U.S. patent application number 14/451298 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for low lift golf ball.
This patent application is currently assigned to AERO-X GOLF, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is AERO-X GOLF, INC.. Invention is credited to David L. Felker, Rocky Lee, Douglas C. Winfield.
Application Number | 20140349782 14/451298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42934840 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140349782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Felker; David L. ; et
al. |
November 27, 2014 |
LOW LIFT GOLF BALL
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.
Inventors: |
Felker; David L.;
(Escondido, CA) ; Winfield; Douglas C.; (Madison,
AL) ; Lee; Rocky; (Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AERO-X GOLF, INC. |
Escondido |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AERO-X GOLF, INC.
Escondido
CA
|
Family ID: |
42934840 |
Appl. No.: |
14/451298 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12760487 |
Apr 14, 2010 |
8795103 |
|
|
14451298 |
|
|
|
|
12757964 |
Apr 9, 2010 |
8602916 |
|
|
12760487 |
|
|
|
|
PCT/US2010/030641 |
Apr 9, 2010 |
|
|
|
12757964 |
|
|
|
|
61168134 |
Apr 9, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/380 ;
473/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0004 20130101;
A63B 37/0096 20130101; A63B 37/002 20130101; A63B 37/0009 20130101;
A63B 37/0006 20130101; A63B 37/009 20130101; A63B 37/0019 20130101;
A63B 37/0018 20130101; A63B 37/0021 20130101; A63B 37/0012
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/380 ;
473/383 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00 |
Claims
1. 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.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first and second groups of
areas and dimple shapes and dimensions are configured such that the
golf ball exhibits a CD of between about 0.250 and about 0.270 at
the time of impact.
3. The golf ball of claim 2, wherein the first and second groups of
areas and dimple shapes and dimensions are configured such that the
golf ball exhibits a CD of between about 0.280 and about 0.290 at
about 1 second after impact.
4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the first and second groups of
areas and dimple shapes and dimensions are configured such that the
golf ball exhibits a CD of between about 0.290 and about 0.300 at
about 2 seconds after impact.
5. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the first and second groups of
areas and dimple shapes and dimensions are configured such that the
golf ball exhibits a CD of between about 0.310 and about 0.320 at
about 3 seconds after impact.
6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the areas in the first group
are of different shape from the areas in the second group.
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the areas are arranged to form
a spherical polyhedron.
8. The golf ball of claim 7, wherein the areas of the first group
are triangular and the areas of the second group are square.
9. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the areas together form a
cuboctahedral shape.
10. The golf ball of claim 9 wherein the first dimples are of
deeper depth than the second dimples.
11. The golf ball of claim 9 wherein each triangular shape area
borders at least one square shape area.
12. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein some of the dimples are
spherical and some are truncated.
13. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein each area contains the same
number of dimples.
14. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer surface has a total
of 504 dimples or less.
15. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the dimples in each area are
of at least two different sizes.
16. 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 negative inflection in drag
coefficient (CD) during the flight of the golf ball.
17. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein the plural areas are
configured such that the golf ball exhibits a CD of between about
0.250 and about 0.270 at the time of impact.
18. The golf ball of claim 29, wherein the plural areas are
configured such that the golf ball exhibits a CD of between about
0.280 and about 0.290 at about 1 second after impact.
19. The golf ball of claim 30, wherein the plural areas are
configured such that the golf ball exhibits a CD of between about
0.290 and about 0.300 at about 2 seconds after impact.
20. The golf ball of claim 31, wherein the plural areas are
configured such that the golf ball exhibits a CD of between about
0.310 and about 0.320 at about 3 seconds after impact.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
12/760,487, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,103 claims the benefit
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of copending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/757,964 filed Apr. 9, 2010 and entitled "A Low Lift Golf
Ball," which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/168,134
filed Apr. 9, 2009 and entitled "Golf Ball With Improved Flight
Characteristics," all of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety as if set forth in full.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The embodiments described herein are related to the field of
golf balls and, more particularly, to a spherically symmetrical
golf ball having a dimple pattern that generates low-lift in order
to control dispersion of the golf ball during flight.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] The flight path of a golf ball is determined by many
factors. Several of the factors can be controlled to some extent by
the golfer, such as the ball's velocity, launch angle, spin rate,
and spin axis. Other factors are controlled by the design of the
ball, including the ball's weight, size, materials of construction,
and aerodynamic properties.
[0006] The aerodynamic force acting on a golf ball during flight
can be broken down into three separate force vectors: Lift, Drag,
and Gravity. The lift force vector acts in the direction determined
by the cross product of the spin vector and the velocity vector.
The drag force vector acts in the direction opposite of the
velocity vector. More specifically, the aerodynamic properties of a
golf ball are characterized by its lift and drag coefficients as a
function of the Reynolds Number (Re) and the Dimensionless Spin
Parameter (DSP). The Reynolds Number is a dimensionless quantity
that quantifies the ratio of the inertial to viscous forces acting
on the golf ball as it flies through the air. The Dimensionless
Spin Parameter is the ratio of the golf ball's rotational surface
speed to its speed through the air.
[0007] Since the 1990's, in order to achieve greater distances, a
lot of golf ball development has been directed toward developing
golf balls that exhibit improved distance through lower drag under
conditions that would apply to, e.g., a driver shot immediately
after club impact as well as relatively high lift under conditions
that would apply to the latter portion of, e.g., a driver shot as
the ball is descending towards the ground. A lot of this
development was enabled by new measurement devices that could more
accurately and efficiently measure golf ball spin, launch angle,
and velocity immediately after club impact.
[0008] Today the lift and drag coefficients of a golf ball can be
measured using several different methods including an Indoor Test
Range such as the one at the USGA Test Center in Far Hills, N.J.,
or an outdoor system such as the Trackman Net System made by
Interactive Sports Group in Denmark. The testing, measurements, and
reporting of lift and drag coefficients for conventional golf balls
has generally focused on the golf ball spin and velocity conditions
for a well hit straight driver shot--approximately 3,000 rpm or
less and an initial ball velocity that results from a driver club
head velocity of approximately 80-100 mph.
[0009] For right-handed golfers, particularly higher handicap
golfers, a major problem is the tendency to "slice" the ball. The
unintended slice shot penalizes the golfer in two ways: 1) it
causes the ball to deviate to the right of the intended flight path
and 2) it can reduce the overall shot distance.
[0010] A sliced golf ball moves to the right because the ball's
spin axis is tilted to the right. The lift force by definition is
orthogonal to the spin axis and thus for a sliced golf ball the
lift force is pointed to the right.
[0011] The spin-axis of a golf ball is the axis about which the
ball spins and is usually orthogonal to the direction that the golf
ball takes in flight. If a golf ball's spin axis is 0 degrees,
i.e., a horizontal spin axis causing pure backspin, the ball will
not hook or slice and a higher lift force combined with a 0-degree
spin axis will only make the ball fly higher. However, when a ball
is hit in such a way as to impart a spin axis that is more than 0
degrees, it hooks, and it slices with a spin axis that is less than
0 degrees. It is the tilt of the spin axis that directs the lift
force in the left or right direction, causing the ball to hook or
slice. The distance the ball unintentionally flies to the right or
left is called Carry Dispersion. A lower flying golf ball, i.e.,
having a lower lift, is a strong indicator of a ball that will have
lower Carry Dispersion.
[0012] The amount of lift force directed in the hook or slice
direction is equal to: Lift Force*Sine (spin axis angle). The
amount of lift force directed towards achieving height is: Lift
Force*Cosine (spin axis angle).
[0013] A common cause of a sliced shot is the striking of the ball
with an open clubface. In this case, the opening of the clubface
also increases the effective loft of the club and thus increases
the total spin of the ball. With all other factors held constant, a
higher ball spin rate will in general produce a higher lift force
and this is why a slice shot will often have a higher trajectory
than a straight or hook shot.
[0014] Table 1 shows the total ball spin rates generated by a
golfer with club head speeds ranging from approximately 85-105 mph
using a 10.5 degree driver and hitting a variety of prototype golf
balls and commercially available golf balls that are considered to
be low and normal spin golf balls:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Spin Axis, degree Typical Total Spin, rpm
Type Shot -30 2,500-5,000 Strong Slice -15 1,700-5,000 Slice 0
1,400-2,800 Straight +15 1,200-2,500 Hook +30 1,000-1,800 Strong
Hook
[0015] If the club path at the point of impact is "outside-in" and
the clubface is square to the target, a slice shot will still
result, but the total spin rate will be generally lower than a
slice shot hit with the open clubface. In general, the total ball
spin will increase as the club head velocity increases.
[0016] In order to overcome the drawbacks of a slice, some golf
ball manufacturers have modified how they construct a golf ball,
mostly in ways that tend to lower the ball's spin rate. Some of
these modifications include: 1) using a hard cover material on a
two-piece golf ball, 2) constructing multi-piece balls with hard
boundary layers and relatively soft thin covers in order to lower
driver spin rate and preserve high spin rates on short irons, 3)
moving more weight towards the outer layers of the golf ball
thereby increasing the moment of inertia of the golf ball, and 4)
using a cover that is constructed or treated in such a ways so as
to have a more slippery surface.
[0017] Others have tried to overcome the drawbacks of a slice shot
by creating golf balls where the weight is distributed inside the
ball in such a way as to create a preferred axis of rotation.
[0018] Still others have resorted to creating asymmetric dimple
patterns in order to affect the flight of the golf ball and reduce
the drawbacks of a slice shot. One such example was the Polara.TM.
golf ball with its dimple pattern that was designed with different
type dimples in the polar and equatorial regions of the ball.
[0019] In reaction to the introduction of the Polara golf ball,
which was intentionally manufactured with an asymmetric dimple
pattern, the USGA created the "Symmetry Rule". As a result, all
golf balls not conforming to the USGA Symmetry Rule are judged to
be non-conforming to the USGA Rules of Golf and are thus not
allowed to be used in USGA sanctioned golf competitions.
[0020] These golf balls with asymmetric dimples patterns or with
manipulated weight distributions may be effective in reducing
dispersion caused by a slice shot, but they also have their
limitations, most notably the fact that they do not conform with
the USGA Rules of Golf and that these balls must be oriented a
certain way prior to club impact in order to display their maximum
effectiveness.
[0021] The method of using a hard cover material or hard boundary
layer material or slippery cover will reduce to a small extent the
dispersion caused by a slice shot, but often does so at the expense
of other desirable properties such as the ball spin rate off of
short irons or the higher cost required to produce a multi-piece
ball.
SUMMARY
[0022] A low lift golf ball is described herein.
[0023] According to one aspect, 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.
[0024] According to another aspect, 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 negative
inflection in drag coefficient (CD) during the flight of the golf
ball.
[0025] These and other features, aspects, and embodiments are
described below in the section entitled "Detailed Description."
