Patent Publication Number: US-7211012-B2

Title: Multi-layer softball

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/401,140, filed on Aug. 5, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to game balls used in diamond sports. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with game balls, such as softballs, having a dual core construction that is suitable for play under competitive play conditions. 
   Specifications for softballs used in competitive and tournament play have generally been issued by two governing organizations, the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and the American Softball Association (ASA). Softballs range in size from 10 to 16 inches in circumference, with 12-inch softballs being the most widely used. The specifications for a 12-inch softball include the following requirements: Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of 0.40 to 0.50; circumference of 11⅞ to 12⅛ inches; compression limits of 375 or 525 pounds, depending on the organization; and weight of 6¼ to 7 ounces (175 to 200 grams). 
   The COR is extremely important because the COR generally determines the speed of the ball off the bat. More specifically, a ball&#39;s COR is the ratio of the relative velocity of the ball after and before direct impact with a fixed surface. As discussed in greater detail below, COR is measured by propelling the ball against a hard surface at 88 feet-per-second (fps) and measuring the rebound speed of the ball. COR is expressed in terms of the ratio of the rebound speed to the initial ball speed of 88 fps. Consequently, the COR can vary from zero to one, with one being equivalent to a fully elastic collision and zero being equivalent to an inelastic collision. 
   There are other qualities of softballs that are not included in the official specifications or physical properties that are important to players. Examples of these qualities include: the sound of the ball when batted; the “feel off the bat” or, the feel that the batter experiences at the moment of impact of the bat with the ball; flight consistency; durability; the grip and feel of the ball in both bare hands and in a glove; and the ability of the product to maintain those characteristics over an extended period of time. 
   The various associations that govern softball are continuously investigating the merits of lower compression softballs and how they could benefit the game of softball. Urethane and cork centered softballs have to comply with softball association compression limits that are currently set at either 525 lbs. or 375 lbs., depending on the league and level of play. A softball&#39;s compression is obtained by measuring the amount of force required to compress the ball 0.25 inches as prescribed by ASTM methodology (ASTM method F 1888-98). That is, compression determines the pounds of pressure per square inch required to compress a softball 0.25 inches. Compression can be measured using universal test machines that compress the ball between two flat steel platens and record the force with a load cell, such as Instron™, MTS™ or other types machines. Using typical urethane and cork softball constructions, softball manufacturers continually adjust ball constructions to meet the softball associations&#39; compression requirements while continuing to satisfy the ball performance demands required by the players. What is needed in the art is a softball where the performance characteristics can be altered as desired such that the softball has a very low compression while maintaining the standards for COR, durability and performance. 
   An innovative, multi-layer softball design has been developed that can satisfy the need for lower compressions, while maintaining the performance of a traditional softball. The COR and durability of the new multi-layer product are comparable to a traditional softball at much lower compressions. This innovative new ball also minimizes bat denting and reduces the amount of sting associated with hits that miss the sweet spot of the bat. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to softballs that have very low compression, but maintain the traditional coefficient of restitution (COR) values of standard urethane core softballs. It has been determined that the use of multiple core layers can be used to produce a softball having the performance of a traditional ball. 
   The present invention also relates to softballs having multiple core layers. Specifically, the invention relates to a softball having a core, at least one outer core or mantle layer, and a cover. More specifically, the compression of the softball is very low, but the COR and durability are comparable to standard softballs currently produced. 
   Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the specification, drawings and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the invention and not for the purposes of limiting the same. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a softball having an outer cover layer; 
       FIG. 2  shows a cross section of a softball with a core, an outer core or mantle layer and an outer cover layer; and 
       FIG. 3  is shows a cross section of another embodiment of the softball with a core, two outer core or mantle layers and an outer cover layer. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3  of the drawings, a perspective view of a softball  10  having an outer cover layer  16  is shown. The cover layer  16  may have traditional stitching, or it may have “stitches” that are molded into the cover to appear like actual stitches. A cross section of a softball  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  incorporating the lower compression core of the invention. The game ball  10  that is illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a softball construction comprising a composite core  11  and a cover layer  16  surrounding the composite core  11 . The composite core  11  includes a central core  12  and a first outer core or mantle layer  14  around the central core  12 . The game ball  10  that is illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a softball construction comprising a composite core  11  having a first and second mantle layer  14 ,  15 . That is, the composite core  11  includes a central core  12 , a first core or mantle layer  14  around the central core  12 , a second outer core or mantle layer  15  surrounding the first mantle layer  14 . A cover layer  16  thereby encircles the second outer core or mantle layer  15 . The terms “core layer” and “mantle layer” are used interchangeably throughout, and they refer to a layer disposed about a central, preferably spherical, core  12 . 
   Any desired cover material known in the art can be used on the ball  10 . The cover layer  16  is preferably, but not necessarily, stitched to the composite core  11 , especially if the ball  10  is to be used in competitive play. The cover  16  may also be molded on the ball  10  using processes known in the art, such as a plastisol fusion process, particularly if the softball  10  is not for competitive play in leagues requiring stitched covers. Examples of materials suitable for use as the cover layer  16  include, but are not limited to: polyurethanes, including thermoplastic polyurethanes; polyvinylchloride (PVC); natural leather; synthetic leather; and composite leather. Materials suitable for use as the central core  12  include, but are not limited to: cork; kapok; urethanes; thermoplastics; and other rubber materials generally known in the art. Examples of materials suitable for the first and second mantle layers  14 ,  15  include, but are not limited to: urethanes; thermosets; thermoplastics; and the like. Preferably, the central core  12  and the first and second mantle layer(s)  14 ,  15  comprise urethane. 
   Looking to  FIG. 2 , the multi-layer softball  10  of the invention comprises a central core  12 , at least one mantle layer  14 , and a cover  16  covering the mantle layer  14 . The goal is to achieve a certain coefficient of restitution (COR) and durability of the ball  10 , and preferably, to have a low compression. The inventors have found that a softball  10  having multiple layers constructed of certain materials, such as those described above, exhibits low compression while maintaining desired COR and durability levels necessary for softballs  10  used in competitive play. It was determined that using a softer outer core or mantle layer(s), such as a softer urethane or other foam material, would reduce the overall compression, thus reducing the bat denting, compression and the like, while maintaining durability and performance. 
   A typical softball with a polyurethane core has a construction comprising a urethane core and a single cover layer. Other softball designs may have cork centers that are traditionally wrapped in cloth or yarn windings, but this invention is not concerned with that type of softball. The softballs  10  of the invention have an additional mantle layer (or layers)  14 ,  15  between the central core  12  and the cover  16 , as previously described. This mantle layers  14 ,  15  are added to control or to change the performance characteristics of the ball  10  and to make it feel softer yet have many of the desirable characteristics of a traditional softball. 
   The unique multi-layer construction of the present invention preferably features the dual core or composite core design and a traditional stitched softball cover  16 , such as a leather, synthetic leather or composite cover. The central core  12  is preferably comprised of a semi-rigid to rigid urethane composition with a density of approximately 10 to 30 lbs/ft 3 , more preferably 15 to 25 lbs/ft 3 , and even more preferably 18 to 22 lbs/ft 3 . The size, compression, and resiliency of the central core  12  can vary with the material selection and mix ratio of the urethane system used. The size of the central core  12  and outer core layer(s) may vary as desired, but the completed composite core  11  must be equal to the size of a standard 12-inch softball core resulting in a stitched softball that meets the size requirements of various softball associations. In other organizations, an 11-inch softball may be used. For purposes of this invention, the 12-inch softball is the primary focus, although the concept applies to other size softballs as well by appropriately modifying the sizes of the central core  12  and the thickness of the mantle layer  14 . 
   The standard diameter of a 12-inch softball core can range from about 3.650 to about 3.700 inches, preferably about 3.680 inches. The central cores  12  for the multi-layer softball  10  of the present invention must be reduced in size to accommodate the outer mantle layer or layers  14 ,  15 . The thickness of the outer mantle layer or layers  14 ,  15  is preferably from about 0.0500 to about 0.500 inches, more preferably 0.100 to 0.250 inches, even more preferably about 0.125 to about 0.135 inches, and most preferably about 0.125 inches or ⅛ inches. In order to obtain a mantle layer or layers  14 ,  15  with a preferred thickness of 0.125 inches, the central core  12  is produced to range in size from about 3.41 to 3.43 inches, preferably about 3.42 inches (finished size). Other sizes can also be produced as desired, depending on the desired physical properties and thickness of the mantle layer  14 ,  15 . To produce a central core  12  in the range of about 3.41 to 3.43 inches, a mold (not illustrated) having a size of approximately 88.5 mm is preferably used. Generally, urethane systems have some shrinkage after molding, which needs to be taken into account when determining the proper mold size. For example, while an 88.5 mm mold produces an central core  12  approximately 3.484 inches in diameter, the central core  12  will shrink about 0.040 inches to produce a final central core  12  of approximately 3.444 inches in diameter. 
   After the central core  12  is molded, it may be further processed, for example, by sanding. The central core  12  is sanded down for two reasons. First, it gives the manufacturer the opportunity to achieve a target finished size (i.e., 3.42 inches) with a limited number of molds. Second, the surface of central core  12  generally contains mold release agent, which is necessary to remove central core  12  from the mold. The sanding of central core  12  removes the mold release layer and significantly improves the adhesion between the central core  12  and the adjoining first outer mantle layer  14 . Sanding also improves adhesion between the completed composite core  11  and the cover  16 . 
   The selection of the urethane system and the proper mix ratio is important to achieve the desired central core compression and COR. In addition to varying the COR of the central core  12 , the compression can also be affected by altering the mix ratio of the urethane system. The compression of the central core  12  is preferably about 300 to 600 lbs., more preferably about 325 and 575 lbs., and even more preferably about 325 to 475 lbs. 
   Any suitable urethane polymer system known in the art may be used to create both the central core  12  and mantle layers  14 ,  15 . Generally, the urethane system is a mixture of a polyol and an isocyanate. Examples of suitable polyols include, but are not limited to, polyester polyols, polyether polyols, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable isocyanates include, but are not limited to, diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI); toluene diisocyanate (TDI); and combinations thereof, although other suitable diisocyanates may be used. Preferably, the polyol and isocyanate are mixed at a ratio of 40 to 100 parts by weight polyol to 40 to 100 parts by weight isocyanate. Examples of commercial urethane materials suitable for use in the invention include Elastoflex® urethane systems, available from BASF, as well as urethane systems available from Bayer Chemical, Uniroyal, and the like. Preferably, the mix ratio of polyol to isocyanate is from about 100/80 to about 100/40, more preferably from about 100/70 to about 100/45, depending on the urethane system used and the compression desired. These mix ratios will produce an central core  12  having a compression of about 350 to about 550 lbs., and the central core  12  will also be able to stand  185  blows on the Spalding “Pound Test” (details discussed below). It is important to note that over-indexing the system (or changing the mix ratio of polyol to isocyanate too much from the recommended ratio) will increase the compression of central core  12  considerably, but it can compromise the durability of central core  12 . 
   When the desired mix ratio is selected, the various components of the central core  12  are mixed using currently commercially available urethane mixing and metering equipment. A predetermined amount of the mixed urethane, preferably from about 100 to 130 grams, more preferably from about 115 to 120 grams, is then added to the mold via an “open pour” method. The mold is closed and the urethane is allowed to foam. The urethane will react and expand and take the shape of the mold. The mold then passes along a conveyor system and is opened after approximately eight minutes. The amount of time the urethane mixture remains in the mold will have an effect on the shrinkage of central core  12 . Catalysts in the urethane system stop or shut off the reaction after a certain amount of time. This allows the urethane system to cross link and harden. As mentioned above, after molding, central core  12  is removed and, if desired, sanded to the appropriate size. 
   The second mantle layer  15  of the composite core  11  is preferably an elastomeric system, more preferably an elastomeric urethane system, that significantly reduces the compression of the completed composite core  11 , but does not compromise overall performance of the ball  10 . The density of the second mantle layer material  15  is preferably 20 to 40 lbs/ft 3 , more preferably 25 to 35 lbs/ft 3 . A softball  10  made with the multi-layer design of the invention will have a compression under 400 lbs. preferably under 375 lbs., more preferably under 325 lbs. if the thickness of the outer layer is about 0.125 inches or greater. The thicker the second mantle layer  15 , the lower the compression will be. 
   The second outer mantle layer  15  may be formed from any suitable urethane system. One preferred urethane for use in the outer layer is BASF&#39;s Elastocast® elastomeric system. The urethane system is again mixed using commercially available urethane mix and metering equipment and dispensed into a mold (not illustrated) where the central core  12  has been placed. A shot weight of from about 45 to 50 grams is added to a mold. To produce a composite core  11  of the correct size, a mold of about 94.2 mm is preferably used. Preferably, the mold has been modified with pins to hold the central core  12  in place while the first outer mantle layer  14  is molded about the central core  12 . Several stationary pins (not illustrated), preferably three or more, extend into the mold in both the top and bottom hemispheres in order to hold the central core  12  in place and ensure proper distribution of the outer layer about the central core  12 . The inventors determined that a two shot process produced a better product because it allowed the outer core layer  14 ,  15  to overcome the surface tension in the mold and flow properly. Half of the shot is poured into the bottom of the mold. The central core  12  is placed onto the pins in the bottom hemisphere of the mold. The second half of the shot is then poured directly over the central core  12 . This wetting of the surface helps the urethane system foam more readily. The mold is then closed and is passed along the conveying system. The urethane system reacts and expands to produce the second component, the second outer core layer  15 , of the dual core softball design of the invention. For additional outer core layers beyond the first and second outer core layers  14 ,  15 , the above process is repeated with appropriate mold sizes and weights. 
   The 94.2 mm mold is used to produce a thickness on the second outer layer  15  of approximately 0.125 inches. The 94.2 mm mold has a diameter of 3.709 inches. As previously discussed, there is some shrinkage of central core  12 , approximately 0.040 inches during the cooling process. After molding and shrinkage, the completed composite core  11  is approximately 3.67 inches. 
   The size and thickness of the core layers  14 ,  15  are determined via the following procedure. The size of the central core  12  (approximately 3.42 inches) is subtracted from the completed size of the composite core  11  after shrinkage (about 3.67 inches). The difference (0.250 inches) is then divided by two (as there is a layer on either side of the central core  12  in a cross-section) to get the thickness of the first outer core layer  14  (0.125 inches on each side of the central core  12 ). This method can be used to determine the appropriate central core  12  size for a desired outer core layer thickness. For example, for a composite core  11  with an outer core layer thickness of 0.177 inches, a finished central core size of approximately 3.334 inches would be used. To obtain this core size, an 86.5 mm mold would be necessary, which would produce a central core  12  of 3.366 inches (3.406 inches−0.040 inches for shrinkage). Central core  12  could then be sanded down to achieve the target size of 3.334 inches. The same procedure is used for multiple layers. 
   In one preferred embodiment, the second mantle or outer core layer  15  is formed over the first outer core layer  14 . In one preferred embodiment, the second outer core layer  15  is very thin and harder than the first outer core layer  14 . A harder layer makes the ball  10  feel more like a traditional harder ball, while still having a low compression. In another embodiment, two or more softer layers may be molded over the central core  12 . 
   Additional materials, as known in the art, may be added to the central core  12 , the first and second outer core layers  14 ,  15 , or both, as desired. Such additional materials include water, catalysts, blowing agents, surfactants, dyes, and the like. 
   The material that is selected for the cover  16  depends on the weight of the completed composite core  11  and the desired finished properties and uses. The finished ball  10  weight must be between about 175 to 200 grams, preferably about 180 to 190 grams, more preferably about 185 grams. A multi-layer composite core  11  that uses a central core  12  of approximately 115 grams and an outer layer of approximately 50 grams would have to use a lightweight composite “leather” cover  16  to achieve the necessary finished ball weight. A stitched composite “leather” cover  16  would only increase the weight of the ball  10  by approximately 15 grams. In order to use a traditional leather or synthetic leather cover  16  on this ball  10 , the weight of the completed composite core  11  would have to be about 150 grams, requiring an central core weight of about 100 grams or a different thickness core layer. The lighter central core  12  is possible, but it may compromise the durability of the product. As an alternative, decreasing the density of the first or second outer mantle layer  14 ,  15  would decrease the weight of the composite core  11 . However, decreases in density often result in drops in COR performance of central core  12 . 
   EXAMPLES 
   In the following examples, sample multi-layer softballs  10  were made using a 100 gram shot for the central core  12 . The samples were made with two different outer core layer thicknesses (0.1375 and 0.177 inches) at two COR levels (approximately 0.44 and 0.47). 
   Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of the softball was measured by a Jugs® pitching machine (as sold by The Jugs Company) with ballistic screens. In the test, the softball  10  was propelled by two rotating pneumatic tires at a ball speed of 88 ft/sec. against a steel plate positioned eight feet from the point where the softball  10  is pinched and subsequently hurled by the rotating tires. The COR is return or rebound velocity divided by the initial velocity. 
   Durability of the softball  10  was measured using the Spalding durability “Pound Test”. To perform the test, central core  12  is placed in a retainer cup of a softball pound tester. The hammer used for pounding the ball is placed approximately 98¾ inches from the ball. The hammer weights about 7½ pounds, the radius of the hammer is about 13/32 inches, and it travels at a speed of about 20.83 to 20.84 ft/sec. The test consists of up to 185 blows to the ball. If the ball cracks, fewer blows are made. After testing, the balls are placed in a cold room for 2 hours before any post-pound test measurements are taken. 
   Example 1  
   A first group of multi-layer softballs  10  was produced. The central core  12  was produced according to the parameters in Table 1. Both 0.440 and 0.470 COR softballs  10  were made for testing. Two different, but similar, urethane systems were used for each size. The central cores  12  of the 0.44 COR products were made with BASF Elastoflex 25066R urethane, while the 0.47 COR products were made with BASF Elastoflex 25063R urethane. Multi-layer variations 1 and 2 were produced with an outer mantle layer  14  having a thickness of about 0.177 inches. Variations 1 and 2 were produced using an 86.5 mm mold for the central core  12  and a 94.7 mm mold for the outer mantle layer  14 . Multi-layer variations 3 and 4 were made with an 88.5 mm mold for the central core  12  with a 94.7 mm. mold for the outermantle layer  14 , and the outer mantle layer  14  has a thickness of about 0.1375 inches. 
   Variations 1 and 2 were compared to the core of a Dudley™ WT-12RF80 softball. Variation 1 compared very favorably to the control core. The COR of Variation 1 was higher than the COR of the control core at 60 mph, and very close to the COR of the control core at 40 and 80 mph. However, the compression of Variation 1 was only 171 lbs., which was considerably lower than the 565 lbs. compression of the control. Variation 2 had a thinner outer mantle layer  14  (0.1375 inches) than Variation 1 (0.177 inches). The compression of Variation 2 was 200 lbs. The COR of Variation 2 was slightly lower than the WT-12RF80 control ball, but within legal limits. Variation 2 multi-layer balls  10  had higher COR values than the Dudley™ WS-12RF80 at 40, 60, and 80 mph. Variation 2 was chosen for the player test because it was closer to desired final product specifications, which include a multi-layer softball  10  with an outer mantle layer  14  of approximately 0.125 inches. Additionally, the thinner outer core layer produced a softball having a firmer feel than ball of Variation 1. 
   The 0.47 COR multi-layer samples (Variations 3 and 4) were tested against the Dudley™ WT-12RF. Both multi-layer softballs  10  had significantly lower compressions than the control (240 lbs. or less for the multi-layers vs. 494 lbs. for the control). Variation 3 had an outer mantle layer  14  with a thickness of about 0.177 inches, and higher COR values than the control at 40, 60, and 80 mph. Variation 4 had COR values that were very similar to the control balls at all three firing velocities. Both of the multi-layer balls  10  produced survived 185 blows for the durability test. The durability of these central cores  12  was not quite as good as earlier samples because of the selected shot weight. These samples used a 100 gram shot weight, instead of a 115 gram that provides better durability. 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
               TABLE 1 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 
               A 
               B 
               C 
               D 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Urethane 
               Elastoflex ™ 
               Elastoflex ™ 
               Elastoflex ™ 
               Elastoflex ™ 
             
