit is not completed and a signal is sent to the controls.
- the purpose of the light source and sensors is to determine if any material is on the center mold plate 34 (as shown in FIG. 4), and discussed below.
- each lock assembly mentioned above includes an air cylinder assembly 252 , a cylinder nose 254 , a connector 256 , a floating coupling 258 , a lock body 260 , a pullout dowel 262 , and a bronze bushing 264 .
- the air cylinder assembly 252 includes a bracket housing 266 , an air cylinder 268 , and an air cylinder valve (not shown) for activating the air cylinder 268 .
- the air bracket housing 266 slidably receives the air cylinder 268 , and the air cylinder 268 extends therefrom.
- the cylinder nose 254 is connected to the free end of the air cylinder 268 .
- the cylinder nose 254 has a large diameter portion 254 a and a small diameter portion 254 b .
- the large diameter portion 254 a of the cylinder nose is disposed within the notch 270 defined in the floating coupling 258 to secure the nose 254 to the coupling 258 .
- the lock body 260 is coupled to the air cylinder assembly 252 by fasteners 272 and defines a central slot 274 .
- the bronze bushing 264 is secured to the opposite side of the lock body from the slot 274 .
- the pullout dowel 262 is slidably connected to the lock body 260 by the bushing 264 .
- the floating coupling 258 is, in turn, operatively connected to the pullout dowel 262 by the connector 256 .
- the slot 274 of the lock body 260 houses the connector 256 , the cylinder nose 254 , and floating coupling 258 .
- the air cylinder 268 extends or retracts by actuation of the air cylinder valve. Consequently, movement of the cylinder 268 also causes the pullout dowel 262 to extend or retract so that the pullout dowel 262 engages and releases the various mold plates.
- the mold press 30 is a hydraulic press commercially available from Brillion Machine Company of New Bedford, Mass. under the name “slab-sided ram” hydraulic press. However, any mold press that is capable of producing the needed heat and pressure can be used.
- the mold press 30 has a base 276 , a press ram 278 , and a mold support assembly 280 .
- the base 276 includes two side slabs (one slab 282 being shown) that extend vertically to a top block 284 .
- the press ram 278 is located on the base 276 and moves a platen 279 to produce the pressure during molding.
- the press ram also supports various other moving platens, a steam platen, heating/cooling platens and insulation, as known by these of ordinary skill in the art.
- the mold support assembly 280 includes two support brackets 286 connected to the mold frame (not shown), pairs of support rods 288 and 290 , and a movable frame 292 .
- Each bracket 286 has the pair of first support rods 288 and a pair of second support rods 290 attached thereto.
- the first support rods 288 support an upper press plate 294 .
- the second support rods 290 support the frame 292 including a pair of spaced guide blocks 296 .
- the guide blocks 296 have cam-follower bearings 298 and 300 that are similar to those used with the guide blocks of the guide assembly 14 (as shown on FIG. 6).
- the press ram 278 moves vertically, the platen 282 and frame 292 move vertically.
- the second support rods 290 guide the movement of the frame 292 .
- the upper press plate 294 horizontally spans the mold press 30 above the frame 292 .
- a lower press plate 302 horizontally spans the mold press and is supported by the frame 292 .
- the bottom and top mold plates 32 and 34 include a plurality of hemispherical mating cavities 304 that form a sphere when the center mold plate 36 is not disposed between them.
- the cavities 304 are formed directly in the mold plates or comprised of replaceable mold cavities as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,309 issued to Brown.
- the cavities 304 are formed with a radius substantially equal to the finished core radius. Preferably, this is in the range of about 1.50 inches to 1.65 inches as set forth above.
- Surrounding each of the cavities 304 is a circumferential groove 306 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15) for surplus outer core material.
- the center mold plate 36 includes a plurality of protrusions 307 on opposite sides thereof that correspond with the cavities 304 of the top and bottom mold plates.
- the protrusions 307 are hemispheres, which are substantially the same size as half of the ball inner core 13 (as shown in FIGS. 1 - 2 ), as set forth above.
- the bottom mold plate 32 further includes two spaced, transversely extending, side walls 308 a and 308 b , two spaced, longitudinally extending, side walls 310 a and 310 b, a pair of alignment pins 312 , a pair of alignment apertures 314 , four lift apertures 316 , four side lock apertures 318 , two forward slide apertures 320 , two forward lock apertures 322 , and two arms 324 .
- the alignment pins 312 are located diagonally across from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 310 a and 310 b.
- the alignment apertures 314 are defined diagonally across from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 310 a and 310 b.
- the alignment pins 312 and apertures 314 are vertical.
- the lift apertures 316 extend vertically through the plate adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 310 a - b.
- the lift apertures 316 receive the lift pins 170 of the lower elevator assembly 18 .
- the diameter of the lift apertures 316 is less than the width W of the blocks 166 and greater than the diameter of the upper portion 174 of the pin.
- the side lock apertures 318 are defined in the longitudinal side walls 310 a - b of the bottom plate and extend transversely.
- the side lock apertures 318 are for engagement of the working station lock assemblies 28 W (as shown in FIG. 6).
- the forward slide apertures 320 are defined through the plate adjacent to the transverse side wall 308 b and extend vertically.
- the forward slide apertures 320 are for engagement of slide lock assemblies 28 S (as shown in FIG. 7).
- the forward lock apertures 322 are defined through the plate adjacent sidewall 308 b and extend vertically.
- the forward lock apertures 322 are for engagement of the loading station lock assemblies 28 IL and 28 EL (as shown in FIG. 6).
- the arms 324 extend horizontally from the transverse side wall 308 a , and are attached to side wall 308 a with conventional fasteners.
- the arms 324 define rear slide apertures 326 vertically therethrough at the free ends.
- the arms 324 are spaced apart so that the rear slide 6 apertures 326 can be engaged by the slide lock assemblies 28 S (as shown in FIG. 7).
- the top mold plate 34 further includes two spaced transversely extending side walls 328 a and 328 b , two spaced longitudinally extending side walls 330 a and 330 b, a pair of alignment pins 332 , a pair of alignment apertures 334 , eight lift notches 336 , two sets of side lock apertures 338 and 340 , two forward slide apertures 342 , two rear slide apertures 344 , and two forward lock apertures 346 .
- the alignment pins 332 are located diagonally across from each other and adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 330 a - b.
- the alignment apertures 334 are defined diagonally across from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 330 a - b.
- the alignment pins 332 and apertures 334 are vertical. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the top mold plate 34 is inverted over the bottom mold plate 32 , the alignment pins 332 on the top mold plate insert into the alignment apertures 314 of the bottom mold plate 32 and the alignment pins 312 of the bottom mold plate 32 insert into the alignment apertures 334 of the top mold plate 34 to position the mold plates relative to each other.
- One set of four lift notches 336 extend vertically, partially through the plate from the upper surface of the plate. These notches 366 are adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 330 a - b. The other set of four lift notches (not shown) are disposed on the bottom surface of the plate.
- the lift notches 336 receive the lift pins 170 (shown in FIG. 4) of the lower elevator assembly 18 .
- the lift notches 336 have a diameter greater than the diameter of the upper portion 74 of the lift pin 170 so that the lift pins are received therein.
- outer and inner sets of side lock apertures 338 and 340 are defined in the longitudinal side walls 330 a - b of the top plate and extend transversely.
- the side lock apertures 338 and 340 are for engagement of the working station lock assemblies 28 W (as shown in FIG. 6) and the frame lock assemblies 28 F (as shown in FIG. 7) that are transversely oriented.
- the forward slide apertures 342 are defined through the plate adjacent to the transverse side wall 328 b and extend vertically.
- the rear slide apertures 344 are defined through the plate adjacent to the transverse side wall 328 a and extend vertically.
- the forward and rear slide apertures 342 and 344 are for engagement of slide lock assemblies 28 S (as shown in FIG. 7).
- the forward lock apertures 346 are defined vertically through the plate adjacent to the transverse side wall 328 b .
- the forward lock apertures 346 are for engagement of the intermediate loading station lock assemblies 28 IL (as shown in FIG. 6).
- the center mold plate 36 further includes two spaced, transversely extending, side walls 348 a and 348 b , two spaced, longitudinally extending, side walls 350 a and 350 b, a set of four alignment apertures 352 , four lift apertures 354 , and two sets of side lock apertures 356 and 358 .
- the alignment apertures 352 are located in rectangular orientation spaced from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 350 a - b.
- the alignment apertures 352 are vertical.
- the alignment apertures 352 receive the respective alignment pins 312 and 332 of the top and bottom plates.
- the lift apertures 354 extend vertically through the plate 36 adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 350 a - b.
- the lift apertures 354 receive the lift pins 170 of the lower elevator assembly 18 .
- the diameter of the lift apertures 354 is less than the diameter of the base portion 172 of the lift pin 170 so that the center plate 36 will rest on the shoulder 176 .
- One set of side lock apertures 356 are defined in the longitudinal side walls 350 a - b of the center plate and extend transversely.
- the other set of side lock apertures 358 are defined in the transverse side walls 348 a - b of the center plate and extend longitudinally.
- the side lock apertures 356 are for engagement of the frame lock assemblies 28 F (as shown in FIG. 11).
- the side lock apertures 358 are for engagement of the upper elevator lock assemblies 28 UE (as shown in FIG. 9).
- Step 1 the bottom mold plate 32 is located in the end loading station EL on the slide frame 38
- the top mold plate 34 is located in the intermediate loading station IL on the slide frame 38
- the center mold plate 36 is located in the working station W at an elevated position in the elevator frame 40 .
- the bottom mold plate 32 is held in the end loading station EL by the lock assemblies 28 EL (shown in FIG. 6) engaging the forward lock apertures 322 (shown in FIG. 14).
- the top mold plate 34 is held in the intermediate loading station IL by the lock assemblies 28 IL (shown in FIG. 6) engaging the forward lock apertures 346 (shown in FIG. 15).
- the center mold plate 36 is held in the working station W by the lock assemblies 28 UE (shown in FIG. 9) engaging side lock apertures 358 .
- the lower plate 180 is position in the elevated position and holds the center mold plate 36 in the elevated position.
