Abstract:
A hollow golf ball center defined by an intermediate layer including a thermoplastic ionomer resin neutralized at least about 40% with a metal cation is filled with an alcohol having up to three carbon atoms or an aqueous alcohol solution to create a hardness gradient in the intermediate layer. The alcohol or aqueous alcohol solution may be left in the center, removed from the center leaving the center hollow, or replaced by another material.
Abstract:
A golf ball or other article of sports equipment is coated with a clear coating including a free radical-curable material and a photoinitiator that absorbs light in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum to generate free radicals. The coating is cured with radiation in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. An indicium may be printed on the uncoated ball with a free radical-curable material and a photoinitiator that absorbs light in the visible light region and may, if not completely cured when the coating is applied, be further cured along with the applied clear coating layer.
Abstract:
A hollow golf ball center defined by an intermediate layer including a thermoplastic ionomer resin neutralized at least about 40% with a metal cation is filled with an alcohol having up to three carbon atoms or an aqueous alcohol solution to create a hardness gradient in the intermediate layer. The alcohol or aqueous alcohol solution may be left in the center, removed from the center leaving the center hollow, or replaced by another material.