             
               System 
               25066R 
               25063R 
               25066R 
               25063R 
             
             
               C. O. R. 
               0.440 
               0.470 
               0.440 
               0.470 
             
             
               Mix Ratio 
               100/71.5– 
               100/66.0– 
               100/71.5– 
               100/66.0– 
             
             
                 
               100/72.0 
               100/66.5 
               100/72.0 
               100/66.5 
             
             
               Mold Size 
               86.5 mm 
               86.5 mm 
               88.5 mm 
               88.5 mm 
             
             
               Sanded Core 
               100 Grams 
               100 Grams 
               100 Grams 
               100 Grams 
             
             
               Weight 
             
             
               Size Range of 
               3.345″– 
               3.345″– 
               3.420– 
               3.420– 
             
             
               Sanded Cores 
               3.365″ 
               3.365″ 
               3.440″ 
               3.440″ 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   The outer mantle layer  14  was molded using 94.7 mm molds with the modified pins. The outer mantle layer  14  was molded to have a thickness of about 4.5 mm (approximately 0.177 inches) using the 3.35 inches (nominal) central cores  12  shown in Table 1 (Cores A and C), and about 3.49 mm thick (approximately 0.1375 inches) using the 3.43 inches (nominal) central cores (Cores B and D). All outer mantle layers  14  were molded using the Elastocast™ urethane system. The multi-layer cores  11  were tested for size, weight, compression, COR and durability. Test results are shown in TABLES 2 and 3 below. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 2 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Variation #1 
             
             
               Central core ‘A’ (.44 COR Central core - 86.5 mm Mold) With 
             
             
               BASF Elastocast ™ Outer Layer 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               Weight 
               Size 
               Size Eq. 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               (g) 
               Pole (in) 
               (in) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
             
             
                 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               148.6 
               3.701 
               3.700 
               177.4 
               161.4 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               148.0 
               3.683 
               3.697 
               195.5 
               175.3 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               146.3 
               3.683 
               3.697 
               177.4 
               156.1 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               4 
               150.4 
               3.698 
               3.701 
               156.7 
               164 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               5 
               145.2 
               3.685 
               3.703 
               179.7 
               157.1 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               6 
               145.9 
               3.682 
               3.703 
               190.0 
               160.4 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               147.4 
               3.689 
               3.700 
               170.9 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
                 