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Features, aspects, and embodiments are described in
conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a graph of the total spin rate versus the ball
spin axis for various commercial and prototype golf balls hit with
a driver at club head speed between 85-105 mph;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a picture of golf ball with a dimple pattern in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top-view schematic diagram of a golf ball with a
cuboctahedron pattern in accordance with one embodiment and in the
poles-forward-backward (PFB) orientation;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the triangular polar
region of another embodiment of the golf ball with a cuboctahedron
pattern of FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a graph of the total spin rate and Reynolds number
for the TopFlite XL Straight golf ball and a B2 prototype ball,
configured in accordance with one embodiment, hit with a driver
club using a Golf Labs robot;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a graph or the Lift Coefficient versus Reynolds
Number for the golf ball shots shown in FIG. 5;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a graph of Lift Coefficient versus flight time for
the golf ball shots shown in FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a graph of the Drag Coefficient versus Reynolds
Number for the golf ball shots shown in FIG. 5;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a graph of the Drag Coefficient versus flight time
for the golf ball shots shown in FIG. 5;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between
the chord depth of a truncated and a spherical dimple in accordance
with one embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the max height versus total
spin for all of a 172-175 series golf balls, configured in
accordance with certain embodiments, and the Pro V1.RTM. when hit
with a driver imparting a slice on the golf balls;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the carry dispersion for the
balls tested and shown in FIG. 11;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a graph of the carry dispersion versus initial
total spin rate for a golf ball with the 172 dimple pattern and the
ProV1.RTM. for the same robot test data shown in FIG. 11;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a graph of the carry dispersion versus initial
total spin rate for a golf ball with the 173 dimple pattern and the
ProV1.RTM. for the same robot test data shown in FIG. 11;
[0041] FIG. 15 is a graph of the carry dispersion versus initial
total spin rate for a golf ball with the 174 dimple pattern and the
ProV1.RTM. for the same robot test data shown in FIG. 11;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a graph of the carry dispersion versus initial
total spin rate for a golf ball with the 175 dimple pattern and the
ProV1.RTM. for the same robot test data shown in FIG. 11;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a graph of the wind tunnel testing results
showing Lift Coefficient (CL) versus DSP for the 173 golf ball
against different Reynolds Numbers;
[0044] FIG. 18 is a graph of the wind tunnel test results showing
the CL versus DSP for the Pro V1 golf ball against different
Reynolds Numbers;
[0045] FIG. 19 is picture of a golf ball with a dimple pattern in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 20 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 3,000 rpm spin rate for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight,
Pro V1.RTM., 173 dimple pattern and a 273 dimple pattern in
accordance with certain embodiments;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 3,500 rpm spin rate for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight,
Pro V1.RTM., 173 dimple pattern and 273 dimple pattern;
[0048] FIG. 22 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 4,000 rpm spin rate for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight,
Pro V1.RTM., 173 dimple pattern and 273 dimple pattern;
[0049] FIG. 23 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 4,500 rpm spin rate for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight,
Pro V1.RTM., 173 dimple pattern and 273 dimple pattern;
[0050] FIG. 24 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 5,000 rpm spin rate for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight,
Pro V1.RTM., 173 dimple pattern and 273 dimple pattern;
[0051] FIG. 25 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 4000 RPM initial spin rate for the 273 dimple pattern and
2-3 dimple pattern balls of Tables 10 and 11;
[0052] FIG. 26 is a graph of the lift coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 4500 RPM initial spin rate for the 273 dimple pattern and
2-3 dimple pattern balls of Tables 10 and 11;
[0053] FIG. 27 is a graph of the drag coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 4000 RPM initial spin rate for the 273 dimple pattern and
2-3 dimple pattern balls of Tables 10 and 11; and
[0054] FIG. 28 is a graph of the drag coefficient versus Reynolds
Number at 4500 RPM initial spin rate for the 273 dimple pattern and
2-3 dimple pattern balls of Tables 10 and 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] The embodiments described herein may be understood more
readily by reference to the following detailed description.
However, the techniques, systems, and operating structures
described can be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes,
some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed
embodiments. Consequently, the specific structural and functional
details disclosed herein are merely representative. It must be
noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims,
the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0056] The embodiments described below are directed to the design
of a golf ball that achieves low lift right after impact when the
velocity and spin are relatively high. In particular, the
embodiments described below achieve relatively low lift even when
the spin rate is high, such as that imparted when a golfer slices
the golf ball, e.g., 3500 rpm or higher. In the embodiments
described below, the lift coefficient after impact can be as low as
about 0.18 or less, and even less than 0.15 under such
circumstances. In addition, the lift can be significantly lower
than conventional golf balls at the end of flight, i.e., when the
speed and spin are lower. For example, the lift coefficient can be
less than 0.20 when the ball is nearing the end of flight.
[0057] As noted above, conventional golf balls have been designed
for low initial drag and high lift toward the end of flight in
order to increase distance. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,499 to
Ogg teaches and claims a lift coefficient greater than 0.18 at a
Reynolds number (Re) of 70,000 and a spin of 2000 rpm, and a drag
coefficient less than 0.232 at a Re of 180,000 and a spin of 3000
rpm. One of skill in the art will understand that and Re of 70,000
and spin of 2000 rpm are industry standard parameters for
describing the end of flight. Similarly, one of skill in the art
will understand that a Re of greater than about 160,000, e.g.,
about 180,000, and a spin of 3000 rpm are industry standard
parameters for describing the beginning of flight for a straight
shot with only back spin.
[0058] The lift (CL) and drag coefficients (CD) vary by golf ball
design and are generally a function of the velocity and spin rate
of the golf ball. For a spherically symmetrical golf ball the lift
and drag coefficients are for the most part independent of the golf
ball orientation. The maximum height a golf ball achieves during
flight is directly related to the lift force generated by the
spinning golf ball while the direction that the golf ball takes,
specifically how straight a golf ball flies, is related to several
factors, some of which include spin rate and spin axis orientation
of the golf ball in relation to the golf ball's direction of
flight. Further, the spin rate and spin axis are important in
specifying the direction and magnitude of the lift force
vector.
[0059] The lift force vector is a major factor in controlling the
golf ball flight path in the x, y, and z directions. Additionally,
the total lift force a golf ball generates during flight depends on
several factors, including spin rate, velocity of the ball relative
to the surrounding air and the surface characteristics of the golf
ball.
[0060] For a straight shot, the spin axis is orthogonal to the
direction the ball is traveling and the ball rotates with perfect
backspin. In this situation, the spin axis is 0 degrees. But if the
ball is not struck perfectly, then the spin axis will be either
positive (hook) or negative (slice). FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating
the total spin rate versus the spin axis for various commercial and
prototype golf balls hit with a driver at club head speed between
85-105 mph. As can be seen, when the spin axis is negative,
indicating a slice, the spin rate of the ball increases. Similarly,
when the spin axis is positive, the spin rate decreases initially
but then remains essentially constant with increasing spin
axis.
[0061] The increased spin imparted when the ball is sliced,
increases the lift coefficient (CL). This increases the lift force
in a direction that is orthogonal to the spin axis. In other words,
when the ball is sliced, the resulting increased spin produces an
increased lift force that acts to "pull" the ball to the right. The
more negative the spin axis, the greater the portion of the lift
force acting to the right, and the greater the slice.
[0062] Thus, in order to reduce this slice effect, the ball must be
designed to generate a relatively lower lift force at the greater
spin rates generated when the ball is sliced.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown golf ball 100, which
provides a visual description of one embodiment of a dimple pattern
that achieves such low initial lift at high spin rates. FIG. 2 is a
computer generated picture of dimple pattern 173. As shown in FIG.
2, golf ball 100 has an outer surface 105, which has a plurality of
dissimilar dimple types arranged in a cuboctahedron configuration.
In the example of FIG. 2, golf ball 100 has larger truncated
dimples within square region 110 and smaller spherical dimples
within triangular region 115 on the outer surface 105. The example
of FIG. 2 and other embodiments are described in more detail below;
however, as will be explained, in operation, dimple patterns
configured in accordance with the embodiments described herein
disturb the airflow in such a way as to provide a golf ball that
exhibits low lift at the spin rates commonly seen with a slice shot
as described above.
[0064] As can be seen, regions 110 and 115 stand out on the surface
of ball 100 unlike conventional golf balls. This is because the
dimples in each region are configured such that they have high
visual contrast. This is achieved for example by including visually
contrasting dimples in each area. For example, in one embodiment,
flat, truncated dimples are included in region 110 while deeper,
round or spherical dimples are included in region 115.
Additionally, the radius of the dimples can also be different
adding to the contrast.
[0065] But this contrast in dimples does not just produce a
visually contrasting appearance; it also contributes to each region
having a different aerodynamic effect. Thereby, disturbing air flow
in such a manner as to produce low lift as described herein.
[0066] While conventional golf balls are often designed to achieve
maximum distance by having low drag at high speed and high lift at
low speed, when conventional golf balls are tested, including those
claimed to be "straighter," it can be seen that these balls had
quite significant increases in lift coefficients (CL) at the spin
rates normally associated with slice shots. Whereas balls
configured in accordance with the embodiments described herein
exhibit lower lift coefficients at the higher spin rates and thus
do not slice as much.
[0067] A ball configured in accordance with the embodiments
described herein and referred to as the B2 Prototype, which is a
2-piece Surlyn-covered golf ball with a polybutadiene rubber based
core and dimple pattern "273", and the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight
ball were hit with a Golf Labs robot using the same setup
conditions so that the initial spin rates were about 3,400-3,500
rpm at a Reynolds Number of about 170,000. The spin rate and Re
conditions near the end of the trajectory were about 2,900 to 3,200
rpm at a Reynolds Number of about 80,000. The spin rates and ball
trajectories were obtained using a 3-radar unit Trackman Net
System. FIG. 5 illustrates the full trajectory spin rate versus
Reynolds Number for the shots and balls described above.
[0068] The B2 prototype ball had dimple pattern design 273, shown
in FIG. 4. Dimple pattern design 273 is based on a cuboctahedron
layout and has a total of 504 dimples. This is the inverse of
pattern 173 since it has larger truncated dimples within triangular
regions 115 and smaller spherical dimples within square regions or
areas 110 on the outer surface of the ball. A spherical truncated
dimple is a dimple which has a spherical side wall and a flat inner
end, as seen in the triangular regions of FIG. 4. The dimple
patterns 173 and 273, and alternatives, are described in more
detail below with reference to Tables 5 to 11.
[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates the CL versus Re for the same shots shown
in FIG. 5; TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight and the B2 prototype golf ball
which was configured in accordance with the systems and methods
described herein. As can be seen, the B2 ball has a lower CL over
the range of Re from about 75,000 to 170,000. Specifically, the CL
for the B2 prototype never exceeds 0.27, whereas the CL for the
TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight gets well above 0.27. Further, at a Re of
about 165,000, the CL for the B2 prototype is about 0.16, whereas
it is about 0.19 or above for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight.
[0070] FIGS. 5 and 6 together illustrate that the B2 ball with
dimple pattern 273 exhibits significantly less lift force at spin
rates that are associated with slices. As a result, the B2
prototype will be much straighter, i.e., will exhibit a much lower
carry dispersion. For example, a ball configured in accordance with
the embodiments described herein can have a CL of less than about
0.22 at a spin rate of 3,200-3,500 rpm and over a range of Re from
about 120,000 to 180,000. For example, in certain embodiments, the
CL can be less than 0.18 at 3500 rpm for Re values above about
155,000.
[0071] This is illustrated in the graphs of FIGS. 20-24, which show
the lift coefficient versus Reynolds Number at spin rates of 3,000
rpm, 3,500 rpm, 4,000 rpm, 4,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm, respectively,
for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight, Pro V1.RTM., 173 dimple pattern,
and 273 dimple pattern. To obtain the regression data shown in
FIGS. 23-28, a Trackman Net System consisting of 3 radar units was
used to track the trajectory of a golf ball that was struck by a
Golf Labs robot equipped with various golf clubs. The robot was
setup to hit a straight shot with various combinations of initial
spin and velocity. A wind gauge was used to measure the wind speed
at approximately 20 ft elevation near the robot location. The
Trackman Net System measured trajectory data (x, y, z location vs.
time) were then used to calculate the lift coefficients (CL) and
drag coefficients (CD) as a function of measured time-dependent
quantities including Reynolds Number, Ball Spin Rate, and
Dimensionless Spin Parameter. Each golf ball model or design was
tested under a range of velocity and spin conditions that included
3,000-5,000 rpm spin rate and 120,000-180,000 Reynolds Number. It
will be understood that the Reynolds Number range of
150,000-180,000 covers the initial ball velocities typical for most
recreational golfers, who have club head speeds of 85-100 mph. A
5-term multivariable regression model was then created from the
data for each ball designed in accordance with the embodiments
described herein for the lift and drag coefficients as a function
of Reynolds Number (Re) and Dimensionless Spin Parameter (W), i.e.,
as a function of Re, W, Re 2, W 2, ReW, etc. Typically the
predicted CD and CL values within the measured Re and W space
(interpolation) were in close agreement with the measured CD and CL
values. Correlation coefficients of >96% were typical.
[0072] Under typical slice conditions, with spin rates of 3,500 rpm
or greater, the 173 and 273 dimple patterns exhibit lower lift
coefficients than the other golf balls. Lower lift coefficients
translate into lower trajectory for straight shots and less
dispersion for slice shots. Balls with dimple patterns 173 and 273
have approximately 10% lower lift coefficients than the other golf
balls under Re and spin conditions characteristics of slice shots.
Robot tests show the lower lift coefficients result in at least 10%
less dispersion for slice shots.
[0073] For example, referring again to FIG. 6, it can be seen that
while the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight is suppose to be a straighter
ball, the data in the graph of FIG. 6 illustrates that the B2
prototype ball should in fact be much straighter based on its lower
lift coefficient. The high CL for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight
means that the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight ball will create a larger
lift force. When the spin axis is negative, this larger lift force
will cause the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight to go farther right
increasing the dispersion for the TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight. This
is illustrated in Table 2:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Ball Dispersion, ft Distance, yds TopFlite
.RTM. XL Straight 95.4 217.4 Ball 173 78.1 204.4
[0074] FIG. 7 shows that for the robot test shots shown in FIG. 5
the B2 ball has a lower CL throughout the flight time as compared
to other conventional golf balls, such as the TopFlite.RTM. XL
Straight. This lower CL throughout the flight of the ball
translates in to a lower lift force exerted throughout the flight
of the ball and thus a lower dispersion for a slice shot.
[0075] As noted above, conventional golf ball design attempts to
increase distance, by decreasing drag immediately after impact.
FIG. 8 shows the drag coefficient (CD) versus Re for the B2 and
TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight shots shown in FIG. 5. As can be seen,
the CD for the B2 ball is about the same as that for the
TopFlite.RTM. XL Straight at higher Re. Again, these higher Re
numbers would occur near impact. At lower Re, the CD for the B2
ball is significantly less than that of the TopFlite.RTM. XL
Straight.
[0076] In FIG. 9 it can be seen that the CD curve for the B2 ball
throughout the flight time actually has a negative inflection in
the middle. Thus, the drag for the B2 ball will be less in the
middle of the ball's flight as compared to the TopFlite XL
Straight. It should also be noted that while the B2 does not carry
quite as far as the TopFlite XL Straight, testing reveals that it
actually roles farther and therefore the overall distance is
comparable under many conditions. This makes sense of course
because the lower CL for the B2 ball means that the B2 ball
generates less lift and therefore does not fly as high, something
that is also verified in testing. Because the B2 ball does not fly
as high, it impacts the ground at a shallower angle, which results
in increased role.
[0077] Returning to FIGS. 2-4, the outer surface 105 of golf ball
100 can include dimple patterns of Archimedean solids or Platonic
solids by subdividing the outer surface 105 into patterns based on
a truncated tetrahedron, truncated cube, truncated octahedron,
truncated dodecahedron, truncated icosahedron, icosidodecahedron,
rhombicuboctahedron, rhombicosidodecahedron, rhombitruncated
cuboctahedron, rhombitruncated icosidodecahedron, snub cube, snub
dodecahedron, cube, dodecahedron, icosahedrons, octahedron,
tetrahedron, where each has at least two types of subdivided
regions (A and B) and each type of region has its own dimple
pattern and types of dimples that are different than those in the
other type region or regions.
[0078] Furthermore, the different regions and dimple patterns
within each region are arranged such that the golf ball 100 is
spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf
Association ("USGA") Symmetry Rules. It should be appreciated that
golf ball 100 may be formed in any conventional manner such as, in
one non-limiting example, to include two pieces having an inner
core and an outer cover. In other non-limiting examples, the golf
ball 100 may be formed of three, four or more pieces.
[0079] Tables 3 and 4 below list some examples of possible
spherical polyhedron shapes which may be used for golf ball 100,
including the cuboctahedron shape illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The
size and arrangement of dimples in different regions in the other
examples in Tables 3 and 4 can be similar or identical to that of
FIG. 2 or 4.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 13 Archimedean Solids and 5 Platonic solids
- relative surface areas for the polygonal patches % surface %
surface Name of # of area for # of area for # of Archimedean Region
Region A all of the Region Region B all of the Region solid A shape
Region A's B shape Region B's C truncated 30 triangles 17% 20
Hexagons 30% 12 icosidodeca- hedron Rhombicos 20 triangles 15% 30
squares 51% 12 idodeca- hedron snub 80 triangles 63% 12 Pentagons
37% dodeca- hedron truncated 12 pentagons 28% 20 Hexagons 72%
icosahedron truncated 12 squares 19% 8 Hexagons 34% 6 cubocta-
hedron Rhombicub- 8 triangles 16% 18 squares 84% octahedron snub
cube 32 triangles 70% 6 squares 30% Icosado- 20 triangles 30% 12
Pentagons 70% decahedron truncated 20 triangles 9% 12 Decagons 91%
dodeca- hedron truncated 6 squares 22% 8 Hexagons 78% octahedron
Cubocta- 8 triangles 37% 6 squares 63% hedron truncated 8 triangles
11% 6 Octagons 89% cube truncated 4 triangles 14% 4 Hexagons 86%
tetrahedron % surface Total % surface % surface % surface Name of
area for number area per area per area per Archimedean Region C all
of the of single A single B single C solid shape Region C's Regions
Region Region Region truncated decagons 53% 62 0.6% 1.5% 4.4%
icosidodeca- hedron Rhombicos pentagons 35% 62 0.7% 1.7% 2.9%
idodeca- hedron snub 92 0.8% 3.1% dodeca- hedron truncated 32 2.4%
3.6% icosahedron truncated octagons 47% 26 1.6% 4.2% 7.8% cubocta-
hedron Rhombicub- 26 2.0% 4.7% octahedron snub cube 38 2.2% 5.0%
Icosado- 32 1.5% 5.9% decahedron truncated 32 0.4% 7.6% dodeca-
hedron truncated 14 3.7% 9.7% octahedron Cubocta- 14 4.6% 10.6%
hedron truncated 14 1.3% 14.9% cube truncated 8 3.6% 21.4%
tetrahedron
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Shape of Surface area Name of Platonic Solid
# of Regions Regions per Region Tetrahedral Sphere 4 triangle 100%
25% Octahedral Sphere 8 triangle 100% 13% Hexahedral Sphere 6
squares 100% 17% Icosahedral Sphere 20 triangles 100% 5%
Dodecahadral Sphere 12 pentagons 100% 8%
[0080] FIG. 3 is a top-view schematic diagram of a golf ball with a
cuboctahedron pattern illustrating a golf ball, which may be ball
100 of FIG. 2 or ball 273 of FIG. 4, in the poles-forward-backward
(PFB) orientation with the equator 130 (also called seam) oriented
in a vertical plane 220 that points to the right/left and up/down,
with pole 205 pointing straight forward and orthogonal to equator
130, and pole 210 pointing straight backward, i.e., approximately
located at the point of club impact. In this view, the tee upon
which the golf ball 100 would be resting would be located in the
center of the golf ball 100 directly below the golf ball 100 (which
is out of view in this figure). In addition, outer surface 105 of
golf ball 100 has two types of regions of dissimilar dimple types
arranged in a cuboctahedron configuration. In the cuboctahedral
dimple pattern 173, outer surface 105 has larger dimples arranged
in a plurality of three square regions 110 while smaller dimples
are arranged in the plurality of four triangular regions 115 in the
front hemisphere 120 and back hemisphere 125 respectively for a
total of six square regions and eight triangular regions arranged
on the outer surface 105 of the golf ball 100. In the inverse
cuboctahedral dimple pattern 273, outer surface 105 has larger
dimples arranged in the eight triangular regions and smaller
dimples arranged in the total of six square regions. In either
case, the golf ball 100 contains 504 dimples. In golf ball 173,
each of the triangular regions and the square regions containing
thirty-six dimples. In golf ball 273, each triangular region
contains fifteen dimples while each square region contains sixty
four dimples. Further, the top hemisphere 120 and the bottom
hemisphere 125 of golf ball 100 are identical and are rotated 60
degrees from each other so that on the equator 130 (also called
seam) of the golf ball 100, each square region 110 of the front
hemisphere 120 borders each triangular region 115 of the back
hemisphere 125. Also shown in FIG. 4, the back pole 210 and front
pole (not shown) pass through the triangular region 115 on the
outer surface 105 of golf ball 100.
[0081] Accordingly, a golf ball 100 designed in accordance with the
embodiments described herein will have at least two different
regions A and B comprising different dimple patterns and types.
Depending on the embodiment, each region A and B, and C where
applicable, can have a single type of dimple, or multiple types of
dimples. For example, region A can have large dimples, while region
B has small dimples, or vice versa; region A can have spherical
dimples, while region B has truncated dimples, or vice versa;
region A can have various sized spherical dimples, while region B
has various sized truncated dimples, or vice versa, or some
combination or variation of the above. Some specific example
embodiments are described in more detail below.
[0082] It will be understood that there is a wide variety of types
and construction of dimples, including non-circular dimples, such
as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,615, hexagonal dimples,
dimples formed of a tubular lattice structure, such as those
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,615, as well as more conventional
dimple types. It will also be understood that any of these types of
dimples can be used in conjunction with the embodiments described
herein. As such, the term "dimple" as used in this description and
the claims that follow is intended to refer to and include any type
of dimple or dimple construction, unless otherwise specifically
indicated.
[0083] But first, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the
relationship between the chord depth of a truncated and a spherical
dimple. The golf ball having a preferred diameter of about 1.68
inches contains 504 dimples to form the cuboctahedral pattern,
which was shown in FIGS. 2-4. As an example of just one type of
dimple, FIG. 12 shows truncated dimple 400 compared to a spherical
dimple having a generally spherical chord depth of 0.012 inches and
a radius of 0.075 inches. The truncated dimple 400 may be formed by
cutting a spherical indent with a flat inner end, i.e.
corresponding to spherical dimple 400 cut along plane A-A to make
the dimple 400 more shallow with a flat inner end, and having a
truncated chord depth smaller than the corresponding spherical
chord depth of 0.012 inches.
[0084] The dimples can be aligned along geodesic lines with six
dimples on each edge of the square regions, such as square region
110, and eight dimples on each edge of the triangular region 115.
