U.S. patent application number 14/586289 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-30 for golf ball dimples defined by superposed curves.
This patent application is currently assigned to ACUSHNET COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Acushnet Company. Invention is credited to Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci.
Application Number | 20150119171 14/586289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52996042 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150119171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Madson; Michael R. ; et
al. |
April 30, 2015 |
GOLF BALL DIMPLES DEFINED BY SUPERPOSED CURVES
Abstract
The present invention is a golf ball which comprises dimples
having a cross section defined by the superposition of two or more
continuous and differentiable functions, and particularly the
superposition of a catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve.
Additionally, the dimples preferably have a circular boundary and
maintain an axis coincident with the center of the circular
boundary.
Inventors: |
Madson; Michael R.;
(Waltham, MA) ; Nardacci; Nicholas M.; (Marion,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acushnet Company |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ACUSHNET COMPANY
Fairhaven
MA
|
Family ID: |
52996042 |
Appl. No.: |
14/586289 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12976109 |
Dec 22, 2010 |
|
|
|
14586289 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0012 20130101;
A63B 37/0016 20130101; A63B 37/0019 20130101; A63B 37/002 20130101;
A63B 37/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/384 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball having a surface with a plurality of recessed
dimples thereon, wherein at least one of the dimples is a
superposed dimple having a cross-section defined by a function
resulting from the sum of a catenary function and a Witch of Agnesi
function.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the superposed dimple has a
circular plan shape.
3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the superposed dimple has a
dimple diameter of from 0.100 inches to 0.220 inches.
4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the superposed dimple has a
surface depth of 0.020 inches or less.
5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the superposed dimple has a
surface depth of 0.015 inches or less.
6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the superposed dimple has a
chord volume (V.sub.D) at any given dimple diameter (D.sub.D) such
that:
66.67D.sub.D.sup.2+35.33D.sub.D-2.80.ltoreq.V.sub.D.ltoreq.407.14D.sub.D.-
sup.2-17.79D.sub.D-0.09
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the superposed dimple has a
chord volume (V.sub.D) at any given dimple diameter (D.sub.D) such
that:
152.86D.sub.D.sup.2+20.59D.sub.D-1.93.ltoreq.V.sub.D.ltoreq.319.05D.sub.D-
.sup.2-3.76D.sub.D-0.81
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/976,109, filed Dec. 22, 2010, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a golf ball dimples, and
more particularly, to the contour of the dimple surface being
defined by superposed curves. More specifically, the cross section
of a dimple is based on the superposition of two or more continuous
and differentiable functions that yield valid solutions. Even more
specifically, the present invention relates to a golf ball dimple
having a cross section shape based on the superposition of a
catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Golf balls were originally made with smooth outer surfaces.
In the late nineteenth century, players observed that the
gutta-percha golf balls traveled further as they got older and more
gouged up. The players then began to roughen the surface of new
golf balls with a hammer to increase flight distance. Manufacturers
soon caught on and began molding non-smooth outer surfaces on golf
balls.
[0004] By the mid 1900's, almost every golf ball being made had 336
dimples arranged in an octahedral pattern. Generally, these balls
had about 60 percent of their outer surface covered by dimples.
Over time, improvements in ball performance were developed by
utilizing different dimple patterns. In 1983, for instance,
Titleist introduced the TITLEIST 384, which, not surprisingly, had
384 dimples that were arranged in an icosahedral pattern. About 76
percent of its outer surface was covered with dimples and the golf
ball exhibited improved aerodynamic performance. Today, dimpled
golf balls travel nearly two times farther than a similar ball
without dimples.
[0005] The dimples on a golf ball are important in reducing drag
and increasing lift. Drag is the air resistance that acts on the
golf ball in the opposite direction from the ball flight direction.
As the ball travels through the air, the air surrounding the ball
has different velocities and, thus, different pressures. The air
exerts maximum pressure at the stagnation point on the front of the
ball. The air then flows over the sides of the ball and has
increased velocity and reduced pressure. At some point it separates
from the surface of the ball, leaving a large turbulent flow area
called the wake that has low pressure. The difference in the high
pressure in front of the ball and the low pressure behind the ball
slows the ball down. This is the primary source of drag for a golf
ball.
