Particular Dimple Detail Patents (Class 473/383)
  • Publication number: 20120015762
    Abstract: A method of making a golf ball having a secondary surface texture created on the fret areas by the dimple making procedure. The secondary surface is created on a hob prior to the primary dimple pattern being formed therein, and which largely obliterates the secondary surface texture except for the fret areas and the outer inside surface of the perimeter of the dimples where the depth of the dimple is less than the depth of the secondary surface texture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20120010024
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Hirotaka NAKAMURA, Kazuhiko ISOGAWA, Seiichiro ENDO, Hyoungchol KIM
  • Publication number: 20120010026
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsunori SATO
  • Patent number: 8083614
    Abstract: A golf ball includes noncircular dimples having smooth bottom surfaces; a method for designing the golf ball is disclosed. A noncircular dimple DNC has a border line which is a boundary line on the surface, the boundary line formed by connecting segments at some connecting points. The segments include at least one type of line segments LS and smoothly curved segments CS. A bottom surface BS of the noncircular dimple DNC includes at least five facets formed of at least five curved reference lines RC, each connecting a reference point A and one of at least five border points B, and each being tangential, at the reference point A, to a reference plane RP inside a virtual sphere having the radius of the ball, the reference point A set on the reference plane RP, the border points B set respectively at positions on the boundary line excluding the connecting points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Takuma Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8083613
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball with a surface having a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The number of dimples is at least 250 and not more than 400, the dimples have a surface coverage (SR) of at least 70% and a volume ratio (VR) of at least 1.1%, are of at least three types and have an average depth of at least about 0.18 mm and a diameter (DM) to depth (DP) ratio (DM/DP) of not more than about 22. The (total number of Db)/(total number of Da) ratio, where Da represents dimples having a diameter of at least 3.7 mm and Db represents dimples having a diameter of less than 3.7 mm, is at least about 0.005 and not more than about 1. The ball has a coefficient of lift CL at a Reynolds number of 70,000 and a spin rate of 2,000 rpm which is maintained at 60% or more of the coefficient of lift CL at a Reynolds number of 80,000 and a spin rate of 2,000 rpm. The golf ball of the invention lowers fluctuations in lift and drag at high and low spin rates, enabling a stable trajectory to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Takuma Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8079921
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having numerous dimples on a surface thereof, wherein at least one dimple cross-sectional shape is a cycloid curve or a trochoid curve. By thus optimizing the cross-sectional shape of the dimples, the aerodynamic performance due to the dimple effect is enhanced, enabling the distance traveled by the ball to be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Atsuki Kasashima
  • Patent number: 8070627
    Abstract: A golf ball has a substantially spherical outer surface comprised of a plurality of non-circular dimples. The dimples are formed by a plurality of lobes extending from a central hub, wherein each lobe is defined by a curved outer segment. The curved outer segments form at least a portion of the perimeter of the dimple. The dimples are comprised of at least four lobes. The dimples can also be comprised of a plurality of radiating arms emanating from a location proximate the hub of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110294602
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110294604
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110294603
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110294601
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Aero-X Golf Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110294605
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110287868
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a solid core, a cover of at least one layer, and a plurality of dimples on a surface of an outermost layer of the cover. The dimples number at least 250 but not more than 500, and have a volume ratio (VR) of from 1.20 to 1.50%. The ball has a deflection, when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load state of 98 N (10 kgf), of from 4.0 to 6.0 mm. This golf ball is able to substantially reduce the distance traveled by the ball when struck at a high head speed, while at the same time holding down the decrease in distance when struck at a low head speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji UMEZAWA, Hiroshi HIGUCHI, Katsunori SATO, Takuma NAKAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20110287866
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimple groupings comprised of multiple angular spiral shaped arms that are arrayed to form polygonal perimeters, wherein the number of arms equals the number of perimeter sides. This allows greater symmetry about the dimple grouping center, thereby improving the consistency of the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In another unique feature of the present invention, the angular shape of the arms facilitates the formation of polygonal shaped dimple groupings, which can fit closely together to cover a greater proportion of the ball's surface, preferably more than about 85% surface coverage, thereby further enhancing aerodynamic performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20110287869
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a solid core, a cover of at least one layer, and a plurality of dimples on a surface of an outermost layer of the cover. The dimples number at least 250 but not more than 500, and have a volume ratio (VR) of from 1.00 to 1.40%. The ball has a deflection, when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load state of 98 N (10 kgf), of from 4.0 to 6.0 mm, and has an initial velocity, as measured using an initial velocity measuring apparatus of the same type as a USGA drum rotation-type initial velocity instrument, of from 70.0 to 76.0 m/s. This golf ball is able to substantially reduce the distance traveled by the ball when struck at a high head speed, while at the same time holding down the decrease in distance when struck at a low head speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji UMEZAWA, Hiroshi Higuchi, Katsunori Sato, Takuma Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20110287867
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a solid core, a cover of at least one layer, and a plurality of dimples on a surface of an outermost layer of the cover. The dimples have a volume ratio (VR) of at least 1.6%. The ball has an initial velocity, as measured using an initial velocity measuring apparatus of the same type as a USGA drum rotation-type initial velocity instrument, which is at least 77 m/s, and has a ratio of total distance traveled when struck at a head speed of 54 m/s to total distance traveled when struck at a head speed of 35 m/s (HS54/HS35) of from 1.30 to 1.50. This golf ball is able to substantially reduce the distance traveled by the ball when struck at a high head speed, while at the same time holding down the decrease in distance when struck at a low head speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi HIGUCHI, Junji Umezawa, Katsunori Sato, Takuma Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20110269575
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110269577
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110269576
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David C. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Publication number: 20110269578
    Abstract: A non-conforming golf ball has a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the ball in a predetermined dimple pattern, the outer surface comprising one or more first areas which include a plurality of first dimples which together have a first dimple volume and at least one second area having a dimple volume less that the first dimple volume, the first and second areas being configured to establish a preferred spin axis. The second area may be a band around the equator which has a lower dimple volume or no dimples, with the polar regions have a higher volume of dimples, creating a preferred spin axis through the poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield
  • Patent number: 8002647
    Abstract: A golf ball has an increased surface occupancy ratio of dimples, the dimples are shallow to restrain a lift acting on the golf ball flying in a high-speed region after the ball has been hit, and the lift of the golf ball flying in a low-speed region in the latter half of the trajectory is maintained for a long time, by which a longer carry can be obtained. The golf ball has plural dimples formed on the surface thereof, in which at least about 10 percent of dimples of all the dimples on the surface are noncircular dimples in which a boundary line between a land part and the dimple include a curved line part and a straight line part, and the noncircular dimples each have a flat bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Sato
  • Publication number: 20110201453
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core, at least one intermediate layer encasing the core, and a cover. The intermediate layer is formed primarily of a specific ionomer resin composition that is highly neutralized. The cover is formed by injection molding a single resin blend composed primarily of a thermoplastic polyurethane and (g) a polyisocyanate compound in at least some portion of which all the isocyanate groups on the molecule are present in an unreacted state. The golf ball of the invention has a low spin rate on shots with a driver, enabling it to travel a good distance, and achieves a sufficient spin rate on shots with a short iron such as a wedge. The ball also has an excellent scuff resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki Kasashima, Atsushi Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20110195802
    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%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Hirotaka NAKAMURA, Hyoungchol KIM
  • Patent number: 7988571
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimple groupings comprised of multiple angular spiral shaped arms that are arrayed to form polygonal perimeters, wherein the number of arms equals the number of perimeter sides. This allows greater symmetry about the dimple grouping center, thereby improving the consistency of the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In another unique feature of the present invention, the angular shape of the arms facilitates the formation of polygonal shaped dimple groupings, which can fit closely together to cover a greater proportion of the ball's surface, preferably more than about 85% surface coverage, thereby further enhancing aerodynamic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20110183777
    Abstract: A golf ball which reduces frictional resistance against air travels further. The golf ball includes a surface configured to have convex dimples arranged on the surface. Relative roughness of the golf ball having the convex dimples is maintained to be similar to that of a golf ball having concave dimples, thereby ensuring stability of carry of the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Jeong-Ku OH
  • Publication number: 20110183778
    Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed having a plurality of dimples on its surface, the dimples being arranged in patterns determined by the science of phyllotaxis. Phyllotactic patterns are used to ascertain the placement of dimples in each polygonal face of a polyhedron based dimple pattern. Phyllotactic patterns provide for the arrangement of multiple spiral shaped strings of dimples within individual polygonal faces of a golf ball surface, with each polygonal face area having its own phyllotactic origination point at its center. The resulting multiple axes of symmetry in the overall dimple pattern provide improved symmetry of flight performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20110177888
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball composed of a core and a cover having an outside surface on which are formed a plurality of dimples. Letting BV and CV be the initial velocity (m/s) of, respectively, the ball and the core as measured by a method using an initial velocity measuring apparatus of the same type as a USGA drum rotation-type initial velocity instrument and letting BE and CE be the deflection (mm) of, respectively, the ball and the core when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf), the core initial velocity CV is from 70.0 to 78.0 m/s and the ball satisfies the formula ?1.0?(BV/BE)?(CV/CE)?3.0. The golf ball of the invention has a flight distance that can be reduced compared with official golf balls currently in use, yet has the same good feel on impact and excellent controllability, scuff resistance and durability to repeated impact as a game ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junji UMEZAWA