The dimples can be arranged according to the three-dimensional
Cartesian coordinate system with the X-Y plane being the equator of
the ball and the Z direction passing through the pole of the golf
ball 100. The angle .PHI. is the circumferential angle while the
angle .theta. is the co-latitude with 0 degrees at the pole and 90
degrees at the equator. The dimples in the North hemisphere can be
offset by 60 degrees from the South hemisphere with the dimple
pattern repeating every 120 degrees. Golf ball 100, in the example
of FIG. 2, has a total of nine dimple types, with four of the
dimple types in each of the triangular regions and five of the
dimple types in each of the square regions. As shown in Table 5
below, the various dimple depths and profiles are given for various
implementations of golf ball 100, indicated as prototype codes
173-175. The actual location of each dimple on the surface of the
ball for dimple patterns 172-175 is given in Tables 6-9. Tables 10
and 11 provide the various dimple depths and profiles for dimple
pattern 273 of FIG. 4 and an alternative dimple pattern 2-3,
respectively, as well as the location of each dimple on the ball
for each of these dimple patterns. Dimple pattern 2-3 is similar to
dimple pattern 273 but has dimples of slightly larger chord depth
than the ball with dimple pattern 273, as shown in Table 11.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Dimple ID# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ball 175 Type
Dimple Region Triangle Triangle Triangle Triangle Square Square
Square Square Square Type Dimple spherical spherical spherical
spherical truncated truncated truncated truncated truncated Dimple
Radius, in 0.05 0.0525 0.055 0.0575 0.075 0.0775 0.0825 0.0875
0.095 Spherical Chord 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.012 0.0122 0.0128
0.0133 0.014 Depth, in Truncated Chord n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.0035
0.0035 0.0035 0.0035 0.0035 Depth, in # of dimples in 9 18 6 3 12 8
8 4 4 region Ball 174 Type Dimple Region Triangle Triangle Triangle
Triangle Square Square Square Square Square Type Dimple truncated
truncated truncated truncated spherical spherical spherical
spherical spherical Dimple Radius, in 0.05 0.0525 0.055 0.0575
0.075 0.0775 0.0825 0.0875 0.095 Spherical Chord 0.0087 0.0091
0.0094 0.0098 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 Depth, in Truncated
Chord 0.0035 0.0035 0.0035 0.0035 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Depth, in #
of dimples in 9 18 6 3 12 8 8 4 4 region Ball 173 Type Dimple
Region Triangle Triangle Triangle Triangle Square Square Square
Square Square Type Dimple spherical spherical spherical spherical
truncated truncated truncated truncated truncated Dimple Radius, in
0.05 0.0525 0.055 0.0575 0.075 0.0775 0.0825 0.0875 0.095 Spherical
Chord 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.012 0.0122 0.0128 0.0133 0.014
Depth, in Truncated Chord n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
0.005 Depth, in # of dimples in 9 18 6 3 12 8 8 4 4 region Ball 172
Type Dimple Region Triangle Triangle Triangle Triangle Square
Square Square Square Square Type Dimple spherical spherical
spherical spherical spherical spherical spherical spherical
spherical Dimple Radius, in 0.05 0.0525 0.055 0.0575 0.075 0.0775
0.0825 0.0875 0.095 Spherical Chord 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075
0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 Depth, in Truncated Chord n/a n/a n/a
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Depth, in # of dimples in 9 18 6 3 12 8 8 4
4 region
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 (Dimple Pattern 172) Dimple # 1 Type
spherical Radius 0.05 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0 28.81007 2
0 41.7187 3 5.308533 47.46948 4 9.848338 23.49139 5 17.85912
86.27884 6 22.3436 79.34939 7 24.72264 86.27886 8 95.27736 86.27886
9 97.6564 79.84939 10 102.1409 86.27884 11 110.1517 23.49139 12
114.6915 47.46948 13 120 28.81007 14 120 41.7187 15 125.3085
47.46948 16 129.8483 23.49139 17 137.8591 86.27884 18 142.3436
79.84939 19 144.7226 86.27886 20 215.2774 86.27886 21 217.6564
79.84939 22 222.1409 86.27884 23 230.1517 23.49139 24 234.6915
47.46948 25 240 23.81007 26 240 41.7187 27 245.3085 47.46948 28
249.8483 23.49139 29 257.8591 86.27884 30 262.3436 79.84939 31
264.7226 86.27886 32 335.2774 86.27886 33 337.6564 79.84939 34
342.1409 86.27884 35 350.1517 23.49139 36 354.6915 47.46948 Dimple
# 2 Type spherical Radius 0.0525 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
3.606874 86.10963 2 4.773603 59.66486 3 7.485123 79.72027 4
9.566953 53.68971 5 10.81146 86.10963 6 12.08533 72.79786 7
13.37932 60.13101 8 16.66723 66.70139 9 19.58024 73.34845 10
20.76038 11.6909 11 24.53367 18.8166 12 46.81607 15.97349 13
73.18393 15.97349 14 95.46633 18.8166 15 99.23962 11.6909 16
100.4198 73.34845 17 103.3328 66.70139 18 106.6207 60.13101 19
107.9147 72.79786 20 109.1885 86.10963 21 110.433 53.68971 22
112.5149 79.72027 23 115.2264 59.66486 24 116.3931 86.10963 25
123.6069 86.10963 26 124.7736 59.66486 27 127.4851 79.72027 28
129.567 53.68971 29 130.8115 86.10963 30 132.0853 72.79786 31
133.3793 60.13101 32 136.6672 66.70139 33 139.5802 73.34845 34
140.7604 11.6909 35 144.5337 18.8166 36 166.8161 15.97349 37
193.1839 15.97349 38 215.4663 18.8166 39 219.2396 11.6909 40
220.4198 73.34845 41 223.3323 66.70139 42 226.6207 60.13101 43
227.9147 72.79786 44 229.1885 86.10963 45 230.433 53.68971 46
232.5149 79.72027 47 235.2264 59.66486 48 236.3931 86.10963 49
243.6069 85.10963 50 244.7736 59.66486 51 247.4851 79.72027 52
249.567 53.68971 53 250.8115 86.10963 54 252.0853 72.79786 55
253.3793 60.13101 56 256.6672 66.70139 57 259.5802 73.34845 58
260.7604 11.6909 59 264.5337 18.8166 60 286.8161 15.97349 61
313.1839 15.97349 62 335.4663 18.8166 63 339.2396 11.6909 64
340.4198 73.34845 65 343.3328 66.70139 66 346.6207 60.13101 67
347.9147 72.79786 68 349.1885 86.10963 69 350.433 53.68971 70
352.5149 79.72027 71 355.2264 59.66486 72 356.3931 86.10963 Dimple
# 3 Type spherical Radius 0.055 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0
17.13539 2 0 79.62325 3 0 53.39339 4 8.604739 66.19316 5 15.03312
79.65081 6 60 9.094473 7 104.9669 79.65081 8 111.3953 66.19316 9
120 17.13539 10 120 53.39339 11 120 79.62325 12 128.6047 66.19316
13 135.0331 79.65081 14 180 9.094473 15 224.9669 79.65081 16
231.3953 66.19316 17 240 17.13539 18 240 53.39339 19 240 79.62325
20 248.6047 66.19316 21 255.0331 79.65081 22 300 9.094473 23
344.9669 79.65081 24 351.3953 66.19316 Dimple # 4 Type spherical
Radius 0.0575 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0 4.637001 2 0
65.89178 3 4.200798 72.89446 4 115.7992 72.89446 5 120 4.637001 6
120 65.89178 7 124.2008 72.89446 8 235.7992 72.89446 9 240 4.637001
10 240 65.89178 11 244.2008 72.89446 12 355.7992 72.89446 Dimple #
5 Type spherical Radius 0.075 SCD 0.005 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
11.39176 35.80355 2 17.86771 45.18952 3 26.35389 29.36327 4
30.46014 74.86406 5 33.84232 84.58637 6 44.16317 84.53634 7
75.83683 84.53634 8 86.15768 84.58637 9 89.53986 74.86406 10
93.64611 29.36327 11 102.1323 45.18952 12 108.6082 35.80355 13
131.3918 35.80355 14 137.3677 45.18952 15 146.3539 29.36327 16
150.4601 74.86406 17 153.3423 84.58637 18 164.1632 84.58634 19
195.8368 84.58634 20 206.1577 84.58637 21 209.5399 74.86406 22
213.6461 29.36327 23 222.1323 45.18952 24 228.6082 35.80355 25
251.3918 35.80355 26 257.8677 45.18952 27 266.3539 29.36327 28
270.4601 74.86406 29 273.8423 84.58637 30 234.1632 84.58634 31
315.8368 84.58634 32 326.1577 84.58637 33 329.5399 74.86406 34
333.6461 29.36327 35 342.1323 45.18952 36 348.6082 35.80355 Dimple
# 6 Type spherical Radius 0.0775 SCD 0.005 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
22.97427 54.90551 2 27.03771 64.89835 3 47.66575 25.59568 4 54.6796
84.41703 5 65.3204 84.41703 6 72.33425 25.59568 7 92.96229 64.89835
8 97.02573 54.90551 9 142.9743 54.90551 10 147.0377 64.89835 11
167.6657 25.59568 12 174.6796 84.41703 13 185.3204 84.41703 14
192.3343 25.59568 15 212.9623 64.89835 16 217.0257 54.90551 17
262.9743 54.90551 18 267.0377 64.89835
19 237.6657 25.59568 20 294.6796 84.41703 21 305.3204 84.41703 22
312.3343 25.59568 23 332.9623 64.89835 24 337.0257 54.90551 Dimple
# 7 Type spherical Radius 0.0825 SCD 0.005 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
35.91413 51.35559 2 38.90934 62.34835 3 50.48062 36.43373 4
54.12044 73.49879 5 65.87956 73.49879 6 69.51938 36.43373 7
31.09066 62.34835 8 84.08587 51.35559 9 155.9141 51.35559 10
158.9093 62.34835 11 170.4806 36.43373 12 174.1204 73.49879 13
185.8796 73.49879 14 189.5194 36.43373 15 201.0907 62.34835 16
204.0859 51.35559 17 275.9141 51.35559 18 278.9093 62.34835 19
290.4806 36.43373 20 294.1204 73.49879 21 305.8796 73.49879 22
309.5194 36.43373 23 321.0907 62.34835 24 324.0859 51.35559 Dimple
# 8 Type spherical Radius 0.0875 SCD 0.005 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
32.46033 39.96433 2 41.97126 73.6516 3 78.02874 73.6516 4 87.53967
39.96433 5 152.4603 39.96433 6 161.9713 73.6516 7 198.0287 73.6516
8 207.5397 39.96433 9 272.4603 39.96433 10 281.9713 73.6516 11
318.0287 73.6516 12 327.5397 39.96433 Dimple # 9 Type spherical
Radius 0.095 SCD 0.005 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 51.33861 48.53996 2
52.61871 61.45814 3 67.38129 61.45814 4 68.66139 48.53996 5
171.3386 48.53996 6 172.6187 61.45814 7 187.3813 61.45814 8
188.6614 48.53996 9 291.3386 48.53996 10 292.6187 61.45814 11
307.3813 61.45814 12 308.6614 48.53996
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 (Dimple Pattern 173) Dimple # 1 Type
spherical Radius 0.05 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0 28.81007 2
0 41.7187 3 5.30853345 47.46948 4 9.848337904 23.49139 5
17.85912075 86.27884 6 22.34360082 79.84939 7 24.72264341 86.27886
8 95.27735659 86.27886 9 97.65639918 79.84939 10 102.1408793
86.27884 11 110.1516621 23.49139 12 114.6914665 47.46948 13 120
28.81007 14 120 41.7187 15 125.3085335 47.46948 16 129.8483379
23.49139 17 137.8591207 86.27884 18 142.3436008 79.84939 19
144.7226434 86.27386 20 215.2773566 86.27886 21 217.6563992
79.84939 22 222.1408793 86.27884 23 230.1516621 23.49139 24
234.6914665 47.46948 25 240 23.81007 26 240 41.7187 27 245.3085395
47.46948 28 249.8483379 23.49139 29 257.8591207 86.27884 30
262.3436008 79.84939 31 264.7226434 86.27886 32 335.2773566
86.27886 33 337.6563992 79.84939 34 342.1408793 86.27884 35
350.1516621 23.49139 36 354.6914665 47.46948 Dimple # 2 Type
spherical Radius 0.0525 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
3.606873831 86.10963 2 4.773603104 59.66486 3 7.485123389 79.72027
4 9.566952638 53.68971 5 10.81146128 86.10963 6 12.08533241
72.79786 7 13.37931975 60.13101 8 16.66723032 66.70139 9
19.58024114 73.34845 10 20.76038062 11.6909 11 24.53367306 13.8166
12 46.81607116 15.97349 13 73.18392884 15.97349 14 95.46632694
18.8166 15 99.23961938 11.6909 16 100.4197589 73.34845 17
103.3327697 66.70139 18 106.6206802 60.13101 19 107.9146676
72.79786 20 109.1885387 86.10963 21 110.4330474 53.68971 22
112.5148766 79.72027 23 115.2263969 59.66486 24 116.3931262
86.10963 25 123.6068738 86.10963 26 124.7736031 59.66486 27
127.4851234 79.72027 28 129.5669526 53.68971 29 130.8114613
86.10963 30 132.0853324 72.79786 31 133.3793198 60.13101 32
136.6672303 66.70139 33 139.5802411 73.34845 34 140.7603806 11.6909
35 144.5336731 18.8166 36 166.8160712 15.97349 37 193.1839288
15.97349 38 215.4663269 18.8166 39 219.2396194 11.6909 40
220.4197589 73.34845 41 223.3327697 66.70139 42 226.6206802
60.13101 43 227.9146676 72.79786 44 229.1885307 86.10963 45
230.4330474 53.68971 46 232.5148766 79.72027 47 235.2263969
59.66486 48 236.3931262 86.10963 49 243.6068738 85.10963 50
244.7736031 59.66486 51 247.4851234 79.72027 52 249.5669526
53.68971 53 250.8114613 88.10963 54 252.0853324 72.79786 55
253.3793198 60.13101 56 256.6672303 66.70139 57 259.5802411
73.34845 58 260.7603806 11.6909 59 264.5336731 18.8166 60
286.8160712 15.97349 61 313.1839288 15.97349 62 335.4663269 18.8166
63 339.2396194 11.6909 64 340.4197589 73.34845 65 343.3327697
66.70139 66 346.6206802 60.13101 67 347.9146676 72.79786 68
349.1885387 86.10963 69 350.4330474 53.68971 70 352.5148766
79.72027 71 355.2263969 59.66486 72 356.3931262 86.10963 Dimple # 3
Type spherical Radius 0.055 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0
17.13539 2 0 79.62325 3 0 53.39339 4 8.604738835 66.19316 5
15.03312161 79.65081 6 60 9.094473 7 104.9668784 79.65081 8
111.3952612 66.19316 9 120 17.13539 10 120 53.39339 11 120 79.62325
12 128.6047388 66.19316 13 135.0331216 79.65081 14 180 9.094473 15
224.9668784 79.65081 16 231.3952612 66.19316 17 240 17.13539 18 240
53.39339 19 240 79.62325 20 248.6047388 66.19316 21 255.0331216
79.65081 22 300 9.094473 23 344.9668784 79.65081 24 351.3952612
66.19316 Dimple # 4 Type spherical Radius 0.0575 SCD 0.0075 TCD n/a
# Phi Theta 1 0 4.637001 2 0 65.89178 3 4.200798314 72.89446 4
115.7992017 72.89446 5 120 4.637001 6 120 65.89178 7 124.2007983
72.89446 8 235.7902017 72.89446 9 240 4.637001 10 240 65.89178 11
244.2007983 72.89446 12 355.7992017 72.89446 Dimple # 5 Type
truncated Radius 0.075 SCD 0.0119 TCD 0.005 # Phi Theta 1
11.39176224 35.80355 2 17.86771474 45.18952 3 26.35389345 29.36327
4 30.46014274 74.86406 5 33.84232422 84.58637 6 44.16316959
84.53634 7 75.83683042 84.53634 8 86.15767578 84.58637 9
89.53985726 74.86406 10 93.64610555 29.36327 11 102.1322853
45.18952 12 108.6082378 35.80355 13 131.3917622 35.80355 14
137.8677147 45.13952 15 146.3538935 29.36327 16 150.4601427
74.86406 17 153.3423242 84.58637 18 164.1631696 84.58634 19
195.8368304 84.58634 20 206.1576758 84.58637 21 209.5398573
74.86406 22 213.6461065 29.36327 23 222.1322853 45.18952 24
228.6082378 35.80355 25 251.3917622 35.80355 26 257.8677147
45.18952 27 266.3538935 29.36327 28 270.4601427 74.86406 29
273.8423242 84.58637 30 234.1631696 84.58634 31 315.8368304
84.58634 32 326.1576758 84.58637 33 329.5398573 74.86406 34
333.6461065 29.36327 35 342.1322853 45.18952 36 348.6082378
35.80355 Dimple # 6 Type truncated Radius 0.0775 SCD 0.0122 TCD
0.005 # Phi Theta 1 22.97426943 54.90551 2 27.03771469 64.89835 3
47.6657487 25.59568 4 54.67960187 84.41703 5 65.32039813 84.41703 6
72.3342513 25.59568 7 92.96228531 64.89835 8 97.02573057 54.90551 9
142.9742694 54.90551 10 147.0377147 64.89835 11 167.6657487
25.59568 12 174.6796019 84.41703 13 185.3203981 84.41703 14
192.3342513 25.59568 15 212.9622853 64.89835 16 217.0257306
54.90551 17 262.9742694 54.90551 18 267.0377147 64.89835
19 237.6657487 25.59568 20 294.6796019 84.41703 21 305.3203981
84.41703 22 312.3342513 25.59568 23 332.9622853 64.89835 24
337.0257306 54.90551 Dimple # 7 Type truncated Radius 0.0825 SCD
0.0128 TCD 0.005 # Phi Theta 1 35.91413117 51.35559 2 38.90934195
62.34835 3 50.48062345 36.43373 4 54.12044072 73.49879 5
65.87955928 73.49879 6 69.51937655 36.43373 7 81.09065805 62.34835
8 84.08586893 51.35559 9 155.9141312 51.35559 10 158.909342
62.34835 11 170.4806234 36.43373 12 174.1204407 73.49879 13
185.8795593 73.49879 14 189.5193766 36.43373 15 201.090656 62.34835
16 204.0858688 51.35559 17 275.9141312 51.35559 18 278.909342
62.34835 19 290.4806234 36.43373 20 294.1204407 73.49879 21
305.8795593 73.49879 22 309.5193766 36.43373 23 321.090658 62.34835
24 324.0858698 51.35559 Dimple # 8 Type truncated Radius 0.0875 SCD
0.0133 TCD 0.005 # Phi Theta 1 32.46032855 39.96433 2 41.97126436
73.6516 3 78.02873584 73.6516 4 37.53967145 39.96433 5 152.4603285
39.96433 6 161.9712644 73.6516 7 198.0287356 73.6516 8 207.5396715
39.96433 9 272.4603285 39.96433 10 281.9712644 73.6516 11
318.0287356 73.6516 12 327.5396715 39.96433 Dimple # 9 Type
truncated Radius 0.095 SCD 0.014 TCD 0.005 # Phi Theta 1
51.33861068 48.53996 2 52.61871427 61.45814 3 67.38128573 61.45814
4 68.66138932 48.53996 5 171.3386107 48.53996 6 172.6187143
61.45814 7 187.3812857 61.45814 8 188.6613893 48.53996 9
291.3386107 48.53996 10 292.6187143 61.45814 11 307.3812857
61.45814 12 308.6613893 48.53996
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 (Dimple Pattern 174) Dimple # 1 Type
truncated Radius 0.05 SCD 0.0087 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta 1 0
28.81007 2 0 41.7187 3 5.308533 47.46948 4 9.846338 23.49139 5
17.85912 86.27884 6 22.3436 79.34939 7 24.72264 86.27886 8 95.27736
86.27886 9 97.6564 79.84939 10 102.1409 86.27884 11 110.1517
23.49139 12 114.6915 47.46948 13 120 28.81007 14 120 41.7187 15
125.3085 47.46948 16 129.8483 23.49139 17 137.8591 86.27884 18
142.3436 79.84939 19 144.7226 86.27886 20 215.2774 86.27886 21
217.6564 79.84939 22 222.1409 86.27884 23 230.1517 23.49139 24
234.6915 47.46948 25 240 23.81007 26 240 41.7187 27 245.3085
47.46948 28 249.8483 23.49139 29 257.8591 86.27884 30 262.3436
79.84939 31 264.7226 86.27886 32 335.2774 86.27886 33 337.6564
79.84939 34 342.1409 86.27884 35 350.1517 23.49139 36 354.6915
47.46948 Dimple # 2 Type truncated Radius 0.0525 SCD 0.0091 TCD
0.0035 # Phi Theta 1 3.606874 86.10963 2 4.773603 59.66486 3
7.485123 79.72027 4 9.566953 53.68971 5 10.81146 86.10963 6
12.08533 72.79786 7 13.37932 60.13101 8 16.66723 66.70139 9
19.58024 73.34845 10 20.76038 11.6909 11 24.53367 18.8166 12
46.81607 15.97349 13 73.18393 15.97349 14 95.46633 18.8166 15
99.23962 11.6909 16 100.4198 73.34845 17 103.3328 66.70139 18
106.6207 60.13101 19 107.9147 72.79786 20 109.1385 86.10963 21
110.433 53.68971 22 112.5149 79.72027 23 115.2264 59.66486 24
116.3931 86.10963 25 123.6069 86.10963 26 124.7736 59.66486 27
127.4851 79.72027 28 129.567 53.68971 29 130.8115 86.10963 30
132.0853 72.79786 31 133.3793 60.13101 32 136.6672 66.70139 33
139.5802 73.34845 34 140.7604 11.6909 35 144.5337 18.8166 36
166.8161 15.97349 37 193.1839 15.97349 38 215.4663 18.8166 39
219.2396 11.6909 40 220.4198 73.34845 41 223.3323 66.70139 42
226.6207 60.13101 43 227.9147 72.79786 44 229.1885 86.10963 45
230.433 53.68971 46 232.5149 79.72027 47 235.2264 59.66486 48
236.3931 86.10963 49 243.6069 85.10963 50 244.7736 59.66486 51
247.4851 79.72027 52 249.567 53.68971 53 250.8115 86.10963 54
252.0853 72.79786 55 253.3793 60.13101 56 256.6672 66.70139 57
259.5802 73.34845 58 260.7604 11.6909 59 264.5337 18.8166 60
286.8161 15.97349 61 313.1839 15.97349 62 335.4663 18.8166 63
339.2396 11.6909 64 340.4198 73.34845 65 343.3328 66.70139 66
346.6207 60.13101 67 347.9147 72.79786 68 349.1885 86.10963 69
350.433 53.68971 70 352.5149 79.72027 71 355.2264 59.66486 72
356.3931 86.10963 Dimple # 3 Type truncated Radius 0.055 SCD 0.0094
TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta 1 0 17.13539 2 0 79.62325 3 0 53.39339 4
8.604739 66.19316 5 15.03312 79.65081 6 60 9.094473 7 104.9669
79.65081 8 111.3953 66.19316 9 120 17.13539 10 120 53.39339 11 120
79.62325 12 128.6047 66.19316 13 135.0331 79.65081 14 180 9.094473
15 224.9669 79.65081 16 231.3953 66.19316 17 240 17.13539 18 240
53.39339 19 240 79.62325 20 248.6047 66.19316 21 255.0331 79.65081
22 300 9.094473 23 344.9669 79.65081 24 351.3953 66.19316 Dimple #
4 Type truncated Radius 0.0575 SCD 0.0098 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta 1
0 4.637001 2 0 65.89178 3 4.200798 72.89446 4 115.7992 72.89446 5
120 4.637001 6 120 65.89178 7 124.2008 72.89446 8 235.7992 72.89446
9 240 4.637001 10 240 65.89178 11 244.2008 72.89446 12 355.7992
72.89446 Dimple # 5 Type spherical Radius 0.075 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a #
Phi Theta 1 11.39176 35.80355 2 17.86771 45.18952 3 26.35389
29.36327 4 30.46014 74.86406 5 33.84232 84.58637 6 44.16317
84.53634 7 75.83683 84.53634 8 86.15768 84.58637 9 89.53986
74.86406 10 93.64611 29.36327 11 102.1323 45.18952 12 108.6082
35.80355 13 131.3918 35.80355 14 137.8677 45.18952 15 146.3539
29.36327 16 150.4601 74.86406 17 153.8423 84.58637 18 164.1632
84.58634 19 195.8368 84.58634 20 206.1577 84.58637 21 209.5399
74.86406 22 213.6461 29.36327 23 222.1323 45.18952 24 228.6082
35.80355 25 251.3913 35.80355 26 257.3677 45.18952 27 266.3539
29.36327 28 270.4601 74.86406 29 273.3423 84.58637 30 234.1632
84.58634 31 315.8368 84.58634 32 326.1577 84.58637 33 329.5399
74.86406 34 333.6461 29.36327 35 342.1323 45.18952 36 348.6082
35.80355 Dimple # 6 Type spherical Radius 0.0775 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a
# Phi Theta 1 22.97427 54.90551 2 27.03771 64.89835 3 47.66575
25.59568 4 54.6796 84.41703 5 65.3204 84.41703 6 72.33425 25.59568
7 92.96229 64.89835 8 97.02573 54.90551 9 142.9743 54.90551 10
147.0377 64.89835 11 167.6657 25.59568 12 174.6796 84.41703 13
185.3204 84.41703 14 192.3343 25.59568 15 212.9623 64.89835 16
217.0257 54.90551 17 262.9743 54.90551 18 267.0377 64.89835
19 237.6657 25.59563 20 294.6796 84.41703 21 305.3204 84.41703 22
312.3343 25.59563 23 332.9623 64.89835 24 337.0257 54.90551 Dimple