                 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               COR @ 80 mph 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               0.489 
               0.444 
               0.408 
                 
               185 blows 
             
             
               A 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               0.494 
               0.451 
               0.404 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               0.492 
               0.448 
               0.406 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Variation # 2 
             
             
               Central core ‘C’ (.44 COR Central core - 88.5 mm. Mold) With 
             
             
               BASF Elastocast ™ Outer Layer 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               Weight 
               Size 
               Size Eq. 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               (g) 
               Pole (in) 
               (in) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
             
             
                 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               143.6 
               3.698 
               3.703 
               213.9 
               209.7 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               144.7 
               3.696 
               3.706 
               199.0 
               201.4 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               140.0 
               3.670 
               3.701 
               225.9 
               197.4 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               4* 
               144.8 
               3.689 
               3.706 
               212.9 
               205.3 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               5* 
               142.7 
               3.699 
               3.709 
               187.7 
               180.5 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               6* 
               145.5 
               3.699 
               3.708 
               206.5 
               206.6 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               143.6 
               3.692 
               3.706 
               203.9 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
                 
                 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               COR @ 80 mph 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               0.485 
               0.432 
               0.397 
                 
               Some 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               denting 
             
             
               C 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               0.488 
               0.437 
               0.404 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               0.487 
               0.435 
               0.401 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               * Denotes Cores that had a Leather Cover Stitched Over them. 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               0.44 Control 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
                 
             
             
               Item # 
               Control Core 
               Ball 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               COR @ 80 mph 
             
             
                 
             
             
               43–141 
               WT 12 RF80 
               1 
               567.5 
               567.8 
               0.492 
               0.439 
               0.405 
             
             
                 
               (COR.44) 
             
             
               43–141 
               WT 12 RF80 
               2 
               566.4 
               559.8 
               0.497 
               0.439 
               0.409 
             
             
                 
               (COR.44) 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               565.4 
                 
               0.495 
               0.439 
               0.407 
             
             
               43–221 
               WS 12 RF80 
               1 
               412 
               — 
               0.475 
               0.433 
               0.397 
             
             
                 
               (COR.44) 
             
             
               43–221 
               WS 12 RF80 
               2 
               418 
               — 
               0.465 
               0.429 
               0.398 
             
             
                 
               (COR.44) 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               415.0 
                 
               0.470 
               0.431 
               0.398 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 3 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Variation #3 
             
             
               Central core ‘B’ (.47 COR Central core - 86.5 mm. Mold) With BASF 
             
             
               Outer Layer 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               Weight 
               Size Pole 
               Size Eq. 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               (g) 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
             
             
                 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               149.6 
               3.678 
               3.698 
               201.2 
               172.8 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               149.7 
               3.684 
               3.691 
               183.8 
               180 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               150.7 
               3.688 
               3.693 
               186.7 
               173.8 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               4 
               147.5 
               3.689 
               3.696 
               167.7 
               157.5 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               5 
               149.8 
               3.701 
               3.704 
               172.7 
               166.1 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               6 
               147.5 
               3.682 
               3.693 
               173.3 
               156.6 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               149.1 
               3.687 
               3.696 
               174.4 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
                 
                 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               COR @ 80 mph 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               0.522 
               0.471 
               0.435 
                 
               185 blows 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (minor denting) 
             
             
               B 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               0.523 
               0.470 
               0.438 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               0.523 
               0.471 
               0.437 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Variation #4 
             
             
               Central core ‘D’ (.47 COR Central core - 88.5 mm. Mold) With BASF 
             
             
               Elastocast ™ Outer Layer 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               Weight 
               Size Pole 
               Size Eq. 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               (g) 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
             
             
                 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               147.5 
               3.677 
               3.698 
               262.9 
               239.7 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               143.5 
               3.672 
               3.698 
               247.9 
               233.6 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               147.4 
               3.696 
               3.712 
               234.2 
               229.8 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               4* 
               147.3 
               3.701 
               3.710 
               232.8 
               232 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               5* 
               147.4 
               3.695 
               3.700 
               249.4 
               230.4 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               6* 
               147.1 
               3.699 
               3.711 
               242.9 
               232.4 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               146.7 
               3.690 
               3.705 
               239.0 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
                 
                 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               COR @ 80 mph 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               0.517 
               0.465 
               0.429 
                 
               185 blows 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               (minor denting) 
             
             
               D 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               0.517 
               0.463 
               0.427 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               0.517 
               0.464 
               0.428 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               * Denotes Cores that had a Leather Cover Stitched Over them. 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               0.47 Control 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
             
             
               Item # 
               Control Core 
               Ball 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               80 mph 
             
             
                 
             
             
               43–131 
               WT 12RF 
               1 
               519.3 
               513.2 
               0.521 
               0.471 
               0.433 
             
             
                 
               (COR .47) 
             
             
               43–131 
               WT 
               3 
               473.6 
               470.8 
               0.515 
               0.467 
               0.432 
             
             
                 
               (COR .47) 
             
             
               43–131 
               WT 12RF 
               5 
               501.1 
               488.7 
               0.512 
               0.463 
               0.432 
             
             
                 
               (COR .47) 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Average 
                 
               0.516 
               0.467 
               0.432 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   Initial field tests that were conducted using the multi-layer softballs  10  produced in Example 1 yielded positive comments from athletes with different skill levels, ranging from players new to the game to players having played for as many as 25 years. The tests were conducted at Rivers Park in Chicopee, Mass. Variations # 2  and # 4  were compared to Dudley&#39;s WT12-RF softball, which is a 0.47 COR softball. Both of the multi-layer ball  10  samples were stitched with leather covers  16 . The two central cores  12  were made with approximately 100 gram shot weights, which allowed the use of the heavier leather cover  16 . Variation # 2  was a 0.44 COR ball made with a 0.138 inch outer core layer, while variation # 4  was a 0.47 COR ball with the same outer core layer thickness. All of the test balls  10  had a final weight (including the cover) of approximately 185 grams. The athletes were pitched  16  balls total in the following sequence: five control balls, three multi-layer balls (# 4 ), five controls, and three multi-layer balls (# 2 ). The players were then asked to fill out a questionnaire that compared the multi-layer softballs  10  to the controls. The survey focused on the feel of the new product on impact, the distance, the sound, the flight consistency, and any additional concerns or comments. In this initial test, both types of sample softballs were tested against the WT-12RF to avoid confusion. Later player tests compared 0.44 and 0.47 COR multi-layer core softballs versus control softballs at the same COR level. 
   The overwhelming response by the players was that the multi-layer softball  10  was softer than the traditional control ball, but traveled the same distance as the control. All of the participants felt that the flight of the ball  10  was consistent each time the ball  10  was hit. Players did notice a difference in the sound of the ball off the bat, commenting that there were “lower pitched sounds” and “less ping” when the ball  10  was struck. Some benefits of the multi-layer softball  10  that were mentioned included “the ball was slightly softer and easier to hit through.” Additional comments referred to “less sting in the hands on miss-hits.” The players&#39; feedback did correlate well to the static data of the softballs. The multi-layer softball products had compressions that were just under 240 lbs., while the WT-12RF was just over 500 lbs. The COR values for the 0.47 COR multi-layer product was similar to the COR values of the 0.47 COR control ball at 40, 60, and 80 mph. 
   Example 2  
   Based on the data obtained using the balls  10  produced in Example 1, another set of multi-layer softballs  10  were produced, as shown in TABLE 4 below. The central cores  12  were made to be approximately 3.42 inches in diameter, and the outer mantle layer  14  was approximately 0.125 inches thick. The central core  12  was made with about a 115 gram shot weight (instead of a 100 gram shot weight as in Example 1), which increased the durability of the final product. The thinner outer mantle layer  15  increased the compression of the completed composite core  11 , but maintained it at a level of under 325 lbs. for the final softball  10 . The additional weight in the central core limited the weight, and therefore the type, of cover  16  used. The samples produced in Example 2 had a stitched composite leather cover  16  to obtain the proper finished ball weight. If a leather cover  16  is desired, the weight of the central core  12  or the density of the outer core material must be decreased. 
   As in Example 1, both 0.440 and 0.470 COR softballs  10  were made for testing. Two different urethane systems at two different mix ratios were used for each COR level. In this example, the central cores  12  were molded in the 88.5 mm molds and sanded down to a finished size of 3.41–3.43 inches, preferably about 3.42 inches. 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
               TABLE 4 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 
               E 
               F 
               G 
               H 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               BASF 
               Elastoflex 
               Elastoflex 
               Elastoflex 
               Elastoflex 
             
             
               Urethane 
               25066R 
               25066R 
               25063R 
               25063R 
             
             
               System 
             
             
               C. O. R. 
               0.440 
               0.440 
               0.470 
               0.470 
             
             
               Mix Ratio 
               100/71.5– 
               100/75.0– 
               100/66.0– 
               100/69.0– 
             
             
                 
               100/72.0 
               100/75.5 
               100/66.5 
               100/69.5 
             
             
               Mold Size 
               88.5 mm 
               88.5 mm 
               88.5 mm 
               88.5 mm 
             
             
               Sanded Core 
               115–120 grams 
               115–120 grams 
               115– 
               115– 
             
             
               Weight 
                 
                 
               120 grams 
               120 grams 
             
             
               Size Range of 
               3.410–3.430″ 
               3.410–3.430″ 
               3.410– 
               3.410– 
             
             
               Sanded Cores 
                 
                 
               3.430″ 
               3.430″ 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   Based on test results of the central cores  12 , core types F and H were selected to have the outer mantle layer  14  molded over them. The outer mantle layer  14  was molded on the central core  12  using 94.2 mm molds with the modified pins. The outer mantle layer  14  was molded to have a thickness of about 0.125 to 0.135 inches. All mantle  14 ,  15  layers were molded using BASF&#39;s Elastocast™ urethane system. Composite covers  16  were then stitched over the multi-layer cores  11  to produce finished softballs for testing. The cores  12  and finished balls  10  were tested for size, weight, compression, COR and durability, and results are shown in TABLES 5 to 7 below. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 5 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Central core ‘F’ (.44 COR Central core - 88.5 mm 
             
             
               Mold) With Elastocast ™ Outer Layer 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               Weight 
               Size Pole 
               Size Eq. 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               (g) 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
             
             
                 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               160.8 
               3.668 
               3.680 
               320.3 
               295 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               160.5 
               3.658 
               3.681 
               340.0 
               311.4 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               158.9 
               3.661 
               3.671 
               300.1 
               280.5 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               4 
               159.1 
               3.658 
               3.672 
               364.7 
               317.8 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               5 
               163.6 
               3.669 
               3.677 
               323.6 
               323.3 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               6 
               163.5 
               3.663 
               3.682 
               313.6 
               296.4 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               161.1 
               3.663 
               3.677 
               315.6 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Central 
                 
               Core 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
                 
                 
             
             
               core 
               Mantle Layer 
               No. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
               80 mph 
                 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               0.518 
               0.459 
               0.425 
                 
               185 Blows 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               0.520 
               0.459 
               0.427 
                 
               185 Blows 
             
             
               F 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               0.520 
               0.455 
               0.425 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               0.519 
               0.458 
               0.426 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               0.44 COR Control 
             
             
               WS-12RF80 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
               Size Pole 
               Size Eq. 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
               COR @ 
               COR @ 
             
             
               Ball # 
               Weight 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
               40 mph 
               60 mph 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               146.9 
               3.660 
               3.687 
               404.6 
               422.4 
               0.478 
               0.429 
             
             
               2 
               145.9 
               3.662 
               3.673 
               391.3 
               405.2 
               0.472 
               0.425 
             
             
               3 
               146.0 
               3.651 
               3.677 
               407.8 
               411.6 
               0.478 
               0.423 
             
             
               Ave. 
               146.3 
               3.658 
               3.679 
               407.2 
                 
               0.476 
               0.426 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 6 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Central core ‘H’ (0.47 COR Central core - 88.5 mm. 
             
