Abstract: Golf ball dimples having a cross-sectional profile shape defined by a semi-cubical parabola function are disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball may include an inner core layer and an outer cover layer disposed radially outward of the inner core layer. The outer cover layer may be formed of an outer cover layer material having one or more grooves extending radially inward from an outer surface of the outer cover layer. In addition, the golf ball may include a groove material disposed within the one or more grooves. The groove material may have a compressibility that is different from a compressibility of the outer cover layer material. Also, the outer surface of the groove material may extend radially outward beyond the outer surface of the outer cover layer.

Abstract: A method of making a golf ball may include molding at least one core layer and molding an outer cover layer radially outward of the at least one core layer, from an outer cover layer material, including forming one or more grooves extending radially inward from an outer surface of the outer cover layer. The method may also include molding a groove material within the one or more grooves, the groove material having a compressibility that is different from a compressibility of the outer cover layer material. In addition, molding the groove material may include forming the groove material such that an outer surface of the groove material extends radially outward beyond the outer surface of the outer cover layer.

Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To provide a golf ball with improved flight distance due to improvement in aerodynamic properties by means of contriving dimple designs. The golf ball is in the shape of a sphere and is composed of dimples and lands excluding dimples, wherein said dimples are formed by elliptical dimples together with circular dimples, wherein one said elliptical dimple overlaps said circular dimples at both end parts in its major axis direction, said circular dimples and said elliptical dimples are connected with each other, and one said land is formed between three said elliptical dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a spherical core 4 and a cover 6 positioned outside the core 4. The golf ball 2 further has dimples 8 on a surface thereof. The core 4 is obtained by crosslinking a rubber composition. The difference between a hardness H(5.0) at a point that is located at a distance of 5 mm from the central point of the core 4, and a hardness Ho at the central point is equal to or greater than 6.0. The difference between a hardness H(12.5) at a point that is located at a distance of 12.5 mm from the central point, and the hardness H(5.0) is equal to or less than 4.0. The difference between a hardness Hs at the surface of the core 4 and the hardness H(12.5) is equal to or greater than 10.0. The difference between the hardness Hs and the hardness Ho is equal to or greater than 22.0. There is no zone in which a hardness decreases from the central point to the surface. The rubber composition of the core 4 includes 2-naphthalenethiol. A cross-sectional shape of each dimple 8 is a wave-like curve.

Abstract: Golf ball dimples having a non-circular plan shape and a cross-sectional profile shape defined by the envelope of the response of an under damped harmonic oscillator are disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball has a large number of dimples on a surface thereof. The golf ball meets the following mathematical formula (I): Su?9.0*So?6.04??(I), Where: So represents a ratio of a sum of spherical surface areas of all the dimples to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball; and Su represents a standard deviation (mm2) of the spherical surface areas of all the dimples. Preferably, the ratio So is equal to or greater than 0.780. Preferably, the standard deviation Su is equal to or less than 2.150 mm2. Preferably, a number of the dimples is equal to or greater than 300 but equal to or less than 390. Preferably, an average Sa of the spherical surface areas s of all the dimples is equal to or greater than 14.00 mm2.

Abstract: Provided is a spherical polyhedron division structure of a golf ball where dimples are arranged to have a well-defined symmetry and a dimple pattern. In the spherical polyhedron division structure, wherein an arbitrary point on a surface of a spherical body constituting a golf ball is defined as a pole, a great circle dividing the spherical body into a northern hemisphere and a southern hemisphere with respect to the pole as a reference point is defined as an equator, the surface of the spherical body is divided into six areas formed by segments connecting the pole and points obtained by dividing the equator in units of 60°, each area is divided into spherical polygons formed by four spherical rectangles and two spherical triangles having sides with different lengths, and the spherical polygons arranged in different adjacent areas are symmetric with each other.