# 7 Type spherical Radius 0.0825 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
35.91413 51.35559 2 38.90934 62.34835 3 50.48062 36.43373 4
54.12044 73.49879 5 65.87956 73.49879 6 69.51938 36.43373 7
31.09066 62.34835 8 84.08587 51.35559 9 155.9141 51.35559 10
158.9093 62.34835 11 170.4806 36.43373 12 174.1204 73.49879 13
185.8796 73.49879 14 189.5194 36.43373 15 201.0907 62.34835 16
204.0859 51.35559 17 275.9141 51.35559 18 278.9093 62.34835 19
290.4806 36.43373 20 294.1204 73.49879 21 305.8796 73.49879 22
309.5194 36.43373 23 321.0907 62.34835 24 324.0859 51.35559 Dimple
# 8 Type spherical Radius 0.0875 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
32.46033 39.96433 2 41.97126 73.6516 3 78.02874 73.6516 4 37.53967
39.96433 5 152.4603 39.96433 6 161.9713 73.6516 7 198.0287 73.6516
8 207.5397 39.96433 9 272.4603 39.96433 10 281.9713 73.6516 11
318.0287 73.6516 12 327.5397 39.96433 Dimple # 9 Type spherical
Radius 0.095 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 51.33861 48.53996 2
52.61871 61.45814 3 67.38129 61.45814 4 68.66139 48.53996 5
171.3386 48.53996 6 172.6187 61.45814 7 187.3813 61.45814 8
188.6614 48.53996 9 291.3386 48.53996 10 292.6137 61.45814 11
307.3813 61.45814 12 308.6614 48.53996
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 (Dimple Pattern 175) Dimple # 1 Type
spherical Radius 0.05 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0 28.81007 2
0 41.7187 3 5.308533 47.46948 4 9.846338 23.49139 5 17.85912
86.27884 6 22.3436 79.34939 7 24.72264 86.27886 8 95.27736 86.27886
9 97.6564 79.84939 10 102.1409 86.27884 11 110.1517 23.49139 12
114.6915 47.46948 13 120 28.81007 14 120 41.7187 15 125.3085
47.46948 16 129.8483 23.49139 17 137.8591 86.27884 18 142.3436
79.84939 19 144.7226 86.27886 20 215.2774 86.27886 21 217.6564
79.84939 22 222.1409 86.27884 23 230.1517 23.49139 24 234.6915
47.46948 25 240 23.81007 26 240 41.7187 27 245.3085 47.46948 28
249.8483 23.49139 29 257.8591 86.27884 30 262.3436 79.34939 31
264.7226 86.27886 32 335.2774 86.27886 33 337.6564 79.84939 34
342.1409 86.27884 35 350.1517 23.49139 36 354.6915 47.46948 Dimple
# 2 Type spherical Radius 0.0525 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1
3.606874 86.10963 2 4.773603 59.66486 3 7.485123 79.72027 4
9.566953 53.68971 5 10.81146 86.10963 6 12.08533 72.79786 7
13.37932 60.13101 8 16.66723 66.70139 9 19.58024 73.34845 10
20.76038 11.6909 11 24.53367 18.8166 12 46.81607 15.97349 13
73.18393 15.97349 14 95.46633 18.8166 15 99.23962 11.6909 16
100.4198 73.34845 17 103.3328 66.70139 18 106.6207 60.13101 19
107.9147 72.79786 20 109.1885 86.10963 21 110.433 53.68971 22
112.5149 79.72027 23 115.2264 59.66486 24 116.3931 86.10963 25
123.6069 86.10963 26 124.7736 59.66486 27 127.4851 79.72027 28
129.567 53.68971 29 130.8115 86.10963 30 132.0853 72.79786 31
133.3793 60.13101 32 136.6672 66.70139 33 139.5802 73.34845 34
140.7604 11.6909 35 144.5337 18.8166 36 166.8161 15.97349 37
193.1839 15.97349 38 215.4663 18.8166 39 219.2396 11.6909 40
220.4198 73.34845 41 223.3323 66.70139 42 226.6207 60.13101 43
227.9147 72.79786 44 229.1885 86.10963 45 230.433 53.68971 46
232.5149 79.72027 47 235.2264 59.66486 48 236.3931 86.10963 49
243.6069 85.10963 50 244.7736 59.66486 51 247.4851 79.72027 52
249.567 53.68971 53 250.8115 86.10963 54 252.0853 72.79786 55
253.3793 60.13101 56 256.6672 66.70139 57 259.5802 73.34845 58
260.7604 11.6909 59 264.5337 18.8166 60 286.8161 15.97349 61
313.1839 15.97349 62 335.4663 18.8166 63 339.2396 11.6909 64
340.4198 73.34845 65 343.3328 66.70139 66 346.6207 60.13101 67
347.9147 72.79786 68 349.1885 86.10963 69 350.433 53.68971 70
352.5149 79.72027 71 355.2264 59.66486 72 356.3931 86.10963 Dimple
# 3 Type spherical Radius 0.055 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0
17.13539 2 0 79.62325 3 0 53.39339 4 8.604739 66.19316 5 15.03312
79.65081 6 60 9.094473 7 104.9669 79.65081 8 111.3953 66.19316 9
120 17.13539 10 120 53.39339 11 120 79.62325 12 128.6047 66.19316
13 135.0331 79.65081 14 180 9.094473 15 224.9669 79.65081 16
231.3953 66.19316 17 240 17.13539 18 240 53.39339 19 240 79.62325
20 248.6047 66.19316 21 255.0331 79.65081 22 300 9.094473 23
344.9669 79.65081 24 351.3953 66.19316 Dimple # 4 Type spherical
Radius 0.0575 SCD 0.008 TCD n/a # Phi Theta 1 0 4.637001 2 0
65.89178 3 4.200798 72.89446 4 115.7992 72.89446 5 120 4.637001 6
120 65.89178 7 124.2008 72.89446 8 235.7992 72.89446 9 240 4.637001
10 240 65.89178 11 244.2008 72.89446 12 355.7992 72.89446 Dimple #
5 Type truncated Radius 0.075 SCD 0.012 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta 1
11.39176 35.80355 2 17.86771 45.18952 3 26.35389 29.36327 4
30.46014 74.86406 5 33.84232 84.58637 6 44.16317 84.53634 7
75.83683 84.53634 8 86.15768 84.58637 9 89.53986 74.86406 10
93.64611 29.36327 11 102.1323 45.18952 12 108.6082 35.80355 13
131.3918 35.80355 14 137.3677 45.18952 15 146.3539 29.36327 16
150.4601 74.86406 17 153.3423 84.58637 18 164.1632 84.58634 19
195.8368 84.58634 20 206.1577 84.58637 21 209.5399 74.86406 22
213.6461 29.36327 23 222.1323 45.18952 24 228.6082 35.80355 25
251.3918 35.80355 26 257.8677 45.18952 27 266.3539 29.36327 28
270.4601 74.86406 29 273.8423 84.58637 30 234.1632 84.58634 31
315.8368 84.58634 32 326.1577 84.58637 33 329.5399 74.86406 34
333.6461 29.36327 35 342.1323 45.18952 36 348.6082 35.80355 Dimple
# 6 Type truncated Radius 0.0775 SCD 0.0122 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta
1 22.97427 54.90551 2 27.03771 64.89835 3 47.66575 25.59568 4
54.6796 84.41703 5 65.3204 84.41703 6 72.33425 25.59568 7 92.96229
64.89835 8 97.02573 54.90551 9 142.9743 54.90551 10 147.0377
64.89835 11 167.6657 25.59568 12 174.6796 84.41703 13 185.3204
84.41703 14 192.3343 25.59568 15 212.9623 64.89835 16 217.0257
54.90551 17 262.9743 54.90551 18 267.0377 64.89835
19 287.6657 25.59568 20 294.6796 84.41703 21 305.3204 84.41703 22
312.3343 25.59563 23 332.9623 64.89835 24 337.0257 54.90551 Dimple
# 7 Type truncated Radius 0.0825 SCD 0.0128 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta
1 35.91413 51.35559 2 38.90934 62.34835 3 50.48062 36.43373 4
54.12044 73.49879 5 65.87956 73.49879 6 69.51938 36.43373 7
81.09066 62.34835 8 84.08587 51.35559 9 155.9141 51.35559 10
158.9093 62.34835 11 170.4806 36.43373 12 174.1204 73.49879 13
185.8796 73.49879 14 189.5194 36.43373 15 201.0907 62.34835 16
204.0859 51.35559 17 275.9141 51.35559 18 278.9093 62.34835 19
290.4806 36.43373 20 294.1204 73.49879 21 305.8796 73.49879 22
309.5194 36.43373 23 321.0907 62.34835 24 324.0859 51.35559 Dimple
# 8 Type truncated Radius 0.0875 SCD 0.0133 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta
1 32.46033 39.96433 2 41.97126 73.6516 3 78.02874 73.6516 4
87.53967 39.96433 5 152.4603 39.96433 6 161.9713 73.6516 7 198.0287
73.6516 8 207.5397 39.96433 9 272.4603 39.96433 10 281.9713 73.6516
11 318.0287 73.6516 12 327.5397 39.96433 Dimple # 9 Type truncated
Radius 0.095 SCD 0.014 TCD 0.0035 # Phi Theta 1 51.33861 48.53996 2
52.61871 61.45814 3 67.38129 61.45814 4 68.66139 48.53996 5
171.3386 48.53996 6 172.6187 61.45814 7 187.3813 61.45814 8
188.6614 48.53996 9 291.3386 48.53996 10 292.6187 61.45814 11
307.3813 61.45814 12 308.6614 48.53996
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 (Dimple Pattern 273) Dimple # 1 Type
truncated Radius 0.0750 SCD 0.0132 TCD 0.0050 # Phi Theta 1 0
25.85946 2 120 25.85946 3 240 25.85946 4 22.29791 84.58636 5
1.15E-13 44.66932 6 337.7021 84.58636 7 142.2979 84.58636 8 120
44.66932 9 457.7021 84.58636 10 262.2979 84.58636 11 240 44.66932
12 577.7021 84.58636 Dimple # 2 Type truncated Radius 0.0800 SCD
0.0138 TCD 0.0050 # Phi Theta 1 19.46456 17.6616 2 100.5354 17.6616
3 139.4646 17.6616 4 220.5354 17.6616 5 259.4646 17.6616 6 340.5354
17.6616 7 18.02112 74.614 8 7.175662 54.03317 9 352.8243 54.03317
10 341.9789 74.614 11 348.5695 84.24771 12 11.43052 84.24771 13
138.0211 74.614 14 127.1757 54.03317 15 472.8243 54.03317 16
461.9789 74.614 17 468.5695 84.24771 18 131.4305 84.24771 19
258.0211 74.614 20 247.1757 54.03317 21 592.8243 54.03317 22
581.9789 74.614 23 588.5695 84.24771 24 251.4305 84.24771 Dimple #
3 Type truncated Radius 0.0825 SCD 0.0141 TCD 0.0050 # Phi Theta 1
0 6.707467 2 60 13.5496 3 120 6.707467 4 180 13.5496 5 240 6.707467
6 300 13.5496 7 6.04096 73.97888 8 13.01903 64.24653 9 2.41E-14
63.82131 10 346.981 64.24653 11 353.959 73.97888 12 360 84.07838 13
126.041 73.97888 14 133.019 64.24653 15 120 63.82131 16 466.981
64.24653 17 473.959 73.97888 18 480 84.07838 19 246.041 73.97888 20
253.019 64.24653 21 240 63.82131 22 586.981 64.24653 23 593.959
73.97888 24 600 84.07838 Dimple # 4 Type spherical Radius 0.0550
SCD 0.0075 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1 89.81848 78.25196 2 92.38721
71.10446 3 95.11429 63.96444 4 105.6986 42.86305 5 101.558 49.81178
6 98.11364 56.8624 7 100.3784 30.02626 8 86.62335 26.05789 9 69.339
23.82453 10 19.62155 30.03626 11 33.37665 26.05789 12 50.601
23.82453 13 14.30135 42.86305 14 18.44204 49.81178 15 21.38636
56.8624 16 38.18152 78.25196 17 27.61279 71.10446 18 24.88571
63.96444 19 41.03508 85.94042 20 48.61817 85.94042 21 56.20813
85.94042 22 78.96492 85.94042 23 71.38183 85.94042 24 63.79187
85.94042 25 209.8185 78.25196 26 212.3872 71.10446 27 215.1143
63.96444 28 225.6986 42.86305 29 221.558 49.81178 30 218.1136
56.8624 31 220.3784 30.02626 32 206.6234 26.05789 33 189.399
23.82453 34 139.6216 30.02626 35 153.3765 26.05789 36 170.601
23.82453 37 134.3014 42.86305 38 133.442 49.81178 39 141.8864
56.8624 40 150.1815 78.25196 41 147.6128 71.10446 42 144.8857
53.96444 43 161.0351 85.94042 44 168.6182 85.94042 45 176.2081
85.94042 46 198.9649 85.94042 47 191.3818 85.94042 48 193.7919
85.94042 49 329.8185 78.25196 50 332.3872 71.10446 51 335.1143
63.96444 52 345.6986 42.86305 53 341.558 49.81178 54 338.1136
56.8624 55 340.3784 30.02626 56 326.6234 26.05789 57 309.399
23.82453 58 259.6216 30.02626 59 273.3765 26.05789 60 290.601
23.82453 61 254.3014 42.86305 62 258.442 49.81178 63 261.8864
56.8624 64 270.1815 78.25196 65 267.6128 71.10446 66 264.8857
63.36444 67 281.0351 85.94042 68 238.6182 85.94042 69 296.2081
85.94042 70 318.9649 85.94042 71 311.3919 85.94042 72 303.7919
85.94042 Dimple # 5 Type spherical Radius 0.0575 SCD 0.0075 TCD --
# Phi Theta 1 83.35856 69.4058 2 85.57977 61.65549 3 91.04137
46.06539 4 88.0815 53.82973 5 81.86535 34.37733 6 67.54444 32.56834
7 38.13465 34.37733 8 52.45556 32.56834 9 28.95863 46.06539 10
31.9185 53.02973 11 36.64144 69.4858 12 34.42023 61.65549 13