             
               Mold) With BASF Outer Layer 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Size 
               Size 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Central 
               Mantle 
               Core 
               Weight 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
               Pole 
             
             
               core 
               Layer 
               No. 
               (g) 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               (lbf) 
               Comp. Eq. (lbf) 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               160.8 
               3.663 
               3.675 
               347.0 
               299.4 
                 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               158.4 
               3.667 
               3.678 
               299.8 
               269.6 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               160.6 
               3.665 
               3.678 
               315.5 
               280.6 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               4 
               160.1 
               3.666 
               3.675 
               325.7 
               291.4 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               5 
               162.3 
               3.679 
               3.677 
               339.9 
               292.1 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               6 
               162.8 
               3.668 
               3.675 
               336.8 
               298.7 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               160.8 
               3.668 
               3.676 
               308.0 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Central 
               Mantle 
               Core 
               COR @ 
               COR 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
               core 
               Layer 
               No. 
               40 mph 
               @ 60 mph 
               COR @ 80 mph 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               1 
               0.527 
               0.475 
               0.442 
                 
               185 Blows 
                 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               2 
               0.530 
               0.479 
               0.439 
                 
               185 Blows 
             
             
               H 
               Elastocast ™ 
               3 
               0.530 
               0.479 
               0.441 
             
             
                 
                 
               Ave. 
               0.529 
               0.478 
               0.441 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               0.47 COR Control - WT-12RF 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
               Size 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
                 
                 
               Pole 
               Size Eq. 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
               COR 
               COR @ 
               COR 
             
             
               Ball # 
               Weight 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
               @ 40 mph 
               60 mph 
               @ 80 mph 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               145.5 
               3.680 
               3.680 
               454.6 
               434.6 
               0.520 
               0.466 
               0.435 
             
             
               2 
               146.4 
               3.680 
               3.680 
               429.0 
               438.1 
               0.524 
               0.471 
               0.434 
             
             
               3 
               146.8 
               3.675 
               3.683 
               421.8 
               434.0 
               0.514 
               0.465 
               0.434 
             
             
               Ave. 
               146.2 
               3.678 
               3.681 
               435.4 
                 
               0.519 
               0.467 
               0.434 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
               TABLE 7 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Size 
                 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
                 
                 
               Size Pole 
               Eq. 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
             
             
               Ball No. 
               Weight (g) 
               (in) 
               (in) 
               Pole (lbf) 
               Eq. (lbf) 
               COR 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Multi-Layer: Variation F Central core/Elastocast ™ Outer Layer - 0.44 
             
             
               COR - White ZN Composite Cover 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               1 
               186.3 
               12” 
               11 
               251.4 
               277.9 
               0.465 
               185 Blows 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               15/16” 
             
             
               2 
               183.6 
               11 
               11 
               274.8 
               269.6 
               0.458 
               Good 
             
             
                 
                 
               15/16” 
               15/16” 
             
             
               3 
               185.5 
               11 
               12” 
               239.8 
               245.5 
               0.459 
             
             
                 
                 
               15/16” 
             
             
               Ave. 
               185.1 
               11 
               11 
               259.8 
                 
               0.461 
             
             
                 
                 
               15/16” 
               15/16” 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               A dozen of these balls were used in the player test. During the test, the athletes 
             
             
               put 8 to 80 blows on each ball. 
             
             
               Two of these balls were then subjected to 185 blows in the Spalding pound test 
             
             
               machine in 30 blow increments. 
             
             
               The balls held up well and did not show any significant out of 
             
             
               round. 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               0.44 COR Control - WS-12RF80 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               1 
               186.8 
               12” 
               12” 
               381.4 
               378.6 
               0.418 
                 
             
             
               2 
               184.9 
               12” 
               12” 
               384.8 
               379.9 
               0.417 
                 
             
             
               3 
               185.5 
               12” 
               12” 
               393.3 
               386.6 
               0.419 
             
             
               Ave. 
               185.7 
               12” 
               12” 
               384.1 
                 
               0.418 
               N/A 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Multi-Layer: Variation H Central core/Elastocast ™ Outer Layer - 0.47 
             
             
               COR - White ZN Composite Cover 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               1 
               186.9 
               11 
               11 
               226.8 
               239.2 
               0.476 
               185 Blows 
             
             
                 
                 
               15/16” 
               15/16” 
             
             
               2 
               186.3 
               11 
               11 
               242.2 
               238.5 
               0.475 
               Good 
             
             
                 
                 
               15/16” 
               15/16” 
             
             
               3 
               184.5 
               12” 
               11 
               237.5 
               226.7 
               0.479 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               15/16” 
             
             
               Ave. 
               185.9 
               11 
               11 
               235.2 
                 
               0.477 
             
             
                 
                 
               15/16” 
               15/16” 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               A dozen of these balls were used in the player test. During the test, the athletes 
             
             
               put 8 to 80 blows on each ball. 
             
             
               Two of these balls were then subjected to 190 blows in the Spalding pound test 
             
             
               machine in 30 blow increments. 
             
             
               The balls held up well and did not show any significant out of 
             
             
               round. 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               0.47 COR Control - WT-12RF 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               1 
               187.9 
               12” 
               12” 
               451.9 
               453.5 
               0.464 
                 
             
             
               2 
               190.0 
               12” 
               12” 
               444.4 
               429.0 
               0.462 
             
             
               3 
               188.6 
               12” 
               12” 
               445.7 
               424.3 
               0.463 
             
             
               Ave. 
               188.8 
               12” 
               12” 
               441.5 
                 
               0.463 
               N/A 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   The final softballs  10  were then field tested to determine the playability of the new multi-layer softball  10  of the invention. The focus of the field test was to obtain feedback on the feel, performance, sound, flight characteristics, distance, durability, and consistency of the product verses a comparable Dudley control softball. The players that participated in the trial were AA—Majors competitive level players. Field test results are shown below in Tables 8 to 10. Tables 8 and 9 show individual hitting and distance results using the 0.44 COR and 0.47 COR softballs, and Table 10 shows the combined distance results from all participants for both types of softballs. The field test procedure used is as follows: 
   Players warmed up with the test balls  10 . Players were asked to comment on the feel of the ball  10  during the throwing and catching session by answering several questions about the feel of the ball  10 . 
   Following the informal throwing portion of the test, each player participated in the batting portion of the study. 
   Each player took 24 swings per round with two to four rounds per athlete. The multi-layer softballs  10  and the control softballs were pitched in somewhat random fashion so that each player hit 6 controls, 6 multi-layers, 6 controls, and then 6 multi-layers. All balls hit over a minimum distance of 300 feet as determined by a range finder (Bushnell Yardage Pro range finder) were recorded. The 300 foot distance is a means of controlling the flight trajectory of the hit ball when tabulating and comparing distance measurements for each type of ball, and it groups the distance data and allows for better statistical representation. Hits that did not travel the required minimum distance were omitted. Ground balls were designated ‘GND’, line drives were denoted ‘LNR’, and pop ups were labeled ‘POP’. Each athlete was asked to provide feedback on the feel of the ball off the bat, the flight of the ball, the sound of impact, and the consistency of the product from swing to swing using the following questions: 
   How did the ball feel during the throwing and catching portion of the test? Did the ball feel like a traditional softball? 
   How did the ball feel upon impact with the bat? Did the ball feel solid upon impact? 
   How would you rate the liveliness of the new product verses the Dudley control? Did the ball jump off the bat? 
   Did the new product sting less, more or the same as the control ball when you hit it? 
   How did the new product sound when it was struck (i.e., crack off the bat)? Was it any different than the control ball? 
   If so, do you think the sound was acceptable? 
   How was the flight path of the new product verses the control? Did the ball fly straight after contact? Was there any excessive knuckling of the ball through the air? 
   How would you rate the distance of the new product verses the control? 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 8 
             
             
                 
             
             
               0.44 COR vs. Control - Individual Distances Recorded 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Test Prod. 
               Multi-Layer Softballs 
               Controls 
               Dudley Thunder Heat 
             
             
                 
               White ZN Composite 
                 
               WS-12RF80 Poly Core 
             
             
                 
               Cover 
             
             
                 
               Gold Stitch 
                 
               Synthetic Cover, Gold Stitch 
             
             
                 
               COR 0.44 
                 
               COR 0.44 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. ~385 lbs. 
             
             
               Test Site 
               Soddy Daisy, TN 
             
             
               Field 
               South Park 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               Weather 
               85° F., Sunny, Relatively No wind 
             
             
               Date 
               Sunday Jun. 16, 2002 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               1 
               Player # 
               2 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Mizuno Rage 28 oz 
               Bat Type 
               Easton Trishell 30 oz. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball 
                 
                 
               Ball 
                 
                 
             
             
               Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
               Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               GND 
               306 
               1 
               POP 
               330 
             
             
               2 
               LNR 
               GND 
               2 
               LNR 
               POP 
             
             
               3 
               POP 
               378 
               3 
               POP 
               324 
             
             
               4 
               GND 
               300 
               4 
               POP 
               LNR 
             
             
               5 
               POP 
               318 
               5 
               360 
               381 
             
             
               6 
               387 
               390 
               6 
               309 
               LNR 
             
             
               7 
               POP 
               384 
               7 
               POP 
               LNR 
             
             
               8 
               POP 
               GND 
               8 
               303 
               393 
             
             
               9 
               384 
               330 
               9 
               POP 
               300 
             
             
               10 
               300 
               402 
               10 
               GND 
               315 
             
             
               11 
               303 
               381 
               11 
               312 
               300 
             
             
               12 
               303 
               381 
               12 
               POP 
               318 
             
             
               Average 
               335.4 
               357 
               Average 
               321 
               332.6 
             
             
               Distance 
                 
                 
               Distance 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               45.76 
               38.78 
               Std. Dev. 
               26.27 
               35.29 
             
             
               Longest 
               387 
               402 
               Longest 
               360 
               393 
             
             
               Hit 
                 
                 
               Hit 
             
             
               Ave of Top 
               358 
               392 
               Ave of 
               327 
               368 
             
             
               3 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 3 Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the balls 
               No significant out of round or denting on 
             
             
               after testing. 
               the balls after testing. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               3 
               Player # 
               4 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 28 oz. 
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 137 28 oz and 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Mizuno Techfire 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball 
                 
                 
               Ball 
                 
                 
             
             
               Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
               Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               GND 
               GND 
               1 
               POP 
               387 
             
             
               2 
               GND 
               LNR 
               2 
               363 
               POP 
             
             
               3 
               324 
               LNR 
               3 
               324 
               321 
             
             
               4 
               POP 
               GND 
               4 
               372 
               GND 
             
             
               5 
               LNR 
               GND 
               5 
               330 
               LNR 
             
             
               6 
               318 
               345 
               6 
               306 
               384 
             
             
               7 
               LNR 
               330 
               7 
               309 
               GND 
             
             
               8 
               LNR 
               324 
               8 
               LNR 
               390 
             
             
               9 
               GND 
               LNR 
               9 
               324 
               306 
             
             
               10 
               387 
               LNR 
               10 
               LNR 
               LNR 
             
             
               11 
               345 
               336 
               11 
               318 
               306 
             
             
               12 
               LNR 
               LNR 
               12 
               312 
               333 
             
             
               Average 
               343.5 
               333.8 
               Average 
               328.7 
               346.7 
             
             
               Distance 
                 
                 
               Distance 
             
             
               Std. 
               31.22 
               8.96 
               Std. 
               23.44 
               38.84 
             
             
               Deviation 
                 
                 
               Deviation 
             
             
               Longest 
               387 
               345 
               Longest 
               372 
               390 
             
             
               Hit 
                 
                 
               Hit 
             
             
               Ave of Top 
               352 
               337 
               Ave of 
               355 
               387 
             
             
               3 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 3 Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the balls 
               No significant out of round or denting on 
             
             
               after testing. 
               the balls after testing. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               5 
               Player # 
               6 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 28 oz. 
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 137 28 oz. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball 
                 
                 
               Ball 
                 
                 
             
             
               Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
               Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               318 
               402 
               1 
               POP 
               GND 
             
             
               2 
               345 
               327 
               2 
               POP 
               315 
             
             
               3 
               315 
               LNR 
               3 
               318 
               GND 
             
             
               4 
               GND 
               408 
               4 
               396 
               312 
             
             
               5 
               GND 
               321 
               5 
               366 
               LNR 
             
             
               6 
               LNR 
               LNR 
               6 
               375 
               LNR 
             
             
               7 
               321 
               390 
               7 
               369 
               375 
             
             
               8 
               342 
               381 
               8 
               381 
               LNR 
             
             
               9 
               POP 
               390 
               9 
               LNR 
               423 
             
             
               10 
               330 
               LNR 
               10 
               369 
               POP 
             
             
               11 
               GND 
               387 
               11 
               324 
               GND 
             
             
               12 
               372 
               387 
               12 
               324 
               GND 
             
             
               Average 
               334.7 
               377 
               Average 
               358 
               356 
             
             
               Distance 
                 
                 
               Distance 
             
             
               Std. 
               20.11 
               31.18 
               Std. 
               28.46 
               53.12 
             
             
               Deviation 
                 
                 
               Deviation 
             
             
               Longest Hit 
               372 
               408 
               Longest Hit 
               396 
               423 
             
             
               Ave of Top 
               353 
               400 
               Ave of Top 
               384 
               371 
             
             
               3 Hits 
                 
                 
               3 Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the balls 
               No significant out of round or denting 
             
             
               after testing. 
               on the balls after testing. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               7 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 137 28 oz. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
                 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               312 
               LNR 
               Legend: 
             
             
               2 
               372 
               LNR 
               GND = Grounder 
             
             
               3 
               318 
               POP 
               LNR = Liner 
             
             
               4 
               357 
               GND 
               POP = Pop Fly 
             
             
               5 
               375 
               390 
             
             
               6 
               384 
               306 
             
             
               7 
               363 
               372 
             
             
               8 
               354 
               LNR 
             
             
               9 
               369 
               366 
             
             
               10 
               378 
               408 
             
             
               11 
               306 
               378 
             
             
               12 
               315 
               321 
             
             
               Ave. Dist. 
               350.3 
               363 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               29.03 
               36.70 
             
             
               Longest Hit 
               384 
               408 
             
             
               Ave of Top 
               378 
               392 
             
             
               3 Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the balls after testing. 
             
             
               Between 7 and 10 hits are on the balls up to this point. 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 9 
             
             
                 
             
             
               0.47 COR vs. Control 
             
             
               Individual Distance Recorded 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Test Prod. 
               Multi-Layer Softballs 
               Control 
               Dudley Thunder Heat 
             
             
                 
               White ZN Composite 
                 
               WT12-RF Poly Core 
             
             
                 
               Cover 
             
             
                 
               Red Stitch 
                 
               White Leather Cover, Red 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Stitch 
             
             
                 
               COR 0.47 
                 
               COR 0.47 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. ~440 lbs. 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Player # 
               1 
               Player # 
               2 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 28 oz. 
               Bat Type 
               Worth Trishell 30 oz. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               GND 
               378 
               1 
               315 
               GND 
             
             
               2 
               GND 
               GND 
               2 
               318 
               POP 
             
             
               3 
               GND 
               312 
               3 
               327 
               345 
             
             
               4 
               Foul 
               GND 
               4 
               POP 
               345 
             
             
               5 
               LNR 
               330 
               5 
               POP 
               366 
             
             
               6 
               LNR 
               363 
               6 
               330 
               336 
             
             
               7 
               312 
               FOUL 
               7 
               318 
               357 
             
             
               8 
               324 
               GND 
               8 
               GND 
               POP 
             
             
               9 
               GND 
               399 
               9 
               LNR 
               369 
             
             
               10 
               360 
               375 
               10 
               POP 
               378 
             
             
               11 
               LNR 
               363 
               11 
               300 
               POP 
             
             
               12 
               GND 
               399 
               12 
               336 
               POP 
             
             
               Ave. Dist. 
               332 
               364.9 
               Ave. Dist. 
               320.6 
               356.6 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               24.98 
               30.76 
               Std. Dev. 
               11.80 
               15.24 
             
             
               Longest Hit 
               360 
               399 
               Longest 
               336 
               378 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Hit 
             
             
               Ave of Top 
               332 
               392 
               Ave of 
               331 
               371 
             
             
               3 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 3 Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the 
               No significant out of round or 
             
             
               balls after testing. 
               denting on the balls after testing. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               3 
               Player # 
               4 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 28 oz 
               Bat Type 
               Mizuno Techfire 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               315 
               315 
               1 
               LNR 
               324 
             
             
               2 
               LNR 
               LNR 
               2 
               327 
               327 
             
             
               3 
               LNR 
               LNR 
               3 
               363 
               GND 
             
             
               4 
               336 
               369 
               4 
               345 
               315 
             
             
               5 
               372 
               LNR 
               5 
               321 
               318 
             
             
               6 
               363 
               405 
               6 
               327 
               336 
             
             
               7 
               360 
               POP 
               7 
               330 
               306 
             
             
               8 
               318 
               GND 
               8 
               LNR 
               336 
             
             
               9 
               LNR 
               354 
               9 
               318 
               LNR 
             
             
               10 
               345 
               GND 
               10 
               Foul 
               318 
             
             
               11 
               366 
               342 
               11 
               LNR 
               POP 
             
             
               12 
               306 
               GND 
               12 
               318 
               345 
             
             
               Ave. Dist. 
               342.3 
               357 
               Ave. Dist. 
               331 
               325 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               24.71 
               33.34 
               Std. Dev. 
               15.54 
               12.28 
             
             
               Longest Hit 
               372 
               405 
               Longest 
               363 
               345 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Hit 
             
             
               Ave Top 3 
               367 
               376 
               Ave Top 3 
               346 
               339 
             
             
               Hits 
                 
                 
               Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the 
               No significant out of round or denting 
             
             
               balls after testing. 
               on the balls after testing. 
             
             
                 
               Between 8 and 10 hits per ball are on the 
             
             
                 
               balls up to this point. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               5 
               Player # 
               6 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 28 oz 
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 137 28 oz 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               GND 
               402 
               1 
               GND 
               375 
             
             
               2 
               GND 
               393 
               2 
               LNR 
               LNR 
             
             
               3 
               324 
               LNR 
               3 
               GND 
               GND 
             
             
               4 
               321 
               LNR 
               4 
               LNR 
               LNR 
             
             
               5 
               372 
               LNR 
               5 
               GND 
               375 
             
             
               6 
               306 
               369 
               6 
               LNR 
               LNR 
             
             
               7 
               312 
               GND 
               7 
               LNR 
               GND 
             
             
               8 
               324 
               324 
               8 
               LNR 
               LNR 
             
             
               9 
               318 
               372 
               9 
               GND 
               GND 
             
             
               10 
               POP 
               408 
               10 
               LNR 
               GND 
             
             
               11 
               318 
               LNR 
               11 
               378 
               LNR 
             
             
               12 
               POP 
               LNR 
               12 
               336 
               LNR 
             
             
               Ave. Dist. 
               324 
               378 
               Ave. Dist. 
               357 
               375 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               20.18 
               30.77 
               Std. Dev. 
               29.70 
               0.00 
             
             
               Longest Hit 
               372 
               408 
               Longest 
               378 
               375 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Hit 
             
             
               Ave Top 3 
               340 
               401 
               Ave Top 3 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               Hits 
                 
                 
               Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the 
               No significant out of round or denting on 
             
             
               balls after testing. 
               the balls after testing. 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Player # 
               7 
               Player # 
               8 
             
             
               Bat Type 
               Worth PST 137 28 oz. 
               Bat Type 
               Mizuno Techfire 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
               Ball # 
               Control 
               0.47 Multi-Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               327 
               GND 
               1 
               363 
               366 
             
             
               2 
               321 
               336 
               2 
               LNR 
               327 
             
             
               3 
               GND 
               372 
               3 
               GND 
               LNR 
             
             
               4 
               GND 
               LNR 
               4 
               366 
               GND 
             
             
               5 
               399 
               LNR 
               5 
               GND 
               LNR 
             
             
               6 
               369 
               390 
               6 
               LNR 
               GND 
             
             
               7 
               LNR 
               393 
               7 
               LNR 
               GND 
             
             
               8 
               GND 
               378 
               8 
               GND 
               GND 
             
             
               9 
               336 
               POP 
               9 
               345 
               405 
             
             
               10 
               321 
               378 
               10 
               LNR 
               GND 
             
             
               11 
               318 
               315 
               11 
               GND 
               GND 
             
             
               12 
               315 
               LNR 
               12 
               318 
               LNR 
             
             
               Ave. Dist. 
               338.3 
               366 
               Ave. Dist. 
               348 
               366 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               30.03 
               29.24 
               Std. Dev. 
               22.05 
               39.00 
             
             
               Longest Hit 
               399 
               393 
               Longest 
               366 
               405 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Hit 
             
             
               Ave Top 3 
               368 
               387 
               Ave Top 3 
               358 
               366 
             
             
               Hits 
                 
                 
               Hits 
             
             
               Notes: 
                 
                 
               Notes: 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               No significant out of round or denting on the 
               No significant out of round or denting on 
             
             
               balls after testing. 
               the balls after testing. 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 10 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Total Distance Statistics 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Test Products 
               Multi-Layer Softballs 
               Controls 
               Dudley Thunder 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Heat 
             
             
                 
               White ZN Composite Cover 
                 
               WS-12RF80 Poly Core 
             
             
                 
               Gold 
                 
               Synthetic Cover, Gold 
             
             
                 
               Stitch 
                 
               Stitch 
             
             
                 
               COR 0.44 
                 
               COR 0.44 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. ~385 lbs. 
             
