Patent ID: 6033611
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A63B,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A method for preparing a golf ball having an inner cover around a core and an outer cover, said inner cover being prepared by using an injection mold for the inner cover, the injection mold comprising a pair of separable upper and lower mold segments which define a spherical cavity when mated along a parting surface, 3 to 10 support pins in each of the mold segments to be moved into the cavity with respect to a molding surface, and at least one gate for injecting a molding material into the cavity, wherein said support pins have cross-sectional area of 7 to 20 mm.sup.2, said method comprising the steps of:supporting the core in place in the cavity by means of the support pins moved into the cavity, while leaving a space between the core and the molding surface;injecting a molding material into the space through the at least one gate;withdrawing the support pins until the distal ends of said pins reach approximately one half the thickness of the space between the core and the molding surface;curing the injected molding material while the support pins are withdrawn thereby forming around the core an inner cover having recesses which have a depth corresponding to approximately one half the thickness of the inner cover; andsubsequently molding said outer cover over said inner cover wherein material forming said outer cover enters the recesses to form a firm joint between said outer cover and said inner cover.