[0006] The dimples on the ball create a turbulent boundary layer
around the ball, i.e., a thin layer of air adjacent to the ball
flows in a turbulent manner. The turbulence energizes the boundary
layer of air around the ball and helps it stay attached further
around the ball to reduce the area of the wake. This greatly
increases the pressure behind the ball and substantially reduces
the drag.
[0007] Lift is the upward force on the ball that is created from a
difference in pressure on the top of the ball to the bottom of the
ball. The difference in pressure is created by a warpage in the air
flow resulting from the ball's back spin. Due to the back spin, the
top of the ball moves with the air flow, which delays the
separation to a point further aft. Conversely, the bottom of the
ball moves against the air flow, moving the separation point
forward. This asymmetrical separation creates an arch in the flow
pattern, requiring the air over the top of the ball to move faster,
and thus have lower pressure than the air underneath the ball.
[0008] Almost every golf ball manufacturer researches dimple
patterns in order to improve the aerodynamic forces on the ball
during flight and increase the distance traveled by a golf ball. A
high degree of dimple coverage is generally beneficial to flight
distance, but only if the dimples are of preferred size and shape.
For example, dimple coverage gained by filling spaces with tiny
dimples is generally not very effective, since tiny dimples are not
good turbulence generators.
[0009] In addition to researching dimple pattern and size, golf
ball manufacturers also study the effect of dimple shape, volume,
and cross-section on overall flight performance of the ball. One
example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,757, which discusses making dimples
using two different spherical radii with an inflection point where
the two curves meet. In most cases, however, the cross-sectional
profiles of dimples in prior art golf balls are parabolic curves,
ellipses, semi-spherical curves, saucer-shaped, a sine curve, a
truncated cone, or a flattened trapezoid. One disadvantage of these
shapes is that they can sharply intrude into the surface of the
ball, which may cause the drag to become greater than the lift. As
a result, the ball may not make best use of momentum initially
imparted thereto, resulting in an insufficient carry of the ball.
Despite all the cross-sectional profiles disclosed in the prior
art, there has been no disclosure of a golf ball having dimples
defined by superposed curves, and particularly the superposition of
a catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is a golf ball having a surface with a
plurality of recessed dimples thereon, wherein at least one of the
dimples has a cross-section that can be defined by the
superposition of two or more curves defined by continuous and
differentiable functions that have valid solutions. The golf ball
dimples preferably have a circular boundary and maintain an axis
coincident with a center of the circular boundary.
[0011] In one embodiment, the dimple profile is defined by
combining a spherical curve and a different curve, such as a cosine
curve, a frequency curve or a catenary curve. In another
embodiment, the dimple profile is defined by combining a cosine
curve and a different curve. In yet another embodiment, the dimple
profile is defined by the superposition of a frequency curve and a
different curve. In still another embodiment, the dimple profile is
defined by the superposition of a catenary curve and different
curve. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the dimple
profile is defined by the superposition of a catenary curve and a
Witch of Agnesi curve.
[0012] In one embodiment, the dimple profile has a dimple depth of
between 0.002 and 0.02 inches.
[0013] The present invention is similarly directed to golf ball
having a surface with a plurality of recessed dimples thereon,
wherein at least one of the dimples has a cross-section that can be
defined by the superposition of three or more curves defined by
continuous and differentiable functions that have valid
solutions.
[0014] It is preferred that all of the dimple profiles on the ball
be similar. However, in certain embodiments, the profiles can be
varied over the surface of the ball and the dimples can have
different diameters and depths.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] These and other aspects of the present invention may be more
fully understood with references to, but not limited by, the
following drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts spherical and cosine profile curves;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of the curves of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative dimple profile from
superposing of another cosine profile curve with a spherical
curve;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative dimple profile from the
superposing of another cosine profile with a spherical curve;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative dimple profile from
the superposing of yet another cosine profile with a spherical
curve;
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates still yet another alternative dimple
profile from the superposing of another cosine profile with a
spherical curve;
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts frequency and catenary profile curves;
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of the curves of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 depicts frequency, catenary, and cosine profile
curves;
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of the curves of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a catenary curve with a cosine curve and a frequency
curve;
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a catenary curve with a spherical curve;
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a catenary curve with a frequency curve;
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a plurality of different curves;
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a plurality of different curves;
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a plurality of different curves;
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 19 illustrates a dimple profile created from the
superposing of a catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve
according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 20 is a plot of chord volume versus dimple
diameter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present invention is a golf ball which comprises dimples
having a cross section defined by the superposition of two or more
continuous and differentiable functions. Additionally, the dimples
preferably have a circular boundary and maintain an axis coincident
with the center of the circular boundary.