47.55421 77.35324 14 55.84333 77.16119 15 72.44579 77.35324 16
64.15697 77.16119 17 203.3586 69.4858 18 205.5798 61.65549 19
211.0414 46.06539 20 200.0815 53.82973 21 201.8653 34.37733 22
187.5444 32.56834 23 158.1347 34.37733 24 172.4556 32.56834 25
148.9586 46.06539 26 151.9185 53.82973 27 156.6414 69.4858 28
154.4202 61.65549 29 167.5642 77.35324 30 175.843 77.16119 31
192.4458 77.35324 32 184.157 77.16119 33 323.3586 69.4858 34
325.5798 61.65549 35 331.0414 46.06539 36 328.0815 53.82973 37
321.8653 34.37733 38 307.5444 32.56834 39 278.1347 34.37733 40
292.4556 32.56834 41 268.9586 46.06539 42 271.9185 53.82973 43
275.6414 69.4858 44 274.4202 61.65549 45 287.5542 77.35324 46
235.843 77.16119 47 312.4458 77.35324 48 304.157 77.16119 Dimple #
6 Type spherical Radius 0.0600 SCD 0.0075 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1
86.88247 85.60198 2 110.7202 35.62098 3 9.279821 35.62098 4
33.11753 85.60198 5 206.8825 85.60198 6 230.7202 35.62098 7
129.2798 35.62098 8 153.1175 85.60198 9 326.8825 85.60198 10
350.7202 35.62098 11 249.2798 35.62098 12 273.1175 85.60198 Dimple
# 7 Type spherical Radius 0.0625 SCD 0.0075 TCD --
# Phi Theta 1 80.92949 77.43144 2 76.22245 60.1768 3 77.98598
51.7127 4 94.40845 38.09724 5 66.573 40.85577 6 53.427 40.85577 7
25.59155 38.09724 8 42.01402 51.7127 9 43.77755 60.1763 10 39.07051
77.43144 11 55.39527 68.86469 12 64.60473 68.86469 13 200.9295
77.43144 14 196.2224 60.1768 15 197.986 51.7127 16 214.4085
38.09724 17 186.573 40.85577 18 173.427 40.85577 19 145.5915
38.09724 20 162.014 51.7127 21 163.7776 60.1768 22 159.0705
77.43144 23 175.3953 68.86469 24 184.6047 68.86469 25 320.9295
77.43144 26 316.2224 60.1768 27 317.986 51.7127 28 334.4085
38.09724 29 306.573 40.85577 30 293.427 40.85577 31 265.5915
38.09724 32 282.014 51.7127 33 283.7776 60.1768 34 279.0705
77.43144 35 295.3953 68.86469 36 304.6047 68.86469 Dimple # 8 Type
spherical Radius 00675 SCD 0.0075 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1 74.18416
68.92141 2 79.64177 42.85974 3 40.35823 42.85974 4 45.81584
68.92141 5 194.1842 68.92141 6 199.6418 42.85974 7 160.3582
42.85974 8 165.8158 68.92141 9 314.1842 68.92141 10 319.6418
42.85974 11 280.3582 42.85974 12 285.8158 68.92141 Dimple # 9 Type
spherical Radius 0.0700 SCD 0.0075 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1 65.60484
59.710409 2 66.31567 50.052318 3 53.68433 50.052318 4 54.39516
59.710409 5 185.6048 59.710409 6 186.3157 50.052318 7 173.6843
50.052318 8 174.3952 59.710409 9 305.6048 59.710409 10 306.3157
50.052318 11 293.6843 50.052318 12 294.3952 59.710409
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 (Dimple Pattern 2-3) Dimple # 1 Type
spherical Radius 0.0550 SCD 0.0080 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1 89.818
78.252 2 92.387 71.104 3 95.114 63.964 4 105.699 42.863 5 101.558
49.812 6 98.114 56.862 7 100.378 30.026 8 86.623 26.058 9 69.399
23.825 10 19.622 30.026 11 33.377 26.858 12 50.601 29.825 13 14.301
42.863 14 18.442 49.812 15 21.886 56.862 16 30.182 78.252 17 27.613
71.104 18 24.886 63.964 19 41.035 85.940 20 48.618 85.940 21 56.208
85.940 22 78.985 85.940 23 71.382 85.940 24 63.792 85.940 25
209.818 78.252 26 212.387 71.104 27 215.114 63.964 28 225.699
42.863 29 221.558 49.812 30 218.114 56.862 31 220.376 30.026 32
206.623 26.058 33 189.399 23.825 34 149.622 30.026 35 153.377
26.058 36 170.601 23.825 37 134.301 42.863 38 130.442 49.812 39
141.885 56.862 40 150.182 78.252 41 147.613 71.104 42 144.886
63.954 43 161.035 85.940 44 168.618 85.940 45 176.208 85.940 46
198.965 85.940 47 191.382 85.940 48 183.792 85.940 49 329.818
78.252 50 332.387 71.104 51 335.114 63.964 52 345.699 42.863 53
341.558 49.812 54 338.114 56.862 55 340.378 30.026 56 326.623
26.058 57 309.399 23.825 58 259.622 30.026 59 273.377 26.058 60
290.601 23.825 61 254.301 42.863 62 258.442 49.812 63 261.886
56.862 64 270.182 78.252 65 267.613 71.104 66 264.886 63.964 67
281.035 85.940 68 288.618 85.940 69 296.208 85.940 70 318.965
85.940 71 311.382 85.940 72 303.792 85.940 Dimple # 2 Type
spherical Radius 0.0575 SCD 0.0080 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1 83.359
69.486 2 85.580 61.655 3 91.041 46.065 4 88.081 53.830 5 81.865
34.377 6 67.544 32.568 7 38.135 34.377 8 52.456 32.568 9 28.959
46.065 10 31.919 53.830 11 36.641 69.486 12 34.420 61.655 13 47.554
77.353 14 55.843 77.161 15 72.446 77.363 16 64.157 77.161 17
203.359 69.485 18 205.580 61.655 19 211.041 46.065 20 208.081
53.830 21 201.865 34.377 22 187.544 32.568 23 158.135 34.377 24
172.456 32.568 25 148.959 46.065 26 151.919 53.830 27 156.641
63.486 28 154.420 61.655 29 167.554 77.353 30 175.843 77.161 31
132.446 77.353 32 184.157 77.161 33 323.359 63.486 34 325.580
61.655 35 331.041 46.065 36 328.081 53.830 37 321.865 34.377 38
307.544 32.568 39 278.135 34.377 40 292.456 32.568 41 268.959
46.065 42 271.919 53.830 43 276.641 69.486 44 274.420 61.655 45
287.554 77.353 46 295.843 77.161 47 312.446 77.363 48 304.157
77.161 Dimple # 3 Type spherical Radius 0.0600 SCD 0.0080 TCD -- #
Phi Theta 1 86.882 85.602 2 110.720 35.621 3 9.280 35.621 4 33.116
85.602 5 205.882 85.602 6 230.720 35.621 7 129.280 35.621 8 153.118
85.602 9 326.882 85.602 10 350.720 35.621 11 249.280 35.621 12
273.118 85.602 Dimple # 4 Type spherical Radius 0.0625 SCD 0.0080
TCD -- # Phi Theta 1 80.929 77.431 2 76.222 60.177 3 77.986 51.713
4 94.408 38.097 5 66.573 40.856 6 53.427 40.856 7 25.592 38.097 8
42.014 51.713 9 43.778 60.177 10 39.071 77.431 11 55.395 68.865 12
64.605 68.865 13 200.929 77.431 14 196.222 60.177 15 197.986 51.713
16 214.408 38.097 17 136.573 40.856 18 173.427 40.856 19 145.592
38.097 20 162.014 51.713 21 163.778 60.177 22 159.071 77.431 23
175.395 68.865 24 184.605 68.865 25 320.929 77.431 26 316.222
60.177 27 317.986 51.713 28 334.408 38.037 29 306.573 40.856 30
293.427 40.856 31 265.592 38.097 32 282.014 51.713 33 233.778
60.177 34 279.071 77.431 35 295.395 68.865 36 304.605 68.865 Dimple
# 5 Type spherical Radius 0.0675 SCD 0.0080 TCD -- # Phi Theta 1
74.184 68.921 2 79.642 42.860 3 40.358 42.860 4 45.816 68.921 5
194.184 68.921 6 199.642 42.860 7 160.358 42.860 8 165.816 68.921 9
314.184 68.921 10 319.842 42.860 11 280.358 42.860 12 285.816
68.921 Dimple # 6 Type spherical Radius 0.0700 SCD 0.0080 TCD -- #
Phi Theta 1 65.605 59.710 2 66.316 50.052 3 53.684 50.052 4 54.395
59.710 5 185.605 59.710 6 186.316 50.052 7 173.634 50.052 8 174.395
59.710 9 305.605 59.710 10 306.316 50.052 11 293.684 50.052 12
294.395 59.710 Dimple # 7 Type truncated Radius 0.0750 SCD 0.0132
TCD 0.0055
# Phi Theta 1 0.000 25.859 2 120.000 25.859 3 240.000 25.859 4
22.298 84.586 5 0.000 44.669 6 337.702 84.586 7 142.298 84.586 8
120.000 44.669 9 457.702 84.586 10 262.298 84.586 11 240.000 44.659
12 577.702 84.586 Dimple # 8 Type truncated Radius 0.0800 SCD
0.0138 TCD 0.0055 # Phi Theta 1 19.465 17.662 2 100.535 17.662 3
139.465 17.662 4 220.535 17.662 5 259.465 17.662 6 340.535 17.662 7
18.021 74.614 8 7.176 54.033 9 352.824 54.033 10 341.979 74.614 11
348.569 84.248 12 11.431 84.248 13 138.021 74.614 14 127.176 54.033
15 472.824 54.033 16 461.979 74.614 17 468.569 84.248 18 131.431
84.248 19 258.021 74.614 20 247.176 54.033 21 592.824 54.033 22
581.979 74.614 23 588.569 84.248 24 251.431 84.248 Dimple # 9 Type
truncated Radius 0.0825 SCD 0.0141 TCD 0.0055 # Phi Theta 1 0.000
6.707 2 60.000 13.550 3 120.000 6.707 4 180.000 13.550 5 240.000
6.707 6 300.000 13.550 7 6.041 73.979 8 13.019 64.247 9 0.000
63.821 10 346.931 64.247 11 353.959 73.979 12 360.000 84.078 13
126.041 73.979 14 133.019 64.247 15 120.000 63.821 16 466.981
64.247 17 473.959 73.979 18 480.000 84.078 19 246.041 73.979 20
355.019 64.247 21 240.000 63.821 22 586.981 64.247 23 593.959
73.979 24 600.000 84.078
[0085] The geometric and dimple patterns 172-175, 273 and 2-3
described above have been shown to reduce dispersion. Moreover, the
geometric and dimple patterns can be selected to achieve lower
dispersion based on other ball design parameters as well. For
example, for the case of a golf ball that is constructed in such a
way as to generate relatively low driver spin, a cuboctahedral
dimple pattern with the dimple profiles of the 172-175 series golf
balls, shown in Table 5, or the 273 and 2-3 series golf balls shown
in Tables 10 and 11, provides for a spherically symmetrical golf
ball having less dispersion than other golf balls with similar
driver spin rates. This translates into a ball that slices less
when struck in such a way that the ball's spin axis corresponds to
that of a slice shot. To achieve lower driver spin, a ball can be
constructed from e.g., a cover made from an ionomer resin utilizing
high-performance ethylene copolymers containing acid groups
partially neutralized by using metal salts such as zinc, sodium and
others and having a rubber-based core, such as constructed from,
for example, a hard Dupont.TM. Surlyn.RTM. covered two-piece ball
with a polybutadiene rubber-based core such as the TopFlite XL
Straight or a three-piece ball construction with a soft thin cover,
e.g., less than about 0.04 inches, with a relatively high flexural
modulus mantle layer and with a polybutadiene rubber-based core
such as the Titleist ProV1.RTM..
[0086] Similarly, when certain dimple pattern and dimple profiles
describe above are used on a ball constructed to generate
relatively high driver spin, a spherically symmetrical golf ball
that has the short iron control of a higher spinning golf ball and
when imparted with a relatively high driver spin causes the golf
ball to have a trajectory similar to that of a driver shot
trajectory for most lower spinning golf balls and yet will have the
control around the green more like a higher spinning golf ball is
produced. To achieve higher driver spin, a ball can be constructed
from e.g., a soft Dupont.TM. Surlyn.RTM. covered two-piece ball
with a hard polybutadiene rubber-based core or a relatively hard
Dupont.TM. Surlyn.RTM. covered two-piece ball with a plastic core
made of 30-100% DuPont.TM. HPF 2000.RTM., or a three-piece ball
construction with a soft thicker cove, e.g., greater than about
0.04 inches, with a relatively stiff mantle layer and with a
polybutadiene rubber-based core.
[0087] It should be appreciated that the dimple patterns and dimple
profiles used for 172-175, 273, and 2-3 series golf balls causes
these golf balls to generate a lower lift force under various
conditions of flight, and reduces the slice dispersion.
