Golf ball having multi-layer cover with unique inner cover characteristics

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a low acid ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, non-ionomeric thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A golf ball comprising: 
 a core;    an inner cover layer disposed on said core and having a Shore D hardness of from about 60 to about 68, a thickness of from about 0.10 to 0.01 about inches, and comprising a low acid ionomer resin containing no more than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid; and    an outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness less than 64 and comprising a polyurethane material.    
     
     
         2 . The golf ball of    claim 1    wherein said inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from about 60 to about 66.  
     
     
         3 . The golf ball of    claim 1    wherein said inner layer has a Shore D hardness of from about 60 to about 64.  
     
     
         4 . The golf ball of    claim 1    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.0375 inches.  
     
     
         5 . The golf ball of    claim 1    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.0675 inches.  
     
     
         6 . The golf ball of    claim 1    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.050 inches.  
     
     
         7 . A golf ball comprising: 
 a core;    an inner cover layer disposed about said core and having a Shore D hardness of from about 55 to about 68, a thickness of from about 0.10 to about 0.01 inches, and comprising an ionomeric resin including no more than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid and having a modulus of from about 15,000 to about 70,000 psi; and    an outer cover layer disposed about said inner cover layer and having a Shore D hardness less than 64 and comprising a polyurethane material.    
     
     
         8 . The golf ball of    claim 7    wherein said inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from about 60 to about 66.  
     
     
         9 . The golf ball of    claim 7    wherein said inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from about 60 to about 64.  
     
     
         10 . The golf ball of    claim 7    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.0375 inches.  
     
     
         11 . The golf ball of    claim 7    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.0675 inches.  
     
     
         12 . The golf ball of    claim 7    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.050 inches.  
     
     
         13 . A golf ball comprising: 
 a core;    an inner cover layer disposed on said core and having a Shore D hardness of from about 55 to about 60, a thickness of from about 0.10 to about 0.01 inches, and comprising a low acid ionomer resin containing no more than 16% by weight of an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid; and    an outer cover layer disposed about said inner cover layer and having a Shore D hardness less than 64 and comprising a polyurethane material.    
     
     
         14 . The golf ball of    claim 13    wherein said inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from about 57 to about 59.  
     
     
         15 . The golf ball of    claim 13    wherein said inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of about 58.  
     
     
         16 . The golf ball of    claim 13    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.0375 inches.  
     
     
         17 . The golf ball of    claim 13    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.0675 inches.  
     
     
         18 . The golf ball of    claim 13    wherein said inner cover layer has a thickness of about 0.050 inches.