  • Publication number: 20110136590
    Abstract: A cross-sectional shape of each of dimples 8 of a golf ball 2 is a wave-like curve. The wave-like curve has two first curves 14, two second curves 16, two third curves 18, and one fourth curve 20. Each first curve 14 and each third curve 18 are upwardly convex. Each second curve 16 and the fourth curve 20 are downwardly convex. Each first curve 14 is connoted to a land 10 at an edge Ed. Each second curve 16 is connected to the first curve 14 at a first inflexion point 22. Each third curve 18 is connected to the second curve 16 at a second inflexion point 24. The fourth curve 20 is connected to the third curves 18 at third inflexion points 26. In the wave-like curve, the upwardly convex curves 14 and 18 and the downwardly convex curves 16 and 20 are alternately arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Hyoungchol KIM, Masahide Onuki, Keiji Moriyama, Hirotaka Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20110111887
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Herbert C. Boehm
  • Publication number: 20110098132
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a solid core, a cover, at least one intermediate layer situated therebetween, and a plurality of dimples on a surface of the ball. The diameter of the solid core, the deflection of the core when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, the hardness at the center of the core, the hardness in a region 5 mm to 10 mm from the center of the core, the hardness 15 mm from the center of the core, and the surface hardness are set within specific ranges. The intermediate layer is composed primarily of a material obtained by mixing under applied heat a specific resin composition and the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane. And, the number of dimples and the trajectory volume TVT are set within specific ranges. The golf ball of the invention has an excellent flight performance, feel, controllability and scuff resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi HIGUCHI, Junji UMEZAWA, Toru OGAWANA, Hiroyuki NAGASAWA
  • Publication number: 20110098131
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core, at least one intermediate layer encasing the core, and a cover. The intermediate layer is formed primarily of a specific ionomer resin composition that has been highly neutralized, and the cover is formed primarily of an ionomer resin composition containing a specific amount of a granular inorganic filler. The golf ball has an excellent durability to repeated impact and a good flight performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki KASASHIMA, Atsushi Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20110098135
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Takahisa Ono
  • Publication number: 20110092314
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a solid core, a cover, at least one intermediate layer situated therebetween, and a plurality of dimples on a surface of the ball. The diameter of the solid core, the deflection of the core when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, the hardness at the center of the core, the hardness in a region 5 mm to 10 mm from the center of the core, the hardness 15 mm from the center of the core, and the surface hardness are set within specific ranges. The intermediate layer is composed primarily of a material obtained by mixing under applied heat a specific resin composition. The golf ball of the invention has an excellent flight performance, feel, controllability and scuff resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi HIGUCHI, Junji UMEZAWA, Toru OGAWANA, Hiroyuki NAGASAWA, Kae IIZUKA
  • Patent number: 7927234
    Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed having a plurality of dimples on its surface, the dimples being arranged in patterns determined by the science of phyllotaxis. Phyllotactic patterns are used to ascertain the placement of dimples in each polygonal face of a polyhedron based dimple pattern. Phyllotactic patterns provide for the arrangement of multiple spiral shaped strings of dimples within individual polygonal faces of a golf ball surface, with each polygonal face area having its own phyllotactic origination point at its center. The resulting multiple axes of symmetry in the overall dimple pattern provide improved symmetry of flight performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20110081992
    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, the plural areas configured such that the golf ball has a Drag Coefficient (CD) and a Lift Coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.330 and 0.270, respectively, at a Reynolds Number (Re) of about 80,000 and a spin rate of between about 2,900 rpm and about 3,000 rpm and a CD and CL of less than about 0.260 and 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield, Rocky Lee
  • Publication number: 20110065531
    Abstract: Golf balls include an exterior cover having a plurality of dimples arranged thereon, wherein from 5 to 95% of the dimples have a non-uniform dimple profile. At least a majority of the dimples having a non-uniform dimple profile on the golf ball body may be arranged in 2-24 repeating dimple clusters on the exterior surface of the ball. In some example structures, the exterior surface of the ball will include from 4-18 repeating dimple clusters, from 4-12 repeating dimple clusters, or even from 6-10 repeating dimple clusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20110059813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls, specifically, to a golf ball with multifaceted depressions comprising two discrete geometries surrounded by a first perimeter. A second perimeter is circumscribed within the first and surrounds prismatoid depressions or protrusions. Primarily the first and second perimeters are circular and the depressions or protrusions are based on a polyhedral prismatoid having a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve edges, wherein the ratio of the first and second diameters is between 0.25 to 0.90.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20110053707
    Abstract: A multilayer solid golf ball maintains performance characteristics after exposure to high ambient temperatures. A core includes a thermoplastic material. The core is surrounded by an intermediate layer comprising a peroxide cross-linked polybutadiene. A single layer or double layer cover with dimples is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Yutaka Kabeshita, Yasushi Ichikawa, Hsin Cheng, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 7887439
    Abstract: A golf ball having an outside surface with a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples on the ball have a cross-sectional profiles formed by a catenary curve. Combinations of varying dimple diameters, shape factors, and chordal depths in the catenary curve are used to vary the ball flight performance according to ball spin characteristics, player swing speed, as well as satisfy specific aerodynamic magnitude and direction criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Steven Aoyama, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20110034274
    Abstract: The golf ball 2 has a northern hemisphere N and a southern hemisphere S. The northern hemisphere N is adjacent to the southern hemisphere S across an equatorial line Eq. Each of the northern hemisphere N and the southern hemisphere S has a pole vicinity region 14 and an equator vicinity region 16. Each of the pole vicinity region 14 and the equator vicinity region 16 has a large number of dimples. The dimple pattern of the pole vicinity region 14 includes three units that are rotationally symmetrical to each other about a pole Po. The dimple pattern of the equator vicinity region 16 includes six units that are rotationally symmetrical to each other about the pole Po. The sum (Ps+Pp) of a peak value Ps and a peak value Pp of the golf ball 2 is equal to or greater than 600 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Takahiro SAJIMA, Hirotaka Nakamura, Hyoungchol Kim
  • Publication number: 20110028246
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core formed by vulcanizing a rubber composition and a cover composed primarily of a polyurethane material. The rubber composition of the core includes 100 parts by weight of a base rubber, from 10 to 40 parts by weight of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, a peroxyketal (a) and a monophenol-type antioxidant (b), the weight ratio (a)/(b) of the peroxyketal to the monophenol-type antioxidant being from 5 to 50. The ball has an excellent discoloration resistance and an outstanding distance and feel on shots taken with a middle iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Kimura
  • Publication number: 20110028245
    Abstract: A golf ball has uniform gaps between dimples even if the surface occupancy ratio of the dimples is high, and therefore the aerodynamic performance thereof is improved, whereby a longer flight distance can be obtained. In the golf ball having a plurality of dimples and land parts surrounded by the plurality of dimples, the land part has a shape having at least one vertex, the land part is connected to at least two adjacent land parts substantially by a point, and the area of the land part is in the range of about 0.05 mm2 to about 16.0 mm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuma NAKAGAWA, Katsunori Sato
  • Patent number: 7878928
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.095, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.7 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 2.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Steven Aoyama, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, William E. Morgan, Michael D. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7867109
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Herbert C. Boehm
  • Patent number: 7857716
    Abstract: In a golf ball, the surface of the core layer has a predetermined number of depressions, and the depressions have a predetermined total volume. By means of the aforesaid structural design, the spin rate of the golf ball is effectively controlled, and the golf ball has the advantages of simple design and high productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Feng Tay Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin Cheng, Chien-Hsin Chou
  • Patent number: 7846043
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 184,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.106, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.4 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Steven Aoyama, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, William E. Morgan, Michael D. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20100304897
    Abstract: A golf ball includes an outer land surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples comprise protrusions on the inner surface of the dimple to energize or agitate the airflow over the dimpled surfaces to increase the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. These protrusions include rotational elements arranged in various configurations and are fully contained within the dimple perimeter and do not extend beyond a chordal plane of the dimple. By improving the aerodynamic of the airflow over the dimpled surface of the golf ball, the outer land surface of the golf ball may remain robust to prevent premature wear and tear on the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 7841956
    Abstract: A two-piece golf ball having a reaction injection molded polyurethane cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a core with a diameter preferably ranging from 1.610 inches to 1.670 inches, and a cover having a thickness preferably ranging from 0.015 inch to 0.045 inch. The cover also preferably has a plurality of deep apertures extending through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
  • Patent number: 7837578
    Abstract: A multi-lobed golf ball dimple is provided. The dimple comprises a plurality of lobes positioned radially around the center of the dimple, wherein each lobe is defined by a circumferential segment and may be further defined by spoke-like ridges. Each lobe comprises a first curved profile extending from the circumferential segment toward the center of the dimple and the first curved profile of each lobe abuts each other in an uninterrupted manner. The multi-lobed dimple may include uniform and non-uniform dimples. The curvature of the circumferential segments can be defined by a ratio of an inside radius to an outside radius. Each dimple also includes a slightly convex floor that is continuous and smooth. The curvature may match that of the outer surface of the golf ball. Further, a sloped wall interrupted by spoke-like ridges may connect the convex floor with the outer surface of the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7815528
    Abstract: A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 230,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.085, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.9 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Steven Aoyama, Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, William E. Morgan, Michael D. Jordan