Particular Dimple Detail Patents (Class 473/383)
  • Publication number: 20100261555
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield, Rocky Lee
  • Publication number: 20100261551
    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, the first dimples comprising spherical dimples having a first, spherical chord depth and the second dimples comprising truncated spherical dimples having a second, truncated chord depth, and the second dimples are of larger radius than the first dimples and have a truncated chord depth which is less than the spherical chord depth of the first dimples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: AERO-X GOLF INC.
    Inventors: David L. Felker, Douglas C. Winfield, Rocky Lee
  • Publication number: 20100240472
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf ball with dimples. Some of the dimples have markings that are raised geometric elements having substantially the same elevation as the undimpled land area. Innovatively, the markings interact with and become components of dimples themselves rather than being additions or replacements for dimples. Innovatively, the markings increase the total perimeter value of one or more dimples, and the aggregate dimple perimeter value of a golf ball. Such increased perimeter quantities provide a means to control and improve aerodynamic performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Matthew F. Hogge, William E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20100240473
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a substantially seamless design and a plurality of modified dimples, which synergistically improve the golf ball's symmetric flight performance. The modified dimples may be altered in any number of ways including, but not limited to, by means of changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and dimple plan shape. All such modifications are designed to produce golf balls wherein dimples positioned around the equator are balanced by dimples at the poles and elsewhere, thereby resulting in a ball that flies consistently regardless of orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Aoyama, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20100240474
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a golf ball with dimples having 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20100234137
    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 thickness and material hardness of the intermediate layer, as well as the hardness difference between the surface of the solid core and the intermediate layer are set within specific ranges. The cover is formed primarily of polyurethane, and has a thickness and a material hardness set within specific ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Umezawa, Toru Ogawana, Hiroyuki Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20100234141
    Abstract: A golf ball 2 has a large number of dimples 8 and a land 10. A rugged pattern is formed on the surface of the golf ball 2 by these dimples 8 and the land 10. These dimples 8 are arranged in a random manner. Each dimple 8 has a crater shape. For designing the rugged pattern, a Cellular Automaton method is used. A fluctuation range Rh of the golf ball 2 that is an index indicating the aerodynamic characteristic during PH rotation is 1.9 mm or less. A fluctuation range Ro of the golf ball 2 that is an index indicating the aerodynamic characteristic during POP rotation is 1.9 mm or less. The absolute value of the difference dR between the fluctuation range Ro and the fluctuation range Rh is 0.4 mm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Hyoungchol KIM, Masahide Onuki, Kaname Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100216575
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Takuma Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20100197428
    Abstract: A golf ball mold having a non-planar parting surface formed by superimposing a base waveform with a least one shorter secondary waveform. The base waveform is defined by a series of concentric arcs wherein adjacent arcs are connected with a straight line segment that is tangent to the arcs and creates an acute angle. The length of the straight line segment being critical to the accuracy and predictability of the parting line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Aoyama, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson, David P. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20100190583
    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: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20100173728
    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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Patent number: 7727086
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and flight performance, while maintaining good durability and appearance. The present invention relates to a golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover, the intermediate layer comprises an outermost layer and a second layer adjacent to the underside of the outermost layer, and the cover has many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the second layer is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the outermost layer is formed from thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 1 to 100 ?m, the intermediate layer has depressions on the surface thereof at the position and shape corresponding to the dimples through the cover, and the cover is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.8 mm in land portion having no dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yokota, Seiichiro Endo, Masaaki Kikuchi, Koichi Fujisawa, Kazuhiko Isogawa
  • Patent number: 7722484