[0088] Golf balls dimple patterns 172-175 were subjected to several
tests under industry standard laboratory conditions to demonstrate
the better performance that the dimple configurations described
herein obtain over competing golf balls. In these tests, the flight
characteristics and distance performance for golf balls with the
173-175 dimple patterns were conducted and compared with a Titleist
Pro V1.RTM. made by Acushnet. Also, each of the golf balls with the
172-175 patterns were tested in the Poles-Forward-Backward (PFB)
and Pole Horizontal (PH) orientations. The Pro V1.RTM. being a USGA
conforming ball and thus known to be spherically symmetrical was
tested in no particular orientation (random orientation). Golf
balls with the 172-175 patterns were all made from basically the
same materials and had a standard polybutadiene-based rubber core
having 90-105 compression with 45-55 Shore D hardness. The cover
was a Surlyn.TM. blend (38% 9150, 38% 8150, 24% 6320) with a 58-62
Shore D hardness, with an overall ball compression of approximately
110-115.
[0089] The tests were conducted with a "Golf Laboratories" robot
and hit with the same Taylor Made.RTM. driver at varying club head
speeds. The Taylor Made.RTM. driver had a 10.5.degree. r7 425 club
head with a lie angle of 54 degrees and a REAX 65 `R` shaft. The
golf balls were hit in a random-block order, approximately 18-20
shots for each type ball-orientation combination. Further, the
balls were tested under conditions to simulate a 20-25 degree
slice, e.g., a negative spin axis of 20-25 degrees.
[0090] The testing revealed that the 172-175 dimple patterns
produced a ball speed of about 125 miles per hour, while the Pro
V1.RTM. produced a ball speed of between 127 and 128 miles per
hour.
[0091] The data for each ball with patterns 172-175 also indicates
that velocity is independent of orientation of the golf balls on
the tee.
[0092] The testing also indicated that the 172-175 patterns had a
total spin of between 4200 rpm and 4400 rpm, whereas the Pro
V1.RTM. had a total spin of about 4000 rpm. Thus, the core/cover
combination used for balls with the 172-175 patterns produced a
slower velocity and higher spinning ball.
[0093] Keeping everything else constant, an increase in a ball's
spin rate causes an increase in its lift. Increased lift caused by
higher spin would be expected to translate into higher trajectory
and greater dispersion than would be expected, e.g., at 200-500 rpm
less total spin; however, the testing indicates that the 172-175
patterns have lower maximum trajectory heights than expected.
Specifically, the testing revealed that the 172-175 series of balls
achieve a max height of about 21 yards, while the Pro V1.RTM. is
closer to 25 yards.
[0094] The data for each of golf balls with the 172-175 patterns
indicated that total spin and max height was independent of
orientation, which further indicates that the 172-175 series golf
balls were spherically symmetrical.
[0095] Despite the higher spin rate of a golf ball with, e.g.,
pattern 173, it had a significantly lower maximum trajectory height
(max height) than the Pro V1.RTM.. Of course, higher velocity will
result in a higher ball flight. Thus, one would expect the Pro
V1.RTM. to achieve a higher max height, since it had a higher
velocity. If a core/cover combination had been used for the 172-175
series of golf balls that produced velocities in the range of that
achieved by the Pro V1.RTM., then one would expect a higher max
height. But the fact that the max height was so low for the 172-175
series of golf balls despite the higher total spin suggests that
the 172-175 Vballs would still not achieve as high a max height as
the Pro V1.RTM. even if the initial velocities for the 172-175
series of golf balls were 2-3 mph higher.
[0096] FIG. 11 is a graph of the maximum trajectory height (Max
Height) versus initial total spin rate for all of the 172-175
series golf balls and the Pro V1.RTM.. These balls were when hit
with Golf Labs robot using a 10.5 degree Taylor Made r7 425 driver
with a club head speed of approximately 90 mph imparting an
approximately 20 degree spin axis slice. As can be seen, the
172-175 series of golf balls had max heights of between 18-24 yards
over a range of initial total spin rates of between about 3700 rpm
and 4100 rpm, while the Pro V1.RTM. had a max height of between
about 23.5 and 26 yards over the same range.
[0097] The maximum trajectory height data correlates directly with
the CL produced by each golf ball. These results indicate that the
Pro V1.RTM. golf ball generated more lift than any of the 172-175
series balls. Further, some of balls with the 172-175 patterns
climb more slowly to the maximum trajectory height during flight,
indicating they have a slightly lower lift exerted over a longer
time period. In operation, a golf ball with the 173 pattern
exhibits lower maximum trajectory height than the leading
comparison golf balls for the same spin, as the dimple profile of
the dimples in the square and triangular regions of the
cuboctahedral pattern on the surface of the golf ball cause the air
layer to be manipulated differently during flight of the golf
ball.
[0098] Despite having higher spin rates, the 172-175 series golf
balls have Carry Dispersions that are on average less than that of
the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball. The data in FIGS. 12-16 clearly shows
that the 172-175 series golf balls have Carry Dispersions that are
on average less than that of the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball. It should
be noted that the 172-175 series of balls are spherically
symmetrical and conform to the USGA Rules of Golf.
[0099] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the carry dispersion for the
balls tested and shown in FIG. 11. As can be seen, the average
carry dispersion for the 172-175 balls is between 50-60 ft, whereas
it is over 60 feet for the Pro V1.RTM..
[0100] FIG. 13-16 are graphs of the Carry Dispersion versus Total
Spin rate for the 172-175 golf balls versus the Pro V1.RTM.. The
graphs illustrate that for each of the balls with the 172-175
patterns and for a given spin rate, the balls with the 172-175
patterns have a lower Carry Dispersion than the Pro V1.RTM.. For
example, for a given spin rate, a ball with the 173 pattern appears
to have 10-12 ft lower carry dispersion than the Pro V1.RTM. golf
ball. In fact, a 173 golf ball had the lowest dispersion
performance on average of the 172-175 series of golf balls.
[0101] The overall performance of the 173 golf ball as compared to
the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. The
data in these figures shows that the 173 golf ball has lower lift
than the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball over the same range of Dimensionless
Spin Parameter (DSP) and Reynolds Numbers.
[0102] FIG. 17 is a graph of the wind tunnel testing results
showing of the Lift Coefficient (CL) versus DSP for the 173 golf
ball against different Reynolds Numbers. The DSP values are in the
range of 0.0 to 0.4. The wind tunnel testing was performed using a
spindle of 1/16.sup.th inch in diameter.
[0103] FIG. 18 is a graph of the wind tunnel test results showing
the CL versus DSP for the Pro V1 golf ball against different
Reynolds Numbers.
[0104] In operation and as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, for a
DSP of 0.20 and a Re of greater than about 60,000, the CL for the
173 golf ball is approximately 0.19-0.21, whereas for the Pro
V1.RTM. golf ball under the same DSP and Re conditions, the CL is
about 0.25-0.27. On a percentage basis, the 173 golf ball is
generating about 20-25% less lift than the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball.
Also, as the Reynolds Number drops down to the 60,000 range, the
difference in CL is pronounced--the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball lift
remains positive while the 173 golf ball becomes negative. Over the
entire range of DSP and Reynolds Numbers, the 173 golf ball has a
lower lift coefficient at a given DSP and Reynolds pair than does
the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball. Furthermore, the DSP for the 173 golf
ball has to rise from 0.2 to more than 0.3 before CL is equal to
that of CL for the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball. Therefore, the 173 golf
ball performs better than the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball in terms of
lift-induced dispersion (non-zero spin axis).
[0105] Therefore, it should be appreciated that the cuboctahedron
dimple pattern on the 173 golf ball with large truncated dimples in
the square sections and small spherical dimples in the triangular
sections exhibits low lift for normal driver spin and velocity
conditions. The lower lift of the 173 golf ball translates directly
into lower dispersion and, thus, more accuracy for slice shots.
[0106] "Premium category" golf balls like the Pro V1.RTM. golf ball
often use a three-piece construction to reduce the spin rate for
driver shots so that the ball has a longer distance yet still has
good spin from the short irons. The 173 dimple pattern can cause
the golf ball to exhibit relatively low lift even at relatively
high spin conditions. Using the low-lift dimple pattern of the 173
golf ball on a higher spinning two-piece ball results in a
two-piece ball that performs nearly as well on short iron shots as
the "premium category" golf balls currently being used.
[0107] The 173 golf ball's better distance-spin performance has
important implications for ball design in that a ball with a higher
spin off the driver will not sacrifice as much distance loss using
a low-lift dimple pattern like that of the 173 golf ball. Thus the
173 dimple pattern or ones with similar low-lift can be used on
higher spinning and less expensive two-piece golf balls that have
higher spin off a PW but also have higher spin off a driver. A
two-piece golf ball construction in general uses less expensive
materials, is less expensive, and easier to manufacture. The same
idea of using the 173 dimple pattern on a higher spinning golf ball
can also be applied to a higher spinning one-piece golf ball.
[0108] Golf balls like the MC Lady and MaxFli Noodle use a soft
core (approximately 50-70 PGA compression) and a soft cover
(approximately 48-60 Shore D) to achieve a golf ball with fairly
good driver distance and reasonable spin off the short irons.
Placing a low-lift dimple pattern on these balls allows the core
hardness to be raised while still keeping the cover hardness
relatively low. A ball with this design has increased velocity,
increased driver spin rate, and is easier to manufacture; the
low-lift dimple pattern lessens several of the negative effects of
the higher spin rate.
[0109] The 172-175 dimple patterns provide the advantage of a
higher spin two-piece construction ball as well as being
spherically symmetrical. Accordingly, the 172-175 series of golf
balls perform essentially the same regardless of orientation.
[0110] In an alternate embodiment, a non-Conforming Distance Ball
having a thermoplastic core and using the low-lift dimple pattern,
e.g., the 173 pattern, can be provided. In this alternate
embodiment golf ball, a core, e.g., made with DuPont.TM.
Surlyn.RTM. HPF 2000 is used in a two- or multi-piece golf ball.
The HPF 2000 gives a core with a very high COR and this directly
translates into a very fast initial ball velocity--higher than
allowed by the USGA regulations.
[0111] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, golf ball
600 is provided having a spherically symmetrical low-lift pattern
that has two types of regions with distinctly different dimples. As
one non-limiting example of the dimple pattern used for golf ball
600, the surface of golf ball 600 is arranged in an octahedron
pattern having eight symmetrical triangular shaped regions 602,
which contain substantially the same types of dimples. The eight
regions 602 are created by encircling golf ball 600 with three
orthogonal great circles 604, 606 and 608 and the eight regions 602
are bordered by the intersecting great circles 604, 606 and 608. If
dimples were placed on each side of the orthogonal great circles
604, 606 and 608, these "great circle dimples" would then define
one type of dimple region two dimples wide and the other type
region would be defined by the areas between the great circle
dimples. Therefore, the dimple pattern in the octahedron design
would have two distinct dimple areas created by placing one type of
dimple in the great circle regions 604, 606 and 608 and a second
type dimple in the eight regions 602 defined by the area between
the great circles 604, 606 and 608.
[0112] As can be seen in FIG. 19, the dimples in the region defined
by circles 604, 606, and 608 can be truncated dimples, while the
dimples in the triangular regions 602 can be spherical dimples. In
other embodiments, the dimple type can be reversed. Further, the
radius of the dimples in the two regions can be substantially
similar or can vary relative to each other.
[0113] FIGS. 25 and 26 are graphs which were generated for balls
273 and 2-3 in a similar manner to the graphs illustrated in FIGS.
20 to 24 for some known balls and the 173 and 273 balls. FIGS. 25
and 26 show the lift coefficient versus Reynolds Number at initial
spin rates of 4,000 rpm and 4,500 rpm, respectively, for the 273
and 2-3 dimple pattern. FIGS. 27 and 28 are graphs illustrating the
drag coefficient versus Reynolds number at initial spin rates of
4000 rpm and 4500 rpm, respectively, for the 273 and 2-3 dimple
pattern. FIGS. 25 to 28 compare the lift and drag performance of
the 273 and 2-3 dimple patterns over a range of 120,000 to 140,000
Re and for 4000 and 4500 rpm. This illustrates that balls with
dimple pattern 2-3 perform better than balls with dimple pattern
273. Balls with dimple pattern 2-3 were found to have the lowest
lift and drag of all the ball designs which were tested.
[0114] While certain embodiments have been described above, it will
be understood that the embodiments described are by way of example
only. Accordingly, the systems and methods described herein should
not be limited based on the described embodiments. Rather, the
systems and methods described herein should only be limited in
light of the claims that follow when taken in conjunction with the
above description and accompanying drawings.
* * * * *