US20200030664A1 - Golf ball dimple patterns including stars and stripes - Google Patents
Golf ball dimple patterns including stars and stripes Download PDFInfo
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- US20200030664A1 US20200030664A1 US16/044,644 US201816044644A US2020030664A1 US 20200030664 A1 US20200030664 A1 US 20200030664A1 US 201816044644 A US201816044644 A US 201816044644A US 2020030664 A1 US2020030664 A1 US 2020030664A1
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- dimples
- grooves
- golf ball
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0006—Arrangement or layout of dimples
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B1/00—Horizontal bars
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0007—Non-circular dimples
- A63B37/0009—Polygonal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0007—Non-circular dimples
- A63B37/0011—Grooves or lines
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0018—Specified number of dimples
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0019—Specified dimple depth
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/002—Specified dimple diameter
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0021—Occupation ratio, i.e. percentage surface occupied by dimples
Definitions
- This invention relates to golf balls having a novel dimple pattern that includes stellated polygon shaped dimples and grooves.
- the pattern of the dimples on the outer surface of a golf ball contributes significantly to the flight characteristics of the ball.
- many golf ball manufacturers conduct extensive dimple research, which is often focused on improving the aerodynamic forces on the ball during flight and increasing the distance traveled by the ball.
- Dimple patterns also contribute to the aesthetics of a golf ball. Thus, for certain purposes, it may be desirable to provide a golf ball with an aesthetically unique dimple pattern. Thus, various decorative dimple patterns have been introduced. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,285 to Sato discloses a golf ball surface design including star-shaped ridges.
- the present invention is directed to a golf ball having a plurality of dimples and a plurality of grooves on the outer surface thereof.
- the outer surface of the golf ball can be divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere.
- the first hemisphere comprises at least 40 dimples having a stellated polygon plan shape, and the second hemisphere comprises at least 5 grooves.
- the first hemisphere has an arrangement of dimples and grooves comprising 50 dimples having a stellated polygon plan shape and 6 grooves
- the second hemisphere has an arrangement of dimples and grooves that is substantially identical to the arrangement of the first hemisphere.
- FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate plan views of a golf ball having a dimple pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2A-2C illustrate plan views of a golf ball having a dimple pattern according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates a group of three stellated polygon shaped dimples according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5B is a profile view of the dimple of FIG. 5A taken along line B-B;
- FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6B is a profile view of the dimple of FIG. 6A taken along line B-B;
- FIG. 7A illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a profile view of the dimple of FIG. 7A taken along line B-B;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for measuring the diameter of a dimple.
- the present invention is directed to golf balls having a novel pattern of stellated polygon shaped dimples and grooves on the outer surface thereof bearing a resemblance to the American flag.
- the outer surface of the ball is divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into two hemispheres.
- the dividing plane may be, but is not necessarily, equivalent to the plane that is considered by those of ordinary skill in the art to be the equator of the ball.
- one hemisphere of the ball consists of stellated polygon shaped dimples and the other hemisphere consists of grooves.
- the ball includes two identical hemispheres, each hemisphere including stellated polygon shaped dimples and grooves.
- Dimple patterns of the present invention include dimples having a plan shape defined by a stellated polygon. Such dimples are referred to herein as “stellated polygon shaped dimples” and “star shaped dimples.” In a particular embodiment, star shaped dimples of the present invention have a plan shape defined by a stellated polygon having 4 or 5 or 6 points. In another particular embodiment, star shaped dimples of the present invention have a plan shape defined by a stellated pentagon.
- star shaped dimples of the present invention have an encompassing diameter, D 1 , and an interior diameter, D 2 .
- the encompassing diameter, D 1 is preferably from 0.05 inches to 0.35 inches.
- the plan shape area, A p as measured in a plane normal to the axis connecting the plan shape centroid and the ball centroid, is preferably from 6.0 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 4 in 2 to 0.0350 in 2 .
- the dimple pattern of the present invention includes a group of at least three star shaped dimples arranged within relatively close proximity to each other, and preferably in a hexagonal manner, wherein, within the group of relatively closely spaced star shaped dimples, the centroid of at least one star shaped dimple does not lie in the same plane as two other star shaped dimples.
