Multi-Layer Golf Ball with Bladder Core

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for manufacturing a golf ball including a bladder core. In at least one embodiment, the bladder core includes an ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer layer combined with multiple layers of thermoplastic polyurethane or other material to prevent leakage. In addition, it is contemplated that the bladder core may include a one-way valve for adjusting the pressure of a fluid within the bladder core to produce different performance characteristics.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A golf ball comprising:
 a core comprising a bladder, the bladder having walls that define an internal space and that contain a fluid in the internal space, wherein the walls of the bladder are formed from layers of polymeric materials that are fused to each other, wherein at least one layer of the bladder is formed of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a layer adjacent to the at least one layer of the bladder is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane;   an intermediate layer substantially surrounding the core; and   an outer layer substantially surrounding the intermediate layer, the outer layer including a plurality of dimples.   
     
     
         22 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the intermediate layer comprises a rubber composition. 
     
     
         23 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the bladder comprises a center layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. 
     
     
         24 . The golf ball according to  claim 23 , wherein the bladder further comprises layers of thermoplastic polyurethane adjacent to the center layer. 
     
     
         25 . The golf ball according to  claim 24 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester-polyurethane. 
     
     
         26 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the bladder is formed from seven layers fused together. 
     
     
         27 . The golf ball according to  claim 26 , wherein the seven layers comprise a center layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and layers of thermoplastic polyurethane adjacent to the center layer. 
     
     
         28 . The golf ball according to  claim 27 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester-polyurethane. 
     
     
         29 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , further comprising a one-way valve configured to interface with the bladder. 
     
     
         30 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , further comprising a mantle layer substantially surrounding the intermediate layer. 
     
     
         31 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the fluid comprises a pressurized gas. 
     
     
         32 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the fluid is a pressurized gas. 
     
     
         33 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the fluid is a liquid. 
     
     
         34 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the walls of the bladder are formed from a plurality of bladder panels joined together. 
     
     
         35 . The golf ball according to  claim 34 , wherein a center layer of the bladder panels are formed of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. 
     
     
         36 . The golf ball according to  claim 35 , wherein the bladder panels further comprises layers of thermoplastic polyurethane adjacent to the center layer. 
     
     
         37 . The golf ball according to  claim 36 , wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises polyester-polyurethane. 
     
     
         38 . The golf ball according to  claim 34 , wherein the bladder panels are formed from seven layers fused together. 
     
     
         39 . The golf ball according to  claim 38 , wherein the center layer of the seven layers is a layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and layers adjacent to the center layer are made of polyester-polyurethane. 
     
     
         40 . The golf ball according to  claim 21 , wherein the core is lighter in weight relative to other layers of the golf ball.