Abstract: A method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface includes: determining an initial arrangement of dimples; dividing the surface of a golf ball into multiple equivalent unit regions; based on a dimple interval between two freely selected dimples within one of the unit regions, determining whether or not the two dimples are in an adjacent relationship to each other; and changing the positions of the two dimples corresponding to the dimple interval between the two freely selected dimples in the adjacent relationship, wherein determining of the adjacent relationship and changing of the position are repeated until the maximum interval, which is a maximum value of the dimple interval between two freely selected dimples in the adjacent relationship in the unit region, falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core, a cover covering the core, and a clear layer covering the cover. The cover has dimples and a land. An xy coordinate of a hue of an outermost layer in the core excluding a colorless and transparent layer is included in any one of eight zones I to VIII. An xy coordinate of a hue of the cover is included in any one of the eight zones I to VIII which is different from and is not adjacent to the zone in which the xy coordinate of the hue of the outermost layer is included. A ratio (T1/T2) of a thickness T1 of the cover immediately below a deepest portion of each dimple and a thickness T2 of the cover immediately below the land is equal to or greater than 0.50 but equal to or less than 0.80.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a negative inflection in drag coefficient (CD) during the flight of the golf ball.

Abstract: Golf ball dimples having a cross-sectional profile shape defined by the envelope of the response of an under damped harmonic oscillator are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a golf ball having an improved structure of a plurality of circular dimples formed on a surface of the golf ball to improve flight stability and increase a flying distance. With a golf ball having a plurality of circular dimples on a surface thereof, a plurality of concaves, each of which has a shape of an arc concentric with the circular dimple, are formed at a predetermined interval along a circumference of the entire or a portion of the circular dimple.

Abstract: A cross-sectional shape of each of dimples 8 of a golf ball is a wave-like curve. The wave-like curve has two first projections 16, two second projections 18, two first recesses 20, and two second recesses 22. A circular arc 14 passes through one edge Ed, a deepest point Pd, and another edge Ed. Each first projection 16 is located above the circular arc 14. Each second projection 18 is located above the circular arc 14. Each first recess 20 is located below the circular arc 14. Each second recess 22 is located below the circular arc 14. The ratio of the distance Lp from an edge Ed to a peak Pp to the radius (Di/2) of the dimple 8 is equal to or greater than 20% but equal to or less than 70%.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a plurality of circular dimples formed on the surface thereof, each of the circular dimples having a flat bottom surface; and a plurality of noncircular dimples formed on the surface of the golf ball, at least about 10 percent of dimples of all the dimples on the surface being the noncircular dimples, wherein a boundary line between a land part of the golf ball and the noncircular dimples each comprise a curved line part and a straight line part. The plurality of noncircular dimples each having a flat bottom surface. The bottom surface of the noncircular dimple may has a planar shape approximately similar to the boundary line. The lift coefficient CL at Re 70000/2000 rpm may be at least about 70 percent of the lift coefficient CL at Re 80000/2000 rpm, and the drag coefficient CD at Re 180000/2520 rpm is up to about 0.225.

Abstract: A golf ball having an improved surface pattern is disclosed. The golf ball has one or more channels on its surface. The channels form spherical polygonal tiles that may include a plurality of dimples. These dimples may be circular or polygonal in shape.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a negative inflection in drag coefficient (CD) during the flight of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf hall dimple having a plurality of arms wherein each arm includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, side walls, and a sloped floor. The dimples of the invention may be included in a dimple pattern that may also include other types of dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 has a large number of dimples 8 on a surface thereof. A trajectory of the golf ball 2 is divided into first to fourth segments. An average CD1 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL1 of lift coefficients CL in the first segment are equal to or less than 0.225 and 0.180, respectively. An average CD2 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL2 of lift coefficients CL in the second segment are equal to or less than 0.250 and 0.220, respectively. An average CD3 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL3 of lift coefficients CL in the third segment are equal to or greater than 0.260 and 0.220, respectively. An average CD4 of drag coefficients CD and an average CL4 of lift coefficients CL in the fourth segment are equal to or greater than 0.250 and 0.200, respectively.

Abstract: Golf ball dimples having a cross-sectional profile shape defined by the envelope of the response of an under damped harmonic oscillator are disclosed.

