Methods and systems for customizing a golf ball

Abstract

A method for customizing a golf ball, and associated kits, are provided. The method includes steps of heating a golf ball that has a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material making up the cover layer, and then cooling the golf ball at a preselected rate so as to change the degree of crystallinity. The change in degree of crystallinity allows the golf ball to achieve different play characteristics. The change is reversible by repeating the method, and the method may be repeated many times using the same golf ball. Kits used to carry out the method may include a golf ball having a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material for the cover layer, a graphical representation of how the cooling relates to the desired play characteristics, a stand for holding the golf ball, a heater, and an additive that aids in heating or cooling the golf ball.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method of customizing a golf ball, the method comprising the steps of: (1) providing a golf ball to a consumer, the golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer substantially disposed around the core, the cover layer being formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material; (2) indicating to the consumer to: heat the golf ball to a preselected temperature that is greater than the softening point and less than the melting point of the semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material and then cool the golf ball at a preselected rate so as to cause the golf ball to exhibit a desired play characteristic when hit by a golf club. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of indicating to the consumer to cool the golf ball at a preselected rate comprises indicating to the consumer to cool the golf ball by quenching the golf ball in a cold water bath having a temperature of between about 4° C. and about 13° C. for a time period of from about one minutes to about five minutes. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of indicating to the consumer to cool the golf ball at a preselected rate comprises indicating to the consumer to cool the golf ball in a warm water bath having a temperature of between about 40° C. and about 70° C. for a time period of from about one minute to about 10 minutes; and then cooling the golf ball to room temperature or below. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material comprises thermoplastic urethane. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the cover layer includes a microwave absorbing additive, and the step of indicating to the consumer to heat the golf ball to a preselected temperature comprises indicating to the consumer to heat the golf ball in a microwave. 
     
     
         16 . A kit comprising: at least one finished golf ball, the at least one finished golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer substantially disposed around the core, the cover layer being formed of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material; wherein the cover layer is configured to be customized by an end user according to a preselected rate of cooling, after the golf ball has been heated to a preselected temperature that is greater than the softening point and less than the melting point of the semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material, so as to achieve a desired play characteristic; a graphical representation of a correlation between at least one preselected rate of cooling the golf ball, after the golf ball has been heated to the preselected temperature, and a desired play characteristic exhibited by the golf ball when hit by a golf club; and an additive, which aids in heating the golf ball or cooling the golf ball. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , the kit further including a heater configured so as to heat the finished golf ball to the preselected temperature. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 16 , the kit further including a stand for holding the golf ball. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the cover layer includes a microwave absorbing additive.