- FIG. 4 shows a group of three star shaped dimples having the same encompassing diameter, D 1 , and separated by distances ⁇ 1 , ⁇ 2 , and ⁇ 3 . The ratio,
- the encompassing diameter, D 1 , to distance ⁇ 1 is preferably 0.75 or 0.90 or 1.00 or 1.25, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values.
- the encompassing diameter, D 1 , to distance ⁇ 2 is preferably 0.75 or 0.90 or 1.00 or 1.25, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper imit selected from these values.
- the encompassing diameter, D 1 , to distance ⁇ 3 is preferably 0.90 or 1.10 or 1.20 or 1.40, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values.
- the difference between ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 is from 0 to 0.005 inches.
- the profile of star shaped dimples of the present invention is preferably selected from arcuate (i.e., spherical), catenary, flat bottom, and constant depth profiles.
- An illustrative example of a star shaped dimple of the present invention having an arcuate dimple profile is shown in FIGS. 5A-5B .
- FIG. 5A shows a plan view of the dimple.
- FIG. 5B shows a profile view of the dimple of FIG. 5A taken along line B-B. All of the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same encompassing diameter plane 10 .
- the phantom ball surface 20 is the part of the ball surface that would exist if the dimple were not present. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
- the dimple profile 12 is defined by an arc having a starting point located at an exterior vertex 16 of the stellated polygon.
- the arc starting point is offset from the dimple surface by a depth of up to 0.0050 inches.
- the point 14 where an interior vertex of the stellated polygon connects to the ball surface. All of the interior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same interior diameter plane.
- Star shaped dimples of the present invention having an arcuate dimple profile preferably have an edge angle, as measured at the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon, of from 11.0° to 17.0°.
- Star shaped dimples of the present invention having an arcuate dimple profile preferably have a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of from 0.005 inches to 0.025 inches.
- FIGS. 6A-6B An illustrative example of a star shaped dimple of the present invention having a constant depth dimple profile is shown in FIGS. 6A-6B .
- FIG. 6A shows a plan view of the dimple.
- FIG. 6B shows a profile view of the dimple of FIG. 6A taken along line B-B. All of the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same encompassing diameter plane 10 .
- the phantom ball surface 20 is the part of the ball surface that would exist if the dimple were not present.
- the dimple profile 12 is defined by an arc that is concentric with the dimple surface such that is creates a sidewall 18 at all points along the dimple perimeter.
- Star shaped dimples of the present invention having a constant depth dimple profile have a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of from 0.003 inches to 0.015 inches.
- FIGS. 7A-7B An illustrative example of a star shaped dimple of the present invention having a flat bottom dimple profile is shown in FIGS. 7A-7B .
- FIG. 7A shows a plan view of the dimple.
- FIG. 7B shows a profile view of the dimple of FIG. 7A taken along line B-B. All of the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same encompassing diameter plane 10 .
- the phantom ball surface 20 is the part of the ball surface that would exist if the dimple were not present.
- the bottom of the dimple is flat, creating a sidewall 18 at all points along the dimple perimeter.
- FIGS. 7A-7B the bottom of the dimple is flat, creating a sidewall 18 at all points along the dimple perimeter.
- the bottom of the dimple is equidistant from the encompassing diameter plane 10 at all points.
- Star shaped dimples of the present invention having a flat bottom dimple profile have a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of from 0.005 inches to 0.025 inches.
- edge angle measurements are determined on finished golf balls.
- it may be difficult to measure an edge angle due to the indistinct nature of the boundary dividing the dimple from the ball's undisturbed land surface. Due to the effect of coatings on the golf ball surface and/or the dimple design itself, the junction between the land surface and the dimple is typically not a sharp corner and is therefore indistinct. This can make the measurement of properties such as edge angle ( ⁇ EDGE ) and dimple diameter, somewhat ambiguous.
- edge angle ( ⁇ EDGE ) on a finished golf ball is measured as follows, in reference to FIG. 8 .
- a dimple half-profile extending from the dimple centerline 31 to the ball's undisturbed land surface 33 .
- a ball phantom surface 32 is constructed above the dimple as a continuation of the land surface 33 .