Abstract: Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Optionally, the dimples have a catenary cross-sectional shape and the modified dimples are altered by changing the shape factor and/or chord depth. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimples with a cross-sectional profile comprising a conical top portion and a non-conical bottom portion. More particularly, the profiles of the present invention are defined by three independent parameters: dimple diameter (DD), edge angle (?EDGE), and saucer ratio (Sr). These parameters fully define the dimple shape and allow for greater flexibility in constructing a dimple profile versus conventional spherical dimples. Further, conical dimples provide a unique dimple cross-section which is visually distinct.

Abstract: A golf ball has, on a surface thereof, a rugged pattern composed of a land and a large number of dimples. A method for designing the rugged pattern includes the steps of: (1) assuming a large number of circles on a surface of a phantom sphere; (2) assuming a large number of generating points 16 based on positions of the large number of circles; (3) assuming a large number of Voronoi regions 18 on the surface of the phantom sphere by a Voronoi tessellation based on the large number of generating points 16; and (4) assigning a dimple and a land to the surface of the phantom sphere based on contours of the large number of Voronoi regions 18.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples on its surface based on a dimple pattern determined by circle packing theory. In particular, the dimple pattern is determined by arranging a plurality of circles on a Riemann surface where each circle is not tangent to any other circle in more than one place.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.255 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 4,000 rpm.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.200 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 3000 rpm.

Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a land and numerous dimples 8 on the surface thereof. This dimple 8 has first curved face 14 and second curved face 16. The first curved face 14 is continuous with land 10 at the edge Ed. The second curved face 16 is continuous with the first curved face 14 at the boundary point Pb. The first curved face 14 has ring-shape. The first curved face 14 is projecting upwards. The second curved face 16 has a bowl-shape. The second curved face 16 is projecting downwards. The second curved face 16 has a curvature radius R2 of equal to or greater than 10 mm. The proportion P1 of the depth d1 of the boundary point Pb to the depth de of the dimple 8 is 1% or greater and 10% or less. The mean diameter of the dimple 8 is equal to or greater than 4.0 mm. The proportion P3 of the number of the dimples 8 having a diameter of equal to or greater than 4.3 mm to total number of the dimples 8 is equal to or greater than 30%.

Abstract: Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.

Abstract: Golf balls may include a first pole, a second pole, and a seam located between the first and second poles. Dimples are formed on a surface of the ball in a pattern that includes a plurality of repeating sectors around each pole of the ball. The sectors on one ball half are rotationally offset across the seam line from the sectors on the other ball half. Additionally, each individual sector includes a line of symmetry over which the dimple pattern on one half of the sector is mirrored on the other half. A variety of different dimple types also may be arranged on a golf ball surface, e.g., within the sectors described above. Additional aspects of this invention relate to the features of various layers of a multi-piece golf ball and to methods of making golf balls having at least some of the features mentioned above.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a drag coefficient (CD) below about 0.255 at a Reynolds Number (Re) of about 165,000 and at a spin rate in the range of about 3,400 rpm to about 3,550 rpm and below about 0.330 at a RE of about 80,000 and at a spin rate in a range of about 2,900 rpm to about 3,000 rpm.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided that has improved aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in increased flight distance for golfers of all swing speeds, and more particularly for golfers possessing very high swing speeds, such as those who can launch the balls at an initial speed greater than 160 miles per hour and more particularly at initial ball speed of about 170 miles per hour or higher. The golf ball of the present invention combines lower dimple count with multiple dimple sizes to provide higher dimple coverage and improved aerodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimples with a cross-sectional profile comprising a conical base shape and a spherical cap with a prescribed point of tangency to the cone sidewall. More particularly, the conical profiles of the present invention are defined by three independent parameters: dimple diameter (DD), edge angle (?EDGE), and saucer ratio (Sr) which is a measure of the relative curvature of the dimple bottom. These parameters fully define the dimple shape and allow for greater flexibility in constructing a dimple profile versus conventional spherical dimples. Further, conical dimples provide a unique dimple cross-section which is visually distinct.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules and such that the first and second groups of areas produced different aerodynamic effects, and the first dimples being of different dimensions from the second dimples.

Abstract: Provided is a golf ball having an improved structure of a plurality of circular dimples formed on a surface of the golf ball to improve flight stability and increase a flying distance. With a golf ball having a plurality of circular dimples on a surface thereof, a plurality of concaves, each of which has a shape of an arc concentric with the circular dimple, are formed at a predetermined interval along a circumference of the entire or a portion of the circular dimple.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising dimples such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, the plural areas configured such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.195 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 135,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 3000 rpm.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a golf ball that is configured to be capable of changing its dimple depth. Changing the dimple depth of at least one of the plurality of dimples affects the aerodynamic properties of the golf ball, such that the play characteristics of the golf ball can be customized. The golf ball may be changed from a first configuration having deeper dimples to a second configuration having shallower dimples. Also provided is a method of customizing a golf ball, the method including the steps of possessing a golf ball that is in accordance with this disclosure and then inducing a mutable portion of the golf ball's cover layer to change the dimple depth.

Abstract: A golf ball having an improved dimple pattern is disclosed. The dimples may have a regular or irregular polygonal perimeter, an undimpled land surface and a depression therein. The perimeter may alternatively comprise a number of linear sides and at least one curved side. At least a portion of the bottom of the depression is convex such that its curvature is substantially identical to the curvature of the land surface making the depth of that portion constant along its surface relative to the land surface. The depression may further comprise a sub-depression. Alternatively, the depression may further comprise a projection. Additionally, the depression may have a polygonal or circular perimeter.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least two groups of areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas being arranged to form a spherical polyhedron shape, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules and such that the first and second groups of areas produce different aerodynamic effects, and the first dimples being of different dimensions from the second dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising at least an inner core and an outer cover layer surrounding the core, the ball having a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the cover layer, the outer surface being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules and such that the first and second groups of areas produce different aerodynamic effects, the first dimples being of different dimensions from the second dimples.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is a golf ball having a core and a cover layer. The cover layer includes areas that are hard, and areas that are soft. The hard areas make up 20% to 60% of the total surface area of the cover layer, preferably 30% to 50%. The hard areas may correspond to the dimples, while the soft areas may correspond to the land between the dimples. The hard areas may be at least about 3 units on the Shore D scale harder than the soft areas, preferably at least about 5 units. The hard areas may be formed in various geometric shapes, or in the shape of a graphic or logo, and be visibly colored. As a result of the arrangement of the hard areas and the soft areas, the golf ball simultaneously achieves good flight distance and good feel.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a projection that is positioned on a land adjacent two or more abutting dimples. The projection is located in a center or at a vertex of a shaped region defined by a pattern of dimples. A method for selecting a position for a projection and desirable configurations of the projection are also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas including dimples configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a drag coefficient (CD) below about 0.260 at a Reynolds Number (Re) of about 170,000 and at a spin rate in the range of about 3,400 rpm to about 3,550 rpm and below about 0.330 at a RE of about 80,000 and at a spin rate in the range of about 2,900 rpm to about 3,000 rpm.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.295 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 5,000 rpm.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least first areas containing a plurality of first dimples and second areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas together forming a spherical polyhedron shape, wherein the first and second dimples are spherical dimples having different diameters and chord depths.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 has a large number of dimples 10 on a surface thereof. The golf ball 2 meets the following mathematical formula (I): Y?3.8*X?2.894 ??(I), where X represents a ratio of a sum of areas of all the dimples 10 to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball, and Y represents a standard deviation (mm) of diameters of all the dimples 10.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball which comprises dimples having a cross-sectional shape defined by the superposition of a weighted profile and one or more additional profiles. The dimples preferably have a circular boundary and maintain an axis coincident with the center of the circular boundary.

Abstract: Golf ball dimples having a cross-sectional profile shape partially defined by a Gabriel's Horn curve are disclosed.

Abstract: Golf ball dimples having a cross-sectional profile shape defined by the product of a base profile and one or more weighting functions are disclosed.