- outer core material such as polybutadiene
- the material is in the form of preps or preforms.
- the rotating frame 212 is upright.
- the front slide lock assemblies 28 S engage the rear slide apertures 344 (as shown in FIG. 15) of the top mold plate 34 and the forward lock apertures 320 (as shown in FIG. 14) of the bottom mold plate 32 .
- the sliding assembly 114 is moved toward the elevator frame 40 .
- the top and bottom plates 34 and 32 are moved at the same time.
- the top plate 34 comes to rest in the working station W and the bottom plate 32 comes to rest at the intermediate loading station IL.
- the lift pins 170 of the lower elevator 18 engage the lower surface lift notches 336 of the top mold plate 34 and the motor 154 via the jack screw 156 , rods 142 and shaft 144 raises the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 .
- the upper plate 140 is raised (as seen in FIG. 17, Step 3 ) from the lower position to the rotating position where it is aligned with the lower set of frame lock assemblies 28 F of the rotating frame 212 .
- the frame locking assemblies 28 F engage the set of inner side lock apertures 340 to secure the top mold plate 34 to the rotating frame 212 at the rotating position.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 returns to the lowest position beneath the level of the slide assembly.
- the slide assembly 16 (as shown in FIG. 7) moves so that the forward slide lock assemblies 28 S are aligned with the forward slide apertures 320 (as shown in FIG. 14) of the bottom mold plate 32 .
- Step 3 the lower plate 180 (as shown in FIG. 9) of the upper elevator 20 moves the center mold plate 34 to the rotating position. Once the center mold plate 34 is aligned with the rotating frame 212 , the upper frame locking assemblies 28 F′ engage the lock apertures 356 (as shown in FIG. 16) of the center mold plate 36 and the locking assemblies 28 UE on the upper elevator disengage the plate. Thereafter, the upper elevator 20 moves the lower plate 180 back to the elevated position.
- Step 4 the rotating frame 212 rotates 180° and comes to rest inverted.
- the center and top mold plates 36 and 34 are rotated together. After this rotation the center plate 36 is beneath the top plate 34 so that the preps in the top mold plate cavities are secured therein.
- the slide lock assemblies 28 S (as shown in FIG. 7) engage the forward slide apertures 320 (FIG. 14) of the bottom mold plate 32 and move the plate 32 into the working station W.
- the slide assembly 114 (as shown in FIG. 2) moves until the forward lock assemblies 28 S are aligned with the rear lock apertures 326 of the bottom mold plate.
- all three plates are vertically aligned, and the center mold plate is between the top and bottom mold plates.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 rises so that the lift pins 170 extend through the lift apertures 316 in bottom mold plate 32 .
- the bottom mold plate rises with the upper plate 140 .
- the bottom mold plate 32 is elevated until it is beneath the center mold plate 36 in the rotating position.
- the alignment pins 312 of the bottom mold plate engage the alignment apertures 352 of the center mold plate and the alignment apertures 332 (as shown in FIG. 14) of top mold plate, thereby bringing all three mold plates into alignment.
- the rotating frame locking assemblies 28 F and 28 F′ disengage the center and top mold plates 34 and 36 so that these plates rest on the bottom mold plate 32 . Thereafter, the lower elevator upper plate 140 descends (as shown in FIG. 17, Step 5 ) to return the bottom mold plate 34 to the guide blocks 102 (as shown in FIG. 6). Consequently, all three plates descend. The upper plate 140 then descends to the lowest position.
- the assembly is ready for molding.
- the forward slide assemblies 28 S of the slide engage the rear slide apertures 326 on the bottom mold plate 32 (FIG. 14).
- the slide plate is moved toward the mold press 30 (as shown in FIG. 3) so that the bottom mold plate and the top and center mold plates thereon are transported onto the guide blocks 296 (as shown in FIG. 13) within the mold press 30 .
- the mold plates are heated and compressed.
- the mold plates are heated to a first temperature that makes the polybutadiene material significantly more pliable, but is below the cure activation temperature.
- the temperature is greater than about 150° F., but less that the cure activation temperature.
- the most preferred temperature is between about 190° F. and 220° F.
- the mold plates are compressed to a pressure sufficient enough to form hemispheres from the polybutadiene material.
- the mold plates are compressed using a hydraulic preforming pressure of about 230 psi.
- the pressure per cavity is about 675 pounds of force per cavity.
- the mold plates are then cooled with cooling water that has a temperature between about 60° F. to 100° F. and preferably the cooling water has a temperature of about 80° F.
- the forward slide lock assemblies 28 S engage the rear slide apertures 326 of the bottom mold plate 32 (as shown in FIG. 14) and return the plates to the working station W.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 raises to engage the three mold plates and break the mold plates apart.
- the working station lock assemblies 28 W and 28 W′ engage the bottom and center mold plate side lock apertures 318 and 338 .
- the lifting pins 170 insert into the lift pin apertures 316 and 354 of the bottom and center mold plates respectively.
- the tip of the lift pins 178 engage the notches 336 of the top mold plate 34 and lift the top mold plate 34 off of the center mold plate 36 .
- the working station lock assemblies 28 W release the center plate and the elevator plate 140 continues upward.
- the lock apertures 356 of the center plate 36 receive the upper portion 174 of the lift pin, but are too small to receive the base portion 172 of the lift pin so that the center plate 36 rests on the shoulder 176 and is raised above the bottom mold plate 32 .
- the lift apertures 316 of the bottom mold plate 32 receive the base portion 172 of each lift pin and the plate 32 rests on the upper surface 168 of the block 166 .
- the lock assemblies 28 W′ releases the bottom mold plate.
- the upper plate 140 continues to rise until the top and center mold plates are aligned with the respective frame lock assemblies 28 F and 28 F′ at the rotating position.
- the lock assemblies 28 F and 28 F′ engage the plates and hold the top plate 34 over the center plate 32 .
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 descends with the bottom mold plate 32 until the bottom mold plate 32 rests on the guide blocks 102 .
- the upper plate 140 continues to descend to the lowest position.
- the bottom mold plate 32 contains formed outer core hemispheres in the cavities 304 .
- Step 7 the slide lock assemblies 28 S engage the forward slide apertures 320 of the bottom mold plate 32 and move it to the intermediate loading station IL.
- the lock assemblies 28 IL (as shown in FIG. 6) engage the forward lock apertures 322 of the bottom mold plate 32 to hold it in the intermediate station IL.
- Step 8 the center and top mold plates 36 and 34 are rotated together 180° by the rotating frame 212 until the top mold plate 34 is between the center and bottom mold plates 32 and 36 .
- Step 9 the lower plate 180 of the upper elevator 20 descends and the lock assemblies 28 UE engage the side lock apertures 358 of the center plate 36 .
- the lock assemblies 28 F of the rotating frame 212 disengage from the center mold plate 36 .
- the lower plate 180 is moved by the servo-motor 200 , jack screw 202 , rods 186 and center 188 shaft so that raises the center mold plate 36 to the elevated position again.
- the lower plate 180 stops so that the tops of the protrusions 307 (as shown in FIG. 4) on the upper surface of the center mold plate 36 are aligned with the light source 24 and sensors 26 (as shown in FIG. 3).
- the light source 24 generates a light. If the light is not received by the sensors 26 , then some elastomeric material is on at least one of the protrusions and an incomplete circuit exists. A signal is sent to the controls and/or operator that the quality of the shells is not satisfactory. If the light is received by the sensors 26 , then the cup quality is satisfactory and the circuit is complete.
- the lower plate 180 continues to rise until the tops of the protrusions 307 on the lower surface of the center mold plate are aligned with the light source 24 and sensors 26 . These protrusions are similarly checked for elastomeric material. Simultaneously, the inner cores 13 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are placed in the hemispheres in the bottom mold plate 32 in the intermediate loading position IL.
- the rotating frame 212 rotates the top mold plate 34 at 180°.
- the outer core hemispheres contained in the cavities of the top mold plate remain in the cavities due to the temperature difference between the core material and the plate 34 .
- the temperature of the core material can be greater than or less than the temperature of the plate and produce the desired result. In this embodiment, the temperature of the core material is lower than the temperature of the plate.
- the slide lock assemblies 28 S engage the bottom mold plate forward slide apertures 320 and move the bottom mold plate into the working station W.
- the lower elevator 18 raises the bottom mold plate 32 to the rotating frame 212 , in the same manner as previously described in Step 3 .
- the frame locking assemblies 28 F release the top mold plate 34 .
- the tip 178 of the lift pins engage the notches 336 of the top mold plate.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 lowers the bottom and top mold plates 32 and 34 to the guide blocks 102 .
- the lower plate then descends to the lowest position.
- FIGS. 7 and 15 the cores are ready for molding.
- the forward locking assemblies of the slide 28 S engage the rear slide apertures 326 on the bottom mold plate 32 .
- the slide 114 is moved forward so that the bottom mold plate and the top mold plate thereon is transported onto the guide blocks 296 (as shown in FIG. 13) within the molding press 30 .
- the two mold plates are placed into the press 30 , they are heated and compressed. This time, the bottom and top mold plates are heated to a temperature above the cure activation temperature of the polybutadiene hemispheres. Preferably, the mold plates are heated to a temperature of greater than about 290° F. Preferably, the mold plates are compressed using a hydraulic preforming pressure of about 2000 psi. Using for example, a 28 inch diameter ram for the press that produces 615.5 tons of force on a mold with 210 cavities, the pressure per cavity is about 6000 pounds of force per cavity. However, one of ordinary skill in the art can vary the pressure.
- the forward slide lock assemblies 28 S engage the rear lock apertures 326 (as shown in FIG. 14) of the bottom mold plate 32 and return the plates to the working station W.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 raises and the lift pins 170 separate the top mold plate 34 from the bottom mold plate 32 and both plates are lifted to the rotating frame 212 , as previously described.
- the top mold plate 34 is retained in the rotating frame 52 in the same manner as described before.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator descends with the bottom mold plate 34 and the finished cores therein.
- the upper plate 140 of the lower elevator 18 raises and the lift pins 170 engage the notches 336 of the top mold plate 34 .
