Golf Ball

The present application claims the benefit of: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/756,387, filed Feb. 10, 2025, and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/651,925, filed May 24, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

This disclosure generally relates to a golf ball, and is more particularly related to aerodynamic performance attributes and construction parameters of a golf ball.

It is generally known that aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball have significant impact on the flight of the golf ball, and thus the overall performance of the golf ball. In one aspect, aerodynamic characteristics or properties of a golf ball are influenced by the dimple pattern of the golf ball. It is also generally known that the construction of the golf ball, including materials, size, compression, coefficient of restitution, and other parameters, also has a significant impact on the flight of the golf ball.

It would be desirable to provide improved aerodynamic performance attributes and golf ball construction parameters that generally provide greater control of the golf ball flight and distance.

In various aspects disclosed herein, a golf ball is provided that can have particular aerodynamic performance attributes or characteristics. In other aspects, certain aerodynamic performance or characteristics can be paired or matched with particular golf ball constructions, thereby resulting in a particular golf ball behavior. In certain aspects, a particular golf ball dimple pattern or dimple parameters are enumerated herein that result in a particular aerodynamic profile having at least one of the disclosed aerodynamic performance attributes or characteristics.

In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that comprises at least a core and a cover. The golf ball can include at least one additional layer besides a core and a cover. In one aspect, the golf ball can include a multi-layered core, a multi-layered cover, and/or a multi-layered casing/intermediate layer. Further details of the golf ball construction are provided herein.

In one aspect, the golf ball can have a weight of 1.600 ounces-1.620 ounces. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a weight of less than 1.600 ounces, or greater than 1.620 ounces. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the weight of the golf ball can vary.

In one aspect, the golf ball has a diameter of 1.680 inches-1.700 inches. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a diameter of greater than 1.700 inches, or less than 1.680 inches. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the size or diameter of the golf ball can vary.

The cover can comprise a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern that has or exhibits a series of drag coefficients (C) and lift coefficients (C) across a variety of Reynolds numbers and spin ratios.

The present disclosure provides various exemplary patterns that exhibit the presently disclosed aerodynamic performance attributes or characteristics.

Various other exemplary dimple patterns and/or dimple parameters are provided herein.

As disclosed herein, a golf ball that exhibits the presently disclosed aerodynamic performance attributes or characteristics can be associated with a golf ball having various golf ball construction parameters. The golf ball construction can be classified or characterized generally according to certain performance characteristics, such as compression, coefficient of restitution, initial velocity, etc. Each of these parameters is described in more detail herein.

In one aspect, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070; the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095; and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100.

In one aspect, the golf ball can have a dimple pattern that has an integrated drag area (DA) defined by:

In one aspect, the lift coefficient has the following values or range of values: C>0.125 at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and spin ratio of 0.060, and C<0.180 at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105.

In one aspect, the lift coefficient has the following values or range of values: C>0.120 at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and spin ratio of 0.060, and C<0.175 at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105.

In one aspect, the lift coefficient has the following values or range of values: C>0.130 at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and spin ratio of 0.060, and C<0.190 at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105.

In one aspect, C≤0.185 at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105.

In one particular aspect, the drag and lift coefficients can have a particular relationship. This particular relationship can be associated with or dictate the flight window of the golf ball. In one aspect, this particular relationship can be defined at a Reynolds number of 225,000, and a spin ratio of 0.070. In one aspect, the drag coefficient and the lift coefficient can have the following relationship: 1.375≤C/C≤1.975. Various other details regarding the relationship between the drag and lift coefficients are provided herein.

In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of less than 60. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of 60-80. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of 80-100. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of greater than 100. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the compression can vary.

In one aspect, the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution of 0.775-0.815. In one aspect, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.760-0.795. In one aspect, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.755-0.785. In one aspect, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.710-0.760. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the coefficient of restitution can vary.

In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of less than 60, and a COR of 0.785-0.815. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and a COR of 0.770-0.815. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and a COR of 0.740-0.810. In one aspect, the golf ball can have a compression of at least 100, and a COR of 0.710-0.780.

In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of no greater than 255 feet/second. In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of no greater than 252 feet/second. In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of no greater than 250 feet/second. In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of no greater than 248 feet/second. In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 238-255 feet/second. In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 238-252 feet/second. In one aspect, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 238-248 feet/second. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the initial velocity can vary.

In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.115 ounces. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.220 ounces. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.225 ounces. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.320 ounces.

