Thermoplastic elastomer composites for stiff core golf balls and method for making same

Abstract

A golf ball is provided that includes at least one layer of material that is a composite of thermoplastic and a second phase material that is dispersed within the thermoplastic. This material may be a blend of thermoplastic and elastomeric material. Preferably, the golf ball comprises a hard sphere core such as a hollow metal core, a layer of Thermoplastic Elastomer Composite, and a cover layer. This results in a golf ball that is legal for play and capable of drive distances essentially equivalent to those of currently available high performance golf balls, but also provides a ball that has less hook and slice during play, while being durable and economical to produce.

1 . A golf ball comprising:
 a cover layer having an outer surface defining a dimpled pattern and an inner surface defining with the outer surface a cover thickness; and   a stiff sphere core disposed within the cover layer, wherein the hard sphere has a stiffness of at least 1 GPa; and   a mantle layer having an inner surface mating with the outer surface of the spherical core and a outer surface mating with the inside surface of the cover layer, comprised of a mixture of a thermoplastic and elastomer.   
     
     
         2 . A golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the hard spherical core is made of a hollow metal core. 
     
     
         3 . A golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the mantle layer is comprised of a mixture of a thermoplastic and elastomer, wherein the elastomer is in particulate form. 
     
     
         4 . A golf ball according to  claim 3 , wherein the mantle layer is comprised of a mixture of a thermoplastic and elastomer, wherein the elastomer is in particulate form. 
     
     
         5 . A golf ball according to  claim 4 , wherein the mantle layer is comprised of a mixture of a thermoplastic and elastomer, wherein the elastomer is in particulate form and has a mass fraction of less than 60%.