- the rotating frame locking assemblies 28 F then release the top mold plate.
- the upper plate 140 descends with the top mold plate 34 until the top mold plate is on the guide blocks 102 in the working station W.
- the upper plate 140 continues to descend to the lowest position.
- forward slide lock assemblies 28 S engage the rear slide apertures 344 of the top plate 34
- the rear slide lock assemblies 28 S′ engage the forward slide apertures 320 of the bottom plate 32 .
- the slide assembly 114 moves toward the first end 38 a of the slide frame 38 , it moves the top and bottom mold plates 34 and 32 .
- the top mold plate 34 is in the intermediate loading station IL and the bottom mold plate 32 is in the end loading station EL.
- the locking assemblies 28 IL and 28 EL (as shown in FIG. 6) engage the lock apertures 346 and 322 , of the top and bottom mold plates respectively.
- the two-piece cores are removed from the bottom mold plate. Covers are formed on the cores, as discussed above. The process can be repeated to form additional cores.
Abstract
A golf ball comprising a center and at least one cover layer, formed from the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by: i) placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and ii) molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one of the top or bottom mold plates from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/975,177, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,065, filed Aug. 17, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by express reference thereto.
- The present invention is directed to golf balls and/or golf ball cores. More particularly, the invention is directed to multi-layered cores or golf balls that are formed from a substantially automated process.
- Generally, golf balls have been classified as solid balls or wound balls. Solid balls are generally comprised of a solid polymeric core and a cover. These balls are generally easy to manufacture, but are regarded as having limited playing characteristics. Wound balls are comprised of a solid or liquid-filled center surrounded by tensioned elastomeric material and a cover. Wound balls generally have good playing characteristics, but are more difficult to manufacture than solid balls.
- The prior art is comprised of various golf balls that have been designed to provide optimal playing characteristics. These characteristics are generally the initial velocity and spin of the golf ball, which can be optimized for various players. For instance, certain players prefer to play a ball that has a high spin rate for playability. Other players prefer to play a ball that has a low spin rate to maximize distance. However, these balls tend to be hard feeling and difficult to control around the greens.
- Manufacturers have molded layers around a solid center by placing a preformed center between two blocks of core material in a spherical compression mold, and closing the mold. This process, however, provides little control over the ultimate placement of the center within the golf ball core. Large variations in the location of the center can result.
- The prior art also provides for the manufacture of double cover golf balls. This is generally accomplished by injection molding a first and then a second cover layer around a core. This system, however, requires complex injection molds, usually with retractable pins within the mold to properly position the core. Moreover, this system generally works better with thermoplastic materials.
- Therefore, what is desired is a method and apparatus for molding multi-layer cores or multi-layer covers that ensures properly centered balls.
- The present invention is directed to a method of making a golf ball core, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.
- Additionally, the step of forming a plurality of shells may further include the step of locating the top mold plate between the center and bottom mold plates so that the cavities in the top mold plate are adjacent to the center mold plate and the top, center and bottom mold plates are vertically aligned.
- In one embodiment, the step of locating the top mold plate further includes vertically moving the center mold plate from an elevated position to a rotate position. The step of locating the top mold plate may further include vertically moving the top mold plate from a lower position to the rotate position. Following the step of applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates, the center mold plate may be vertically moved from the rotate position to the elevated position, and vertically moving the top mold plate from the rotate position to the lower position.
- In another embodiment, the step of locating the top mold plate further includes horizontally moving the center mold plate from a first position substantially vertically unaligned with the top mold plate to a second position substantially vertically aligned with the top mold plate. Additionally, the step of forming a plurality of core hemispherical shells from elastomeric material further includes providing a lower elevator having a movable upper plate; and after applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates, separating the mold plates by moving the upper plate upward. The step of forming a plurality of shells may preferably include placing elastomeric material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities.
- The present invention is also directed to a golf ball comprising a center and at least one cover layer, formed from the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.
- Preferably, the cover layer is an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, or an outer cover layer and includes a fully-neutralized ionic copolymer or terpolymer. Typically, the fully-neutralized ionic copolymers or terpolymers include methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, or itaconic acid.
- The cover layer should have a thickness of between about 0.03 inches and about 0.12 inches and preferably comprises a polyurethane or a polyurea. The center and shells can also be disposed concentrically within a layer of tensioned elastomeric material. Additionally, the center and shells define a core having an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches, preferably between about 1.5 inches and about 1.6 inches. In another embodiment, the center, shells, and cover layer have an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
- Ideally, the cover layer is an inner cover layer and includes partially- or fully-neutralized ionomers, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, acrylic resins, polyphenylene oxide resins, thermoplastic polyesters, thermoplastic rubbers, or ethylene-, propylene-, butene-, or hexane-based homo- and co-polymers or their functional monomers.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid-filled ball formed using the method and apparatus of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a solid ball formed using the method and apparatus of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a molding apparatus according to the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side view of a lower elevator assembly prior to engaging a bottom mold plate;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of a guide assembly on the frame assembly of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of a slide assembly of the apparatus;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of the lower elevator assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of an upper elevator assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 10A is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a rotating assembly taken along
arrow 10A-10A of FIG. 10; - FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial, top view of the rotating assembly of FIG. 10A with a top mold plate retained therein;
- FIG. 12 is an exploded, enlarged, perspective view of a lock assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged, perspective view of a mold press of the apparatus of FIG. 3, wherein portions are broken away for clarity;
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged, top view of the bottom mold plate shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 15 is an enlarged, top view of the top mold plate shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 16 is an enlarged, top view of a center mold plate shown in FIG. 4; and
- FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views illustrating step-by-step the method of forming a two-layer core according to the present invention.
- Referring to FIG. 1,
ball 2 includes acover 4 surrounding acore 5. Thecore 5 has a center orinner core 6 that is disposed concentrically within the cover and is afluid center 7 in a cavity within aninner layer 8. Thecore 5 also has anouter core 9, which surrounds thecenter 6. - Referring to FIG. 2,
ball 2′ includes acover 4 surrounding acore 5. Thecore 5 has a center orinner core 6′ that is disposed concentrically within the cover, and which comprises a solid sphere, as set forth below. Thecore 5 also has anouter core 9, which surrounds thecenter 6′. - The
cover 4 provides the interface between theball - The
cover 4 can be comprised of polymeric materials such as ionic copolymers of ethylene and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, which are available under the trademark SURLYN® of E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Del. or IOTEK® or ESCOR® from Exxon. These are copolymers or terpolymers of ethylene and methacrylic acid or acrylic acid partially neutralized with zinc, sodium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, nickel or the like. - In accordance with the preferred balls, the
cover 4 has a thickness to generally provide sufficient strength, good performance characteristics and durability. Preferably, thecover 4 is of a thickness from about 0.03 inches to about 0.12 inches. More preferably, thecover 4 is about 0.04 to 0.09 inches in thickness and, most preferably, is about 0.05 to 0.085 inches in thickness. - In one preferred embodiment, the
cover 4 can be formed from mixtures or blends of zinc, lithium and/or sodium ionic copolymers or terpolymers. - The SURLYN® resins for use in the
cover 4 are ionic copolymers or terpolymers in which sodium, lithium or zinc salts are the reaction product of an olefin having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer may be totally or partially neutralized and might include methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric or itaconic acid. - This invention can likewise be used in conjunction with homopolymeric and copolymer materials such as:
- (1) Vinyl resins such as those formed by the polymerization of vinyl chloride, or by the copolymerization of vinyl chloride with vinyl acetate, acrylic esters or vinylidene chloride.
- (2) Polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and copolymers such as ethylene methylacrylate, ethylene ethylacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methacrylic or ethylene acrylic acid or propylene acrylic acid and copolymers and homopolymers produced using single-site catalyst.
- (3) Polyurethanes such as those prepared from polyols and diisocyanates or polyisocyanates and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,673.
- (4) Polyureas such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,870.
- (5) Polyamides such as poly(hexamethylene adipamide) and others prepared from diamines and dibasic acids, as well as those from amino acids such as poly(caprolactam), and blends of polyamides with SURLYN®, polyethylene, ethylene copolymers, ethyl-propylene-non-conjugated diene terpolymer, etc.
- (6) Acrylic resins and blends of these resins with poly vinyl chloride, elastomers, etc.
- (7) Thermoplastics such as the urethanes, olefinic thermoplastic rubbers such as blends of polyolefins with ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene terpolymer, block copolymers of styrene and butadiene, isoprene or ethylene-butylene rubber, or copoly (ether-amide), such as PEBAX® sold by ELF Atochem.
- (8) Polyphenylene oxide resins, or blends of polyphenylene oxide with high impact polystyrene as sold under the trademark NORYL® by General Electric Company, Pittsfield, Mass.
- (9) Thermoplastic polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephtha late, polyethylene terephthalate/glycol modified and elastomers sold under the trademarks HYTREL® by E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company of Wilmington, Del. and LOMOD® by General Electric Company of Pittsfield, Mass.
- (10) Blends and alloys, including polycarbonate with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, styrene maleic anhydride, polyethylene, elastomers, etc. and polyvinyl chloride with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ethylene vinyl acetate or other elastomers. Blends of thermoplastic rubbers with polyethylene, propylene, polyacetal, nylon, polyesters, cellulose esters, etc.
- Preferably, the
cover 4 is comprised of polymers such as ethylene, propylene, butene-1 or hexane-1 based homopolymers and copolymers including functional monomers such as acrylic and methacrylic acid and fully or partially neutralized ionomer resins and their blends, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate homopolymers and copolymers, imidized, amino group containing polymers, polycarbonate, reinforced polyamides, polyphenylene oxide, high impact polystyrene, polyether ketone, polysulfone, poly(phenylene sulfide), acrylonitrile-butadiene, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and their copolymers including functional comonomers and blends thereof. Still further, thecover 4 is preferably comprised of a polyether or polyester thermoplastic urethane, a thermoset polyurethane, a low modulus ionomer such as acid-containing ethylene copolymer ionomers, including E/X/Y terpolymers where E is ethylene, X is an acrylate or methacrylate-based softening comonomer present in 0-50 weight percent and Y is acrylic or methacrylic acid present in 5-35 weight percent. More preferably, in a low spin rate embodiment designed for maximum distance, the acrylic or methacrylic acid is present in 15-35 weight percent, making the ionomer a high modulus ionomer. In a high spin embodiment, the acid is present in 10-15 weight percent or a blend of a low modulus ionomer with a standard ionomer is used. - The
outer core 9 is preferably made of thermoset rubber base materials, including those conventionally employed in golf ball cores. The conventional materials for such cores include compositions having a base rubber, a crosslinking agent, a filler and a co-crosslinking agent. The base rubber is typically a synthetic rubber like 1,4-polybutadiene having a cis-structure of at least 40%. Natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber and/or styrene-butadiene rubber may optionally be added to the 1,4-polybutadiene. The initiator included in the core composition can be any polymerization initiator which decomposes during the cure cycle. The crosslinking agent includes a metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid such as sodium, zinc, lithium or magnesium salt or an unsaturated fatty acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms such as acrylic or methacrylic acid. The filler typically includes materials such as zinc oxide, barium sulfate, silica, calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate, regrind and the like. - Alternatively, the
outer core 9 may be comprised of thermoplastic elastomers such as a thermoplastic polyesterester, thermoplastic polyetherester, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomers, thermoplastic urethanes or metallocene polymers or blends thereof. - The present invention is not limited to a particular
outer core 9 material, and the materials are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The present invention is generally directed to the use of a standard thermoset material, but those of ordinary skill will easily know how to convert the process for using thermoplastic materials. - The
outer core 9 preferably has an outside diameter in the range of 80 to 98% of the finished ball diameter and an inner diameter in the range of 30 to 90% of the finished ball diameter. Preferably, theouter core 9 has an inner diameter of approximately 0.8 to 1.5 inches and, more preferably, the inner diameter is approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches. Yet further still, theouter core 16 has an outside diameter in the range of 1.3 to 1.7 inches and, more preferably, approximately 1.5 to 1.6 inches. - A golf ball incorporating these measurements can be designed with the various attributes discussed below, such as specific gravity, resiliency and hardness, to provide the desired playing characteristics, such as spin rate and initial velocity.
- Referring to FIG. 3, the method for making golf balls of the present invention uses a
molding apparatus 10. Themolding apparatus 10 includes aframe assembly 12, aguide assembly 14, aslide assembly 16, alower elevator assembly 18, anupper elevator assembly 20, a rotatingassembly 22, alight source 24,sensors 26, a plurality oflock assemblies 28, controls (not shown), and amold press 30. Preferably a combination of pneumatic, electrical, and computerized systems are used to control the operation of the apparatus, however any conventional manufacturing controls known to those skilled in the art can be used to control the apparatus operation. Referring to FIG. 4, themolding apparatus 10 further includes abottom mold plate 32, atop mold plate 34, and acenter mold plate 36. - Referring to FIG. 5, the
frame assembly 12 includes twoframe sections frame sections slide frame 38 is elongated more in the y-direction than in the x- and z-directions, so theslide frame 38 extends substantially horizontally and longitudinally. The second frame section orelevator frame 40 is elongated more in the z-direction than in the x- and y-directions, so that the elevator frame extends substantially vertically. - Referring to FIG. 5, the
slide frame 38 has afirst end 38 a, a spacedsecond end 38 b, and further includes a pair of lowerlongitudinal members 42, a pair of upperlongitudinal members 44, four pairs ofvertical members 46, four uppertransverse members 48, four lowertransverse members 50, and a pair ofinclined members 52. - The pair of upper
longitudinal members 44 are longer than the pair of lowerlongitudinal members 42 such that theupper pair 44 extend beyond thelower pair 42 at thesecond end 38 b of theslide frame 38. - The pairs of
vertical members 46 join the lower and upperlongitudinally extending members vertical members 46 are spaced longitudinally from the adjacent pair. - The upper
transverse members 48 extend between the upperlongitudinal members 44. The lowertransverse members 50 extend between the lowerlongitudinal members 42. Eachinclined member 52 extends from the center of the associatedvertical member 46 at thesecond end 38 b to thesecond end 38 b of the upperlongitudinal member 44. - The upper
longitudinal members 44 and the three uppertransverse members 48 closest to thesecond end 38 b include spacedframe pads 54 of various sizes attached to the upper surfaces thereof. The various sized pads define either one or two holes, which extend through the entire pad to enable mounting of the guide assembly 14 (as shown in FIG. 3) on the upper surface of the pads using conventional fasteners. - The
slide frame 38 further includes tworeflector assemblies 56 attached thereto at thefirst end 38 a. Eachreflector assembly 56 includes anupper mount plate 58, alower mount plate 60, alower mount member 62, avertical member 64, anupper mount member 66, atubular member 68, and amirror 70. - The
upper mount plate 58 is coupled to the upper corner of theslide frame 38 above thevertical member 46 at thefirst end 38 a. Thelower mount plate 60 is coupled to the center of thevertical member 46 at thefirst end 38 a. Thelower mount member 62 is coupled to and horizontally extends from thelower mount plate 60. Thevertical member 64 extends vertically from the upper surface of theupper mount plate 58. Theupper mount member 66 is coupled to and horizontally extends from thevertical member 64. The lower andupper mount members first end 38 a of theslide frame 38. Thetubular member 68 extends between the lower andupper mount members upper mount plates mount members vertical member 64 and thetubular member 68 are joined together using conventional fasteners. Themirror 70 is rotatably mounted to thetubular member 68. - Referring again to FIG. 5, the
elevator frame 40 is aligned with theslide frame 38, and includes a lowerrectangular frame 72, a spaced upperrectangular frame 74, a plurality ofvertical members 76, a rotatingassembly mount frame 80, and a light source/receiver unit 82 (as shown in FIG. 3). - Referring to FIG. 5, the lower
rectangular frame 72 is coupled to the lowerlongitudinal members 42 of theslide frame 38. Theelevator frame 40 supports theslide frame 38 that extends therethrough. Thevertical members 76 join the lower andupper frames elevator frame 40. Onevertical member 76 connects each corner of thelower frame 72 to each corner of theupper frame 74. - At least one of the
vertical members 76 includes abracket 84 that is attached thereto. Thebracket 84 supports a hydraulic cushion 86 (as shown in FIG. 10) that is attached thereto. - The upper
rectangular frame 74 further includes two pairs of upperelevator support members support members 88 extend longitudinally and are spaced apart. The first pair of upperelevator support members 88 is connected to the upperrectangular frame 74 bybrackets 92. Thesupport members 90 extend transversely between the first pair of upperelevator support members 88. - The rotating
assembly mount frame 80 includes two pairs of longitudinally extendingmount members 94. Themembers 94 extend between thevertical support members 76, respectively. Themount members 94 are vertically positioned between theslide frame 38 and theupper frame 74. - Referring to FIG. 3, a pair of sensor array supports96 extend longitudinally between the
vertical members 76. The supports 96 are located on the upper end of theelevator frame 40 between the rotatingassembly mount frame 80 and theupper frame 74. Eachsensor array support 96 is secured to theelevator frame 40 bybrackets 98, which are mounted to thevertical members 76. - Referring to FIG. 3, one light source/
receiver unit 100 is attached to each of thevertical support members 76 closest to the slide framefirst end 38 a. Eachunit 100 produces a light beam that travels the longitudinal length of theslide frame 38 toward themirror 70. Eachunit 100 is in electronic communication with the controls. Themirror 70 reflects the beam of light back toward theunit 100. - When the
unit 100 receives the light, a circuit is completed. If the light path from themirror 70 to theunit 100 is obstructed, the circuit will not be completed. An incomplete circuit causes a signal to be sent to the controls from theunit 100. The signal prevents movement of various parts of the apparatus along theslide frame 38. - Referring to FIG. 6, the
guide assembly 14 includes three pairs of guide blocks 102-106 mounted to the upper surface of the upperlongitudinal members 44 of theslide frame 38 on the pads. The first pair of guide blocks 102 closest to thesecond end 38 b of theslide frame 38 defines a working station W. The second pair of guide blocks 104 defines an intermediate loading station IL. The third pair of guide blocks 106 defines an end loading station EL. - Each guide block102-106 is a rectangular track with two sets of cam-
follower bearings follower bearings 108 are rotatably coupled to the upper surface of each guide block. Cam-follower bearings 108 rotate about an axis z′ that is parallel to the z-axis. In the second set, the cam-follower bearings 110 are rotatably coupled to the inner, side surface of each guide block. Cam-follower bearings 110 rotate about an axis x′ that is parallel to the x-axis. During operation, the second set of cam-follower bearings 110 support the mold plates thereon, and the first set of cam-follower bearings 108 prevent the mold plates from moving in the transverse, or x-direction. - The first pair of guide blocks102 further includes two sets of working
station lock assemblies lock assemblies station lock assemblies 28W is spaced vertically from the second set of workingstation lock assemblies 28W′ to allow two mold plates to be secured simultaneously at the working station W. Each set ofassemblies - The second and third pair of guide blocks104 and 106 each have a pair of intermediate and end loading lock assemblies 28IL and 28EL, which are vertically coupled to extensions on the guide blocks. The lock assemblies 28IL and 28EL secure various plates thereabove in the intermediate or end loading station, respectively.
- Referring to FIGS.5-7, the
slide assembly 16 transports the mold plates longitudinally along theslide frame 38 between the various stations W, IL and EL. Theslide assembly 16 includes abase assembly 112, a slidingmember 114, and a plurality of slide lock assemblies 28S and 28S′. - Referring to FIG. 7, the
base assembly 112 includes two spacedsupport feet 116, afloor member 118, and a rectangularside wall member 120. When theslide assembly 16 is assembled to theslide frame 38, thesupport feet 116 are connected to the central, upper transverse members 48 (as shown in FIG. 5). Thefloor member 118 extends horizontally between thesupport feet 116 and is connected thereto. The rectangularside wall member 120 is coupled to thefloor member 118 and extends vertically therefrom. Theside wall member 120 forms achamber 122 that receives a motorizedlinear slide 124. Thelinear slide 124 causes the slidingmember 114 to move longitudinally. One recommended linear slide is commercially available from Thomson Industries Inc. located in Fort Washington, N.Y. and called AccuSlide. However, any conventional motorized slide known to those skilled in the art can be used. Other types of components can also be used to move plates longitudinally instead of the linear slide, such as a belt drive. - The
linear slide 124 has aball screw 126 operatively connected to aservo motor 128. Theservo motor 128 is connected to a first end of theside wall member 120 for driving theball screw 126. A ball bushing bearing 130 is operatively connected to and travels along theball screw 126 and is coupled to the slidingmember 114. - The sliding
member 114 is H-shaped and includes two spaced mountingplates 132 joined by aplate 134. The slide lock assemblies 28S and 28S′ are coupled to the ends of the mountingplates 132 and releasably couple the mold plates to the slidingmember 114. The slidingmember 114 is shown in an extended position, where the slidingmember 114 is unaligned with thebase assembly 112. Sensors (not shown) are mounted on thebase assembly 112 to detect the position of the slidingmember 114. - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the
lower elevator assembly 18 includes alower plate 136, anactuation assembly 138, and a movable,upper plate 140. Thelower plate 136 is connected to theslide frame 38 within theelevator frame 40. Each of the lower andupper plates guide rods 142. Each of the plates also define a second hole (not shown) at the center of each plate for receiving acentral shaft 144. - The upper surface of the
lower plate 136 further includes four ball bushing blocks 146. Theblocks 146 are at the corners for receiving therods 142. Each ball bushing block 146 has abushing 150 secured thereto for receiving eachguide rod 142 and allowing smooth vertical movement of theguide rods 142 through theblock 146 andlower plate 136. When eachguide rod 142 is disposed through the first holes and bushing blocks, thefirst end 142a of eachguide rod 142 is below thelower plate 136 and the second end of eachguide rod 142 receives atop cap 152 for fixedly connecting theguide rod 142 to theupper plate 140. - One of the ball bushing blocks146 includes a
home sensor 154 mounted thereto to indicate when theupper plate 140 is in a lower position. An upper limit sensor (not shown) is mounted in the elevator frame 40 (as shown in FIG. 4) at the rotate or central position to indicate the upper limit of thetop plate 140 of thelower elevator assembly 18. Thetop plate 140 moves between a lowest position beneath the level of the guide blocks 102 (as shown in FIG. 6) and the rotate position. - The
actuation assembly 138 for moving theupper plate 140 vertically includes aservo motor 154 and ajack screw 156. Theservo motor 154 is connected to thelower plate 136 and operatively connected to thejack screw 156. Thecentral shaft 144 has a first end 144 a beneath thelower plate 136 and a second end above theupper plate 140. Ashaft coupling 158 operatively connects thejack screw 156 to thecentral shaft 146. Ascrew cap 160 is connected to the second end of thecentral shaft 144 to fixedly couple thecentral shaft 144 to theupper plate 140. - The
upper plate 140 defines acutout 162 and includes a plurality oflift elements 164. As shown in FIG. 3, once thelower elevator 18 is installed,cutout 162 is aligned with theslide assembly 16 to allow theupper plate 140 to move without theslide assembly 16 interfering with the movement of the upper plate. - Referring again to FIG. 8, the
lift elements 164 are disposed at each corner on the upper surface of theupper plate 140. Thelift elements 164 engage the mold plates, upon vertical movement of theupper plate 140 to separate the plates from one another. - Referring to FIG. 8, each
lift element 164 includes ablock 166 having anupper surface 168, and alift pin 170 extending vertically therefrom. Eachlift pin 170 includes acylindrical base portion 172 and a cylindricalupper portion 174. The diameter of thebase portion 172 is larger than the diameter of theupper portion 174. Thebase portion 172 and theupper portion 174 are separated by ashoulder 176. Each pin further includes afree end 178. - Referring to FIG. 9, the
upper elevator assembly 20 includes a movablelower plate 180, anactuation assembly 182, and anupper plate 184. Theupper plate 184 is connected to thesupport members 88 and 90 (as shown in FIG. 5) within theelevator frame 40. - Each of the lower and
upper plates guide rods 186. Each of the plates also define a second hole (not shown) at the center of each plate for receiving acentral shaft 188. The upper surface of theupper plate 184 further includes four ball bushing blocks 190 at the corners for receiving therods 186. Each ball bushing block 190 has abushing 192 secured therein for receiving eachguide rod 186 and allowing smooth vertical movement of theguide rods 186 through theblock 190 andlower plate 180. - When the
guide rod 186 is disposed through the first holes and the bushing blocks, thefirst end 186 a of eachguide rod 186 is above theupper plate 184. The second end of eachguide rod 186 receives a cap (not shown) for fixedly connecting theguide rod 186 to thelower plate 180. One of the ball bushing blocks 190 includes a home sensor (not shown) mounted thereto to indicate when the lower plate is in an elevated or home position. A lower limit sensor (not shown) is mounted in the elevator frame 40 (as shown in FIG. 5) at the rotating position to indicate the lower limit of the lower plate of the upper elevator assembly. - The upper surface of the
lower plate 180 includesbraces 194 with an X-shape for adding rigidity to thelower plate 180. Thelower plate 180 further includes two spaced, parallel,end walls 196 connected thereto, which extend vertically below the lower surface of thelower plate 180. Eachend wall 196 has a pair of upper elevator lock assemblies 28UE attached thereto to releasably secure the center mold plate 34 (as shown in FIG. 4) to theupper elevator 20. - The upper surface of the
upper plate 184 includesbraces 198 with an X-shape for adding rigidity to the upper plate. The upper surface also has theactuation assembly 182 disposed thereon. Theactuation assembly 182 includes aservo motor 200 and ajack screw 202 for moving thelower plate 180 vertically. Theservo motor 200 is connected to theupper plate 184 and operatively connected to thejack screw 202. Thecentral shaft 188 has afirst end 188 a above theupper plate 184 and a second end (not shown). Ashaft coupling 204 connects thejack screw 202 to thecentral shaft 188. Abracket 206 is connected to the second end of thecentral shaft 188 to connect thecentral shaft 188 to thelower plate 180. - Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, the rotating
assembly 22 is mounted to therotating mount frame 80. The rotatingassembly 22 includes anactuator assembly 208, a pair ofrotating subassemblies 210, and arotating frame 212. The rotatingassembly 22 is located within theelevator frame 40 so that therotating frame 212 can rotate within theelevator frame 180° between an upright and an inverted position. To that end, the elevated position of the center mold plate, as discussed below, is spaced from the rotating position more than half the width of the rotating frame to allow rotation of the frame. - The
actuator assembly 208 is connected to amount plate 214 that is coupled to the outside of the first pair of longitudinally extendingmount members 94. Theactuator assembly 208 has acylindrical shaft 216 that extends through themount plate 214. Theactuator assembly 208 is a conventional air/oil tandem rotary actuator available from PHD, Inc. However, other components that impart rotary motion can be used. Theshaft 216 is coupled to afirst pivot shaft 218 by abore coupling 220. When theshaft 216 rotates, thefirst pivot shaft 218 also rotates. The rotation is about a rotate axis RA. - The pair of
rotating subassemblies 210 are mounted to the inside of the longitudinally extendingmount members 94 on either side of the elevator frame. Eachsubassembly 210 includes amount frame 222, ahorizontal adjustment plate 224, avertical adjustment plate 226, abearing 228, and asecond pivot shaft 230. - The
mount frame 222 is coupled to the inside of one of themount members 94. As best shown in FIG. 5, the mount frame defines acentral bore 232 for receiving the associatedshaft mount frame 222 also includes an outwardly extendingshelf 234 for supporting the other components of the rotate assembly. - Referring to FIG. 10A, the
horizontal adjustment plate 224 defines acentral hole 236 and is mounted adjacent to themount frame 222. Thehorizontal adjustment plate 224 is rectangular and also defines four horizontal slots (not shown) to accommodate screws and allow for horizontal adjustment of the pivot assemblies. Thecentral hole 236 has a sufficiently large diameter to permit thesecond pivot shaft 230 with a smaller diameter to enter therein. - The
vertical adjustment plate 226 defines acentral hole 238 and is mounted adjacent to thehorizontal adjustment plate 224. Thevertical adjustment plate 226 is rectangular and defines four vertical slots (not shown) to accommodate screws and allow for vertical adjustment of the pivot assemblies. Thecentral hole 238 has a sufficiently large diameter to permit thesecond pivot shaft 230 to enter therein and to receive thebearing 228. - The
bearing 228 has acentral hole 240 for receiving and supporting the first and second pivot shafts, respectively, and allowing rotation of the shafts. The combination of the horizontal andvertical adjustment plates bearing 228 to concentrically align with the first andsecond pivot shafts rotating frame 212. Thepivot shaft - Referring to FIG. 8, the
rotating frame 212 includes a pair of longitudinally extendingside members end members 244 fastened together to form a substantially square frame. Theside members frame locking assemblies assemblies 28F is vertically spaced from the second set of lockingassemblies 28F′ so that therotating frame 212 can support two mold plates. The first set of lockingassemblies 28F has two spaced assemblies at either end of theside members 242 a, and two spaced assemblies at either end of theside members 242 b. The second set of lockingassemblies 28F has two spaced assemblies at either end of theside members 242 a, and two spaced assemblies at either end of theside members 242 b. - As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one end of one of the
side members 242 a includes acushion block 246 and asensor block 248. The cushion andsensor blocks side member 242 a. Thecushion block 246 is positioned so that when the rotating frame is horizontal, the cushion block 246 contacts thehydraulic cushion 86 to prevent excess rotation of therotating frame 212. Thesensor block 248 senses when the cushion block 246 contacts thehydraulic cushion 86 to send a signal to the controls to stop rotation of therotating frame 212. - Referring to FIG. 10, the
end members 244 are horseshoe-shaped, and each has corner guide blocks 250 secured thereto. The corner guide blocks 250 align therotating frame 212 with the lower elevator assembly 18 (as shown in FIG. 3) during operation. - Referring to FIG. 3,
light source 24 andsensors 26 are mounted on eachsensor array support 96. Thelight source 24 produces a light beam. Thesensors 26 receive the light beam. If thesensors 26 do not receive the light beam, a circuit is not completed and a signal is sent to the controls. The purpose of the light source and sensors is to determine if any material is on the center mold plate 34 (as shown in FIG. 4), and discussed below. - Referring to FIGS. 6, 7,9, 11, the working
station lock assemblies frame lock assemblies air cylinder assembly 252, acylinder nose 254, a connector 256, a floatingcoupling 258, alock body 260, apullout dowel 262, and abronze bushing 264. - The
