U.S. patent application number 17/539656 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for golf ball having dimples with constant dimple profile radius.
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 | 20220176204 17/539656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220176204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Madson; Michael R. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2022 |
GOLF BALL HAVING DIMPLES WITH CONSTANT DIMPLE PROFILE RADIUS
Abstract
Golf balls having outer surfaces with improved dimple patterns
are provided. At least a portion of the dimples are spherical, and
the spherical dimples have at least two different dimple diameters.
Each spherical dimple has a radius of curvature that is
substantially equal to the radius of curvature of every other
spherical dimple on the outer surface of the ball. In another
embodiment, the spherical dimples have at least three different
dimple diameters. The spherical dimples having different dimple
diameters also can have different edge angles, dimple depths,
and/or dimple volumes. In one preferred embodiment, the maximum
difference in radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples
is less than or equal to 0.015 inches.
Inventors: |
Madson; Michael R.; (Easton,
MA) ; Nardacci; Nicholas M.; (Barrington,
RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acushnet Company |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Acushnet Company
Fairhaven
MA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/539656 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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63123031 |
Dec 9, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball comprising an outer surface having dimples disposed
thereon, wherein at least a portion of the dimples are spherical
dimples and wherein the spherical dimples have at least three
different dimple diameters; each spherical dimple having a radius
of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature
of every other spherical dimple on the golf ball.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a maximum difference in radius
of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than or
equal to 0.015 inches.
3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a majority of dimples disposed
on the outer surface of the golf ball are spherical dimples.
4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the spherical dimples comprise
at least 66% of the total dimples on the outer surface of the golf
ball.
5. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the spherical dimples cover at
least 78% of the outer surface of the golf ball.
6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein all of the dimples disposed on
the outer surface of the golf ball are spherical dimples.
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the golf
ball comprises spherical and non-spherical dimples.
8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical dimples having
different dimple diameters also have different edge angles.
9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical dimples having
different dimple diameters also have different dimple depths.
10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical dimples having
different dimple diameters also have different dimple volumes.
11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a maximum difference in
radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than
or equal to 0.010 inches.
12. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the maximum difference in
radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than
or equal to 0.005 inches.
13. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the average radius of
curvature (GPR) of all of the spherical dimples on the outer
surface of the golf ball is within a range defined by the equation:
3.5116.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-3.5024.times.10.sup.-3n+1.2568.ltoreq.GPR.l-
toreq.8.4691.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-8.0284.times.10.sup.-3n+2.5213
where n is the total number of dimples on the surface of the golf
ball.
14. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical dimples on the
outer surface of the golf ball have at least four different dimple
diameters.
15. The golf ball of claim 14, wherein the spherical dimples on the
outer surface of the golf ball have at least five different dimple
diameters.
16. A golf ball, comprising an outer surface having dimples
disposed thereon, wherein at least a portion of the dimples are
spherical dimples and wherein the spherical dimples have at least
two different dimple diameters; each spherical dimple having a
radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of
curvature of every other spherical dimple on the golf ball, and
wherein the spherical dimples cover at least 74% of the outer
surface of the golf ball.
17. The golf ball of claim 16, wherein a maximum difference in
radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than
or equal to 0.015 inches.
18. The golf ball of claim 16, wherein the spherical dimples having
different dimple diameters also have different edge angles.
19. The golf ball of claim 16, wherein the spherical dimples having
different dimple diameters also have different dimple depths.
20. The golf ball of claim 16, wherein the spherical dimples having
different dimple diameters also different dimple volumes.
21. The golf ball of claim 16, wherein a maximum difference in
radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than
or equal to 0.010 inches.
22. The golf ball of claim 21, wherein the maximum difference in
radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than
or equal to 0.005 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/123,031, filed Dec. 9, 2020, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to golf balls and
more particularly to golf balls having outer surfaces with improved
dimple patterns. At least a portion of the dimples are spherical,
and the spherical dimples have at least two different dimple
diameters. For an outer surface of a golf ball containing spherical
dimples having at least two different diameters, each spherical
dimple has a radius of curvature that is substantially equal to the
radius of curvature of every other spherical dimple on the outer
surface.
Brief Review of the Related Art
[0003] Golf balls generally include a spherical outer surface with
a plurality of dimples formed thereon. Conventional dimples are
spherical dimples with circular plan shapes that help reduce drag
and increase lift of the golf ball. These dimples are formed where
a dimple wall slopes away from the outer surface of the ball
forming the depression.
[0004] Drag is the air resistance that opposes the golf ball's
flight direction. As the ball travels through the air, the air that
surrounds the ball has different velocities, thus different
pressures. The air exerts maximum pressure at a stagnation point on
the front of the ball. The air then flows around the surface of the
ball with an increased velocity and reduced pressure. At some
separation point, the air separates from the surface of the ball
and generates a large turbulent flow area behind the ball. This
flow area, which is called the wake, has low pressure. The
difference between 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 golf balls.
[0005] The dimples on the golf ball cause a thin boundary layer of
air adjacent to the ball's outer surface to flow in a turbulent
manner. Thus, the thin boundary layer is called a turbulent
boundary layer. The turbulence energizes the boundary layer and
helps move the separation point further backward so that the
boundary layer stays attached further along the ball's outer
surface. As a result, there is a reduction in the area of the wake,
an increase in the pressure behind the ball, and a substantial
reduction in drag. It is the circumference of each dimple, where
the dimple wall drops away from the outer surface of the ball,
which actually creates the turbulence in the boundary layer.
[0006] Lift is an upward force on the ball that is created by a
difference in pressure between the top of the ball and the bottom
of the ball. This difference in pressure is created by a warp in
the airflow that results from the ball's backspin. Due to the
backspin, the top of the ball moves with the airflow, which delays
the air separation point to a location further backward.
Conversely, the bottom of the ball moves against the airflow, which
moves the separation point forward. This asymmetrical separation
creates an arch in the flow pattern that requires the air that
flows over the top of the ball to move faster than the air that
flows along the bottom of the ball. As a result, the air above the
ball is at a lower pressure than the air underneath the ball. This
pressure difference results in the overall force, called lift,
which is exerted upwardly on the ball. The circumference of each
dimple is important in optimizing this flow phenomenon, as
well.
[0007] 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.
Conventional dimples are the shape of a section of a sphere. These
profiles rely on essentially two independent parameters to fully
define the dimple shape: diameter and depth (chordal or surface).
Edge angle is often discussed when describing spherical dimple
profiles but is not independent of diameter and depth.
[0008] Some conventional golf balls, especially those having
spherical dimples, have kept variables (such as edge angle and
chord depth) constant around the ball in an effort to improve the
aerodynamic properties of the golf ball. These methods create a
discontinuity of the curvature over the entire ball surface and may
limit aerodynamic performance. Golf balls of the current invention
comprise an outer surface having dimples, wherein at least a
portion of the dimples are spherical and the spherical dimples have
at least two different dimple diameters, wherein there is
substantially no difference between the radius of curvature between
any two spherical dimples. In one example, the spherical dimples
have at least three different dimple diameters, wherein there is
substantially no difference between the radius of curvature between
any two spherical dimples. The air is thereby subjected to only two
sources of curvature: the convex ball surface, and the concave
dimple surface. The improved consistency in surface curvature may
lead to a more consistent air flow and improved aerodynamic
properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates generally to a golf ball
comprising an outer surface having dimples disposed thereon,
wherein at least a portion of the dimples are spherical dimples. In
one embodiment, the spherical dimples have at least three different
dimple diameters. Each spherical dimple has a radius of curvature
that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of every
other spherical dimple on the golf ball. In one preferred
embodiment, the maximum difference in radius of curvature between
any two spherical dimples is less than or equal to 0.015 inches.
The outer surface of the ball can comprise both spherical and
non-spherical dimples. The majority of dimples disposed on the
outer surface of the ball can be spherical dimples. For example,
the spherical dimples can comprise at least 66% of the total
dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball. In another example,
the spherical dimples can cover at least 78% of the outer surface
of the golf ball. In yet another example, all of the dimples
disposed on the outer surface of the ball are spherical
dimples.
[0010] The spherical dimples having different dimple diameters also
can have different edge angles, dimple depths, and/or dimple
volumes. In one embodiment, the maximum difference in radius of
curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than or equal
to 0.010 inches. In another embodiment, the maximum difference in
radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is less than
or equal to 0.005 inches.
[0011] The average radius of curvature (GPR) of all of the
spherical dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball can be
defined. Preferably, the GPR is within a range defined by the
equation:
3.5116.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-3.5024.times.10.sup.-3n+1.2568.ltoreq.GPR.-
ltoreq.8.4691.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-8.0284.times.10.sup.-3n+2.5213
[0012] where n is the total number of dimples on the surface of the
golf ball.
[0013] In one example, the spherical dimples on the outer surface
of the golf ball have at least four different dimple diameters. In
another example, the spherical dimples on the outer surface of the
golf ball have at least five different dimple diameters.
[0014] In another embodiment of the golf ball, the spherical
dimples have at least two different dimple diameters; each
spherical dimple having a radius of curvature that is substantially
equal to the radius of curvature of every other spherical dimple on
the golf ball, and wherein the spherical dimples cover at least 74%
of the outer surface of the ball.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The novel features that are characteristic of the present
invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the
preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further
objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference
to the following detailed description in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a dimple half-profile view showing the radial
cross-sectional shape of a conventional dimple;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an outer surface of a
golf ball having two spherical dimples, wherein the dimples have
different diameters and substantially the same radius of curvature
in accordance with present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a golf ball
having spherical dimples arranged on its outer cover in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention is directed to a golf ball having a
plurality of dimples on its surface separated by outer non-dimpled
land surfaces. In the present invention, at least a portion of the
dimples are spherical, and the spherical dimples have at least two
different dimple diameters, wherein there is substantially no
difference between the radius of curvature between any two such
spherical dimples having the different diameters. That is, for an
outer surface of a ball containing spherical dimples having at
least two different diameters, each spherical dimple has a radius
of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature
of every other spherical dimple on the outer surface.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a dimple half-profile view showing the
radial cross-sectional shape of one spherical dimple formed on the
surface of a golf ball is provided. The cross-sectional shape of
the curved surface of the spherical dimple is a portion of a
circle. Normally, the dimples of the present invention are
spherical and have a diameter in the range of about 0.050 to about
0.250 inches and a dimple depth in the range of about 0.002 to
about 0.020 inches. The surface of the golf ball may contain
dimples having non-circular plan shapes rather than circular plan
shapes. For example, the dimple plan shape may be triangular,
rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable regular
or irregular polygonal shape. In other embodiments, the golf ball
surface may contain both dimples having circular and non-circular
plan shapes. The total number of dimples can vary as is known in
the art and is generally in the range of about 200 to about
600.
[0021] A plurality of such dimples is distributed over the outer
surface of the golf ball. In general, dimples are formed in the
golf ball surface as recesses or indentations. The cross-sectional
shape of dimples is defined by a portion of a curved surface such
as a circle, ellipse, or hyper-ellipse. Dimple cross-sectional
shapes also include straight surfaces (i.e., conical, conical
frustum, spherical-polygonal dimples, and the like). For example,
for spherical dimples, the cross-sectional shape of the curved
surface of the dimple is a portion of a circle.
[0022] Diameter measurements are determined on finished golf balls
according to FIG. 1. Generally, it can be difficult to measure a
dimple's diameter due to the indistinct nature of the boundary
dividing the dimple from the ball's undisturbed land surface. Due
to the effect of paint and/or the dimple design itself, the
junction between the land surface and dimple may not be a sharp
corner and is therefore indistinct. This can make the measurement
of a dimple's diameter somewhat ambiguous. To resolve this problem,
dimple diameter on a finished golf ball is measured according to
the method shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, this Figure shows
a dimple half-profile (34), extending from the dimple centerline
(31) to the land surface (33) outside of the dimple. A ball phantom
surface (32) is constructed above the dimple as a continuation of
the land surface (33). A first tangent line T1 is then constructed
at a point on the dimple sidewall that is spaced 0.003 inches
radially inward from the phantom surface (32). T1 intersects
phantom surface (32) at a point P1, which defines a nominal dimple
edge position. A second tangent line T2 is then constructed,
tangent to the phantom surface (32), at P1. The edge angle is the
angle between T1 and T2. The dimple diameter is the distance
between P1 and its equivalent point diametrically opposite along
the dimple perimeter. Alternatively, it is twice the distance
between P1 and the dimple centerline (31), measured in a direction
perpendicular to centerline (31). The dimple depth is the distance
measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball
to the deepest point on the dimple. The chord plane runs through
the point P1 and is normal to the dimple centerline 31. The chord
depth is the distance from the chord plane to the deepest part of
the dimple. The cap height is the distance from the chord plane to
the phantom surface (32) along the dimple centerline (31). The
dimple volume is the space enclosed between the phantom surface
(32) and the dimple surface (34) (extended along T1 until it
intersects the phantom surface).
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the golf ball comprises an outer
surface having a plurality of dimples, wherein at least a portion
of the dimples have a spherical profile. The outer surface can
include spherical and non-spherical dimples. In one particularly
preferred embodiment, the majority of dimples are spherical. In one
embodiment, the spherical dimples have at least two (2) different
diameters. In another embodiment, the spherical dimples have at
least three (3) different diameters. That is, there are preferably
at least two or at least three different spherical dimple types (as
grouped by diameter) on the outer surface of the golf ball.
[0024] As used herein, dimple diameters are considered different if
they differ by 0.005 inches or greater. For example, spherical
dimple type A may have a diameter of 0.155 inches, spherical dimple
type B may have a diameter of 0.150 inches, and spherical dimple
type C may have a diameter of 0.145 inches. Thus, in this example,
dimple types A, B, and C would be considered to have different
diameters. The golf balls of this invention comprise an outer
surface having dimples, wherein at least a portion of the dimples
are spherical, and the spherical dimples have at least two or at
least three different dimple diameters, wherein there is
substantially no difference between the radius of curvature between
any two spherical dimples.
[0025] As customarily used in the art, the term, "radius of
curvature" refers to the radius of an arc that best approximates
the arc of the spherical dimple profile. FIG. 2 shows two spherical
dimples (10, 12) on the same outer surface of a golf ball (14) of
the present invention. The first spherical dimple (10) has a dimple
diameter (d1) and radius of curvature (r). The second spherical
dimple (12) has a different dimple diameter (d2) and an equivalent
radius of curvature (r). Additionally, the first spherical dimple
(10) and second spherical dimple (12) have different dimple depths
and different edge angles.
[0026] In the present invention, each spherical dimple has a radius
of curvature that is substantially equal to the radius of curvature
of every other spherical dimple on the golf ball. In one preferred
embodiment, the maximum difference in radius of curvature between
any two spherical dimples is 0.015 inches or less. In one example,
the maximum difference in radius of curvature between any two
spherical dimples is 0.010 inches or less. In another example, the
maximum radius of curvature between any two spherical dimples is
0.005 inches or less. The maximum radius of curvature difference
for the spherical dimples is calculated by first determining the
radius of curvature for each of the spherical dimples on the outer
surface of the ball. The maximum radius of curvature difference is
the difference between the largest radius of curvature and smallest
radius of curvature for all spherical dimples on the outer surface
of the golf ball.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, every spherical dimple type (as
grouped by diameter) has a different edge angle, chord depth, or
dimple volume versus every other spherical dimple type. For
example, spherical dimple type A has a diameter of 0.125 inches,
spherical dimple type B has a diameter of 0.120 inches, and
spherical dimple type C has a diameter of 0.115 inches; and each
spherical dimple type (A, B, and C) has a different edge angle,
chord depth, or dimple volume. The different spherical dimple types
(A, B, and C) have different dimple diameters, and they preferably
have one or more other distinctly different dimple features; namely
a different edge angle, chord depth, and/or dimple volume. In one
embodiment, the different spherical dimple types have two other
different dimple features (for example, edge angle and chord
depth). In another embodiment, the different spherical dimple types
have three other different dimple features (for example, edge
angle, chord depth, and dimple volume.)
[0028] The average radius of curvature of all spherical dimples on
the outer surface of a golf ball is the Global Profile Radius (GPR)
for the ball. The preferred GPR for the ball is a function of the
total dimple count (including both spherical and non-spherical
dimples), shown in Equations 1 and 2 below. Different Examples
showing preferred ranges of GPR for different dimple counts are
provided in Table 1 below. In the Examples shown in the following
Table 1, at least a portion of the dimples on the outer surface of
the golf ball are spherical-shaped. The spherical dimples are
included in the Total Dimple Count (n).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Lower Higher Total (Minimal) (Maximum)
Dimple Value of Value of Count GPR Range GPR Range (n) (Inches)
(Inches) 400 0.418 0.665 375 0.437 0.702 350 0.461 0.749 325 0.489
0.807 300 0.522 0.875 75 0.559 0.954
3.5116.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-3.5024.times.10.sup.-3n+1.2568
Equation 1
[0029] where n is the total number of dimples on the surface of the
golf ball.
8.4691.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-8.0284.times.10.sup.-3n+2.5213
Equation 2
where n is the total number of dimples on the surface of the golf
ball.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the Global Profile Radius (GPR)
(in inches) follows Equations 1 and 2, such that it should be
greater than or equal to the value obtained in Equation 1, and less
than or equal to the value obtained in Equation 2, as set forth
below in the mathematical relationship:
3.5116.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-3.5024.times.10.sup.-3n+1.2568.ltoreq.GPR.-
ltoreq.8.4691.times.10.sup.-6n.sup.2-8.0284.times.10.sup.-3n+2.5213
where n is the total number of dimples on the surface of the golf
ball.
[0031] Thus, in an example, where the ball has 100 total dimples, n
in the Equation above would have a value of 100 and the Equation
would be used to calculate a lower limit of 0.942'' (lower
(minimal) value of GPR Range) and an upper limit (lower (minimal)
value of GPR Range) of 1.803'' for the GPR of the dimples on the
golf ball. That is, for a 100-dimple golf ball, if we average the
radii of curvature for all the spherical dimples, that average
value should be greater than or equal to 0.942'' (the `lower`
value) and less than or equal to 1.803'' (the `higher` value).
[0032] While the present invention is not limited by any particular
dimple pattern, in one embodiment, dimples having a perimeter and a
surface shape defined according to the present invention are
arranged along parting lines or equatorial lines, in proximity to
the poles, or along the outlines of a geodesic or polyhedron
pattern, and dimples that do not have a perimeter and a surface
shape defined according to the present invention occupy the
remaining spaces. In another embodiment, dimples that do not have a
perimeter and a surface shape defined according to the present
invention are arranged along parting lines or equatorial lines, in
proximity to the poles, or along the outlines of a geodesic or
polyhedron pattern, and dimples that have a perimeter and a surface
shape defined according to the present invention occupy the
remaining spaces. Suitable dimple patterns include, but are not
limited to, polyhedron-based patterns (e.g., icosahedron,
octahedron, dodecahedron, tetrahedron, icosidodecahedron,
cuboctahedron, and triangular dipyramid), phyllotaxis-based
patterns, spherical tiling patterns, and random arrangements.
[0033] The dimples of the present invention may be used with
practically any type of ball construction. Golf balls having
various constructions may be made in accordance with this
invention. For example, golf balls having one-piece, two-piece,
three-piece, four-piece, and five or more-piece constructions
wherein the term "piece" refers to any core, intermediate (casing)
layer, or cover, or other component of a golf ball construction.
For example, in one version, a one-piece ball, wherein the entire
ball is made of one-piece, excluding any paint or coating and
indicia applied thereon. In another example, a two-piece ball
comprising a single core and a single cover layer can be made. In a
third version, a three-piece golf ball containing a dual-layered
core and single-layered cover can be made. The dual-core includes
an inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. In another
version, a three-piece ball containing a single core layer and two
cover layers can be made. In yet another version, a four-piece golf
ball containing a dual-core and dual-cover (inner cover and outer
cover layers) can be made. In yet another construction, a
four-piece golf ball containing a core; an inner cover layer, an
intermediate cover layer, and an outer cover layer, may be made. In
still another construction, a five-piece ball is made containing a
dual-core, an inner cover layer, an intermediate cover layer, and
an outer cover layer. The diameter and thickness of the different
layers along with properties such as hardness and compression may
vary depending upon the construction and desired playing
performance properties of the golf ball.
[0034] Different materials may be used in the construction of the
golf balls in the present invention. For example, the cover of the
ball may be made of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition. A
castable or non-castable polyurethane or polyurea, an ionomer resin
such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer, or any other suitable
cover material known to those skilled in the art may be used to
construct the cover of the golf ball. The covers may be single or
multi-layered and made of a durable material such as ethylene acid
copolymer ionomers or thermoplastic or thermoset polyurethanes.
Normally, the core layers are made of a highly resilient natural or
synthetic rubber material such as styrene butadiene, polybutadiene,
polyisoprene, or ethylene acid copolymer ionomers. The rubber
composition contains a mixture of ingredients including
free-radical initiator such as peroxides, cross-linking co-agents
such as zinc diacrylate (ZDA), and additives. Also, there may be
intermediate (casing) layers disposed between the core and
cover.
[0035] The present invention is illustrated further by the
following Examples, but these Examples should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, a golf ball cover (20) having a dimple
pattern (22) is shown. The pattern is a tetrahedron dimple pattern
with 352 spherical dimples having four different dimple diameter
sizes. That is, all of the dimples on the outer surface of this
golf ball example have a spherical profile. The dimple pattern is
designed such that all of the spherical dimples have substantially
the same radius of curvature, and the dimple depths, dimple
volumes, and edge angles are different as shown in Table 2. That
is, in this Example, the spherical dimples have four different
dimple diameter sizes, and the maximum difference in radius of
curvature between any two dimples is 0.011 inches, meaning each
spherical dimple has a radius of curvature that is substantially
equal to the radius of curvature of every other spherical dimple on
the outer surface of the golf ball. The spherical dimples, having
the four different dimple sizes, also have different dimple depths,
dimple volumes, and edge angles. Based on Equations 1 and 2, the
preferred Global Profile Radius (GPR) for a dimple pattern with 352
spherical dimples is between 0.459 inches and 0.745 inches, and
this example has a GPR equal to 0.570 inches.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Dimple Diameter Quantity Dimple Edge Dimple
Depth Dimple Radius of Curvature Dimple (Inches) on Ball Angle
(Inches) Volume (Inches) A 0.130 48 11.00 0.0062 4.148 .times.
10.sup.-5 0.568 B 0.160 120 13.50 0.0094 9.499 .times. 10.sup.-5
0.572 C 0.170 72 14.50 0.0108 1.224 .times. 10.sup.-4 0.562 D 0.175
112 14.75 0.0113 1.359 .times. 10.sup.-4 0.573
[0037] When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are
set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these
values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless
otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges,
amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of
materials and others in the specification may be read as if
prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may not
expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations
that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be
obtained by the present invention.
[0038] It is understood that the compositions, ball components,
ball structures, and finished golf balls described and illustrated
herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is
appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and
additions can be made to compositions and products without
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is
intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended
claims.
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