- a first tangent line T 1 is then constructed at a point on the dimple sidewall that is spaced 0.003 inches radially inward from the phantom surface 32 .
- T 1 intersects phantom surface 32 at a point P 1 , which defines a nominal dimple edge position.
- a second tangent line T 2 is then constructed, tangent to the phantom surface 32 , at P 1 .
- the edge angle ( ⁇ EDGE ) is the angle between T 1 and T 2 .
- Dimple patterns of the present invention include grooves, preferably resembling stripes on the American flag.
- the profile of grooves of the present invention is preferably selected from arcuate, flat bottom, and constant depth profiles. Suitable profile shapes for grooves of the present invention include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,451, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the depth of the grooves is from 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point of the groove.
- the width of the grooves is from 0.05 inches to 0.35 inches.
- the width of a single groove can be constant along the length of the groove, or the width of a single groove can vary by up to 0.15 inches along the length of the groove.
- the plan shape of the grooves of the present invention can be defined by a straight line or a curved path.
- each groove is separated by land area that is about the same width as, i.e., within 25% of, the width of the grooves adjacent to it.
- At least one groove terminates at the parting line of the golf ball at both ends of the groove.
- Each groove has two long edges that meet the fret surface of the golf ball.
- the maximum groove length on the ball, as measured by the groove edge with the longest length is 2.00 inches or greater.
- the outer surface of the ball is divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, wherein the first hemisphere has an arrangement of star shaped dimples and/or grooves, the second hemisphere has an arrangement of star shaped dimples and/or grooves, and the arrangement of star shaped dimples and/or grooves on the first hemisphere is different from that on the second hemisphere.
- the first hemisphere comprises star shaped dimples in an amount of at least 40, or from 40 to 60. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, the first hemisphere comprises 50 star shaped dimples.
- the first hemisphere optionally includes one or more dimples having a conventional plan shape, e.g., a circular plan shape, in addition to the star shaped dimples.
- the second hemisphere comprises grooves in an amount of at least 5, or from 5 to 10. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, the second hemisphere comprises 6 grooves.
- the second hemisphere optionally includes one or more dimples having a conventional plan shape, e.g., a circular plan shape, in addition to the grooves.
- a golf ball outer surface having a first hemisphere consisting of 50 star shaped dimples and a second hemisphere consisting of 6 grooves, the grooves being represented by shading in FIG. 1C .
- Each of the star shaped dimples of the first hemisphere has a plan shape defined by a stellated pentagon, an encompassing diameter of 0.240 inches, and a plan shape area of 0.016 in 2 .
- Each of the star shaped dimples of the first hemisphere has an arcuate profile shape, an edge angle of 16.0° at the exterior vertices of the stellated pentagon, and a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of 0.0168 inches.
- Each of the grooves of the second hemisphere has a plan shape defined by a curved path, and are separated from each other by land area that is similar in width to the grooves. The width of each groove varies along the length of the groove.
- the grooves of the second hemisphere have properties as given in Table 1 below.
- the outer surface of the ball is divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, wherein the first hemisphere has an arrangement of star shaped dimples and grooves, and the second hemisphere has an arrangement of dimples and grooves that is substantially identical to the arrangement of the first hemisphere.
- each hemisphere comprises star shaped dimples in an amount of at least 40, or from 40 to 60. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises 50 star shaped dimples.
- Each hemisphere optionally includes one or more dimples having a conventional plan shape, e.g., a circular plan shape, in addition to the star shaped dimples.
- each hemisphere comprises at least 25, or at least 50, or at least 60, dimples having a conventional, e.g., circular, plan shape.
- each hemisphere comprises grooves in an amount of at least 5, or from 5 to 10. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises 6 grooves.
- a golf ball outer surface having substantially identical hemispheres, each of which consists of 50 star shaped dimples, 70 spherical dimples, and 6 grooves, the grooves being represented by shading in FIGS. 2B-2C .
- Each of the star shaped dimples has a plan shape defined by a stellated pentagon, an encompassing diameter of 0.080 inches, and a plan shape area of 0.0018 in 2 .