    Abstract: A golf ball includes an outer spherical surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the dimples in accordance to the invention have a polygonal perimeter and a substantially spherical, concave depression. The substantially spherical depression comprises a spherical depression and a transitional portion bridging the area between the polygonal perimeter and the spherical depression. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, one or more sides of the polygonal perimeter may be non-linear or curved. The dimples of the present invention may fill the ball's entire outer surface, or the dimples may occupy a predetermined pattern on the ball. The predetermined pattern may also include one or more channels or raised beads on the surface of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20100113187
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface that significantly improves aerodynamic symmetry and minimizes parting line visibility by arranging the dimples in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while eliminating great circles due to parting lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson
  • Patent number: 7708657
    Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a center 4, a mid layer 6, a reinforcing layer 8 and a cover 10. Base polymer of the mid layer 6 includes an ionomer resin as a principal component. A melting point of the resin composition is equal to or greater than 95° C. The mid layer 6 has a thickness of 0.5 mm or greater and 2.5 mm or less. The cover 10 includes a thermoplastic resin. The cover 10 has a nominal thickness Tc of 0.1 mm or greater and 0.9 mm or less. The mid layer 6 has recessed parts which correspond to dimples 12. In the golf ball 2, the resin composition of the mid layer 6 does not flow out from a seam when forming the cover 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yokota, Koichi Fujisawa, Kazuhiko Isogawa
  • Publication number: 20100093468
    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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsunori Sato
  • Patent number: 7691010
    Abstract: A golf ball 2 has a core, a mid layer and a cover. This mid layer comprises 10 parts by weight or greater and 70 parts by weight or less of a thermoplastic elastomer containing a styrene block having a material hardness of less than 10, and 30 parts by weight or greater and 90 parts by weight or less of an ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer based ionomer resin having a material hardness of 50 or greater and 70 or less. Hardness of this mid layer is less than 40, and the thickness is equal to or less than 1.2 mm. This golf ball 2 has seven kinds of dimples (A to G), each having a different diameter. When all the dimples are arranged in decreasing order of the diameter Di, ratio (Dx/Dn) of the mean diameter Dx of the dimples ranking in the top 10% to the mean diameter Dn of the dimples ranking in the bottom 10% is equal to or greater than 1.30. Standard deviation ? of diameters of all the dimples is equal to or less than 0.52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Keiji Ohama, Takahiro Sajima, Seiichiro Endo
  • Patent number: 7686709
    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-ike ridges may connect the convex floor with the outer surface of the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20100075781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dimples and dimple patterns for golf balls (20), preferably dimple patterns composed of letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20). The golf ball (20) has dimples (40) and logo depressions (50) in a cover of the golf ball (20). The logo depressions (50) are preferably letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: VINCENT J. SIMONDS, THOMAS A. VEILLEUX
  • Publication number: 20100069176
    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: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20100062876
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core of at least one layer, a cover of at least two layers which includes an inner cover layer and an outermost cover layer, and a plurality of dimples formed on a surface of the ball. The thickness and Shore D hardness of the outermost cover layer are set in specific ranges, the thickness and Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer are set in specific ranges, and the ball surface has, as expressed in the Lab color system defined by JIS Z-8730, a lightness L value of at least 89, an a value of at least 2 but not more than 10, and a b value of ?20 or above. The multi-piece solid golf ball of the invention increases the reddish coloring of a white golf ball, thereby enhancing the stylishness of the ball and improving the way the ball looks and feels to the golfer when it is played.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Shinohara, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20100048326
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The surface hardness of the core has a JIS-C hardness value of 40 to 95, the center hardness of the core has a JIS-C hardness value of 30 to 72, and the hardness difference therebetween is from 4 to 14. The envelope is composed of at least two layers. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material. The envelope, intermediate layer and cover are each formed primarily of the same or different resin materials. An optimized surface hardness relationship exists between the core, a Sphere I composed of the core encased by the envelope layers, a Sphere II composed of the core encased by the envelope layers and the intermediate layer, and a Sphere III composed of the core encased by the envelope layers, the intermediate layer and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Akira KIMURA, Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7654919