air cylinder assembly 252 includes abracket housing 266, anair cylinder 268, and an air cylinder valve (not shown) for activating theair cylinder 268. Theair bracket housing 266 slidably receives theair cylinder 268, and theair cylinder 268 extends therefrom. - The
cylinder nose 254 is connected to the free end of theair cylinder 268. Thecylinder nose 254 has alarge diameter portion 254 a and asmall diameter portion 254 b. Thelarge diameter portion 254 a of the cylinder nose is disposed within thenotch 270 defined in the floatingcoupling 258 to secure thenose 254 to thecoupling 258. Thelock body 260 is coupled to theair cylinder assembly 252 byfasteners 272 and defines acentral slot 274. Thebronze bushing 264 is secured to the opposite side of the lock body from theslot 274. Thepullout dowel 262 is slidably connected to thelock body 260 by thebushing 264. The floatingcoupling 258 is, in turn, operatively connected to thepullout dowel 262 by the connector 256. Theslot 274 of thelock body 260 houses the connector 256, thecylinder nose 254, and floatingcoupling 258. - During operation of the
lock assemblies 28, theair cylinder 268 extends or retracts by actuation of the air cylinder valve. Consequently, movement of thecylinder 268 also causes thepullout dowel 262 to extend or retract so that thepullout dowel 262 engages and releases the various mold plates. - Referring to FIG. 13, the
mold press 30 is a hydraulic press commercially available from Brodeur Machine Company of New Bedford, Mass. under the name “slab-sided ram” hydraulic press. However, any mold press that is capable of producing the needed heat and pressure can be used. Themold press 30 has abase 276, apress ram 278, and amold support assembly 280. - The
base 276 includes two side slabs (oneslab 282 being shown) that extend vertically to atop block 284. Thepress ram 278 is located on thebase 276 and moves aplaten 279 to produce the pressure during molding. The press ram also supports various other moving platens, a steam platen, heating/cooling platens and insulation, as known by these of ordinary skill in the art. - The
mold support assembly 280 includes twosupport brackets 286 connected to the mold frame (not shown), pairs ofsupport rods movable frame 292. Eachbracket 286 has the pair offirst support rods 288 and a pair ofsecond support rods 290 attached thereto. Thefirst support rods 288 support anupper press plate 294. Thesecond support rods 290 support theframe 292 including a pair of spaced guide blocks 296. The guide blocks 296 have cam-follower bearings - When the
press ram 278 moves vertically, theplaten 282 andframe 292 move vertically. Thesecond support rods 290 guide the movement of theframe 292. Theupper press plate 294 horizontally spans themold press 30 above theframe 292. Alower press plate 302 horizontally spans the mold press and is supported by theframe 292. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
bottom mold plate 32, thetop mold plate 34, and thecenter mold plate 36 will now be discussed in detail. The bottom andtop mold plates hemispherical mating cavities 304 that form a sphere when thecenter mold plate 36 is not disposed between them. Thecavities 304 are formed directly in the mold plates or comprised of replaceable mold cavities as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,309 issued to Brown. Thecavities 304 are formed with a radius substantially equal to the finished core radius. Preferably, this is in the range of about 1.50 inches to 1.65 inches as set forth above. Surrounding each of thecavities 304 is a circumferential groove 306 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15) for surplus outer core material. - The
center mold plate 36 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 307 on opposite sides thereof that correspond with thecavities 304 of the top and bottom mold plates. Theprotrusions 307 are hemispheres, which are substantially the same size as half of the ball inner core 13 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2), as set forth above. - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 14, the
bottom mold plate 32 further includes two spaced, transversely extending,side walls side walls alignment apertures 314, fourlift apertures 316, fourside lock apertures 318, twoforward slide apertures 320, twoforward lock apertures 322, and twoarms 324. - The alignment pins312 are located diagonally across from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending
side walls alignment apertures 314 are defined diagonally across from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extendingside walls apertures 314 are vertical. - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 14, the
lift apertures 316 extend vertically through the plate adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 310 a-b. Thelift apertures 316 receive the lift pins 170 of thelower elevator assembly 18. The diameter of thelift apertures 316 is less than the width W of theblocks 166 and greater than the diameter of theupper portion 174 of the pin. - Referring to FIG. 14, the
side lock apertures 318 are defined in the longitudinal side walls 310 a-b of the bottom plate and extend transversely. Theside lock apertures 318 are for engagement of the workingstation lock assemblies 28W (as shown in FIG. 6). - The
forward slide apertures 320 are defined through the plate adjacent to thetransverse side wall 308 b and extend vertically. Theforward slide apertures 320 are for engagement of slide lock assemblies 28S (as shown in FIG. 7). - The
forward lock apertures 322 are defined through the plateadjacent sidewall 308 b and extend vertically. Theforward lock apertures 322 are for engagement of the loading station lock assemblies 28IL and 28EL (as shown in FIG. 6). - The
arms 324 extend horizontally from thetransverse side wall 308 a, and are attached toside wall 308 a with conventional fasteners. Thearms 324 definerear slide apertures 326 vertically therethrough at the free ends. Thearms 324 are spaced apart so that therear slide 6apertures 326 can be engaged by the slide lock assemblies 28S (as shown in FIG. 7). - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 15, the
top mold plate 34 further includes two spaced transversely extendingside walls side walls alignment apertures 334, eightlift notches 336, two sets ofside lock apertures forward slide apertures 342, tworear slide apertures 344, and two forward lock apertures 346. - The alignment pins332 are located diagonally across from each other and adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 330 a-b. The
alignment apertures 334 are defined diagonally across from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 330 a-b. The alignment pins 332 andapertures 334 are vertical. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when thetop mold plate 34 is inverted over thebottom mold plate 32, the alignment pins 332 on the top mold plate insert into thealignment apertures 314 of thebottom mold plate 32 and the alignment pins 312 of thebottom mold plate 32 insert into thealignment apertures 334 of thetop mold plate 34 to position the mold plates relative to each other. - One set of four
lift notches 336, as shown, extend vertically, partially through the plate from the upper surface of the plate. These notches 366 are adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 330 a-b. The other set of four lift notches (not shown) are disposed on the bottom surface of the plate. Thelift notches 336 receive the lift pins 170 (shown in FIG. 4) of thelower elevator assembly 18. Thelift notches 336 have a diameter greater than the diameter of theupper portion 74 of thelift pin 170 so that the lift pins are received therein. - Referring to FIG. 15, outer and inner sets of
side lock apertures side lock apertures station lock assemblies 28W (as shown in FIG. 6) and theframe lock assemblies 28F (as shown in FIG. 7) that are transversely oriented. - The
forward slide apertures 342 are defined through the plate adjacent to thetransverse side wall 328 b and extend vertically. Therear slide apertures 344 are defined through the plate adjacent to thetransverse side wall 328 a and extend vertically. The forward andrear slide apertures - The
forward lock apertures 346 are defined vertically through the plate adjacent to thetransverse side wall 328 b. Theforward lock apertures 346 are for engagement of the intermediate loading station lock assemblies 28IL (as shown in FIG. 6). Referring to FIG. 16, thecenter mold plate 36 further includes two spaced, transversely extending,side walls side walls alignment apertures 352, fourlift apertures 354, and two sets ofside lock apertures - Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, the
alignment apertures 352 are located in rectangular orientation spaced from each other adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 350 a-b. Thealignment apertures 352 are vertical. When thecenter plate 36 is disposed between the top andbottom plates alignment apertures 352 receive the respective alignment pins 312 and 332 of the top and bottom plates. - Referring again to FIGS. 14 and 16, the
lift apertures 354 extend vertically through theplate 36 adjacent to the two longitudinally extending side walls 350 a-b. Thelift apertures 354 receive the lift pins 170 of thelower elevator assembly 18. The diameter of thelift apertures 354 is less than the diameter of thebase portion 172 of thelift pin 170 so that thecenter plate 36 will rest on theshoulder 176. - One set of
side lock apertures 356 are defined in the longitudinal side walls 350 a-b of the center plate and extend transversely. The other set ofside lock apertures 358 are defined in the transverse side walls 348 a-b of the center plate and extend longitudinally. Theside lock apertures 356 are for engagement of theframe lock assemblies 28F (as shown in FIG. 11). Theside lock apertures 358 are for engagement of the upper elevator lock assemblies 28UE (as shown in FIG. 9). - Operation of the molding apparatus will now be discussed. Referring to FIG. 17 (Step1) and FIG. 3, initially the
bottom mold plate 32 is located in the end loading station EL on theslide frame 38, thetop mold plate 34 is located in the intermediate loading station IL on theslide frame 38, and thecenter mold plate 36 is located in the working station W at an elevated position in theelevator frame 40. - The
bottom mold plate 32 is held in the end loading station EL by the lock assemblies 28EL (shown in FIG. 6) engaging the forward lock apertures 322 (shown in FIG. 14). Thetop mold plate 34 is held in the intermediate loading station IL by the lock assemblies 28IL (shown in FIG. 6) engaging the forward lock apertures 346 (shown in FIG. 15). Thecenter mold plate 36 is held in the working station W by the lock assemblies 28UE (shown in FIG. 9) engagingside lock apertures 358. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 17 (Step 1), thelower plate 180 is position in the elevated position and holds thecenter mold plate 36 in the elevated position. In these positions, outer core material (not shown), such as polybutadiene, is placed in the cavities 304 (as shown in FIG. 4) of the bottom and top mold plates. The material is in the form of preps or preforms. Therotating frame 212 is upright. - Referring to FIG. 7, the front slide lock assemblies28S engage the rear slide apertures 344 (as shown in FIG. 15) of the
top mold plate 34 and the forward lock apertures 320 (as shown in FIG. 14) of thebottom mold plate 32. The slidingassembly 114 is moved toward theelevator frame 40. As shown in FIG. 17, inStep 2, the top andbottom plates top plate 34 comes to rest in the working station W and thebottom plate 32 comes to rest at the intermediate loading station IL. - As shown in FIGS. 8, 11, and15, the lift pins 170 of the
lower elevator 18 engage the lowersurface lift notches 336 of thetop mold plate 34 and themotor 154 via thejack screw 156,rods 142 andshaft 144 raises theupper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18. Theupper plate 140 is raised (as seen in FIG. 17, Step 3) from the lower position to the rotating position where it is aligned with the lower set offrame lock assemblies 28F of therotating frame 212. Once thetop mold plate 34 is at therotating frame 212, theframe locking assemblies 28F engage the set of innerside lock apertures 340 to secure thetop mold plate 34 to therotating frame 212 at the rotating position. Theupper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 returns to the lowest position beneath the level of the slide assembly. The slide assembly 16 (as shown in FIG. 7) moves so that the forward slide lock assemblies 28S are aligned with the forward slide apertures 320 (as shown in FIG. 14) of thebottom mold plate 32. - At the same time in
Step 3, the lower plate 180 (as shown in FIG. 9) of theupper elevator 20 moves thecenter mold plate 34 to the rotating position. Once thecenter mold plate 34 is aligned with therotating frame 212, the upperframe locking assemblies 28F′ engage the lock apertures 356 (as shown in FIG. 16) of thecenter mold plate 36 and the locking assemblies 28UE on the upper elevator disengage the plate. Thereafter, theupper elevator 20 moves thelower plate 180 back to the elevated position. - As shown in FIG. 17, (Step4) the