             
               Test Products 
               Multi-Layer Softballs 
               Controls 
               Dudley Thunder 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Heat 
             
             
                 
               White ZN Composite Cover 
                 
               WT12-RF Poly 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Core 
             
             
                 
               Red Stitch 
                 
               White Leather Cover, 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Red Stitch 
             
             
                 
               COR 0.47 
                 
               COR 0.47 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. ~440 lbs. 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               0.47 COR 
             
             
                 
               0.44 COR Products 
                 
               Products 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               0.47 Multi- 
             
             
               Hit Number 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
               Hit Number 
               Control 
               Layer 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               396 
               423 
               1 
               399 
               408 
             
             
               2 
               387 
               408 
               2 
               378 
               405 
             
             
               3 
               387 
               408 
               3 
               372 
               402 
             
             
               4 
               384 
               402 
               4 
               372 
               399 
             
             
               5 
               384 
               402 
               5 
               369 
               399 
             
             
               6 
               381 
               393 
               6 
               366 
               393 
             
             
               7 
               378 
               390 
               7 
               363 
               393 
             
             
               8 
               375 
               390 
               8 
               363 
               390 
             
             
               9 
               375 
               390 
               9 
               360 
               378 
             
             
               10 
               372 
               390 
               10 
               360 
               378 
             
             
               11 
               372 
               390 
               11 
               345 
               378 
             
             
               12 
               372 
               387 
               12 
               345 
               378 
             
             
               13 
               369 
               387 
               13 
               336 
               375 
             
             
               14 
               369 
               387 
               14 
               336 
               375 
             
             
               15 
               369 
               384 
               15 
               336 
               375 
             
             
               16 
               366 
               384 
               16 
               336 
               372 
             
             
               17 
               363 
               381 
               17 
               330 
               372 
             
             
               18 
               363 
               381 
               18 
               330 
               369 
             
             
               19 
               360 
               381 
               19 
               327 
               369 
             
             
               20 
               357 
               381 
               20 
               327 
               369 
             
             
               21 
               354 
               378 
               21 
               327 
               366 
             
             
               22 
               345 
               378 
               22 
               327 
               363 
             
             
               23 
               345 
               375 
               23 
               324 
               363 
             
             
               24 
               342 
               372 
               24 
               324 
               357 
             
             
               25 
               330 
               366 
               25 
               324 
               354 
             
             
               26 
               330 
               345 
               26 
               321 
               345 
             
             
               27 
               324 
               336 
               27 
               321 
               345 
             
             
               28 
               324 
               333 
               28 
               321 
               345 
             
             
               29 
               324 
               330 
               29 
               321 
               342 
             
             
               30 
               324 
               330 
               30 
               318 
               336 
             
             
               31 
               324 
               330 
               31 
               318 
               336 
             
             
               32 
               321 
               327 
               32 
               318 
               336 
             
             
               33 
               318 
               324 
               33 
               318 
               336 
             
             
               34 
               318 
               324 
               34 
               318 
               330 
             
             
               35 
               318 
               321 
               35 
               318 
               327 
             
             
               36 
               318 
               321 
               36 
               318 
               324 
             
             
               37 
               318 
               321 
               37 
               318 
               324 
             
             
               38 
               315 
               318 
               38 
               315 
               318 
             
             
               39 
               315 
               318 
               39 
               315 
               318 
             
             
               40 
               312 
               315 
               40 
               315 
               315 
             
             
               41 
               312 
               315 
               41 
               312 
               315 
             
             
               42 
               312 
               312 
               42 
               312 
               315 
             
             
               43 
               309 
               306 
               43 
               306 
               312 
             
             
               44 
               309 
               306 
               44 
               306 
               306 
             
             
               45 
               306 
               306 
               45 
               300 
             
             
               46 
               306 
               306 
             
             
               47 
               303 
               300 
             
             
               48 
               303 
               300 
             
             
               49 
               303 
               300 
             
             
               50 
               300 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
               Control 
               0.44 Multi-Layer 
                 
               Control 
               0.47 ML 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Ave. Dist. 
               341 
               354 
               Ave. Dist. 
               333 
               357 
             
             
               All Hits 
                 
                 
               All Hits 
             
             
               Std. Dev. 
               30 
               37 
               Std. Dev. 
               23 
               29 
             
             
               Max. Dist. 
               396 
               423 
               Max. Dist, 
               399 
               408 
             
             
               Average of 
               390 
               413 
               Average of 
               383 
               405 
             
             
               Top 3 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 3 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               388 
               409 
               Average of 
               378 
               403 
             
             
               Top 5 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 5 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               382 
               400 
               Average of 
               370 
               395 
             
             
               Top 10 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 10 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               378 
               395 
               Average of 
               360 
               388 
             
             
               Top 15 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 15 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               374 
               392 
               Average of 
               353 
               384 
             
             
               Top 20 Hits 
                 
                 
               Top 20 Hits 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   Additional testing was performed on another batch of softballs  10 . The softballs  10  were constructed in the manner previously described at both the 0.44 and 0.47 COR levels. The central cores  12  were produced using urethane available in Taiwan under the designations T11-0.40 and T11-0.44 respectively. The central core  12  of the 0.44 COR multi-layer ball  10  was produced using a mix ratio of about 100/52, and the central core  12  of the 0.47 COR ball  10  was produced using a mix ratio of about 100/54. The thickness of the outer mantle layer  14  was 0.125–0.135 inches, and the outer mantle layer  14  was molded using a mold size of 94.2 mm. Mantle layers  14 ,  15  for both balls  10  were molded using the BASF Elastocast 70018R system with WUC 3236T isocyanate. Measurements of the softballs were taken, and results are shown below in TABLES 11 and 12. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 11 
             
             
                 
             
             
               0.44 COR Multi-Layer Finished Balls Made 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Finished Ball 
             
             
               Dudley Thunder Advance MLT 12 44 
             
             
               White ZN Composite Cover 
             
             
               0.44 COR Version 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
                 
               30 Blow 
                 
             
             
                 
               Size Pole 
               Weight 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
                 
               Durability 
               185 Blow 
             
             
               Core No. 
               (in) 
               (g) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               (60, 90, 120) 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               12″ 
               182.3 
               218.7 
               184.4 
               0.445 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               2 
               12″ 
               184.3 
               267.8 
               261.1 
               0.438 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               3 
               12″ 
               181.4 
               227.4 
               220.8 
               — 
               Good after 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               30 blows 
             
             
               4 
               12″ 
               180.2 
               230.4 
               239.8 
               — 
               Good after 
               Good - 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               30 blows 
               No Cracking 
             
             
               5 
               12″ 
               186.9 
               289.5 
               274.7 
               — 
               Cover and 
               — 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Mantle 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Removed — 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Core Data 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Below 
             
             
               6 
               12″ 
               184.0 
               263.4 
               257.0 
               — 
               Cover and 
               — 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Mantle 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Removed — 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Core Data 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Below 
             
             
               7 
               — 
               — 
               256.30 
               228.30 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               8 
               — 
               — 
               232.70 
               230.20 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               9 
               — 
               — 
               282.70 
               257.60 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               10 
               — 
               — 
               295.60 
               299.80 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               11 
               — 
               — 
               269.90 
               262.60 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               12 
               — 
               — 
               206.90 
               217.50 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               Average 
               12″ 
               183.2 
               249.0 
                 
               0.442 
               Good 
               Good 
             
             
               Min. 
               0.000 
               180.2 
               184.4 
                 
               0.438 
             
             
               Max. 
               0.000 
               186.9 
               299.8 
                 
               0.445 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Cover to Mantle Adhesion was pretty good. The cover could be peeled without 
             
             
               much force. Mantle to Core Adhesion was very good. 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core Data - Changes Over Time 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Third 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Test 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Second Test (after 3 
                 
               (after 1 
             
             
                 
               First Test 
                 
               days) 
                 
               week) 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
               Core 
               Weight 
               Pole 
               Comp. 
                 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
             
             
               Number 
               (g) 
               (lbf) 
               Eq. (lbf) 
               COR 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               5 
               123.2 
               406.6 
               380.8 
               0.431 
               446.8 
               443.5 
               0.433 
               0.433 
             
             
               6 
               120.6 
               372.7 
               392.8 
               0.429 
               418.0 
               424.6 
               0.431 
               0.436 
             
             
               Average 
               121.9 
               388.2 
                 
               0.430 
               433.2 
                 
               0.432 
               0.435 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Completed Balls - Changes Over Time 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               1 
               182.3 
               218.7 
               184.4 
               0.445 
               234.5 
               197.3 
               0.450 
               0.443 
             
             
               2 
               184.3 
               267.8 
               261.1 
               0.438 
               293.0 
               281.5 
               0.439 
               0.435 
             
             
               7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
               — 
               287.3 
               258.2 
               0.439 
               0.438 
             
             
               8 
               — 
               — 
               — 
               — 
               262.2 
               245.6 
               0.440 
               0.438 
             
             
               Average 
               183.3 
               233.0 
                 
               0.442 
               257.5 
                 
               0.442 
               0.439 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 12 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Statics for 0.47 COR Multi-Layer Finished Balls 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Finished Ball 
             
             
               Dudley Thunder Advance MLT 12 RF 
             
             
               White ZN Composite Cover 
             
             
               0.47 COR Version 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               30 Blow 
                 
             
             
                 
               Size Pole 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
                 
               Durability 
               185 Blow 
             
             
               Core No. 
               (in) 
               Weight (g) 
               Pole (lbf) 
               Eq. (lbf) 
               COR 
               (60, 90, 120) 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               12″ 
               181.2 
               204.6 
               198.3 
               0.445 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               2 
               12″ 
               182.8 
               222.6 
               223.2 
               0.446 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               3 
               12″ 
               181.7 
               205.9 
               205.5 
               0.448 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               4 
               12″ 
               183.2 
               208.9 
               202.1 
               — 
               Good after 
               Good 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               30 Blows 
             
             
               5 
               12″ 
               182.3 
               211.7 
               206.7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               6 
               12″ 
               181.8 
               211.8 
               222.8 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               Ave. 
               12″ 
               182.2 
               210.3 
                 
               0.446 
               Good 
               Good 
             
             
               Min. 
               0.000 
               181.2 
               198.3 
                 
               0.445 
             
             
               Max. 
               0.000 
               183.2 
               223.2 
                 
               0.448 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Original Data 
             
             
               Dudley Thunder Advance MLT 12 44 
             
             
               White ZN Composite Cover  0.44 COR Version 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               1 
               12″ 
               183.8 
               229.7 
               222.4 
               0.455 
               Good 
               Good 
             
             
               2 
               12″ 
               186.7 
               230.4 
               240.2 
               0.454 
               Good 
             
             
               3 
               12″ 
               183.8 
               209.4 
               223.1 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               4 
               12″ 
               185.4 
               249.1 
               205.4 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               5 
               12″ 
               187.4 
               233.9 
               223.4 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               6 
               12″ 
               180.8 
               200.2 
               201.8 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               7 
               — 
               181.9 
               232.2 
               227.7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               8 
               — 
               183.9 
               241.8 
               241.7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               9 
               — 
               186.8 
               216.9 
               214.9 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               10 
               — 
               186.6 
               224.7 
               227.8 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               11 
               — 
               184.6 
               232.7 
               237.0 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               12 
               — 
               182.3 
               207.8 
               212.4 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               Ave. 
               12″ 
               184.5 
               224.4 
                 