- Each of the star shaped dimples has a flat bottom profile shape and a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of 0.0042 inches.
- the spherical dimples have an edge angle of 14.75° and include dimples having the following dimple diameters: 0.110 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.160 inches, 0.170 inches, and 0.185 inches.
- Each of the grooves has a plan shape defined by a curved path, and are separated from each other by land area that is similar in width to the grooves. The width of each groove varies along the length of the groove.
- the grooves of the second hemisphere have properties as given in Table 2 below.
- Golf balls of the present invention may have a flat parting line or a non-flat parting line.
- Golf ball dimple patterns of the present invention may include conventional dimples, including, but not limited to, spherical dimples, catenary dimples, and the like, in addition to stellated polygon shaped dimples.
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to golf balls having a novel dimple pattern that includes stellated polygon shaped dimples and grooves.
- The pattern of the dimples on the outer surface of a golf ball contributes significantly to the flight characteristics of the ball. Thus, many golf ball manufacturers conduct extensive dimple research, which is often focused on improving the aerodynamic forces on the ball during flight and increasing the distance traveled by the ball.
- Dimple patterns also contribute to the aesthetics of a golf ball. Thus, for certain purposes, it may be desirable to provide a golf ball with an aesthetically unique dimple pattern. Thus, various decorative dimple patterns have been introduced. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,285 to Sato discloses a golf ball surface design including star-shaped ridges.
- Despite the many dimple patterns disclosed in the prior art, there has been no disclosure of a golf ball having a dimple pattern as provided by the present invention.
- The present invention is directed to a golf ball having a plurality of dimples and a plurality of grooves on the outer surface thereof. The outer surface of the golf ball can be divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere.
- In one embodiment, the first hemisphere comprises at least 40 dimples having a stellated polygon plan shape, and the second hemisphere comprises at least 5 grooves.
- In another embodiment, the first hemisphere has an arrangement of dimples and grooves comprising 50 dimples having a stellated polygon plan shape and 6 grooves, and the second hemisphere has an arrangement of dimples and grooves that is substantially identical to the arrangement of the first hemisphere.
- In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:
-
FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate plan views of a golf ball having a dimple pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A-2C illustrate plan views of a golf ball having a dimple pattern according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a group of three stellated polygon shaped dimples according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5B is a profile view of the dimple ofFIG. 5A taken along line B-B; -
FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6B is a profile view of the dimple ofFIG. 6A taken along line B-B; -
FIG. 7A illustrates a plan view of a stellated polygon shaped dimple according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7B is a profile view of the dimple ofFIG. 7A taken along line B-B; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for measuring the diameter of a dimple. - The present invention is directed to golf balls having a novel pattern of stellated polygon shaped dimples and grooves on the outer surface thereof bearing a resemblance to the American flag. The outer surface of the ball is divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into two hemispheres. The dividing plane may be, but is not necessarily, equivalent to the plane that is considered by those of ordinary skill in the art to be the equator of the ball. In one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-1C , one hemisphere of the ball consists of stellated polygon shaped dimples and the other hemisphere consists of grooves. In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2C , the ball includes two identical hemispheres, each hemisphere including stellated polygon shaped dimples and grooves. - Dimple patterns of the present invention include dimples having a plan shape defined by a stellated polygon. Such dimples are referred to herein as “stellated polygon shaped dimples” and “star shaped dimples.” In a particular embodiment, star shaped dimples of the present invention have a plan shape defined by a stellated polygon having 4 or 5 or 6 points. In another particular embodiment, star shaped dimples of the present invention have a plan shape defined by a stellated pentagon.
- As shown in
FIG. 3 , star shaped dimples of the present invention have an encompassing diameter, D1, and an interior diameter, D2. The encompassing diameter, D1, is preferably from 0.05 inches to 0.35 inches. The ratio, -
- of tne encompassing diameter, D1, to the interior diameter, D2, is preferably 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values. The plan shape area, Ap, as measured in a plane normal to the axis connecting the plan shape centroid and the ball centroid, is preferably from 6.0×10−4 in2 to 0.0350 in2.