[0037] Dimples that are defined by superposed curves provide
greater opportunity to control the dimple cross-section and
therefore, provide dimples that improve the flight characteristics
of the golf ball. This method is capable of producing an unlimited
number of unique dimple shapes produced using the superposition
principle. Since the dimple shape is axially symmetric and
maintains a circular boundary, hob, and cavity manufacture remains
similar to those for conventionally shaped prior art dimple
profiles.
[0038] The Superposition Principle states that for linear
homogenous ordinary differential equations, if y1(x) and y2(x)
yield valid solutions, then the sum of y1(x) and y2(x) will also
yield a valid solution. (Weisstein, Eric W. "Superposition
Principle") This allows the combination of equations that are
continuous and differentiable, and combining their solutions
creates unique dimple profiles.
[0039] Several examples of dimple cross sections according to the
present invention are illustrated by referencing FIGS. 1-6. For
example, FIG. 1 displays two possible curves, a traditional
spherical dimple curve 20 and a cosine curve 21. A phantom ball
surface 22 is shown for reference. By using the superposition
principle these curves 20 and 21 are combined to create an
alternative dimple profile 23, which is illustrated in FIG. 2. The
additional dimple shape parameters allow for greater flexibility in
defining the final profile, including the dimple depth as defined
by the distance from the center point of the dimple to the curved
phantom surface and the edge angle as defined in U.S. Pat. No.
6,162,136, which is incorporated herein by reference. The depths of
the dimples are preferably between about 0.002 inches and 0.02
inches. With the superposition of the functions as set forth in
this invention, the range of potential edge angles of the dimple
can be significantly wide. For example, the edge angle show in FIG.
1 is less than 0. However, edge angles of 0 degrees to 40 degrees
are preferred.
[0040] FIGS. 3 to 6 show alternative profiles from the manipulation
of spherical curves 20 with cosine curves 21. Manipulation of both
the frequency and the amplitude of the cosine function superposed
with a prior art spherical profile produces an unlimited number of
dimple profiles 23. Obviously, the permutations are endless.
Preferably, the frequency of the cosine function is related to the
dimple diameter such that the edges on opposite sides of the dimple
are substantially equal and the dimple cross-section is
symmetrical.
[0041] Another example of a dimple profile is illustrated by
reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein a frequency curve is combined
with a catenary profile. FIG. 7 displays a frequency curve 31 and a
catenary curve 30 in relation to a golf ball phantom spherical
surface 22. By using the superposition principle we can combine
these curves to create an alternative dimple profile 33 shown in
FIG. 8. Again, an infinite number of profiles exist based on the
superposition of variations to these function families.
[0042] Yet another example of the present invention is the
superposition of more than 2 functions. For example, a frequency
curve, catenary curve and cosine curve as shown in FIG. 9 can be
combined to form the dimple profile in FIG. 10. FIG. 9 depicts
three curves: a frequency curve 31, a catenary curve 30 and a
cosine curve 21. By using the superposition principle we can
combine these curves to create the alternative dimple profile curve
43 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is another such superimposition of
functions. Again, the superposition of these curves greatly
increases the possibilities of dimple depth and edge angles.
Moreover, the edge angle and depth are not necessarily directly
related as evidence from the vast differences between the dimple
profiles 43 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0043] Another example of the present invention is the combination
of a catenary curve 30 and a spherical curve 21 to form the
catenary-spherical curve dimple profile 53 shown in FIG. 12.
Another dimple profile 58, shown in FIG. 13, is the combination of
a catenary curve 30 with a frequency curve 31.
[0044] FIG. 14 is an example of multiple equations being combined.
A catenary curve 30, a cosine curve 21, a spherical curve 20, a
frequency curve 31 and a linear function (or cone) 40 are
superimposed to form the dimple profile 63 in FIG. 14. The linear
function 40 is continuous from the dimple edge to the center and
symmetrical, whereas the other functions are continuous through the
entire dimple diameter, but also symmetrical about the center.