               0.455 
               Good 
             
             
               Min. 
               0.000 
               180.8 
               200.2 
                 
               0.454 
             
             
               Max. 
               0.000 
               187.4 
               249.1 
                 
               0.455 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   The softballs  10  were tested in a manner similar to those tested in Example 2. There were 4 different balls tested: a control (Dudley Thunder SW-12RF80 Softball); the 0.44 COR version multi-layer ball  10  (Dudley Thunder Advance); the 0.47 COR version multi-layer ball  10  (Dudley Thunder Advance); and the 0.44 COR version of the multi-layer ball  10  of Example 2 (Dudley Innova). The Dudley Innova was used to compare the final version to the first version of the multi-layer ball, which had a COR that was slightly high. Each player was asked to take 24 swings per round, with two rounds. The four ball types were pitched in random fashion, with each player hitting 6 balls of each type before moving to the next ball type. The Dudley Innova balls were later removed as players began to tire. All distances over 225 feet were recorded, in the same manner as the previous test. Test data on the four balls types is shown in TABLE 13 below. Results of the test are shown below in TABLE 14. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 13 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Static Summary for Balls Used in Player Test (tested prior to test) 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               A 
             
          
         
         
             
             
          
             
               Dudley Thunder Heat 
               CONTROL BALL 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               SW-12RF80 Poly Core 
             
             
               Synthetic Cover, Gold Stitch 
             
             
               COR 0.44 - Control 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Sample 
                 
                 
               Comp Pole 
                 
                 
             
             
               ID 
               Size (in) 
               Weight 
               (lbs) 
               Comp Eq. (lbs) 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               A 
               12 
               183.5 
               373.7 
               379.3 
               0.427 
             
             
               A 
               12 
               184.8 
               380.7 
               386.3 
               0.413 
             
             
               A 
               12 
               187.0 
               378.4 
               382.1 
               — 
             
             
               A 
               12 
               185.9 
               375.7 
               387.6 
               — 
             
             
               A 
               12 
               183.9 
               378.8 
               405.6 
               — 
             
             
               A 
               12 
               186.9 
               387.1 
               393.5 
               — 
             
             
               Average 
               12 
               185.3 
               384.1 
                 
               0.420 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core Weight is 142.6 grams (based on 2 cores). 
             
             
               Central core Compression is 437 lbs (based on 2 cores). 
             
             
               Central core COR is .436 (based on 2 cores). 
             
             
               B 
             
             
               Multi-Layer Softballs: Dudley Thunder Advance 
             
             
               White ZN Composite Cover 
             
             
               Gold Stitch 
             
             
               COR 0.44 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Sample 
                 
                 
               Comp Pole 
                 
                 
             
             
               ID 
               Size (in) 
               Weight 
               (lbs) 
               Comp Eq. (lbs) 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               B 
               12 
               185.1 
               283.1 
               279.5 
               0.437 
             
             
               B 
               12 
               184.3 
               211.2 
               206.3 
               0.438 
             
             
               B 
               12 
               182.2 
               328.3 
               309.7 
               — 
             
             
               B 
               12 
               183.1 
               270.6 
               257.6 
               — 
             
             
               B 
               12 
               187.1 
               274.0 
               271.2 
               — 
             
             
               B 
               12 
               187.6 
               322.5 
               303.1 
               — 
             
             
               Average 
               12 
               184.9 
               276.4 
                 
               0.438 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core Weight is 121.4 grams (based on 2 cores). 
             
             
               Central core Compression is 457.9 lbs (based on 2 cores). 
             
             
               Central core COR is .433 (based on 2 cores). 
             
             
               Mantle Weight is 158 grams (based on 2 mantles). 
             
             
               Mantle Compression is 319 lbs (based on 2 mantles). 
             
             
               Mantle COR is .437 (based on 2 mantles). 
             
             
               C 
             
             
               Multi-Layer Softballs: Dudley Innova 
             
             
               White ZN Composite Cover 
             
             
               Gold Stitch 
             
             
               COR 0.44 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Sample 
                 
                 
               Comp Pole 
                 
                 
             
             
               ID 
               Size (in) 
               Weight 
               (lbs) 
               Comp Eq. (lbs) 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               C 
               12 
               184.8 
               299.3 
               305.9 
               0.467 
             
             
               C 
               12 
               184.4 
               315.6 
               319.0 
               — 
             
             
               C 
               12 
               182.9 
               358.3 
               359.7 
               — 
             
             
               C 
               12 
               182.5 
               318.7 
               283.6 
               — 
             
             
               C 
               12 
               184.4 
               343.4 
               309.4 
               — 
             
             
               C 
               12 
               181.4 
               333.3 
               368.6 
               — 
             
             
               Average 
               12 
               183.4 
               326.2 
                 
               0.467 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core Weight is 118 grams (based on 1 core). 
             
             
               Central core Compression is 667 lbs (based on 1 core). 
             
             
               Central core COR is .467 (based on 1 core). 
             
             
               Mantle Weight is 163.4 grams (based on 1 mantle). 
             
             
               Mantle Compression is 472 lbs (based on 1 mantle). 
             
             
               Mantle COR is .468 (based on 1 mantle). 
             
             
               D 
             
             
               Multi-Layer Softballs: Dudley Thunder Advance 
             
             
               White ZN Composite Cover 
             
             
               Red Stitch 
             
             
               COR 0.47 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Sample 
                 
                 
               Comp Pole 
                 
                 
             
             
               ID 
               Size (in) 
               Weight 
               (lbs) 
               Comp Eq. (lbs) 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               D 
               12 
               180.6 
               229.9 
               234.0 
               0.452 
             
             
               D 
               12 
               181.7 
               240.8 
               226.0 
               0.448 
             
             
               D 
               12 
               182.2 
               233.2 
               232.0 
               — 
             
             
               D 
               12 
               181.3 
               221.5 
               221.8 
               — 
             
             
               D 
               12 
               181.2 
               208.7 
               210.0 
               — 
             
             
               D 
               12 
               179.5 
               222.5 
               226.4 
               — 
             
             
               Average 
               12 
               181.1 
               225.6 
                 
               0.450 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core Weight is 116.2 grams (based on 1 core). 
             
             
               Central core Compression is 530.1 lbs (based on 1 core). 
             
             
               Central core COR is .442 (based on 1 core). 
             
             
               Mantle Weight is 158.9 grams (based on 2 mantles). 
             
             
               Mantle Compression is 319 lbs (based on 2 mantles). 
             
             
               Mantle COR is .449 (based on 2 mantles). 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 14 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Individual Recorded Distances 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
               A 
                 
               B 
             
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               Control 
               (Standard 12″ 
               Multi-Layer Softballs: 
             
             
                 
               Ball (no 
               Urethane core) 
               Dudley Thunder 
             
             
                 
               mantle 
                 
               Advance (core and 
             
             
                 
               layer) 
                 
               mantle layer) 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
          
             
                 
               Dudley Thunder Heat 
               White ZN Composite 
             
             
                 
               Synthetic Cover, Gold Stitch 
               Cover, Gold Stitch 
             
             
                 
               COR 0.44 
               COR 0.44 
             
             
                 
               Comp. 
             
             
                 
               ~385 lbs. 
             
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               C 
               D 
             
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               Multi-Layer Softballs: 
               Multi-Layer Softballs: 
             
             
                 
               Dudley Innova 
               Dudley Thunder 
             
             
                 
                 
               Advance 
             
             
                 
               White ZN Composite Cover 
               White ZN Composite 
             
             
                 
                 
               Cover 
             
             
                 
               Gold Stitch 
               Red Stitch 
             
             
                 
               COR 0.44 
               COR 0.47 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Summary - Distance In Feet 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
               B 
                 
               D 
             
             
                 
               A 
               Thunder 
               C 
               Thunder 
             
             
                 
               SW-12RF80 
               Advance: 
               Innova MLT 
               Advance 
             
             
               Ball Number 
               Control 
               MLT 44 
               44 
               MLT 47 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               354 
               387 
               381 
               363 
             
             
               2 
               345 
               387 
               381 
               357 
             
             
               3 
               342 
               378 
               369 
               348 
             
             
               4 
               336 
               366 
               357 
               345 
             
             
               5 
               330 
               360 
               354 
               345 
             
             
               6 
               327 
               354 
               351 
               342 
             
             
               7 
               327 
               345 
               333 
               342 
             
             
               8 
               321 
               345 
               333 
               336 
             
             
               9 
               321 
               342 
               333 
               333 
             
             
               10 
               318 
               336 
               327 
               333 
             
             
               11 
               318 
               327 
               327 
               333 
             
             
               12 
               318 
               327 
               324 
               324 
             
             
               13 
               315 
               324 
               321 
               324 
             
             
               14 
               312 
               324 
               315 
               321 
             
             
               15 
               309 
               324 
               309 
               318 
             
             
               16 
               309 
               324 
               303 
               315 
             
             
               17 
               309 
               321 
               300 
               315 
             
             
               18 
               306 
               321 
               297 
               306 
             
             
               19 
               303 
               318 
               285 
               306 
             
             
               20 
               300 
               318 
               279 
               306 
             
             
               21 
               300 
               315 
               276 
               306 
             
             
               22 
               297 
               315 
               273 
               303 
             
             
               23 
               297 
               312 
               264 
               303 
             
             
               24 
               294 
               312 
               264 
               303 
             
             
               25 
               294 
               312 
               264 
               303 
             
             
               26 
               294 
               312 
               261 
               300 
             
             
               27 
               294 
               312 
               258 
               297 
             
             
               28 
               288 
               306 
               252 
               297 
             
             
               29 
               285 
               303 
               252 
               294 
             
             
               30 
               285 
               300 
               246 
               294 
             
             
               31 
               282 
               300 
               240 
               294 
             
             
               32 
               279 
               300 
               234 
               294 
             
             
               33 
               279 
               300 
               234 
               291 
             
             
               34 
               279 
               300 
               234 
               285 
             
             
               35 
               276 
               297 
               231 
               285 
             
             
               36 
               276 
               297 
               228 
               285 
             
             
               37 
               276 
               294 
               228 
               285 
             
             
               38 
               273 
               294 
               228 
               282 
             
             
               39 
               273 
               294 
               225 
               282 
             
             
               40 
               272 
               294 
               225 
               282 
             
             
               41 
               270 
               294 
               — 
               279 
             
             
               42 
               270 
               291 
               — 
               279 
             
             
               43 
               270 
               291 
               — 
               276 
             
             
               44 
               267 
               291 
               — 
               276 
             
             
               45 
               267 
               288 
               — 
               276 
             
             
               46 
               264 
               276 
               — 
               276 
             
             
               47 
               264 
               276 
               — 
               276 
             
             
               48 
               264 
               276 
               — 
               273 
             
             
               49 
               264 
               273 
               — 
               273 
             
             
               50 
               261 
               270 
               — 
               273 
             
             
               51 
               258 
               270 
               — 
               273 
             
             
               52 
               258 
               270 
               — 
               273 
             
             
               53 
               258 
               270 
               — 
               273 
             
             
               54 
               258 
               267 
               — 
               270 
             
             
               55 
               256 
               264 
               — 
               270 
             
             
               56 
               255 
               261 
               — 
               267 
             
             
               57 
               252 
               261 
               — 
               264 
             
             
               58 
               252 
               258 
               — 
               261 
             
             
               59 
               252 
               258 
               — 
               261 
             
             
               60 
               249 
               258 
               — 
               258 
             
             
               61 
               249 
               258 
               — 
               258 
             
             
               62 
               246 
               255 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               63 
               246 
               255 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               64 
               243 
               255 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               65 
               243 
               252 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               66 
               240 
               252 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               67 
               240 
               252 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               68 
               240 
               249 
               — 
               252 
             