- In a particular embodiment, the dimple pattern of the present invention includes a group of at least three star shaped dimples arranged within relatively close proximity to each other, and preferably in a hexagonal manner, wherein, within the group of relatively closely spaced star shaped dimples, the centroid of at least one star shaped dimple does not lie in the same plane as two other star shaped dimples. For example,
FIG. 4 shows a group of three star shaped dimples having the same encompassing diameter, D1, and separated by distances δ1, δ2, and δ3. The ratio, -
- of the encompassing diameter, D1, to distance δ1 is preferably 0.75 or 0.90 or 1.00 or 1.25, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values. The ratio,
-
- of the encompassing diameter, D1, to distance δ2 is preferably 0.75 or 0.90 or 1.00 or 1.25, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper imit selected from these values. The ratio,
-
- of the encompassing diameter, D1, to distance δ3 is preferably 0.90 or 1.10 or 1.20 or 1.40, or is within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values. Preferably, the difference between δ1 and δ2 is from 0 to 0.005 inches.
- The profile of star shaped dimples of the present invention is preferably selected from arcuate (i.e., spherical), catenary, flat bottom, and constant depth profiles. An illustrative example of a star shaped dimple of the present invention having an arcuate dimple profile is shown in
FIGS. 5A-5B .FIG. 5A shows a plan view of the dimple.FIG. 5B shows a profile view of the dimple ofFIG. 5A taken along line B-B. All of the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same encompassingdiameter plane 10. Thephantom ball surface 20 is the part of the ball surface that would exist if the dimple were not present. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5A-5B , thedimple profile 12 is defined by an arc having a starting point located at anexterior vertex 16 of the stellated polygon. Optionally, the arc starting point is offset from the dimple surface by a depth of up to 0.0050 inches. Also shown inFIG. 5B is thepoint 14 where an interior vertex of the stellated polygon connects to the ball surface. All of the interior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same interior diameter plane. Star shaped dimples of the present invention having an arcuate dimple profile preferably have an edge angle, as measured at the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon, of from 11.0° to 17.0°. Star shaped dimples of the present invention having an arcuate dimple profile preferably have a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of from 0.005 inches to 0.025 inches. - An illustrative example of a star shaped dimple of the present invention having a constant depth dimple profile is shown in
FIGS. 6A-6B .FIG. 6A shows a plan view of the dimple.FIG. 6B shows a profile view of the dimple ofFIG. 6A taken along line B-B. All of the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same encompassingdiameter plane 10. Thephantom ball surface 20 is the part of the ball surface that would exist if the dimple were not present. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A-6B , thedimple profile 12 is defined by an arc that is concentric with the dimple surface such that is creates asidewall 18 at all points along the dimple perimeter. Star shaped dimples of the present invention having a constant depth dimple profile have a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of from 0.003 inches to 0.015 inches. - An illustrative example of a star shaped dimple of the present invention having a flat bottom dimple profile is shown in
FIGS. 7A-7B .FIG. 7A shows a plan view of the dimple.FIG. 7B shows a profile view of the dimple ofFIG. 7A taken along line B-B. All of the exterior vertices of the stellated polygon lie on the same encompassingdiameter plane 10. Thephantom ball surface 20 is the part of the ball surface that would exist if the dimple were not present. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A-7B , the bottom of the dimple is flat, creating asidewall 18 at all points along the dimple perimeter. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A-7B , the bottom of the dimple is equidistant from the encompassingdiameter plane 10 at all points. Star shaped dimples of the present invention having a flat bottom dimple profile have a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of from 0.005 inches to 0.025 inches. - For purposes of the present disclosure, edge angle measurements are determined on finished golf balls. Generally, it may be difficult to measure an edge angle due to the indistinct nature of the boundary dividing the dimple from the ball's undisturbed land surface. Due to the effect of coatings on the golf ball surface and/or the dimple design itself, the junction between the land surface and the dimple is typically not a sharp corner and is therefore indistinct. This can make the measurement of properties such as edge angle (ΦEDGE) and dimple diameter, somewhat ambiguous. To resolve this problem, edge angle (ΦEDGE) on a finished golf ball is measured as follows, in reference to
FIG. 8 .FIG. 8 shows a dimple half-profile extending from thedimple centerline 31 to the ball'sundisturbed land surface 33. A ballphantom surface 32 is constructed above the dimple as a continuation of theland surface 33. A first tangent line T1 is then constructed at a point on the dimple sidewall that is spaced 0.003 inches radially inward from thephantom surface 32. T1 intersectsphantom surface 32 at a point P1, which defines a nominal dimple edge position. A second tangent line T2 is then constructed, tangent to thephantom surface 32, at P1. The edge angle (ΦEDGE) is the angle between T1 and T2. - Dimple patterns of the present invention include grooves, preferably resembling stripes on the American flag. The profile of grooves of the present invention is preferably selected from arcuate, flat bottom, and constant depth profiles. Suitable profile shapes for grooves of the present invention include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,707,451, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the depth of the grooves is from 0.001 inches to 0.020 inches, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point of the groove. Preferably, the width of the grooves is from 0.05 inches to 0.35 inches. The width of a single groove can be constant along the length of the groove, or the width of a single groove can vary by up to 0.15 inches along the length of the groove. The plan shape of the grooves of the present invention can be defined by a straight line or a curved path. In a particular embodiment, each groove is separated by land area that is about the same width as, i.e., within 25% of, the width of the grooves adjacent to it.