rotating frame 212 rotates 180° and comes to rest inverted. The center andtop mold plates center plate 36 is beneath thetop plate 34 so that the preps in the top mold plate cavities are secured therein. At the same time, the slide lock assemblies 28S (as shown in FIG. 7) engage the forward slide apertures 320 (FIG. 14) of thebottom mold plate 32 and move theplate 32 into the working station W. Then, the slide assembly 114 (as shown in FIG. 2) moves until the forward lock assemblies 28S are aligned with therear lock apertures 326 of the bottom mold plate. Thus, all three plates are vertically aligned, and the center mold plate is between the top and bottom mold plates. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
upper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 rises so that the lift pins 170 extend through thelift apertures 316 inbottom mold plate 32. When thelift block 166 engages the lower surface of thebottom mold plate 32, the bottom mold plate rises with theupper plate 140. Thebottom mold plate 32 is elevated until it is beneath thecenter mold plate 36 in the rotating position. The alignment pins 312 of the bottom mold plate engage thealignment apertures 352 of the center mold plate and the alignment apertures 332 (as shown in FIG. 14) of top mold plate, thereby bringing all three mold plates into alignment. - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11, the rotating
frame locking assemblies top mold plates bottom mold plate 32. Thereafter, the lower elevatorupper plate 140 descends (as shown in FIG. 17, Step 5) to return thebottom mold plate 34 to the guide blocks 102 (as shown in FIG. 6). Consequently, all three plates descend. Theupper plate 140 then descends to the lowest position. - Now, the assembly is ready for molding. The forward slide assemblies28S of the slide (as shown in FIG. 7) engage the
rear slide apertures 326 on the bottom mold plate 32 (FIG. 14). The slide plate is moved toward the mold press 30 (as shown in FIG. 3) so that the bottom mold plate and the top and center mold plates thereon are transported onto the guide blocks 296 (as shown in FIG. 13) within themold press 30. - Once the three mold plates are placed into the
press 30, they are heated and compressed. Preferably, the mold plates are heated to a first temperature that makes the polybutadiene material significantly more pliable, but is below the cure activation temperature. Preferably, the temperature is greater than about 150° F., but less that the cure activation temperature. The most preferred temperature is between about 190° F. and 220° F. The mold plates are compressed to a pressure sufficient enough to form hemispheres from the polybutadiene material. Preferably, the mold plates are compressed using a hydraulic preforming pressure of about 230 psi. Using for example, a 28 inch diameter ram for the press that produces 142,000 pounds of force on a mold with 210 cavities, the pressure per cavity is about 675 pounds of force per cavity. However, one of ordinary skill in the art can vary the heat and pressure as necessary. The mold plates are then cooled with cooling water that has a temperature between about 60° F. to 100° F. and preferably the cooling water has a temperature of about 80° F. After molding is complete, the forward slide lock assemblies 28S (as shown in FIG. 7) engage therear slide apertures 326 of the bottom mold plate 32 (as shown in FIG. 14) and return the plates to the working station W. - Referring to FIG. 17 (Step6), and FIGS. 4 and 14-16, the
upper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 raises to engage the three mold plates and break the mold plates apart. The workingstation lock assemblies side lock apertures lift pin apertures notches 336 of thetop mold plate 34 and lift thetop mold plate 34 off of thecenter mold plate 36. - The working
station lock assemblies 28W release the center plate and theelevator plate 140 continues upward. The lock apertures 356 of thecenter plate 36 receive theupper portion 174 of the lift pin, but are too small to receive thebase portion 172 of the lift pin so that thecenter plate 36 rests on theshoulder 176 and is raised above thebottom mold plate 32. Thelift apertures 316 of thebottom mold plate 32 receive thebase portion 172 of each lift pin and theplate 32 rests on theupper surface 168 of theblock 166. Thelock assemblies 28W′ releases the bottom mold plate. - The
upper plate 140 continues to rise until the top and center mold plates are aligned with the respectiveframe lock assemblies lock assemblies top plate 34 over thecenter plate 32. - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the
upper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 descends with thebottom mold plate 32 until thebottom mold plate 32 rests on the guide blocks 102. Theupper plate 140 continues to descend to the lowest position. Thebottom mold plate 32 contains formed outer core hemispheres in thecavities 304. - Referring to FIGS. 7, 14 and17 (Step 7), the slide lock assemblies 28S engage the
forward slide apertures 320 of thebottom mold plate 32 and move it to the intermediate loading station IL. The lock assemblies 28IL (as shown in FIG. 6) engage theforward lock apertures 322 of thebottom mold plate 32 to hold it in the intermediate station IL. Next in Step 8 (as shown in FIG. 17), the center andtop mold plates rotating frame 212 until thetop mold plate 34 is between the center andbottom mold plates - Referring to FIGS. 4, 9,11, 16, and 18 (Step 9), the
lower plate 180 of theupper elevator 20 descends and the lock assemblies 28UE engage theside lock apertures 358 of thecenter plate 36. Thelock assemblies 28F of therotating frame 212 disengage from thecenter mold plate 36. Thelower plate 180 is moved by the servo-motor 200,jack screw 202,rods 186 andcenter 188 shaft so that raises thecenter mold plate 36 to the elevated position again. - Before reaching the elevated position, the
lower plate 180 stops so that the tops of the protrusions 307 (as shown in FIG. 4) on the upper surface of thecenter mold plate 36 are aligned with thelight source 24 and sensors 26 (as shown in FIG. 3). Thelight source 24 generates a light. If the light is not received by thesensors 26, then some elastomeric material is on at least one of the protrusions and an incomplete circuit exists. A signal is sent to the controls and/or operator that the quality of the shells is not satisfactory. If the light is received by thesensors 26, then the cup quality is satisfactory and the circuit is complete. Thelower plate 180 continues to rise until the tops of theprotrusions 307 on the lower surface of the center mold plate are aligned with thelight source 24 andsensors 26. These protrusions are similarly checked for elastomeric material. Simultaneously, the inner cores 13 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are placed in the hemispheres in thebottom mold plate 32 in the intermediate loading position IL. - Referring to FIGS. 7 and 18 (Step10), the
rotating frame 212 rotates thetop mold plate 34 at 180°. The outer core hemispheres contained in the cavities of the top mold plate remain in the cavities due to the temperature difference between the core material and theplate 34. Depending on the material used the temperature of the core material can be greater than or less than the temperature of the plate and produce the desired result. In this embodiment, the temperature of the core material is lower than the temperature of the plate. At the same time, the slide lock assemblies 28S (as shown in FIG. 7) engage the bottom mold plate forward slideapertures 320 and move the bottom mold plate into the working station W. - Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, and18 (Step 11), the
lower elevator 18 raises thebottom mold plate 32 to therotating frame 212, in the same manner as previously described inStep 3. Theframe locking assemblies 28F release thetop mold plate 34. Thetip 178 of the lift pins engage thenotches 336 of the top mold plate. Theupper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 lowers the bottom andtop mold plates - Turning to FIGS. 7 and 15, the cores are ready for molding. The forward locking assemblies of the slide28S engage the
rear slide apertures 326 on thebottom mold plate 32. Theslide 114 is moved forward so that the bottom mold plate and the top mold plate thereon is transported onto the guide blocks 296 (as shown in FIG. 13) within themolding press 30. - Once the two mold plates are placed into the
press 30, they are heated and compressed. This time, the bottom and top mold plates are heated to a temperature above the cure activation temperature of the polybutadiene hemispheres. Preferably, the mold plates are heated to a temperature of greater than about 290° F. Preferably, the mold plates are compressed using a hydraulic preforming pressure of about 2000 psi. Using for example, a 28 inch diameter ram for the press that produces 615.5 tons of force on a mold with 210 cavities, the pressure per cavity is about 6000 pounds of force per cavity. However, one of ordinary skill in the art can vary the pressure. - After molding is complete, the forward slide lock assemblies28S (as shown in FIG. 7) engage the rear lock apertures 326 (as shown in FIG. 14) of the
bottom mold plate 32 and return the plates to the working station W. - Referring to FIGS. 4 and 18 (Step12), the
upper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 raises and the lift pins 170 separate thetop mold plate 34 from thebottom mold plate 32 and both plates are lifted to therotating frame 212, as previously described. Thetop mold plate 34 is retained in therotating frame 52 in the same manner as described before. Thereafter, theupper plate 140 of the lower elevator descends with thebottom mold plate 34 and the finished cores therein. - Referring to FIG. 18 (Step13), and FIGS. 4, 7, and 14, the
rotating frame 212 with thetop mold plate 34 retained there rotates thetop mold plate 34 180° so that thecavities 304 in the top mold plate are facing upwardly. At the same time, the slide lock assemblies 28S engage theforward slide apertures 320 of the bottom mold plate and theslide assembly 114 moves thebottom mold plate 32 to the intermediate loading station IL. - Turning to FIGS. 4, 6,15 and 18 (Step 14), the
upper plate 140 of thelower elevator 18 raises and the lift pins 170 engage thenotches 336 of thetop mold plate 34. The rotatingframe locking assemblies 28F then release the top mold plate. Theupper plate 140 descends with thetop mold plate 34 until the top mold plate is on the guide blocks 102 in the working station W. Theupper plate 140 continues to descend to the lowest position. - Referring to FIGS. 7, 14,15, and 18 (Step 15), forward slide lock assemblies 28S engage the
rear slide apertures 344 of thetop plate 34, and the rear slide lock assemblies 28S′ engage theforward slide apertures 320 of thebottom plate 32. As theslide assembly 114 moves toward thefirst end 38 a of theslide frame 38, it moves the top andbottom mold plates top mold plate 34 is in the intermediate loading station IL and thebottom mold plate 32 is in the end loading station EL. The locking assemblies 28IL and 28EL (as shown in FIG. 6) engage thelock apertures - While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention herein disclosed fulfill the objectives stated above, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art, for example, a series of progressively larger diameter shells can be formed and joined by the methods disclosed. This method can also be used to form additional intermediate layers. This method can also be used to form multi-layered cover layers. This method can also be used with a center plate that is moved horizontally from an initial position unaligned with the top plate to a position substantially vertically aligned with the top plate prior to rotating these plates together. The movements of the plates can be varied to achieve the results of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments which come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. A golf ball comprising a center and at least one cover layer, formed from the steps of:
providing a plurality of centers;
providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions;
forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by:
i) placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and
ii) molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates;
opening at least one of the top or bottom mold plates from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and
joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer is an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, or an outer cover layer and comprises a fully-neutralized ionic copolymer or terpolymer.