    Abstract: Golf ball 2 has numerous dimples 8. Provided that mean diameter of all the dimples 8 is Da, ratio (N1/N) of number N1 of adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/4) or less to total number N of the dimples is equal to or greater than 2.70. Ratio (N2/N1) of number N2 of the adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/20) or less to the number N1 is equal to or greater than 0.50. The northern hemisphere N and the southern hemisphere S of this golf ball 2 have a pole vicinity region 20, an equator vicinity region 22 and a coordination region 24, respectively. The pole vicinity region 20 includes 5 units which are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The equator vicinity region 22 includes 6 units which are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The coordination region 24 does not include any unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 7641572
    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: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Steven Aoyama, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 7635313
    Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a center 5, a mid layer 6, a cover 4 and numerous dimples 8. A product Pm of a volume Vm multiplied by a flexural rigidity Fm in the mid layer 6 and a product Pc of a volume Vc multiplied by a flexural rigidity Fc in the cover meet the following formulae (I) and (II). 1400<(Pm+Pc)<2000 ??(I) 5.0<(Pc/Pm)<7.6 ??(II) Provided that mean diameter of all the dimples 8 is Da, a ratio (N1/N) of number N1 of adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/4) or less to total number N of the dimples 8 is equal to or greater than 2.70. A ratio (N2/N1) of number N2 of the adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/20) or less to the number N1 is equal to or greater than 0.50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Isogawa, Keiji Ohama, Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 7628715
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and excellent flight performance, while maintaining good durability and good appearance. The present invention relates to a golf ball comprising a core composed of a center and at least one intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover covering the core, and having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the outermost layer of the intermediate layer is formed from thermoplastic resin, has a thickness of 0.5 to 3.0 mm, and has depressions on the surface thereof at the position and shape corresponding to the dimples through the cover, and the cover is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.8 mm in land portion having no dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: SRI Sports Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yokota, Seiichiro Endo, Masaaki Kikuchi, Koichi Fujisawa, Kazuhiko Isogawa
  • Patent number: 7625303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dimples and dimple patterns for golf balls (20), preferably dimple patterns composed of letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20). The golf ball (20) has dimples (40) and logo depressions (50) in a cover of the golf ball (20). The logo depressions (50) are preferably letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas A. Veilleux
  • Patent number: 7618332
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having an outer surface with recessed and/or raised features thereon and having markings shaped as letters or figures formed on the outer surface. The markings are depressions of a substantially uniform depth from the outer surface and are characterized by (1) or (2) below: (1) letting S be the number of the depressions of a substantially uniform depth from the outer surface and N be the total number of dimples on the outer surface, the ratio S/N×100 is 100% or less; (2) the markings are circular or elliptical, or are polygonal. The aerodynamic performance of the golf ball is improved by arranging the depressions of substantially uniform depth evenly on the surface of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Atsuki Kasashima
  • Patent number: 7618333
    Abstract: A golf ball that is formed by a mold developed from a computerized modeling system such as CAD or CAE in combination with a CNC machine tool which superimposes a short waveform, or multiple waveforms, onto a longer base waveform to create a non-planar parting line that is functionally dependent on the underlying dimple geometry. The non-planar parting line is comprised of a plurality of peaks and valleys that are offset from the dimple perimeters, as not to bisect any dimple edge. Also, dimples on one side of the parting line interdigitate with dimples on the other side to form a more uniform distribution of dimples over the entire golf ball surface. Still further, the non-planar parting line has a amplitude which is less than 0.02 inch from an axis substantially coincident with the equator of the ball and the length of the parting line is less than 110 percent of the length of a curve defined by the circumference of the equator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Steven Aoyama, Robert A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7607997
    Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas A. Veilleux, Thomas F. Bergin
  • Patent number: 7607996
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided with a dimple pattern comprising two substantially identical elongated dimple pattern elements which fit together to form the complete dimple pattern. The dimple pattern can contain 344 dimples covering about 70.4% of the golf ball surface or 392 dimples covering about 73.3%, or other combinations of dimple count and coverage. The sizes of the dimples can be varied among either four distinct dimple sizes ranging from about 0.14 inches to about 0.17 inches or eight distinct dimple sizes ranging from about 0.11 inches to about 0.175 inches, or other dimple size combinations. The arrangement of dimples on the golf ball can be divided into a plurality of triangles having identical dimple arrangements with bilateral symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Tapper, Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20090247328
    Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a center 12, a mid layer 14, a reinforcing layer 6, a cover 8 and a paint layer 10. The golf ball 2 has a large number of dimples 16 on the surface thereof. The cover 8 is formed of a resin composition including thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B). The polyisocyanate mixture (B) includes a urethane prepolymer (B1) having two or more isocyanate groups or an isocyanate compound (B2) having three or more isocyanate groups. The polyisocyanate composition (B) further includes a thermoplastic resin (B3) which substantially does not react with an isocyanate goup. The golf ball 2 is obtained by a mold having protrusions which projects from the equator of the mold. Each protrusion includes a part of a pimple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuya KAMINO, Toshiyuki TARAO, Keiji OHAMA, Takahiro SAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20090247325
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprising from about 25 to 75 parts of butyl or halobutyl rubber and having a coefficient of restitution of 0.683 to 0.750 and a compression of less than about 60; an inner cover layer comprising an ionomer and having a Shore D hardness of at least about 60; and an outer cover layer comprising a polyurethane or polyurea having a Shore D hardness of less than about 55; wherein the golf ball has a dimple coverage of 55% to 75%, a coefficient of restitution of 0.696 to 0.775, and an Atti compression of at least about 80.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Derek A. Ladd, Brian R. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7594867
    Abstract: A golf ball surface pattern including depressions and protrusions is disclosed and claimed. In one embodiment, the depressions and protrusions are positioned on the ball according to a known dimple pattern, with some of the dimples being replaced with protrusions. In another embodiment, the depressions are positioned on the ball according to a known dimple pattern, and protrusions are positioned on the land areas. Alternatively, protrusions can be positioned on the ball according to a known dimple pattern, and depressions positioned on the land areas. The turbulence generators (dimples and protrusions) that are positioned on the land areas can be positioned manually or with a distribution scheme. In another embodiment, the turbulence generators are positioned according to a scheme based on the principles of electromagnetic theory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20090221387
    Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a cover 6, and a paint layer 8. The golf ball 2 has numerous dimples 10 on the surface thereof. The cover 6 is formed of a resin composition including thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B). The polyisocyanate mixture (B) includes a polyisocyanate compound (B1) having two or more isocyanate groups or a urethane prepolymer (B2) having two or more isocyanate groups. The cover 6 has a hardness of 30 or greater and 55 or less. The cover 6 has a thickness of 1.0 mm or greater and 2.0 mm or less. The ratio of the total volume of all the dimples 10 to the surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball is less than 75%. The dimples 10 have a curvature radius at the edge thereof in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Keiji OHAMA, Hirotaka NAKAMURA, Takahiro SAJIMA
  • Patent number: 7582028
    Abstract: A golf ball with multi-lobed dimples 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. 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 curvature of the circumferential segments can be defined by a ratio of an inside radius to an outside radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20090209367
    Abstract: The present invention is to a golf ball having an equator at latitude 0° and two poles; and an equator region defined by latitudes 0 to 25°, a shoulder region defined by latitudes from more than 25° to less than 65°, and a pole region defined by latitudes 65° to 90°; and a dimple pattern on the surface of the golf ball having an average dimple volume of the equator region Ve, an average dimple volume of the shoulder region, Vs, and an average dimple volume of the pole region, Vp such that the ratio Vs/Ve is less than 0.97 and the ratio Vp/Vs is less than 0.97.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Ryan L. Stefan, Dean A. Snell, Hyun J. Kim
  • Patent number: 7566281
    Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas A. Veilleux, Thomas F. Bergin
  • Publication number: 20090186720
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Aoyama, Douglas E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7559857
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an improved aesthetic appearance and enhanced flying performance. The present invention provides a golf ball on which a plurality of dimples are arranged on the spherical surface thereof, wherein each of the dimples has at least two contour main parts and contour connecting parts, and the at least two contour main parts are connected to each other by the contour connecting parts, and the contour connecting parts are formed so as to be curved toward the inside of the contour main parts from the outermost points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7547258
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball that is molded using a golf ball mold composed of a pair of mold halves, each having a hemispherical cavity, which when separably mated form an interior spherical cavity, the golf ball comprising a surface that includes an equator located at a place which corresponds to the parting line of the mold and a pole located at each of two vertices on either side of the equator, wherein the ball has on the surface thereof one or more dimple that lies across the equator and additionally has, at and near the poles, dimples some or all of which are formed to either a shallower depth or a smaller volume than dimples of the same diameter in other regions. The invention enables golf balls having numerous dimples formed thereon to be efficiently produced with a split mold. The golf balls thus obtained have a high symmetry performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki Kasashima, Katsunori Sato