- In a particular embodiment, at least one groove terminates at the parting line of the golf ball at both ends of the groove.
- Each groove has two long edges that meet the fret surface of the golf ball. In a particular embodiment, the maximum groove length on the ball, as measured by the groove edge with the longest length, is 2.00 inches or greater.
- In one embodiment, the outer surface of the ball is divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, wherein the first hemisphere has an arrangement of star shaped dimples and/or grooves, the second hemisphere has an arrangement of star shaped dimples and/or grooves, and the arrangement of star shaped dimples and/or grooves on the first hemisphere is different from that on the second hemisphere.
- In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the first hemisphere comprises star shaped dimples in an amount of at least 40, or from 40 to 60. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, the first hemisphere comprises 50 star shaped dimples. The first hemisphere optionally includes one or more dimples having a conventional plan shape, e.g., a circular plan shape, in addition to the star shaped dimples.
- In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the second hemisphere comprises grooves in an amount of at least 5, or from 5 to 10. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, the second hemisphere comprises 6 grooves. The second hemisphere optionally includes one or more dimples having a conventional plan shape, e.g., a circular plan shape, in addition to the grooves.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1A-1C , a golf ball outer surface is illustrated having a first hemisphere consisting of 50 star shaped dimples and a second hemisphere consisting of 6 grooves, the grooves being represented by shading inFIG. 1C . Each of the star shaped dimples of the first hemisphere has a plan shape defined by a stellated pentagon, an encompassing diameter of 0.240 inches, and a plan shape area of 0.016 in2. Each of the star shaped dimples of the first hemisphere has an arcuate profile shape, an edge angle of 16.0° at the exterior vertices of the stellated pentagon, and a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of 0.0168 inches. Each of the grooves of the second hemisphere has a plan shape defined by a curved path, and are separated from each other by land area that is similar in width to the grooves. The width of each groove varies along the length of the groove. In a further particular aspect of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-1C , the grooves of the second hemisphere have properties as given in Table 1 below. -
TABLE 1 First Second Max Min Edge Edge Depth Width Width Length Length Groove Profile Shape (in) (in) (in) (in) (in) 1 constant depth 0.012 0.260 0.123 1.69 2.10 2 constant depth 0.012 0.156 0.125 2.36 2.54 3 constant depth 0.012 0.133 0.127 2.65 2.69 4 constant depth 0.012 0.134 0.129 2.68 2.60 5 constant depth 0.012 0.205 0.122 2.44 2.18 6 constant depth 0.012 0.240 0.145 1.81 1.36 - In another embodiment, the outer surface of the ball is divided by a plane that passes through the geometric center of the golf ball and divides the outer surface into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, wherein the first hemisphere has an arrangement of star shaped dimples and grooves, and the second hemisphere has an arrangement of dimples and grooves that is substantially identical to the arrangement of the first hemisphere.
- In a particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises star shaped dimples in an amount of at least 40, or from 40 to 60. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises 50 star shaped dimples.
- Each hemisphere optionally includes one or more dimples having a conventional plan shape, e.g., a circular plan shape, in addition to the star shaped dimples. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises at least 25, or at least 50, or at least 60, dimples having a conventional, e.g., circular, plan shape.
- In another particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises grooves in an amount of at least 5, or from 5 to 10. In a more particular aspect of this embodiment, each hemisphere comprises 6 grooves.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 2A-2C , a golf ball outer surface is illustrated having substantially identical hemispheres, each of which consists of 50 star shaped dimples, 70 spherical dimples, and 6 grooves, the grooves being represented by shading inFIGS. 2B-2C . Each of the star shaped dimples has a plan shape defined by a stellated pentagon, an encompassing diameter of 0.080 inches, and a plan shape area of 0.0018 in2. Each of the star shaped dimples has a flat bottom profile shape and a dimple depth, as measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, of 0.0042 inches. The spherical dimples have an edge angle of 14.75° and include dimples having the following dimple diameters: 0.110 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.160 inches, 0.170 inches, and 0.185 inches. Each of the grooves has a plan shape defined by a curved path, and are separated from each other by land area that is similar in width to the grooves. The width of each groove varies along the length of the groove. In a further particular aspect of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2C , the grooves of the second hemisphere have properties as given in Table 2 below. -
TABLE 2 First Second Max Min Edge Edge Depth Width Width Length Length Groove Profile Shape (in) (in) (in) (in) (in) 1 constant depth 0.010 0.078 0.075 1.40 1.47 2 constant depth 0.010 0.078 0.076 1.52 1.56 3 constant depth 0.010 0.078 0.076 1.59 1.61 4 constant depth 0.010 0.078 0.076 2.69 2.66 5 constant depth 0.010 0.078 0.076 2.62 2.55 6 constant depth 0.010 0.078 0.076 2.46 2.36 - Golf balls of the present invention may have a flat parting line or a non-flat parting line.
- Golf ball dimple patterns of the present invention may include conventional dimples, including, but not limited to, spherical dimples, catenary dimples, and the like, in addition to stellated polygon shaped dimples.
- When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used.
- All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited herein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.
- While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all of the features of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
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US16/710,178 US10894188B2 (en) | 2018-07-25 | 2019-12-11 | Golf ball dimple patterns including stars and stripes and color |
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US10894188B2 (en) * | 2018-07-25 | 2021-01-19 | Acushnet Company | Golf ball dimple patterns including stars and stripes and color |
US11013961B2 (en) * | 2019-08-02 | 2021-05-25 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc | Golf ball |
USD949992S1 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2022-04-26 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf ball |
USD949991S1 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2022-04-26 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf ball |
USD941409S1 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2022-01-18 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf ball |
USD949990S1 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2022-04-26 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf ball |
US11813500B2 (en) * | 2022-03-23 | 2023-11-14 | Acushnet Company | Fan-shaped golf ball dimple |
US20230372779A1 (en) * | 2022-05-18 | 2023-11-23 | Acushnet Company | Golf ball dimple constructed of radial channels |
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USD386548S (en) * | 1996-02-08 | 1997-11-18 | Cullen Iii Ray C | Practice golf ball |
US7179177B2 (en) * | 2000-12-06 | 2007-02-20 | Callaway Golf Company | Golf ball with covered dimples |
US8033933B2 (en) * | 2002-02-15 | 2011-10-11 | Acushnet Company | Golf ball surface patterns comprising variable width/depth multiple channels |
JP2003260151A (en) * | 2002-03-08 | 2003-09-16 | Bridgestone Sports Co Ltd | Golf ball |
JP4085261B2 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2008-05-14 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | Golf ball |
US7601080B2 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2009-10-13 | Acushnet Company | Golf ball dimples with spiral depressions |
US9180344B2 (en) * | 2013-01-14 | 2015-11-10 | Acushnet Company | Multi-arm dimple and dimple patterns including same |
USD738972S1 (en) * | 2014-06-02 | 2015-09-15 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Practice ball |
US9707451B1 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2017-07-18 | Acushnet Company | Golf ball having dimples with concentric grooves |
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