Patent ID: 6395218
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A method for casting a layer on each of a plurality golf ball precursor products, the method comprising:dispensing a flowable material from a stationary dispenser into each of a plurality of cavities disposed on a first mold half and a second mold half, the flowable material comprising a thermoset polymer material, precursor thermoset polymer materials, or a mixture thereof; inserting each of the plurality of golf ball precursor products into a corresponding cavity of the plurality of cavities of the first mold half; inverting the first mold half and mating it with the second mold half to form a mold assembly to enclose each of the plurality of golf ball precursor products within a spherical cavity to form a thermoset layer on each of the plurality of golf ball precursor products; heating the mold assembly to cure the thermoset layer on each of the golf ball precursor products; demolding the mold assembly to separate the first mold half from the second mold half to expose each the plurality of golf ball precursor products with a thermoset layer thereon for removal from the second mold half; wherein demolding the mold assembly comprises separating the mold assembly by exerting a first lateral force on the first mold half in a first direction, and exerting a second lateral force on the second mold half in a second direction opposite the first direction to slide the first mold half over a double tapered pin on the second mold half; removing each of the plurality of thermoset layered golf balls from the first mold half while retaining each of the plurality of thermoset layered golf balls in the second mold half; and suctioning each of the plurality of thermoset layered golf balls from the second mold using a plurality of vacuum cups.