Thus, the overall dimple profile 63 is similarly axial symmetric
about the center of the dimple. Similarly, multiple functions are
combined to form the dimple profile 73 in FIG. 15. The dimple
profile 83 in FIG. 16 is formed by the superposition of a cosine
curve 21, a spherical curve 20, a frequency curve 31, a Neile's
parabola 81 and a conical curve 40.
[0045] Each of FIGS. 17-19 illustrates a dimple profile 110 in
relation to a golf ball phantom spherical surface 100, according to
a particular embodiment of the present invention, wherein dimple
profile 110 is defined by the superposition of a catenary curve 102
and a Witch of Agnesi curve 104.
[0046] In FIGS. 17-19, catenary curve 102 is defined by the
equation:
y ( x ) = d CAT ( cosh ( SF .times. x ) - 1 ) cosh ( SF .times. D D
2 ) - 1 ##EQU00001##
where d.sub.CAT is chord depth (in inches), D.sub.D is dimple
diameter (in inches), and SF, referred to as shape factor, is a
constant selected to alter the steepness of the sidewall. In FIG.
17, d.sub.CAT is 0.004 inches, D.sub.D is 0.175 inches, and SF is
50. In FIG. 18, d.sub.CAT is 0.003 inches, D.sub.D is 0.100 inches,
and SF is 100. In FIG. 19, d.sub.CAT is 0.002 inches, D.sub.D is
0.200 inches, and SF is 200.
[0047] In FIGS. 17-19, Witch of Agnesi curve 104 is defined by the
equation:
y ( x ) = - C 1 a 3 x 2 + C 2 a 2 + C 1 a 3 ( D D 2 ) 2 + C 2 a 2
##EQU00002##
where D.sub.D is dimple diameter (in inches); C.sub.1, referred to
as steepness factor, is a constant selected to alter the steepness
of the sidewall; C.sub.2, referred to as curvature factor, is a
constant selected to alter the radius of curvature of the sidewall;
and a, referred to as depth factor, is a constant selected to alter
the depth of the profile. In FIG. 17, D.sub.D is 0.175 inches,
C.sub.1 is 1, C.sub.2 is 3, and a is 0.01. In FIG. 18, D.sub.D is
0.100 inches, C.sub.1 is 1.8, C.sub.2 is 2.5, and a is 0.003. In
FIG. 19, D.sub.D is 0.200 inches, C.sub.1 is 4, C.sub.2 is 4, and a
is 0.008.
[0048] Golf ball dimple profiles defined using catenary curves are
further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,572, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Golf ball dimple profiles defined using Witch of Agnesi
curves are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2012/0122613, the entire disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0049] Dimples having a profile shape defined by the superposition
of a catenary curve and a Witch of Agnesi curve, herein referred to
as cat-witch dimples, preferably have a circular plan shape and a
dimple diameter of from 0.100 inches to 0.220 inches. The chord
volume of the cat-witch dimple profile is calculated by summing the
individual chord volume contributions of the catenary profile and
the Witch profile. The chord volume of a catenary dimple profile,
V.sub.CAT, is defined as:
V CAT = .pi. d CAT ( .alpha. 2 cosh ( .alpha. ) + .alpha. ( 1 -
.alpha. ) + - .alpha. ( 1 + .alpha. ) - 2 ) SF 2 ( cosh ( .alpha. )
- 1 ) ##EQU00003##
[0050] where d.sub.CAT is chord depth (in inches);
[0051] SF, referred to as shape factor, is a constant in the range
of 10-300, selected to alter the steepness of the sidewall; and
.alpha. = SF ( D D 2 ) , ##EQU00004##
where D.sub.D is dimple diameter (in inches). [0052] The chord
volume of a Witch of Agnesi dimple profile, V.sub.W, is defined
as:
[0052] V W = .pi. d W D D 2 C 2 - D D 2 C 1 a - 8 C 1 C 2 a 3 ln (
2 ) + 4 C 1 C 2 a 3 ln ( D D 2 + 4 C 2 a 2 ) - 4 C 1 C 2 a 3 ln ( C
2 a 2 ) 4 C 2 ##EQU00005## [0053] where D.sub.D is dimple diameter
(in inches); [0054] C.sub.1, referred to as steepness factor, is a
constant selected to alter the steepness of the sidewall; [0055]
C.sub.2, referred to as curvature factor, is a constant selected to
alter the radius of curvature of the sidewall; [0056] a, referred
to as depth factor, is a constant selected to alter the depth of
the profile; and
[0056] d W = C 1 a C 2 - C 1 a 3 ( D D 2 ) 2 + C 2 a 2 .
##EQU00006##
Thus, the chord volume of the cat-witch dimple profile, V.sub.D, is
equal to V.sub.CAT+V.sub.W.
[0057] FIG. 20 is a plot of chord volume versus dimple diameter for
cat-witch dimples of the present invention. Curve 1 is defined by
the equation:
v.sub.1=407.14D.sub.D.sup.2-17.79D.sub.D-0.09
curve 2 is defined by the equation:
v.sub.2=66.67D.sub.D.sup.2+35.33D.sub.D-2.80
curve 3 is defined by the equation:
v.sub.3=319.05D.sub.D.sup.2-3.76D.sub.D-0.81
and curve 4 is defined by the equation:
v.sub.4=152.86D.sub.D.sup.2+20.59D.sub.D-1.93
where D.sub.D is the dimple diameter and v is the respective chord
volume. In a particular embodiment, the cat-witch dimples have a
chord volume within a range having a lower limit defined by curve 2
and an upper limit defined by curve 1. In another particular
embodiment, the cat-witch dimples have a chord volume within a
range having a lower limit defined by curve 4 and an upper limit
defined by curve 3.
[0058] Cat-witch dimples of the present invention preferably have a
surface depth, defined herein as the distance from the phantom ball
surface to the bottom of the dimple, of 0.020 inches or less, or
0.015 inches or less.
[0059] The simplicity of this method has the potential to generate
dimple profiles that have not been utilized on prior art golf
balls. Since the dimple boundaries of the golf ball are preferably
circular, previously developed patterns can be utilized, refined
and optimized for potentially improved distance and flight control.
The visual appearance of golf balls produced from this method can
be significantly different. The present invention may be used with
any type of ball construction. For instance, the ball may have a
2-piece construction, a double cover or veneer cover construction
or other multi-layer constructions depending on the type of
performance desired of the ball. Examples of these and other types
of ball constructions that may be used with the present invention
include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,801, 5,803,831,
5,885,172, 5,919,100, 5,965,669, 5,981,654, 5,981,658, and
6,149,535, for example, the construction and materials disclosed in
the patents being expressly incorporated herein. Different
materials also may be used in the construction of the golf balls
made with the present invention. For example, the cover of the ball
may be made of polyurethane, ionomer resin, balata or any other
suitable cover material known to those skilled in the art.
Different materials also may be used for forming core and
intermediate layers of the ball.
[0060] After selecting the desired ball construction, the flight
performance of the golf ball can be adjusted according to the
design, placement, and number of dimples on the ball. As explained
above, the use of a variety of dimples, based on a superposition
profile, provides a relatively effective way to modify the ball
flight performance without significantly altering the dimple
pattern. Thus, the use of dimples based on the superposition
profile allows a golf ball designer to select flight
characteristics of a golf ball in a similar way that different
materials and ball constructions can be selected to achieve a
desired performance.
[0061] Each dimple of the present invention is part of a dimple
pattern selected to achieve a particular desired lift coefficient.
Dimple patterns that provide a high percentage of surface coverage
are preferred, and are well known in the art. For example, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,562,552, 5,575,477, 5,957,787, 5,249,804, and 4,925,193
disclose geometric patterns for positioning dimples on a golf ball.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the dimple pattern is
at least partially defined by phyllotaxis-based patterns, such as
those described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/418,003, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Preferably a dimple pattern that provides greater than about 70%
surface coverage is selected. Even more preferably, the dimple
pattern provides greater than about 80% surface coverage. Once the
dimple pattern is selected, several alternative dimple profiles can
be tested in a wind tunnel or indoor test range to empirically
determine the properties of the profiles that provide the desired
lift and drag coefficients at the desired launch conditions.
[0062] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments, it is evident that numerous alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description.
* * * * *