  • Patent number: 7547259
    Abstract: A golf ball having traditional dimples and a tubular lattice structure is disclosed herein. The golf ball has dimples and a plurality of lattice members that form multi-faceted polygons. Each of the plurality of lattice members has an apex and the golf ball of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls. The interconnected lattice members form a plurality of polygons, preferably hexagons and pentagons. Each of the lattice members preferably has a continuous contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas F. Bergin, Thomas A. Veilleux
  • Patent number: 7534175
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball having on its surface a number of dimples and a number of edges separating dimples from each other, wherein the edges are formed from a plurality of edge elements joined together such that some of the joining parts of the edge elements assume a smoothly curved shape as viewed from above. The golf ball has improved aerodynamic performance due to dimples and achieves a long flying distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Atsuki Kasashima
  • Publication number: 20090124432
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20090118039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball having a core, a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, and a surface on which a plurality of dimples are formed. The cover has an outermost layer with a thickness of at least 1.2 mm and a Shore D hardness of at least 50 but not more than 65. The ball surface has a lightness L value, expressed in the Lab color system as defined by JIS Z8730, of at least 89, an a value of at least 2 but not more than 10, and a b value of ?20 or above. Increasing the reddish coloring of a white golf ball enhances the fashionability of the ball and improves the way the ball looks and feels to the golfer when it is played.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotaka Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20090111613
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an improved aesthetic appearance and enhanced flying performance. The present invention provides a golf ball on which a plurality of dimples are arranged on the spherical surface thereof, wherein each of the dimples has at least two contour main parts and contour connecting parts, and the at least two contour main parts are connected to each other by the contour connecting parts, and the contour connecting parts are formed so as to be curved toward the inside of the contour main parts from the outermost points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20090112345
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Publication number: 20090088273
    Abstract: A golf ball that is formed by a mold developed from a computerized modeling system such as CAD or CAE in combination with a CNC machine tool which superimposes a short waveform, or multiple waveforms, onto a longer base waveform to create a non-planar parting line that is functionally dependent on the underlying dimple geometry. The non-planar parting line is comprised of a plurality of peaks and valleys that are offset from the dimple perimeters, as not to bisect any dimple edge. Also, dimples on one side of the parting line interdigitate with dimples on the other side to form a more uniform distribution of dimples over the entire golf ball surface. Still further, the non-planar parting line has a amplitude which is less than 0.02 inch from an axis substantially coincident with the equator of the ball and the length of the parting line is less than 110 percent of the length of a curve defined by the circumference of the equator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Steven Aoyama, Robert A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090075760
    Abstract: A golf ball includes an outer spherical surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the dimples in accordance to the invention have a polygonal perimeter and a substantially spherical, concave depression. The substantially spherical depression comprises a spherical depression and a transitional portion bridging the area between the polygonal perimeter and the spherical depression. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, one or more sides of the polygonal perimeter may be non-linear or curved. The dimples of the present invention may fill the ball's entire outer surface, or the dimples may occupy a predetermined pattern on the ball. The predetermined pattern may also include one or more channels or raised beads on the surface of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7503857
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a surface on which are formed a plurality of dimples having a circular outer edge that defines the dimple contour. Each dimple has formed therein, near a portion inside the dimple, a raised region with a circular edge, and also has formed therein, between the circular edge of the raised region and the circular outer edge of the dimple, a ring-like wall having a curved cross-sectional shape. The raised region has a top face which is substantially flat, and a height which is at most 60% of the dimple depth from the circular outer edge to the deepest position on the ring-like wall. In this golf ball, the distance of travel can be increased due to an air resistance-decreasing effect and a lift-maintaining effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki Kasashima, Katsunori Sato