             
               69 
               240 
               249 
               — 
               249 
             
             
               70 
               234 
               249 
               — 
               249 
             
             
               71 
               234 
               249 
               — 
               249 
             
             
               72 
               234 
               249 
               — 
               249 
             
             
               73 
               228 
               246 
               — 
               249 
             
             
               74 
               228 
               246 
               — 
               246 
             
             
               75 
               228 
               246 
               — 
               243 
             
             
               76 
               225 
               243 
               — 
               240 
             
             
               77 
               225 
               243 
               — 
               240 
             
             
               78 
               225 
               240 
               — 
               237 
             
             
               79 
               — 
               240 
               — 
               237 
             
             
               80 
               — 
               237 
               — 
               234 
             
             
               81 
               — 
               234 
               — 
               234 
             
             
               82 
               — 
               234 
               — 
               231 
             
             
               83 
               — 
               234 
               — 
               231 
             
             
               84 
               — 
               228 
               — 
               228 
             
             
               85 
               — 
               225 
               — 
               225 
             
             
               86 
               — 
               225 
               — 
               — 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
               Ave. Dist. all 
               277 
               287 
               287 
               282 
             
             
               Hits 
             
             
               Standard 
               32.88 
               39.53 
               48.37 
               34.18 
             
             
               Dev. 
             
             
               Max. 
               354 
               387 
               381 
               363 
             
             
               Distance Hit 
             
             
               Average of 
               347 
               384 
               377 
               356 
             
             
               Top 3 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               341 
               376 
               368 
               352 
             
             
               Top 5 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               332 
               360 
               352 
               344 
             
             
               Top 10 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               326 
               348 
               341 
               338 
             
             
               Top 15 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               321 
               341 
               329 
               331 
             
             
               Top 20 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               316 
               336 
               317 
               325 
             
             
               Top 25 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               312 
               331 
               306 
               320 
             
             
               Top 30 Hits 
             
             
               Average of 
               303 
               322 
               287 
               312 
             
             
               Top 40 Hits 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   The results of the player test were very positive. Both versions of the multi-layer softball  10  unexpectedly performed better than the comparable control softball, and the new multi-layer softballs  10  have a compression of over 100 lbs. lower than the conventional control softball, which has no core/mantle layers. Both of the new multi-layer softballs  10  were longer off the bat, as shown in TABLE 14. Player perception was also positive, with most players stating that the sound off the bat was equal to that of the control ball, and most players felt that the multi-layer softballs were livelier than the control balls off the bat. The multi-layer softball  10  allows for a significantly lower overall compression while maintaining or even improving the performance of the ball  10 . 
   A pilot run of multi-layer softballs  10  was completed for further testing. The balls  10  were tested to determine physical properties. Results of the test are shown in TABLES 15 and 16 below. 
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 15 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Statics for 0.44 COR Multi-Layer Central cores 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core 
             
             
               T11 —0.40 COR 
             
             
               Standard Mix 
             
             
               Ratio 
             
             
               Purple Central 
             
             
               cores 
             
             
               Mold Size —88.5 mm 
             
             
               Sanded Weight Range 115–120 g 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core 
             
             
               Data 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
               Core 
               Size 
               Weight 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
                 
               30 Blow 
               185 Blow 
             
             
               No. 
               Pole (in) 
               (g) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               Durability 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               3.42 
               118.2 
               385.2 
               375.6 
               0.428 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               2 
               3.42 
               115.8 
               367.3 
               375.9 
               0.432 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               3 
               3.41 
               115.7 
               383.2 
               387.7 
               — 
               Good - No 
               Look Good 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Significant 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Denting 
             
             
               4 
               3.41 
               114.8 
               376.0 
               381.2 
               — 
               Good - No 
               Look Good 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Significant 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Denting 
             
             
               5 
               3.41 
               115.8 
               389.7 
               384.9 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               6 
               3.41 
               117.3 
               388.1 
               397.6 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               7 
               3.42 
               116.0 
               386.0 
               389.4 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               8 
               3.41 
               115.2 
               380.6 
               385.6 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               9 
               3.42 
               117.1 
               393.0 
               408.7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               10 
               3.41 
               117.0 
               393.3 
               395.2 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               11 
               3.41 
               115.1 
               386.1 
               383.4 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               12 
               3.41 
               114.8 
               375.9 
               385.0 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               Ave. 
               3.41 
               116.1 
               385.6 
                 
               0.430 
               Good 
               Good 
             
             
               Min. 
               3.41 
               114.8 
               367.3 
                 
               0.428 
             
             
               Max. 
               3.42 
               118.2 
               408.7 
                 
               0.432 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Central core Data - Over 
             
             
               Time 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
               Original Data 
               Tested after 1 week 
               3 weeks 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Core 
               Weight 
               Comp. 
               Eq. 
                 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
                 
               Comp. 
               Eq. 
             
             
               No. 
               (g) 
               Pole (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               Pole (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               118.2 
               385.2 
               375.6 
               0.428 
               422.8 
               419.5 
               0.432 
             
             
               2 
               115.8 
               367.3 
               375.9 
               0.432 
               398.7 
               393.1 
               0.434 
             
             
               5 
               115.8 
               389.7 
               384.9 
               — 
               417.9 
               411.9 
               0.429 
             
             
               6 
               117.3 
               388.1 
               397.6 
               — 
               420.1 
               426.0 
               0.431 
             
             
               7 
               116.0 
               386.0 
               389.4 
               — 
               407.6 
               418.1 
               — 
               388.6 
               389 
               0.425 
             
             
               8 
               115.2 
               380.6 
               385.6 
               — 
               417.9 
               408.1 
               — 
               394.6 
               379.8 
               0.425 
             
             
               9 
               117.1 
               393.0 
               408.7 
               — 
               416.5 
               427.1 
               — 
               393 
               400.8 
               — 
             
             
               10 
               117.0 
               393.3 
               395.2 
               — 
               424.9 
               422.7 
               — 
               394.5 
               396.1 
               — 
             
             
               11 
               115.1 
               386.1 
               383.4 
               — 
               413.5 
               415.6 
               — 
               390.1 
               385.9 
               — 
             
             
               12 
               114.8 
               375.9 
               385.0 
               — 
               402.3 
               413.2 
               — 
               371.4 
               381.8 
               — 
             
             
               Ave. 
               116.2 
               386.3 
                 
               0.430 
               414.9 
                 
               0.432 
               388.8 
                 
               0.425 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   
     
       
         
             
           
             
               TABLE 16 
             
             
                 
             
             
               Statics for 0.44 COR Multi-Layer Finished Balls 
             
             
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Mantle Layer 
             
             
               Yearflow&#39;s Modified D-12 Softie 
             
             
               System 
             
             
               Mold Size 94.2 mm 
             
             
               Outer Layer Thickness 0.125–0.135″ 
             
             
               Finished Ball 
             
             
               Dudley Thunder Advance MLT 12 
             
             
               44 
             
             
               White ZN Composite 
             
             
               Cover 
             
             
               0.44 COR 
             
             
               Version 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Finished Ball Data 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
               Ball 
               Size 
               Weight 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
                 
               30 Blow 
               185 Blow 
             
             
               No. 
               Pole (in) 
               (g) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               Durability 
               Durability 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               11 
               181.4 
               190.6 
               171.2 
               0.422 
               — 
               — 
             
             
                 
               15/16″ 
             
             
               2 
               12″ 
               185.3 
               213.0 
               207.2 
               0.431 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               3 
               12″ 
               184.3 
               225.7 
               224.6 
               0.431 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               4 
               12″ 
               184.4 
               231.0 
               212.6 
               0.428 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               5 
               12″ 
               181.8 
               198.1 
               185.5 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               6 
               12″ 
               180.5 
               178.8 
               181.3 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               7 
               — 
               180.1 
               204.0 
               196.7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               8 
               — 
               182.4 
               230.2 
               207.7 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               9 
               — 
               182.3 
               188.5 
               196.1 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               10 
               — 
               183.4 
               203.4 
               198.8 
               — 
               — 
               — 
             
             
               11 
               — 
               184.1 
               191.7 
               224.5 
               — 
               Good - No 
               Good 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Significant 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Denting 
             
             
               12 
               — 
               182.0 
               197.1 
               210.9 
               — 
               Good - No 
               Good 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Significant 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               Denting 
             
             
               Ave. 
               12″ 
               182.7 
               202.9 
                 
               0.428 
               Good 
               Good 
             
             
               Min. 
               11 
               180.1 
               171.2 
                 
               0.422 
             
             
                 
               15/16″ 
             
             
               Max. 
               12″ 
               185.3 
               231.0 
                 
               0.431 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
         
             
          
             
               Finished Ball Data - Over 
             
             
               Time 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
               Original Data 
               After 1 week 
               After 2 weeks 
             
          
         
         
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
          
             
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
                 
               Comp.  
                 
                 
               Comp. 
               Comp. 
                 
             
             
               Ball 
               Weight 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
                 
               Pole 
               Comp. Eq. 
                 
               Pole 
               Eq. 
             
             
               No. 
               (g) 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
               (lbf) 
               (lbf) 
               COR 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               181.4 
               190.6 
               171.2 
               0.422 
               172.9 
               160.9 
               0.414 
             
             
               2 
               185.3 
               213.0 
               207.2 
               0.431 
               200.4 
               187.0 
               0.432 
             
             
               5 
               181.8 
               198.1 
               185.5 
               — 
               197.3 
               191.6 
               0.428 
               201.8 
               191.2 
               — 
             
             
               6 
               180.5 
               178.8 
               181.3 
               — 
               175.3 
               183.3 
               0.429 
               176.1 
               184.4 
               — 
             
             
               7 
               180.1 
               204.0 
               196.7 
               — 
               199.0 
               197.8 
               — 
               218.1 
               208.6 
               0.426 
             
             
               8 
               182.4 
               230.2 
               207.7 
               — 
               229.8 
               210.3 
               — 
               252.5 
               225.9 
               0.430 
             
             
               9 
               182.3 
               188.5 
               196.1 
               — 
               189.3 
               195.8 
               — 
             
             
               10 
               183.4 
               203.4 
               198.8 
               — 
               201.3 
               193.8 
               — 
             
             
               11 
               184.1 
               191.7 
               224.5 
               — 
               195.8 
               223.5 
               — 
               208.9 
               257.8 
               — 
             
             
               12 
               182.0 
               197.1 
               210.9 
               — 
               200.5 
               213.2 
               — 
               213.2 
               231.5 
               — 
             
             
               Ave. 
               182.3 
               198.8 
                 
               0.427 
               195.9 
                 
               0.426 
               214.2 
                 
               0.428 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   The foregoing description is, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments of the MULTI-LAYER SOFTBALL. However, it is contemplated that various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art may be made without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to cover all such changes and modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including all equivalent aspects.