In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.500 inches. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.570 inches.

In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.770. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.775. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.780. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.785. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.790. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.800. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of 0.750-0.770. In one aspect, the golf ball core can have a coefficient of restitution of 0.760-0.780.

In one embodiment, a golf ball comprising at least a core and a cover is provided. The cover has a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a drag coefficient (C) and a lift coefficient (C), such that: 0.225≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.225≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, and 0.225≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100.

In another embodiment, a golf ball comprising at least a core and a cover is provided. The cover has a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a drag coefficient (C) and a lift coefficient (C), the dimple pattern having an integrated drag area (DA) defined by: DA=∫C(Re)dRe; where C(Re) is established at a launch condition of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, such that: 13,750≤DA≤14,750.

The golf ball can have a weight of 1.600 ounces-1.620 ounces, and a diameter of 1.680 inches-1.700 inches, and the core has a weight of at least 1.245 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. In one aspect, the golf ball has a compression that is less than 60, and the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution (COR) of 0.785-0.815. In another aspect, the golf ball has a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and the golf ball has a COR of 0.770-0.815. In another aspect, the golf ball has a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and the golf ball has a COR of 0.740-0.810. In yet another aspect, the golf ball has a compression of at least 100, and the golf ball has a COR of 0.710-0.780.

The golf ball can have a COR that is no greater than 0.800, in one aspect. In another aspect the golf ball has a COR that is no greater than 0.780. In another aspect, the core has a COR that is no greater than 0.770. In yet another aspect, the core has a COR that is no greater than 0.750.

In one aspect, the drag coefficient (C) and the lift coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000, and spin ratio of 0.070 have the following relationship: 1.375≤C/C<1.575. In another aspect, the drag coefficient (C) and the lift coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000, and spin ratio of 0.070 have the following relationship: 1.575≤C/C<1.775. In yet another aspect, the drag coefficient (C) and the lift coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000, and spin ratio of 0.070 have the following relationship: 1.775≤C/C≤1.975.

The core can have a weight of at least 1.300 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. In another aspect, the core can have a weight of at least 1.260 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.530 inches. The golf ball can have an initial velocity of no greater than 252 feet/second.

In one aspect, 0.230≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070; 0.230≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095; and 0.230≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100.

In another aspect, 0.225≤C≤0.230 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070; 0.225≤C≤0.230 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095; and 0.225≤C≤0.230 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100.

The golf ball can have a coefficient of restitution (COR) and an initial velocity (IV) (feet/second), such that a Speed Factor(S) is defined by the following equation: S=902.67+814.63 (COR)−5.441V, where 177≤S≤181.

In another aspect, the golf ball has a compression (C) that is greater than 40, and the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution (COR), such that: (i)−9.71×10C+5.46×10C+0.765≤COR; and (ii) COR≤−8.14×10C+7.24×10C+0.809.

In another embodiment, a golf ball comprising at least a core, a casing layer, and a cover is provided. The golf ball has a weight of 1.600 ounces-1.620 ounces, and a diameter of 1.680 inches-1.700 inches. The core has a weight of at least 1.245 ounces, and a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. The cover comprises a plurality of dimples comprised of 280-320 dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a drag coefficient (C) and a lift coefficient (C), such that: 0.225≤C≤0.232 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.228≤C≤0.235 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, and 0.226≤C≤0.234 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. The dimple pattern has an integrated drag area (DA) defined by:

where C(Re) is established at a launch condition of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, such that: 14,050≤DA≤14,425. In one aspect, C≥0.135 at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060. The drag coefficient and the lift coefficient at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 can have the following relationship: 1.515≤C/C≤1.585. The dimple pattern can be comprised of at least six different dimple diameters. A volume of the plurality of dimples can be 0.0370 in-0.0400 in. The dimple pattern can have 282-294 dimples, in one aspect. In another aspect, the dimple pattern has 294-306 dimples. The average dimple diameter can be 0.165 inches-0.180 inches. The dimple pattern can have a surface coverage of 77.5%-79.0%, in one aspect. A minimum dimple diameter disparity can be 0.001 inches-0.010 inches, and a maximum dimple diameter disparity can be 0.020 inches-0.030 inches. In another aspect, a minimum dimple diameter disparity is 0.005 inches-0.015 inches, and a maximum dimple diameter disparity is 0.005 inches-0.015 inches. In one aspect, the drag coefficient (C) and the lift coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 have the following relationship: 1.525≤C/C≤1.550. In another aspect, the drag coefficient (C) and the lift coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 have the following relationship: 1.545≤C/C≤1.565. In one aspect, the golf ball compression is at least 90. In another aspect, the golf ball compression is at least 100. In yet another aspect, the golf ball compression is at least 105. In one aspect, the golf ball COR is no greater than 0.790. The casing can have a thickness of 0.030 inches-0.055 inches. In one aspect, the cover has a thickness of 0.020 inches-0.035 inches. In one aspect, the core has a weight of at least 1.295 ounces. In another aspect, the core has a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. The core can have a coefficient of restitution of no greater than 0.780.

In yet another embodiment, a golf ball comprising at least a core, a casing layer, and a cover is provided. The golf ball has a weight of 1.600 ounces-1.620 ounces, and a diameter of 1.680 inches-1.700 inches. The core has a weight of at least 1.245 ounces, and a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. The cover comprises a plurality of dimples comprised of 280-320 dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a drag coefficient (C) and a lift coefficient (C), such that: 0.226≤C≤0.230 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.228≤C≤0.234 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, and 0.225≤C≤0.230 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. The dimple pattern has an integrated drag area (DA) defined by:

where C(Re) is established at a launch condition of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, such that: 14,100≤DA≤14,500. In one aspect, C≥0.130 at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060. The drag coefficient and the lift coefficient at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 can have the following relationship: 1.600≤C/C≤1.615. The dimple pattern can be comprised of at least eight different dimple diameters. A volume of the plurality of dimples can be 0.0400 in-0.0420 in. The dimple pattern can have 290-302 dimples. The average dimple diameter can be 0.170 inches-0.185 inches. The dimple pattern can have a surface coverage of 82.5%-84.5%. A minimum dimple diameter disparity can be 0.001 inches-0.010 inches, and a maximum dimple diameter disparity can be 0.015 inches-0.025 inches. In one aspect, C≤0.175 at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105.

In one aspect, the golf ball can be a four layer golf ball including a dual layer core. The golf ball compression can be at least 90. In one aspect, the golf ball COR is no greater than 0.790. In one aspect, the casing has a thickness of 0.030 inches-0.055 inches. In another aspect, the cover has a thickness of 0.020 inches-0.035 inches. In one aspect, the core has a weight of at least 1.295 ounces. In one aspect, the core has a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. The core can have a COR of no greater than 0.780, in one aspect.

In another aspect, the golf ball is a three-layer golf ball. The casing can have a thickness of 0.045 inches-0.055 inches. The cover can have a thickness of 0.020 inches-0.030 inches.

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

The dimples on a golf ball are used to adjust or modify the aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball and, therefore, the dimple patterns, shape, volume, and various other dimple properties or characteristics can be designed in order to modify the overall flight of a golf ball. Determining specific dimple arrangements and dimple shapes that result in desired aerodynamic properties can involve the direct measurement of aerodynamic characteristics. These aerodynamic characteristics define the forces acting upon the golf ball throughout flight. The term “dimple” can include any texturizing on the surface of a golf ball, e.g., depressions and projections.

Aerodynamic forces acting on a golf ball are typically resolved into orthogonal components of lift and drag. Lift is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting perpendicular to the flight path. It results from a difference in pressure that is created by a distortion in the air flow that results from the back spin of the golf ball. A boundary layer forms at the stagnation point of the ball, B, then grows and separates at points Sand S, as shown in. Due to the ball backspin, the top of the ball moves in the direction of the airflow, which delays the separation of the boundary layer. In contrast, the bottom of the ball moves against the direction of airflow, thus advancing the separation of the boundary layer at the bottom of the ball. Therefore, the position of separation of the boundary layer at the top of the ball, S, is further back than the position of separation of the boundary layer at the bottom of the ball, S. This asymmetrical separation creates a downward deflection 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.

Drag is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting parallel to the golf ball's flight direction. As the ball travels through the air, the air surrounding the ball has different velocities and, accordingly, different pressures. The air exerts maximum pressure at the stagnation point, B, on the front of the ball, as shown in. The air then flows over the sides toward the back of the golf ball and separates from the surface of the golf ball at points Sand S, leaving a large turbulent flow area with low pressure, i.e., the wake. The difference between the high pressure in front of the golf ball and the low pressure in the wake behind the golf ball reduces the speed and acts as the primary source of drag for a golf ball.

The aerodynamic forces acting on a golf ball in flight are disclosed in Equation 1 and illustrated in: