Golf Ball Having Spherical Triangle Segmented Dimple Pattern

This disclosure generally relates to a golf ball, and is more particularly related to dimple patterning for a golf ball.

It is well known that modifying the dimple pattern on golf balls can result in varying aerodynamic patterns. Accordingly, the significance of the dimple pattern is critical to golf ball performance.

In addition to the need to balance dimple profile design features in view of performance of the golf ball, there is an additional need to ensure that specific dimple patterns are suitable for varying formation techniques for golf ball covers. Some techniques for forming golf ball covers are more complex than others, and may require additional control to ensure stability and concentricity of a golf ball sub-assembly while forming the cover.

It would be desirable to provide a high-performance dimple pattern for a golf ball that is suitable for golf ball covers formed according to relatively complex cover formation techniques.

In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a methodology, framework, or general features for a dimple pattern.

In other aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a specific dimple pattern including a predetermined layout, quantity of dimples, dimple shapes, etc.

In yet other aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a methodology and pattern for arranging dimples relative to a polar axis of a golf ball. In one aspect, a subset of preferred polar dimples of a golf ball are of increased criticality for particular golf ball cover formation techniques.

In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples disposed thereon that define a dimple pattern. The golf ball can be segmented via an equatorial plane, and a first plane and a second plane each being orthogonal to the equatorial plane and to each other, such that four zones define a first hemisphere of the golf ball and four zones define a second hemisphere of the golf ball. The zones can be comprised of first zones, second zones, third zones, and fourth zones, such that the first and second hemispheres each consist of one first zone, one second zone, one third zone, and one fourth zone. The first zone can consist of three spherical triangles including at least one first spherical triangle and at least one second spherical triangle. The second zone can consist of three spherical triangles including at least one first spherical triangle and at least one third spherical triangle. The third zone and the fourth zone each can consist of three spherical triangles including a fourth spherical triangle, a fifth spherical triangle, and a sixth spherical triangle. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles each can have distinct dimple configurations.

A first subset of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can have a dimple configuration having mirror symmetry about a respective symmetry plane; and a second subset of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can have a dimple configuration lacking mirror symmetry about any intersecting plane to the respective spherical triangle.

The three spherical triangles of the first zone can include a single first spherical triangle and two second spherical triangles. The three spherical triangles of the second zone can include a single first spherical triangle and two third spherical triangles.

The first spherical triangle and the fourth spherical triangle can be disposed along the equatorial plane. A first subset of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles having a dimple configuration with mirror symmetry about a respective symmetry plane can include the first spherical triangle and the fourth spherical triangle.

A second subset of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles having a dimple configuration lacking mirror symmetry about any intersecting plane to the respective spherical triangle can include the second spherical triangle, the third spherical triangle, the fifth spherical triangle, and the sixth spherical triangle.

The second spherical triangle, the third spherical triangle, the fifth spherical triangle, and the sixth spherical triangle can each be disposed adjacent to a polar axis of the golf ball.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can each have an identical size relative to each other.

The first zones, the second zones, the third zones, and the fourth zones can each have distinct dimple patterns from each other.

The first zones and the second zones can each be mirror symmetrical about a respective plane extending through a polar axis of the golf ball.

The third zones and the fourth zones can lack mirror symmetry about a respective plane extending through a polar axis of the golf ball.

The dimple pattern can have at most first order rotational symmetry about any axis of the golf ball. The first hemisphere can have mirror symmetry about a plane passing through the polar axis, and the second hemisphere can have mirror symmetry about a plane passing through the polar axis.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can each include one external edge that is coplanar with at least one edge of the first, second, third, or fourth zones. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can each include two internal edges that are noncoplanar with edges of the first, second, third, or fourth zones.

The internal edges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can be shorter than the external edges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles.

The first, second, third, and fourth zones can each be rotationally asymmetric about an axis passing through a golf ball centroid and a respective geometric face of the first zone, the second zone, the third zone, and the fourth zone.

The golf ball can lack any dimple-free great circles.

Exactly two of the second spherical triangles, two of the third spherical triangles, two of the fifth spherical triangles, and two of the sixth spherical triangles can share a common vertex at a polar axis of the golf ball.

A golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples disposed thereon that define a dimple pattern is disclosed herein. The golf ball can be segmented into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, each of the first and second hemispheres being defined by a plurality of zones, and each zone can be segmented into a plurality of spherical triangles each having a distinct dimple configuration. The dimple pattern can have at most a first order rotational symmetry about any axis of the golf ball.

The first and second hemispheres can each include a subset of preferred polar dimples having an identical dimple diameter and a respective centroid positioned longitudinally 120 degrees apart from each other and positioned at a common latitude. The common latitude can be defined at a polar latitude angle (θ) from a nearest respective pole of the first and second hemispheres. The polar latitude angle (θ) can be no greater than 30 degrees, in one aspect.

The term subset of preferred polar dimples is used herein to refer to a specific dimple or dimples arranged according to a specific polar latitude angle and specific longitudinal location. Other polar dimples may be positioned near the polar axis and can be positioned closer or further relative to the polar axis than the subset of preferred polar dimples disclosed herein.

In one aspect, the term polar dimple is used herein to collectively refer to all dimples having centroids that are no more than 30 degrees from a nearest pole.

In one aspect, the polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 30 degrees. In another aspect, the polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 25 degrees. In another aspect, the polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 20 degrees. In another aspect, the polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 15 degrees. In another aspect, the polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 10 degrees. In another aspect, the polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 5 degrees.

The centroids of each of the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples can be non-coincident with a spherical edge defined between adjacent zones. In one aspect, at least one of the dimples among the subset of preferred polar dimples can have a centroid that is coincident with a mirror plane of symmetry of a hemisphere, a zone, and/or a spherical triangle.

The dimple pattern can lack any dimple having a centroid that is coincident with a polar axis of the golf ball. In another aspect, a polar dimple can be provided with a centroid that is coincident with a polar axis of the golf ball.

In one aspect, the dimple diameter of the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples is not a minimum dimple diameter among the plurality of dimples and is not a maximum dimple diameter among the plurality of dimples. In another aspect, the dimple diameter of the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples is a minimum dimple diameter among the plurality of dimples. In another aspect, the dimple diameter of the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples is a maximum dimple diameter among the plurality of dimples.

At least one additional polar dimple can be disposed closer to the poles of the first and second hemispheres than the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples, in one aspect. In one aspect, the at least one additional polar dimple can have a larger dimple diameter than the dimple diameter of the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples. In another aspect, the at least one additional polar dimple can have a smaller dimple diameter than the dimple diameter of the dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples.

A golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples disposed thereon that define a dimple pattern is also disclosed herein that is segmented into a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, each of the first and second hemispheres being defined by a plurality of zones of a first quantity, and each zone being segmented into a plurality of spherical triangles each having a distinct dimple configuration. The dimple pattern can have at most first order rotational symmetry about any axis of the golf ball. The first and second hemispheres can each include a subset of preferred polar dimples of a second quantity. The dimples of the subset of preferred polar dimples can each have an identical dimple diameter and a respective centroid positioned longitudinally equidistant apart from each other and positioned at a common latitude at a polar latitude angle (θ) from a nearest respective pole of the first and second hemispheres. The first and second quantities are not identical, in one aspect.

The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 30 degrees, in one aspect. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 25 degrees, in one aspect. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 20 degrees, in another aspect. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 10 degrees, in another aspect.

The first quantity (i.e., quantity of zones in each hemisphere) and the second quantity (i.e., quantity of dimples among the subset of preferred polar dimples in each hemisphere) can each be at least three, in one aspect. The first quantity can equal four, and the second quantity can equal three, in one aspect.

In one aspect, the dimple pattern can include 300-400 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can include 100-700 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can include no greater than 250 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can include at least 500 dimples.

In one aspect, the edge angle, chord depth, cross sectional profile, and/or the planar profile of the subset of preferred polar dimples can vary as compared to a remainder of the plurality of dimples.

Additional features and aspects of the present disclosure are described in further detail herein.

A dimple pattern, a methodology for arranging dimples, a specific dimple configuration in regions near at least one pole of a golf ball, and at least one exemplary dimple pattern are disclosed herein. A methodology for arranging dimples in proximity to a golf ball pole is also disclosed herein. As used in one aspect, the term methodology as used in the present context can refer to a framework for arranging dimples while not requiring a level of specificity such that every dimple in the dimple pattern is specifically assigned. Accordingly, the present disclosure can be configured or adapted for use with various dimple patterns, in which the quantity of dimples, cross-sectional or planar shape, size, and other specific features can vary. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate based on this disclosure that a plurality of exemplary dimple patterns can be generated or based on the features and/or methodologies described herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a spherical triangle division technique for segmenting the dimple pattern. In one aspect, the present disclosure is configured to provide underlying symmetry in dimple pattern design while simultaneously providing a specific polar region dimple layout. The term polar region can be used herein to refer to a region encompassing the immediately adjacent dimples to a specific pole. In certain aspects, a specific polar latitude angle (θ) from a nearest respective pole of the first and second hemispheres is provided to refer to or define a polar region or area. In one specific aspect, the present disclosure has substantial advantages with respect to cover formation techniques and provides a solution for symmetry correction in aerodynamic performance.

The present disclosure provides a dimple pattern that can be applied to any type of golf ball. For example, the present disclosure can be configured for use with golf balls having two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, five-piece, six-piece, or more than six-piece constructions.

The components of the golf ball, such as the core, intermediate layer or mantle or casing, and cover can be formed from known materials. The core can be a single core or dual core, or can include more than two layers. The core can be formed from rubber, in one example. The intermediate layer (i.e., casing, mantle, other medially disposed layer(s)) can encase the core and can be formed from known materials, such as ionomer. The cover can be formed from polyurethanes; polyureas; copolymers, blends and hybrids of polyurethane and polyurea, in some examples. In one aspect, the cover can be formed from any thermoplastic material.

Exemplary golf ball constructions, including further details on the various layers, materials, dimensions, and other characteristics of golf balls are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,361,102, 7,927,233, 8,834,300, 8,845,456, 9,205,308, 9,795,836, which are each commonly assigned to Acushnet Company and which are each incorporated in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

In one aspect, any one or more of the dimples disclosed herein can have a circular cross-sectional profile. In one aspect, any one or more of the dimples can have a catenary cross-sectional profile. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various cross-sectional profiles can be used for the dimples. In one aspect, the dimples can have a planar profile that is circular or non-circular.

In one example, a golf ball dimple pattern can be provided according to the following aspects. As shown in, a sphere (i.e., a golf ball 1) can be divided by an equatorial plane (i.e., plane 2) to form two hemispheres (i.e., a first and second hemisphere), each of which are further divided by two orthogonal polar planes (i.e., planes 4 and 6) to form four zones (i.e., zones A, A′, B, and B′) on each hemisphere that are separated by zone edges. Exemplary zone configurations are shown in.

In one aspect, zone A is also referred to herein as a first zone, zone A′ is also referred to herein as a second zone, zone B is also referred to herein as a third zone, and zone B′ is also referred to herein as a fourth zone.

Dimples can be configured within each of the four zones of each hemisphere to have a predefined set or plurality of characteristics. For example, the dimple arrangements in the specific type of zones can be identical, such that each zone A is identical to each other, each zone A′ is identical to each other, each zone B is identical to each other, and each zone B′ is identical to each other. In another aspect, the dimple arrangement in zone A is different than the dimple arrangement in zones A′, B, and B′, the dimple arrangement in zone B is different than the dimple arrangements in zones A, A′, and B′, the dimple arrangement in zone A′ is different than the dimple arrangements in zones A, B, and B′, and the dimple arrangement in zone B′ is different than the dimple arrangements in zones A, A′, and B.

Dimples can be configured within each of the four spherical zones of each hemisphere such that: (i) the dimple arrangement in each of the four spherical zones is distinct from the dimple arrangement in any of the others; (ii) the dimple arrangement within two of the zones (i.e., zones A and A′) have mirror symmetry across a plane passing through the polar axis; and (iii) the dimple arrangement within the other two zones (i.e., zones B and B′) do not have mirror symmetry across a plane passing through the polar axis.

The zones can be arranged on the golf ball such that the dimple pattern in each hemisphere has mirror symmetry about a plane passing through the polar axis.

The zones can be arranged on the golf ball such that the dimple pattern has a maximum of first order rotational symmetry about the polar axis of the ball. The specific dimple pattern can vary based on the present disclosure as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.