3. The golf ball of claim 2 , wherein the fully-neutralized ionic copolymers or terpolymers comprise methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, or itaconic acid.
4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer has a thickness of between about 0.03 inches and about 0.12 inches.
5. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer is an outer cover layer and comprises a polyurethane or a polyurea.
6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center and shells are disposed concentrically within a layer of tensioned elastomeric material.
7. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center and shells define a core having an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
8. The golf ball of claim 7 , wherein the outer diameter is between about 1.5 inches and about 1.6 inches.
9. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center, shells, and cover layer have an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
10. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover layer is an inner cover layer and comprises partially- or fully-neutralized ionomers, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, acrylic resins, polyphenylene oxide resins, thermoplastic polyesters, thermoplastic rubbers, or ethylene-, propylene-, butene-, or hexane-based homo- and co-polymers or their functional monomers.
11. A golf ball comprising a center, an outer core layer, and at least one cover layer, the golf ball being formed from the steps of:
providing a plurality of centers;
providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions;
forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by:
i) placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and
ii) molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates;
opening at least one of the top or bottom mold plates from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and
joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers;
wherein the center, outer core layer, or cover layer comprises a fully-neutralized ionic copolymer or terpolymer.
12. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the fully-neutralized ionic copolymers or terpolymers comprise methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, or itaconic acid.
13. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the cover layer is an inner cover layer or an outer cover layer having a thickness of between about 0.03 inches and about 0.085 inches.
14. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the cover layer is an outer cover layer and comprises a polyurethane or a polyurea.
15. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the center and shells define a core having an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
16. The golf ball of claim 15 , wherein the outer diameter is between about 1.5 inches and about 1.6 inches.
17. The golf ball of claim 11 , wherein the center, shells, and cover layer have an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
18. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, the ball being formed from the steps of:
providing a plurality of centers;
providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions;
forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by:
i) placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and
ii) molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates;
opening at least one of the top or bottom mold plates from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells;
joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers to form the core; and
covering the core with the cover layer, the cover layer comprising a polyurethane or polyurea composition.
19. The golf ball of claim 18 , wherein at least one of the shell or cover layer have a thickness of between about 0.03 inches and about 0.05 inches.
20. The golf ball of claim 18 , wherein the core has an outer diameter of between about 1.3 inches and about 1.7 inches.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/461,085 US20030207728A1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2003-06-13 | Multi-layered cores or golf balls |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/375,382 US6303065B1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 1999-08-17 | Method and apparatus for making multi-layered cores or golf balls |
US09/975,177 US6645414B2 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2001-10-11 | Method for making multi-layered cores for golf balls |
US10/461,085 US20030207728A1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2003-06-13 | Multi-layered cores or golf balls |
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US09/975,177 Division US6645414B2 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2001-10-11 | Method for making multi-layered cores for golf balls |
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US20030207728A1 true US20030207728A1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
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US09/375,382 Expired - Lifetime US6303065B1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 1999-08-17 | Method and apparatus for making multi-layered cores or golf balls |
US09/975,177 Expired - Lifetime US6645414B2 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2001-10-11 | Method for making multi-layered cores for golf balls |
US10/461,085 Abandoned US20030207728A1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2003-06-13 | Multi-layered cores or golf balls |
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US09/375,382 Expired - Lifetime US6303065B1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 1999-08-17 | Method and apparatus for making multi-layered cores or golf balls |
US09/975,177 Expired - Lifetime US6645414B2 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2001-10-11 | Method for making multi-layered cores for golf balls |
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US (3) | US6303065B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3616054B2 (en) |
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US7439434B1 (en) * | 2006-01-11 | 2008-10-21 | Marimba One Inc. | Multi-component percussion mallet |
EP2656883A3 (en) * | 2012-04-26 | 2014-07-02 | Nike International Ltd. | Mold plate and method of molding golf ball core |
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US6616551B2 (en) | 1993-06-01 | 2003-09-09 | The Top-Flite Golf Company | Golf ball |
DE19936235A1 (en) * | 1999-08-05 | 2001-02-15 | Benckiser Nv | Manufacturing process for molded parts and mold for use therein |
US6575728B2 (en) * | 2001-10-09 | 2003-06-10 | Acushnet Company | Apparatus for molding and stripping golf ball cores from a three plate mold |
US20040058029A1 (en) * | 2002-09-19 | 2004-03-25 | Vargas Manuel G. | Golf ball core mold with improved ejector |
US7335326B2 (en) * | 2003-05-21 | 2008-02-26 | Acushnet Company | Method and Apparatus for molding dual core assemblies |
US20050266114A1 (en) * | 2004-05-12 | 2005-12-01 | Meidenbauer Russel L | Paintball rounder tray |
KR101309968B1 (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2013-09-17 | 주식회사 볼빅 | Manufacturing method of golf ball having multi core |
US8980151B2 (en) | 2011-12-05 | 2015-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Method for compression molding a dual core for a golf ball |
WO2017051383A1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | Sabic Global Technologies B.V. | Method of molding using mold inserts and apparatus therefor |
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US6096255A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 2000-08-01 | Acushnet Company | Method for making multi-layered golf ball |
US6290797B1 (en) * | 1999-04-02 | 2001-09-18 | Acushnet Company | Process for making multi-layer core golf balls |
US6436327B1 (en) * | 2000-12-06 | 2002-08-20 | Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. | Mini-ball insertion mechanism for forming golf ball cores |
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1999
- 1999-08-17 US US09/375,382 patent/US6303065B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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2000
- 2000-07-21 JP JP2001516734A patent/JP3616054B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-07-21 AU AU61179/00A patent/AU6117900A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-07-21 WO PCT/US2000/020052 patent/WO2001012409A1/en active Application Filing
-
2001
- 2001-10-11 US US09/975,177 patent/US6645414B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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2003
- 2003-06-13 US US10/461,085 patent/US20030207728A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US5803831A (en) * | 1993-06-01 | 1998-09-08 | Lisco Inc. | Golf ball and method of making same |
US5484870A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1996-01-16 | Acushnet Company | Polyurea composition suitable for a golf ball cover |
US5683312A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 1997-11-04 | Acushnet Company | Fluid or liquid filled non-wound golf ball |
US6096255A (en) * | 1996-03-11 | 2000-08-01 | Acushnet Company | Method for making multi-layered golf ball |
US6290797B1 (en) * | 1999-04-02 | 2001-09-18 | Acushnet Company | Process for making multi-layer core golf balls |
US6436327B1 (en) * | 2000-12-06 | 2002-08-20 | Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. | Mini-ball insertion mechanism for forming golf ball cores |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7439434B1 (en) * | 2006-01-11 | 2008-10-21 | Marimba One Inc. | Multi-component percussion mallet |
EP2656883A3 (en) * | 2012-04-26 | 2014-07-02 | Nike International Ltd. | Mold plate and method of molding golf ball core |
US8974218B2 (en) | 2012-04-26 | 2015-03-10 | Nike, Inc. | Mold plate and method of molding golf ball core |
US9707455B2 (en) | 2012-04-26 | 2017-07-18 | Feng Tay Enterprises Co., Ltd. | Mold plate and method of molding golf ball core |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU6117900A (en) | 2001-03-13 |
JP2003507206A (en) | 2003-02-25 |
US6303065B1 (en) | 2001-10-16 |
US20020017737A1 (en) | 2002-02-14 |
US6645414B2 (en) | 2003-11-11 |
JP3616054B2 (en) | 2005-02-02 |
WO2001012409A1 (en) | 2001-02-22 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ACUSHNET COMPANY, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REID, JR., WALTER L.;MOORE, THOMAS E.;KENNEDY, JOHN W.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014181/0045;SIGNING DATES FROM 19990811 TO 19990812 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |