Golf ball

Abstract

To provide improved aerodynamic performance attributes and golf ball construction parameters that generally provide greater control of the golf ball flight and distance.SOLUTION: Golf balls disclosed herein have a combination of aerodynamic properties and construction parameters providing a desired set of performance characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to golf balls, and more particularly to aerodynamic performance characteristics and construction parameters of golf balls. [Background technology]

[0002] It is generally known that the aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball significantly affect the flight of the golf ball and, therefore, the overall performance of the golf ball. In one aspect, the aerodynamic characteristics or properties of a golf ball are affected by the dimple pattern of the golf ball. It is also generally known that the structure of a golf ball, including the material, size, compression, coefficient of restitution, and other parameters, also significantly affect the flight of the golf ball.

[0003] Generally, it is desirable to provide improved aerodynamic performance characteristics and golf ball construction parameters that provide greater control of golf ball flight and distance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In various aspects disclosed in this disclosure, golf balls are provided that can have specific aerodynamic performance characteristics or properties. In other aspects, the specific aerodynamic performance characteristics or properties can be paired or matched with specific golf ball structures, thereby resulting in specific golf ball behavior. In certain aspects, this disclosure recites specific golf ball dimple patterns or dimple parameters that result in a specific aerodynamic profile having at least one of the disclosed aerodynamic performance characteristics or properties.

[0005] In one embodiment, a golf ball is disclosed that includes at least a core and a cover. The golf ball may include at least one additional layer other than the core and the cover. In one embodiment, the golf ball may include a multi-layer core, a multi-layer cover, and / or a multi-layer casing / intermediate layer. Details of the golf ball construction are provided herein.

[0006] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a weight of less than 1.600 ounces or more than 1.620 ounces. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the weight of a golf ball may vary.

[0007] In one embodiment, the golf ball has a diameter between 1.680 inches and 1.700 inches. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have a diameter greater than 1.700 inches or less than 1.680 inches. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the size or diameter of a golf ball can vary.

[0008] The cover provides a range of pull coefficients (C) over a range of Reynolds numbers and spin ratios. D ) and lift coefficient (C L The surface may include a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having or exhibiting a

[0009] The present disclosure provides various exemplary patterns that exhibit the aerodynamic performance characteristics or properties of the present disclosure.

[0010] Various other exemplary dimple patterns and / or dimple parameters are also provided in this disclosure.

[0011] As disclosed herein, golf balls exhibiting the aerodynamic performance characteristics or properties of the present disclosure may be associated with golf balls having various golf ball construction parameters. Golf ball constructions may be generally categorized or characterized according to particular performance characteristics, such as compression, coefficient of restitution, initial velocity, etc. Each of these parameters is described in more detail in this disclosure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 D≦0.235. The drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.235, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. D ≦0.235.

[0013] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a dimple pattern with a combined drag area (DA) defined by:

[0014]

number

[0015] In the formula, C D (Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm. In one embodiment, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 13,750≦DA ≦14,750.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lift coefficient has the following value or range of values: C at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060 L >0.125, C at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105 L <0.180.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lift coefficient has the following value or range of values: C at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060 L >0.120, at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105, C L <0.175.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lift coefficient has the following value or range of values: C at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060 L >0.130, C at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105L <0.190.

[0019] In one embodiment, at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105, C L ≦0.185.

[0020] In one particular embodiment, the drag coefficient and the lift coefficient can have a particular relationship. This particular relationship may be associated with or defined by a flight window of the golf ball. In one embodiment, this particular relationship may be defined at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. In one embodiment, the drag coefficient and the lift coefficient can have the following relationship: 1.375≦C D / C L < 1.975. Various other details regarding the relationship between drag and lift coefficients are provided herein.

[0021] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of less than 60. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 60 to 80. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 80 to 100. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of greater than 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the compression may be varied.

[0022] In one embodiment, the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution of 0.775 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.760 to 0.795. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.755 to 0.785. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.710 to 0.760. Those skilled in the art will understand that the coefficient of restitution can vary.

[0023] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of less than 60 and a COR of 0.785 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of at least 60 and less than 80 and a COR of 0.770 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of at least 80 and less than 100 and a COR of 0.740 to 0.810. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of at least 100 and a COR of 0.710 to 0.780.

[0024] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 255 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 252 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 250 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 248 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 238 to 255 feet / second. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 238 to 252 feet / second. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have an initial velocity of 238 to 248 feet / second. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the initial velocity may vary.

[0025] In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.115 ounces. In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.220 ounces. In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.225 ounces. In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a weight of at least 1.320 ounces.

[0026] In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.500 inches. In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. In one embodiment, the golf ball core can have a diameter of at least 1.570 inches.

[0027] In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution less than 0.770. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution less than 0.775. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution less than 0.780. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution less than 0.785. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution less than 0.790. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution less than 0.800. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution between 0.750 and 0.770. In one embodiment, the golf ball core may have a coefficient of restitution between 0.760 and 0.780.

[0028] In one embodiment, a golf ball is provided that includes at least a core and a cover, the cover having a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a drag coefficient (CD) and a lift coefficient (CL) of 0.225≦CD≦0.235 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, and 0.225≦CD≦0.235 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.235, and at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, 0.225 ≦ C D ≦0.235.

[0029] In another embodiment, a golf ball is provided that includes at least a core and a cover. The cover has a coefficient of drag (C D ) and lift coefficient (C L ), the dimple pattern having an integrated drag area (DA) defined by:

[0030]

number

[0031] C D(Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, whereby 13,750≦DA≦14,750.

[0032] The golf ball may have a weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces and a diameter of 1.680 inches to 1.700 inches, with the core having a weight of at least 1.245 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. In one embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of less than 60, and the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution (COR) of 0.785 to 0.815. In another embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and the golf ball has a COR of 0.770 to 0.815. In another embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and the golf ball has a COR of 0.740 to 0.810. In yet another embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of at least 100, and the golf ball has a COR of 0.710 to 0.780.

[0033] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a COR of 0.800 or less. In another embodiment, the golf ball has a COR of 0.780 or less. In another embodiment, the core has a COR of 0.770 or less. In yet another embodiment, the core has a COR of 0.750 or less.

[0034] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 D ) and lift coefficient (C L ) has the following relationship: 1.375≦C D / C L <1.575. In another embodiment, the drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 D ) and lift coefficient (C L ) have the following relationship: 1.575≦C D / C L<1.775. In yet another embodiment, the drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 D ) and lift coefficient (C L ) has the following relationship: 1.775≦C D / C L ≦1.975.

[0035] The core may have a weight of at least 1.300 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. In another embodiment, the core may have a weight of at least 1.260 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.530 inches. The golf ball may have an initial velocity of less than or equal to 252 feet per second.

[0036] In one embodiment, at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.230≦C D ≦0.235, Reynolds number 160,000 and spin ratio 0.095, 0.230≦C D ≦0.235, and at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, 0.230≦C D ≦0.235.

[0037] In another embodiment, at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.225≦C D ≦0.230, at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, 0.225≦CD≦0.230, and at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, 0.225≦C D ≦0.230.

[0038] A golf ball has a coefficient of restitution (COR) such that the velocity factor (S) is defined by the following equation: ball ) and initial velocity (IV ball ) (feet per second), where S = 902.67 + 814.63(COR ball )-5.44IV ball , 177≦S≦181.

[0039] In another embodiment, the golf ball has a compression (C0) greater than 40, and the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution (COR) of: (i)-9.71 × 10 -6 C 2 0+5.46×10 -4 C0 + 0.765 ≤ COR, and ( ii) COR≦-8.14×10 -6 C 2 0+7.24×10 -4 C0+0.809.

[0040] In another embodiment, a golf ball is provided that includes at least a core, a casing layer, and a cover. The golf ball weighs between 1.600 ounces and 1.620 ounces and has a diameter between 1.680 inches and 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 has a drag coefficient (C D ) and lift coefficient (C L ) at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, the dimples comprising 280 to 320 dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having 0.225≦C D1 ≦0.232, and at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, 0.228≦C D2 ≦0.235, and 0.226≦C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100 D3 ≦0.234. The dimple pattern is

[0041]

number

[0042] and C D(Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, whereby 14,050≦DA≦14,425. In one embodiment, at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060, C L ≧0.135. The drag and lift coefficients at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 can have the following relationship: 1.515≦C D / C L ≦1.585. The dimple pattern may comprise at least six different dimple diameters. The volume of the plurality of dimples may be less than or equal to 0.0370 in. 3 ~0.0400 in 3 The dimple pattern, in one embodiment, may have 282 to 294 dimples. In another embodiment, the dimple pattern may have 294 to 306 dimples. The average dimple diameter may be 0.165 inches to 0.180 inches. The dimple pattern, in one embodiment, may have a surface coverage of 77.5% to 79.0%. The minimum dimple diameter variation may be 0.001 inches to 0.010 inches, and the maximum dimple diameter variation may be 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter variation is 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches, and the maximum dimple diameter variation is 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches. In one embodiment, the drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 is D ) and lift coefficient (C L ) has the following relationship: 1.525≦C D / C L ≦1.550. In another embodiment, the drag coefficient (C D ) and lift coefficient (C L ) has the following relationship: 1.545≦C D / C L≦1.565. In one embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of at least 90. In another embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of at least 100. In yet another embodiment, the golf ball has a compression of at least 105. In one embodiment, the golf ball has a COR of 0.790 or less. The casing can have a thickness of 0.030 inches to 0.055 inches. In one embodiment, the cover has a thickness of 0.020 inches to 0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.295 ounces. In another embodiment, the core has a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. The core can have a coefficient of restitution of 0.780 or less.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, a golf ball is provided that includes at least a core, a casing layer, and a cover. The golf ball weighs between 1.600 ounces and 1.620 ounces and has a diameter between 1.680 inches and 1.700 inches. The core weighs at least 1.245 ounces and has a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. The cover includes a plurality of dimples, consisting of 280 to 320 dimples, arranged in a dimple pattern having the following drag coefficients (CD) and lift coefficients (CL): 0.226≦CD≦0.230 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, and 0.228≦CD≦0.230 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D2 ≦0.234, and 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. D3 ≦0.230. The dimple pattern is

[0044]

number

[0045] It has an integrated delivery area (DA) defined by C D(Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm: 14,100≦DA≦14,500. In one embodiment, at a Reynolds number of 240,000 and a spin ratio of 0.060, C L ≧0.130. The drag and lift coefficients at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 can have the following relationship: 1.600≦C D / C L ≦1.615. The dimple pattern may consist of at least eight different dimple diameters. The volume of the plurality of dimples may be less than or equal to 0.0400 in. 3 ~0.0420 in 3 The dimple pattern may have 290 to 302 dimples. The average dimple diameter may be 0.170 inches to 0.185 inches. The dimple pattern may have a surface coverage of 82.5% to 84.5%. The minimum dimple diameter variation may be 0.001 inches to 0.010 inches, and the maximum dimple diameter variation may be 0.015 inches to 0.025 inches. In one embodiment, the C at a Reynolds number of 185,000 and a spin ratio of 0.105 L ≦0.175.

[0046] In one embodiment, the golf ball may be a four-layer golf ball including a dual-layer core. The golf ball may have a compression of at least 90. In one embodiment, the golf ball has a COR of 0.790 or less. In one embodiment, the casing has a thickness of 0.030 inches to 0.055 inches. In another embodiment, the cover has a thickness of 0.020 inches to 0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.295 ounces. In one embodiment, the core has a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. The core may have a COR of 0.780 or less, in one embodiment.

[0047] In another embodiment, the golf ball is a three-layer golf ball. The casing may have a thickness of 0.045 inches to 0.055 inches. The cover may have a thickness of 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches.

[0048] Additional features and aspects of the present disclosure are described in further detail herein.

[0049] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure can be ascertained from the following detailed description provided in conjunction with the drawings described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the airflow over a golf ball in flight. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the forces acting on a golf ball in flight. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for measuring the diameter of a dimple and other dimple characteristics. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows plots of golf ball coefficient of restitution and golf ball compression for exemplary golf ball constructions. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a two-layer golf ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a three-layer golf ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a four-layer golf ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a five-layer golf ball according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates representative golf ball flight patterns for several exemplary golf balls and conventional golf balls. [Figure 6A] 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary drag coefficient profile according to one exemplary dimple pattern. [Figure 6B]6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary drag coefficient profile according to one exemplary dimple pattern. [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary integrated drag area profile according to one exemplary dimple pattern. [Figure 7B] 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary integrated drag area profile according to one exemplary dimple pattern. [Figure 8A] 8A and 8B illustrate a first exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8A and 8B illustrate a first exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 9A and 9B illustrate a second exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9A and 9B illustrate a second exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 10A and 10B illustrate a third exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B illustrate a third exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 11A and 11B illustrate a fourth exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 11A and 11B illustrate a fourth exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] 12A and 12B illustrate a fifth exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 12A and 12B illustrate a fifth exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] 13A and 13B illustrate a sixth exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B]13A and 13B illustrate a sixth exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] 14A and 14B illustrate a seventh exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 14A and 14B illustrate a seventh exemplary dimple pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Indentations (dimples) on a golf ball are used to adjust or modify the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball; therefore, the dimple pattern, shape, volume, and various other dimple features or characteristics can be designed to modify the overall flight of the golf ball. Determining the specific dimple placement and dimple shape that results in the desired aerodynamic characteristics can involve direct measurement of the aerodynamic characteristics. These aerodynamic characteristics define the forces acting on the golf ball throughout its flight. The term dimples can include any texturing on the surface of a golf ball, such as, for example, irregularities.

[0052] Aerodynamic forces acting on a golf ball are typically decomposed into orthogonal components: lift and drag. Lift is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting perpendicular to the flight path. It results from pressure differences created by airflow distortions resulting from the golf ball's backspin. A boundary layer forms at the stagnation point of golf ball B and then grows and separates at points S1 and S2, as shown in Figure 1A. Due to the golf ball's backspin, the top of the golf ball moves in the direction of the airflow, thereby delaying boundary layer separation. In contrast, the bottom of the golf ball moves relative to the direction of the airflow, thus advancing boundary layer separation at the bottom of the golf ball. Thus, the boundary layer separation location S1 at the top of the golf ball is further back than the boundary layer separation location S2 at the bottom of the golf ball. This asymmetric separation creates a downward deflection in the flow pattern, requiring the air above the golf ball to move faster and therefore have a lower pressure than the air below the golf ball.

[0053] Drag is defined as the aerodynamic force component acting parallel to the direction of flight of a golf ball. As a golf ball moves through the air, the air surrounding the golf ball has different velocities and therefore different pressures. The air exerts maximum pressure on the front of the golf ball at stagnation point B, as shown in Figure 1A. The air then flows across the sides toward the rear of the golf ball, separating from the surface of the golf ball at points S1 and S2, leaving behind a large turbulent region of low pressure, or 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 its velocity and acts as the primary source of drag on the golf ball.

[0054] The aerodynamic forces acting on a golf ball in flight are set forth in Equation 1 and illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0055] F=F L +F D +F G (Formula 1) Where F = total force acting on the golf ball, F L = lift, F D= gravitational force, and F G =gravity.

[0056] Lift (F L ) is the component of the aerodynamic force acting in the direction specified by the intersection product of the spin vector and the velocity vector. The drag force (F D ) is the component of the aerodynamic force acting in a direction directly opposite the velocity vector. The lift and gravity forces in Equation 1 are calculated in Equations 2 and 3, respectively.

[0057] F L =0.5C L ρAV 2 (Formula 2) F D =0.5C D ρAV 2 (Formula 3) Where ρ = air density (slug / ft 3 ), A = projected area of ​​the golf ball (ft 2 )((π / 4)D 2 ), D = golf ball diameter (ft), V = golf ball velocity (ft / s), CL = dimensionless lift coefficient, and CD = dimensionless drag coefficient.

[0058] Lift and drag coefficients are used to quantify the forces imparted to a golf ball during flight and depend on air density, air viscosity, golf ball speed, and spin rate. The influence of all these parameters can be captured by two dimensionless parameters: spin ratio (SR) and Reynolds number (Re). Spin ratio is the rolling face speed of the golf ball divided by the golf ball velocity. The Reynolds number quantifies the ratio of inertial to viscous forces acting on a golf ball moving through air. SR and Re are calculated using Equation 4 and Equation 5 below.

[0059] SR=ω(D / 2) / V (Equation 4) Re=DVρ / μ (Equation 5) Where ω = golf ball rotational speed (radians / second) (2π(RPS)), RPS = golf ball rotational speed (revolutions / second), V = golf ball speed (ft / s), D = golf ball diameter (ft), ρ = air density (slug / ft 3 ), and μ = absolute viscosity of air (lb / ft 2 -s).

[0060] There are many suitable methods for determining lift and drag coefficients for a given range of spin speeds and Reynolds numbers, including the use of indoor test ranges employing ballistic screen technology. U.S. Patent No. 5,682,230, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches the use of a series of ballistic screens to obtain lift and drag coefficients. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,186,002, 6,285,445, and 6,729,976 (also incorporated herein by reference in their entireties) disclose methods for measuring lift and drag coefficients for a given range of speeds and spin rates using an indoor test range, and L and C D The value of is related to the spin rate and Reynolds number of each shot. Those skilled in the art of golf ball aerodynamic testing can easily measure the lift and drag coefficients through the use of an indoor test range.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the desired aerodynamic performance, as characterized by lift and drag coefficients, can be achieved by combining various elements of the dimple pattern characterization, including, but not limited to, total dimple count, total surface coverage, total dimple volume, number of different dimple diameters, average dimple diameter, range of dimple diameters, dimple planform, dimple profile, and the underlying pattern shapes to generate exemplary dimple pattern categories.

[0062] According to one aspect, the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations disclosed herein can provide a golf ball with a relatively increased drag profile compared to modern, high-performance dimple patterns. In one aspect, the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations of the present disclosure can be considered relatively "high-drag" compared to modern, high-performance dimple patterns. As a result, golf balls disclosed herein and exhibiting the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations of the present disclosure can have a relatively shorter carry distance compared to golf balls with modern, high-performance dimple patterns, assuming all other factors, such as golf ball construction parameters, are held constant.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations of the present disclosure may be matched or paired with various types of golf ball structures, including modern high performance ball structures, as well as other golf ball structures that may be considered relatively slower or faster structures compared to modern high performance ball structures.

[0064] In one aspect, the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations of the present disclosure can be matched or paired with relatively fast ball structures, such as golf balls that have a relatively high COR and / or initial velocity compared to modern high performance balls. In another aspect, the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations of the present disclosure can be matched or paired with modern high performance golf ball structures, i.e., golf balls that exhibit a COR and / or initial velocity typical of the majority of modern high performance golf balls. One skilled in the art will understand, based on this disclosure, that the aerodynamic performance parameters and configurations disclosed in the present disclosure can also be matched or paired with relatively slower golf ball structures.

[0065] Drag coefficient To calculate the drag force acting on the ball at a given moment in flight, we use the drag coefficient (C D) is required to measure the drag coefficient, and for a golf ball of a given diameter moving at a given speed through air of a given density, a higher drag coefficient indicates that more drag acts on the golf ball. Therefore, at a given Reynolds number and spin ratio, C D A higher value of C indicates a dimple configuration that induces a greater amount of drag overall. D A pattern with an overall high value of r will likely have a shorter flight distance.

[0066] There are many suitable methods for measuring lift and drag coefficients for a given range of spin rates and Reynolds numbers, including the use of an indoor test range. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,186,002 and 6,285,445 (each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) disclose methods for measuring lift and drag coefficients for a given range of speeds and spin rates using an indoor test range, wherein C L and C D The value of is related to the spin rate and Reynolds number of each shot. Those skilled in the art of golf ball aerodynamic testing can easily measure the lift and drag coefficients through the use of an indoor test range.

[0067] More specifically, a subset of golf balls, such as at least six golf balls or at least twelve golf balls, are tested in a pole-over-pole orientation and a pole-horizontal orientation at an indoor test range (ITR), with at least six sets of flight data obtained for each orientation, and the drag coefficient and lift coefficient for each orientation are measured based on the following 15 conditions shown in Table 1.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] At each orientation, the median drag coefficient and median lift coefficient at each condition are used in conjunction with the methodology established by the United States Golf Association for overall distance and symmetry conformance testing to predict the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. Specifically, the lift coefficient and drag coefficient are calculated separately for each ball at each orientation for the 15 conditions listed above using the following equations, and a1-a3, b1-b3, c1-c4, and d1-d2 are calculated using least squares regression in accordance with USGA published documents, including "The Indoor Test Range (ITR) Technical Description and Operation Manual" and associated appendices.

[0070]

number

[0071]

number

[0072] The results for each individual ball are then used to calculate the median lift and drag coefficients for the 15 test conditions, which represent the ball with the median aerodynamic performance, and are referred to in this disclosure as the median ball or median golf ball.

[0073] In Figures 6A and 6B, drag coefficients at corresponding Reynolds numbers throughout a predicted flight are illustrated for an exemplary golf ball having a relatively high drag coefficient profile. More specifically, Figure 6A illustrates the drag coefficient of a central golf ball tested using a polar-to-polar orientation, and Figure 6B illustrates the drag coefficient of a central golf ball tested using a polar-to-horizontal orientation. While not specifically illustrated, those skilled in the art will understand that all of the preferred embodiments disclosed in this disclosure have associated drag coefficient profiles similar to Figures 6A and 6B, and that the associated drag coefficient profiles may be higher or lower than those illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a drag coefficient profile similar to Figure 6A may be associated with a polar-horizontal orientation, and that the drag coefficient profile of Figure 6B may be associated with a polar-to-polar orientation. When presented as a single value in this disclosure, the drag coefficient is the average of the drag coefficient of the central golf ball in the polar-to-polar orientation and the drag coefficient of the central golf ball in the polar-to-horizontal orientation. Similarly, when presented as a single value in this disclosure, the lift coefficient is the average of the lift coefficient of the center golf ball in a polar-to-polar orientation and the lift coefficient of the center golf ball in a polar-to-horizontal orientation.

[0074] Integrated drag area The drag area characterizes the aerodynamic effect of the dimple pattern over approximately the first two seconds of flight, when aerodynamic forces are most pronounced.

[0075] A lower drag area indicates a more efficient aerodynamic pattern and may represent a longer predicted distance using the disclosed methodology at a specified launch condition. Similarly, a pattern with a higher drag area may have a shorter predicted flight distance under the contemplated methodology.

[0076] Once the median ball lift and drag coefficients were established for the golf ball dimple pattern under analysis, a predicted golf ball trajectory was then calculated using USGA calculation procedures for each of the pole-over-pole and pole-horizontal orientations using a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm as the initial launch inputs (i.e., initial or launch conditions), and the Reynolds number and drag coefficient from the simulation for the median ball were retained and were determined to satisfy the functional relationship C D (Re). Whenever referred to in this disclosure, the integrated drag area is established using the golf ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate disclosed above.

[0077] Pole Over Pole (DA PP ) and pole horizontal (DA PH ) orientation drag area is given by the following formula:

[0078]

number

[0079]

number

[0080] The average drag area is given by the following formula:

[0081]

number

[0082] When the integrated drag area is presented in this disclosure as a single value, it will be understood to refer to the average integrated drag area DA.

[0083] The integral is calculated by Riemann summation using at least 8 trapezoidal divisions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative division shapes may be used in conjunction with Riemann summation or other summations.

[0084] In Figures 7A and 7B, integrated drag areas are illustrated for an exemplary golf ball having a relatively high drag coefficient profile. The integrated drag areas illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B can be measured using a ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate or rotation rate of 2,700 rpm. More specifically, Figure 7A illustrates the integrated drag area of ​​a golf ball tested using a pole-over-pole orientation, and Figure 7B illustrates the integrated drag area of ​​a golf ball tested using a pole-horizontal orientation. While not specifically illustrated, those skilled in the art will understand that all of the preferred embodiments disclosed in this disclosure have associated integrated drag profiles similar to those illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, and that the associated integrated drag profiles may be higher or lower than those illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B. Those skilled in the art will also understand that an integrated drag area diagram similar to that of Figure 7A may be associated with a pole-horizontal orientation, and a diagram similar to that of Figure 7B may be associated with a pole-over-pole orientation.

[0085] Golf ball flight window In one embodiment, a dimple pattern on a golf ball may be configured to provide an associated flight window, which in some embodiments may be related to or dependent on the drag and / or lift coefficients associated with the dimple pattern. For example, a relatively low drag to lift coefficient ratio (C D / C L ) generally corresponds to a higher flying ball, while providing a relatively high drag coefficient to lift coefficient ratio (C D / C L ) generally corresponds to a lower flying ball. Table 2 below shows the ratio of the drag coefficient to the lift coefficient (C D / C L) are provided.

[0086] As used in this disclosure, the term drag coefficient may correspond to the median drag coefficient, and the term lift coefficient may correspond to the median lift coefficient measured for a sample number of golf balls as detailed above.

[0087] In one aspect, the ratio of the listed drag coefficient to the lift coefficient (C D / C L ) provides ranges of exemplary golf balls having relatively slow golf ball structures compared to modern high performance golf ball structures. For example, the following values ​​may correspond to golf balls having a COR of at least 0.710 and no more than 0.815, golf balls having an initial velocity of at least 238 ft / sec but no more than 255 ft / sec, and / or golf balls having both characteristics:

[0088] As used in this disclosure, C D / C L All values ​​given for are based on median drag and lift coefficients at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070.

[0089] [Table 2]

[0090] In one embodiment, a target range for a golf ball in the "high" flight window (ie, 1.375 <= CD / CL < 1.575) may correspond to a relatively high peak altitude for the golf ball.

[0091] In one embodiment, a target range for a golf ball in the "medium" flight window (ie, 1.575 <= CD / CL < 1.775) may correspond to a relatively moderate peak altitude for the golf ball.

[0092] In one embodiment, a target range for a golf ball in the "low" flight window (ie, 1.775 < CD / CL < 1.975) may correspond to a relatively low peak altitude of the golf ball.

[0093] In one embodiment, a golf ball may be provided that exhibits a drag coefficient and a lift coefficient having the following relationship: 1.375≦C D / C L In one aspect, a golf ball may be provided that exhibits a drag coefficient and a lift coefficient having the following relationship: C D / C L ≦1.975.

[0094] In one embodiment, a golf ball is disclosed that includes at least a core and a cover. The golf ball may have at least one additional layer in addition to the core and cover. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a multi-layer core, a multi-layer cover, and / or a multi-layer casing / mid layer.

[0095] In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have a weight between 1.600 ounces and 1.620 ounces. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the weight of the golf ball may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the weight may be less than 1.600 ounces or the weight may be greater than 1.620 ounces.

[0096] In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured with a diameter between 1.680 inches and 1.700 inches. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the size or diameter of a golf ball may vary. For example, the diameter may be less than 1.680 inches or the diameter may be greater than 1.700 inches.

[0097] The cover provides a range of drag coefficients (C D ) and lift coefficient (C LIn one aspect, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C for a given subset of Reynolds numbers and spin ratios. D ≦0.235.

[0098] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. D ≦0.235. The drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.235, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. D ≦0.235.

[0099] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. D ≦0.230. The drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.230, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. D ≦0.230.

[0100] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.230≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. D ≦0.235, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.230≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.235, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.230≦C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. D ≦0.235.

[0101] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. D ≦0.235, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095 D ≦0.235.

[0102] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. D ≦0.230, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.225≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.230.

[0103] In one embodiment, the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.230≦C at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070. D ≦0.235, and the drag coefficient has the following range: 0.230≦C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095. D ≦0.235.

[0104] In one particular embodiment, the drag coefficient and the lift coefficient may have a particular relationship. This particular relationship may be related to or define the flight window of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the drag coefficient and the lift coefficient may have the following relationship: 1.575≦C D / C L <1.775. In another embodiment, the drag coefficient and lift coefficient may be configured to have the following relationship: 1.775≦C D / C L In yet another embodiment, the drag coefficient and lift coefficient may be configured to have the following relationship: C D / C L ≦1.975. In yet another embodiment, the drag coefficient and lift coefficient may be configured to have the following relationship: C D / C L≦1.575. In a further embodiment, the drag coefficient and lift coefficient may be configured to have the following relationship: 1.375≦C D / C L In a further embodiment, the drag coefficient and lift coefficient may have the following relationship: 1.775 ≧ C D / C L .

[0105] Various other exemplary dimple patterns and / or dimple parameters are also provided in this disclosure.

[0106] As disclosed herein, golf balls exhibiting the aerodynamic performance characteristics or properties of the present disclosure may be associated with golf balls having various golf ball construction parameters. Golf ball constructions may be generally categorized or characterized according to particular performance characteristics, such as compression, coefficient of restitution, initial velocity, etc. Each of these parameters is described in more detail in this disclosure.

[0107] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of less than 60. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 60 to 80. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 80 to 100. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of more than 100. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 50 to 75. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 40 to 65. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 70 to 85. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 95 to 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that the compression may be varied.

[0108] In one embodiment, the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution of 0.775 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.760 to 0.795. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.755 to 0.785. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.710 to 0.760. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.725 to 0.750. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.745 to 0.785. In some embodiments, the COR of the golf ball can be 0.800 or less, or 0.780 or less. Those skilled in the art will understand that the coefficient of restitution may be varied.

[0109] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of less than 60 and a COR of 0.785 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of at least 60 and less than 80 and a COR of 0.770 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of at least 80 and less than 100 and a COR of 0.740 to 0.810. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of at least 100 and a COR of 0.710 to 0.780.

[0110] In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 255 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 252 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 250 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 248 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 238 to 255 feet / second. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 238 to 252 feet / second. In one embodiment, the golf ball can have an initial velocity of 238 to 248 feet / second. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the initial velocity may vary.

[0111] In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a dimple pattern with a combined drag area (DA) defined by:

number

[0112] In the formula, C D (Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm. The integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 13,750 ≤ DA ≤ 14,750.

[0113] In one aspect, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 13,750≦DA.

[0114] In one embodiment, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: DA ≦14,750.

[0115] In one embodiment, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 14,000≦DA ≦14,750.

[0116] In one embodiment, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 14,000≦DA≦14,500.

[0117] In one embodiment, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 13,750≦DA ≦14,500.

[0118] In one embodiment, the integrated drag area can be defined as follows: 14,250≦DA ≦14,750.

[0119] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf ball comprising at least a core and a cover. The golf ball may be configured to have a weight between 1.600 ounces and 1.620 ounces and a diameter between 1.680 inches and 1.700 inches.

[0120] The cover reduces the drag coefficient (CD ) and lift coefficient (C L ) a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, and D ≤ 0.235, 0.225 ≤ C at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095 D ≤ 0.235, and 0.225 ≤ C at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100 D ≦0.235.

[0121] In yet another embodiment, a golf ball having a weight between 1.600 ounces and 1.620 ounces and a diameter between 1.680 inches and 1.700 inches, wherein the cover of the golf ball has a drag coefficient (C D ), lift coefficient (C L ), and a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having an integrated drag area (DA):

[0122]

number

[0123] In the formula, C D (Re) is established under launch conditions of a golf ball speed of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, and provides a golf ball in which 13,750≦DA≦14,750.

[0124] Golf ball dimple pattern characteristics The following provides exemplary dimple pattern characteristics such as total dimple count or quantity of dimples, total surface coverage by dimples, quantity of different dimple diameters, average dimple diameter, dimple volume, chord depth, edge angle, and dimple diameter difference.

[0125] Amount of dimples Those skilled in the art will understand that the amount of dimples on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure may vary, along with other dimple parameters. In one embodiment, an exemplary golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure may include at least 100 dimples, or at least 200 dimples, or at least 300 dimples, or at least 400 dimples, or at least 500 dimples, or at least 600 dimples, or at least 700 dimples. In one embodiment, the total number of dimples on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure may be 200 to 350 dimples, or 125 to 300 dimples, or 250 to 450 dimples, or 350 to 450 dimples, or 375 to 500 dimples. In one embodiment, the total number of dimples on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure can be at least 300 dimples, or at least 350 dimples, or at least 400 dimples, or at least 450 dimples. In one embodiment, the total number of dimples on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure can be 400 or fewer dimples, or 350 or fewer dimples, or 300 or fewer dimples, or 250 or fewer dimples.

[0126] Total Surface Coverage Those skilled in the art will understand that the total surface coverage of dimples on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure may vary, along with other specific dimple parameters. In one embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover at least 60% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover at least 65% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover at least 70% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover at least 75% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover at least 80% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover less than 70% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover less than 75% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover less than 80% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In another embodiment, the dimples may be configured to cover less than 65% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball. In other embodiments, the dimples may cover 65% to 75%, or 70% to 75%, or 75% to 80%, or 80% to 85%, or greater than 85% of the total surface area of ​​the golf ball, particularly where the total surface area is calculated using the surface cap coverage of the dimples.

[0127] Dimple Diameter Golf balls having the aerodynamic properties disclosed herein may be configured with dimples of various dimple diameters, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the dimple diameters of golf balls having the aerodynamic properties disclosed herein are: In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured with dimples having one dimple diameter, two dimple diameters, three dimple diameters, four dimple diameters, five dimple diameters, six dimple diameters, seven dimple diameters, eight dimple diameters, nine dimple diameters, ten dimple diameters, or more than ten dimple diameters.

[0128] The diameter of a dimple with a non-circular planar shape is its equivalent diameter d e is defined by, which is calculated as follows:

number

[0129] where A is the planform area of ​​the dimple. The term "planform area" refers to the area based on a plan view of the dimple planform, with the viewing plane perpendicular to the axis connecting the center of the golf ball and the center of the dimple. Diameter measurements are taken on a finished golf ball, as shown in Figure 2. Measuring the diameter of a dimple can be difficult due to the generally unclear nature of the boundary separating the dimple from the undisturbed ground surface of the ball. Due to the influence of paint and / or the dimple design itself, the junction between the ground surface and the dimple may not be sharp and therefore unclear. This can make measuring the dimple diameter somewhat ambiguous. To solve this problem, the dimple diameter of a finished ball is measured according to the method shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a dimple half-outline 4 extending from the dimple centerline 1 to the land surface outside the dimple 3. A phantom surface 2 of the ball is constructed above the dimple as a continuation of the ground surface 3. Next, a first tangent line T1 is constructed at a point on the dimple sidewall spaced 0.003 inches radially inward from phantom surface 2. T1 intersects phantom surface 2 at point P1, which defines the nominal dimple edge location. A second tangent line T2 is then constructed tangent to phantom surface 2 at P1. The edge angle is the angle between T1 and T2. The dimple diameter is the distance between P1 and its diametrically opposite equivalent point along the dimple perimeter. Alternatively, it is twice the distance between P1 and dimple centerline 1, measured in a direction perpendicular to centerline 1. The dimple depth is the distance from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple, measured along the ball radius. The dimple volume is the space enclosed between phantom surface 2 and dimple surface 4 (extended along T1 until it intersects with the phantom surface). For purposes of this disclosure, dimples having substantially the same diameter, also referred to herein as "same diameter dimples," include dimples on a finished ball each having a diameter that varies by less than 0.005 inches due to manufacturing variations.Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other dimple characteristics, such as dimple volume, may vary between finished golf balls due to manufacturing variations.

[0130] In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter of dimples on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed herein may be between 0.100 inches and 0.200 inches. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter may be between 0.050 inches and 0.300 inches. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter may be between 0.120 inches and 0.250 inches. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is 0.175 inches or less. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is 0.200 inches or less. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is 0.250 inches or less. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is at least 0.100 inches. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is at least 0.125 inches. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is at least 0.150 inches. In one embodiment, the average dimple diameter is at least 0.175 inches.

[0131] In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.115 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.185 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.100 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.185 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.110 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.185 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.100 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.200 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.110 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.180 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.128 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.195 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.140 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.210 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.110 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.180 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.125 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.198 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.110 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.195 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.130 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.210 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.155 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.210 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.128 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.180 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.125 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.170 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.120 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.170 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.100 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.200 inches.In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.100 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.210 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be 0.140 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be 0.210 inches.

[0132] In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be at least 0.115 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be no greater than 0.185 inches. In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be at least 0.115 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be no greater than 0.210 inches. In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be at least 0.110 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be no greater than 0.210 inches. In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be at least 0.120 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be no greater than 0.210 inches. In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter may be at least 0.145 inches and the maximum dimple diameter may be no greater than 0.240 inches.

[0133] Dimple diameter difference For a dimple pattern having two or more different dimple diameters, the dimple diameter difference describes the difference between (i) the dimple diameter and (ii) the diameter of one or more dimples of the closest size or sizes. For example, for a dimple pattern consisting of an A dimple with a dimple diameter of 0.125 inches, a B dimple with a dimple diameter of 0.145 inches, a C dimple with a dimple diameter of 0.150 inches, and a D dimple with a dimple diameter of 0.160 inches, the minimum dimple diameter difference (i.e., the difference between the B dimple diameter and the C dimple diameter) is 0.005 inches, and the maximum dimple diameter difference (i.e., the difference between the A dimple diameter and the B dimple diameter) is 0.020 inches. In particular, the minimum dimple diameter difference and the maximum dimple diameter difference can be used to describe the relative differences between the dimple diameters comprising a given pattern. In one embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter difference is at least 0.025 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter difference is at least 0.035 inches. In another embodiment, the minimum dimple diameter difference is at least 0.045 inches. In yet another embodiment, the maximum dimple diameter difference is 0.120 inches or less. In another embodiment, the maximum dimple diameter difference is 0.090 inches or less. In another embodiment, the maximum dimple diameter difference is 0.060 inches or less.

[0134] String Depth Each dimple on a golf ball having the aerodynamic properties disclosed herein may have a specific chord depth. In one embodiment, the average chord depth may be measured between all of the dimples in a specified dimple pattern. In one embodiment, the average chord depth may be at least 0.0040 inches. In one embodiment, the average chord depth may be at least 0.0050 inches. In one embodiment, the average chord depth may be less than 0.0050 inches. In one embodiment, the average chord depth may be less than 0.0042 inches. In other embodiments, the average chord depth may be between 0.0030 inches and 0.0060 inches, or between 0.0045 inches and 0.0055 inches, or between 0.0045 inches and 0.0055 inches, or between 0.0050 inches and 0.0070 inches.

[0135] Edge angle Dimples on golf balls having the aerodynamic properties disclosed herein may have a variety of edge angles. In one embodiment, the average edge angle may be measured for all of the dimples in a specified dimple pattern. In one embodiment, the average edge angle may be between 10.0 degrees and 16.0 degrees. In another embodiment, the average edge angle may be between 12.0 degrees and 14.0 degrees. In another embodiment, the average edge angle may be at least 14.0 degrees. In another embodiment, the average edge angle may be at least 15.0 degrees. In another embodiment, the average edge angle may be less than 13.0 degrees. In another embodiment, the average edge angle may be less than 12.0 degrees.

[0136] Dimple volume Golf balls having the aerodynamic properties disclosed in this disclosure can have a variety of dimple volumes, i.e., the total volume of all dimples. In one embodiment, the dimple volume is 0.0315 in 3 ~0.0425 in 3 In one aspect, the dimple volume is 0.0325 in 3 ~0.0355 in 3 In one aspect, the dimple volume is 0.0350 in 3 ~0.0385 in3 In one aspect, the dimple volume is 0.0365 in 3 ~0.0400 in 3 In one embodiment, the dimple volume is 0.0390 to 3. 3 In one embodiment, the dimple volume is 0.0350 in 3 In one aspect, the dimple volume is 0.0400 in 3 In one aspect, the dimple volume is 0.0450 in 3 It may be the following:

[0137] Dimple plan shape and profile The golf ball plan shapes and / or profiles of the present disclosure can be part of an overall dimple pattern selected to achieve various desired aerodynamic characteristics. Dimple patterns that provide a high percentage of surface coverage are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,562,552, 5,575,477, 5,249,804, and 4,925,193, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is herein fully set forth, disclose geometric patterns for positioning dimples on a golf ball.

[0138] In one aspect, the dimples may be configured with a cross-sectional profile that is spherical, catenary, or any other shape. Those skilled in the art will understand that the cross-sectional profile of the dimples may be varied. The dimple planar shape may include, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, circular periodic, irregular, or any other planar shape known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand that the planar shape of the dimples may be varied.

[0139] Dimple cross-sectional profiles may include, but are not limited to, spherical, catenary, conical, cylindrical, elliptical, sinusoidal, functional polygon, superposition function, or any other profile known to those skilled in the art. They may also have straight, curved, or sloped edges or sides, and may be concave or convex. In summary, any type of dimple or protrusion (bramble) known to those skilled in the art may be used in the present invention.

[0140] Basic pattern shapes can include, but are not limited to, regular, semi-regular, and irregular polyhedra, including tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, icosahedron, cuboctahedron, icosidodecahedron, irregular cube, triangular bipyramid, square bipyramid, pentagonal bipyramid, hexagonal bipyramid, heptagonal bipyramid, and other bipyramids.

[0141] Exemplary Dimple Patterns The exemplary dimple patterns listed below provide particular aerodynamic performance configurations or characteristics associated with particular sets of dimple pattern parameters. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other dimple patterns may be provided that would also have particular aerodynamic performance configurations or characteristics.

[0142] Unless otherwise specified, the dimple profile is spherical and the dimple planform is circular for each of the dimple patterns disclosed below. Those skilled in the art will understand that non-spherical dimple profiles and / or non-circular dimple planforms may be used.

[0143] Exemplary dimple pattern A In one aspect, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured with any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can also be configured to include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern A, as detailed in Table 3 below, which discloses the relevant parameters of the dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern A, along with related aerodynamic characteristics.

[0144] 8A and 8B show an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern A. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern A have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern A each have a circular planar shape.

[0145] [Table 3]

[0146] Exemplary dimple pattern B In one aspect, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured with any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can also be configured to include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern B, as detailed in Table 4 below, which discloses the relevant parameters of the dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern B, along with related aerodynamic characteristics.

[0147] 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern B. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern B each have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern B each have a circular planar shape.

[0148] [Table 4]

[0149] Exemplary dimple pattern C In one aspect, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured with any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can also be configured to include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern C, as detailed in Table 5 below, which discloses the relevant parameters of the dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern C, along with related aerodynamic characteristics.

[0150] 10A and 10B illustrate an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern C. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern C each have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern C each have a circular planar shape.

[0151] [Table 5]

[0152] Exemplary dimple pattern D In one embodiment, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured to have any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can also include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern D, as detailed in Table 6 below, which discloses exemplary aerodynamic characteristics as well as related parameters of dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern D.

[0153] 11A and 11B illustrate an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern D. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern D each have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern D each have a circular planar shape.

[0154] [Table 6]

[0155] Exemplary dimple pattern E In one aspect, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured with any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can also be configured to include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern E, as detailed in Table 7 below, which discloses the relevant parameters of the dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern E, along with related aerodynamic characteristics.

[0156] 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern E. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern E each have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern E each have a circular planar shape.

[0157] [Table 7]

[0158] Exemplary dimple pattern F In one embodiment, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured with any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can also be configured to include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern F, as detailed in Table 8 below, which discloses the relevant parameters of the dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern F, along with related aerodynamic characteristics.

[0159] 13A and 13B illustrate an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern F. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern F each have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern F each have a circular planar shape.

[0160] [Table 8]

[0161] Exemplary dimple pattern G In one aspect, a golf ball according to the present disclosure can be configured with any one or more of the golf ball construction parameters disclosed herein and can be configured to include a cover having dimples with exemplary dimple pattern G, as detailed below in Table 9, which discloses the relevant parameters of the dimples associated with exemplary dimple pattern G, along with related aerodynamic characteristics.

[0162] 14A and 14B illustrate an exemplary golf ball including exemplary dimple pattern G. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern G each have a spherical cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the dimples of exemplary dimple pattern G each have a circular planar shape.

[0163] [Table 9]

[0164] Golf Ball Structure The present disclosure may be used with any type of golf ball structure. For example, the golf ball may have a two-layer structure, a double cover or veneer cover structure, or other multi-layer structure, depending on the type of performance desired for the golf ball. In one embodiment, the core of the golf ball may be a single core, a dual core, a triple core, or a core having three or more layers. In one embodiment, the cover may include two or more layers, and / or the casing may include two or more layers. The cover may include one, two, three, or three or more layers. The golf ball may include a casing layer or intermediate layer that may include one, two, three, or three or more layers.

[0165] In one embodiment, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least a core and a cover. In one embodiment, the golf ball may include at least one intermediate layer. In one embodiment, the core and / or cover may be a single layer or multiple layers. The golf ball may be a two-layer golf ball, a three-layer golf ball, a four-layer golf ball, a five-layer golf ball, a six-layer golf ball, or a six-layer golf ball.

[0166] In one embodiment, the golf ball of the present disclosure is a single-layer golf ball in which the core and cover form a single, integral layer. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4A, the golf ball of the present disclosure is a two-layer golf ball 10 including a core 12 and a single cover layer 14. As shown in FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, golf ball 20 includes a core 22, an intermediate layer 24, and a cover layer 26. In FIG. 4B, intermediate layer 24 may be considered an outer core layer, an inner cover layer, a mantle or casing layer, or any other layer disposed between core 22 and cover layer 26. Referring to FIG. 4C, in another embodiment, a four-layer golf ball 30 includes an inner core layer 32, an outer core layer 34, an intermediate layer 36, and an outer cover layer 38. In FIG. 4C, intermediate layer 36 may be considered a casing or mantle layer, or an inner cover layer, or any other layer disposed between outer core layer 34 and the outer cover of golf ball 38. Those skilled in the art will understand that a four-layer golf ball may include any combination of layers, such as (i) a core layer, two intermediate layers, and a cover layer, or (ii) a core layer, an intermediate layer, and two cover layers. Referring to FIG. 4D , in another version, a five-layer golf ball 40 includes a three-layer core having a center 42, an intermediate core layer 44, an outer core layer 46, an inner cover layer 48, and an outer cover layer 50. Those skilled in the art will understand that a five-layer golf ball may include any combination of layers, such as (i) two core layers, two intermediate layers, and a cover layer, or (ii) a core layer, two intermediate layers, and two cover layers, or (iii) a core layer, three intermediate layers, and a cover layer. As illustrated herein, golf balls according to the present disclosure may include any combination of any number of core layers, intermediate layers, and cover layers.

[0167] The present disclosure can be used with any type of golf ball structure. Examples of golf ball structures that can be used with the present disclosure include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,801, 5,885,172, 5,919,100, 5,965,669, 5,981,654, 5,981,658, and 6,149,535, each of which is incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Further exemplary golf ball structures, including additional details regarding the various layers, materials, dimensions, and other features of golf balls, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,361,102, 7,927,233, 8,834,300, 8,845,456, 9,205,308, and 9,795,836, each of which is incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

[0168] Examples of these and other types of golf ball constructions that may be used in the present disclosure include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,713,801, 5,885,172, 5,919,100, 5,965,669, 5,981,654, 5,981,658, and 6,149,535, each of which is incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. In one embodiment, the golf ball may be a two-layer, three-layer, four-layer, five-layer, six-layer, or more than six-layer golf ball.

[0169] Different materials may also be used in the construction of golf balls made with the present disclosure. For example, the cover of the golf ball may be made of a polyurea material, a polyurethane-urea hybrid material, a polyurea-urethane hybrid material, an ionomer material, or any other suitable cover material known to those skilled in the art. Different materials may also be used to form the core layer and intermediate layer of the golf ball.

[0170] The present invention is not meant to be limited by the materials used to form each layer of the golf ball. Particularly suitable materials include, but are not limited to, thermoset materials such as polybutadiene, styrene butadiene, isoprene, polyisoprene, and transisoprene; thermoplastic resins such as ionomer resins, polyamides, and polyesters; and thermoplastic and thermoset polyurethanes and polyureas.

[0171] Particularly suitable thermoset materials include, but are not limited to, thermoset rubber compositions that include a base polymer, an initiator, a co-agent and / or a curative, and optionally one or more of metal oxides, metal or fatty acids, antioxidants, softening and speed-improving agents, fillers, and additives. Suitable base polymers include, but are not limited to, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene block copolymer rubber (SI, SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, etc., where "S" is styrene, "I" is isobutylene, and "B" is butadiene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, polystyrene elastomers, polyethylene elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, polyurea elastomers, metallocene-catalyzed elastomers and formers, copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile-chlorinated isoprene rubber, polyalkenamers, and combinations of two or more thereof. Suitable initiators include organic peroxides, high-energy radiation sources capable of generating free radicals, CC initiators, and combinations thereof. Suitable co-agents include, but are not limited to, metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated vinyl compounds and polyfunctional monomers (e.g., trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate), phenylene bismaleimide, and combinations thereof.Suitable curing agents include, but are not limited to, sulfur, N-oxydiethylene 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, N,N-di-ortho-tolylguanidine, bismuth dimethyldithiocarbamate, N-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, N,N-diphenylguanidine, 4-morpholinyl-2-benzothiazole disulfide, dipentamethylthiuram hexasulfide, thiuram disulfide, mercaptobenzothiazole, sulfenamides, dithiocarbamates, thiuram sulfides, guanidine, thiourea, xanthates, dithiophosphates, aldehyde-amines, dibenzothiazyl disulfide, tetraethylthiuram disulfide, tetrabutylthiuram disulfide, and combinations thereof. Suitable types and amounts of base polymers, initiators, coagents, fillers, and additives are more fully described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,566,483, 6,695,718, 6,939,907, 7,041,721, and 7,138,460, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Particularly suitable diene rubber compositions are further disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0093318, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0172] Also particularly suitable materials include a) thermoset polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethanes and polyureas; b) thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethanes and polyureas, such as Estane® TPU, available from Lubrizol Corporation; and c) E / X and E / X / Y ionomers, where E is an olefin (e.g., ethylene), X is a carboxylic acid (e.g., acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, or itaconic acid), and Y is a softening comonomer (e.g., vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids where the acid has 2 to 10 carbons, alkyl ethers where the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbons, alkyl alkyl acrylates such as alkyl methacrylates where the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbons), such as Surlyn® ionomer resins and HPF1000 and HPF2000 available from Dow Chemical Company, ExxonMobil Chemical Iotek® ionomers, available from The Dow Chemical Company; Amplify® IO ionomers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, available from A. Schulman Inc.Crrrix® ionomer resins commercially available from Evonik Industry, d) polyisoprene, e) polyoctenamers, such as Vestenamer® polyoctenamers commercially available from Evonik Industry, f) polyethylene (including, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene), polypropylene, g) rubber-toughened olefin polymers, non-ionomeric acid copolymers, such as (meth)acrylic acid, which do not become part of the ionomeric copolymer, h) olefin copolymers, such as olefin copolymers, e.g., ... Plastomers, i) flexomers, j) styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymers, k) styrene / ethylene-butylene / styrene block copolymers, l) polybutadiene, m) styrene butadiene rubber, n) ethylene propylene rubber, o) ethylene propylene diene rubber, p) dynamically vulcanized elastomers, q) ethylene vinyl acetate, r) ethylene (meth)acrylate, s) polyvinyl chloride resins, t) polyamides, amide ester elastomers, and copolymers of ionomers and polyamides, such as Pebax® thermoplastic polyethers and polyesteramides available from Arkema Inc., u) crosslinked trans-polyisoprene, v) polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as EI du Pont de Nemours and Examples of suitable elastomers include, but are not limited to, Hytrel® polyester elastomers available from the Company and Riteflex® polyester elastomers available from Ticona, w) polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Elastollan® polyurethanes available from BASF, x) synthetic or natural vulcanized rubber, y) and combinations thereof.

[0173] In some embodiments, the core rubber formulation includes a base rubber, a curative, a crosslinking agent, and a free radical initiator. However, it should be understood that not all core rubber formulations that may be used in a core component or element necessarily require all of these elements. Additionally, the rubber formulation may also optionally include additives such as one or more of metal oxides, metallic or fatty acids, antioxidants, softening and fast-acting agents, or fillers. Component concentrations are in parts per hundred (phr) unless otherwise indicated. As used in this disclosure, the term "parts per hundred," also known as "phr" or "pph," is defined as the number of parts by weight of a particular component present in a mixture per 100 parts by weight of the polymer component. Mathematically, this can be expressed as the weight of the component divided by the total weight of the polymer multiplied by 100.

[0174] The core rubber formulation of the present disclosure may comprise a base rubber. In some embodiments, the base rubber may comprise natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and combinations of two or more thereof. Examples of natural and synthetic rubbers suitable for use as the base rubber include, but are not limited to, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) rubber, grafted EPDM rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene block copolymer rubber (such as SI), "SIS", "SB", "SBS", "SIBS", and the like, where S is styrene, "I" is isobutylene, and B is butadiene; polyalkenamers, such as Included are polyoctenamers, butyl rubbers, halobutyl rubbers, polystyrene elastomers, polyethylene elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, polyurea elastomers, metallocene catalyzed elastomers and formers, copolymers of isobutylene and p-alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and p-alkylstyrene, copolymers of butadiene with acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubbers, chlorinated isoprene rubbers, acrylonitrile-chlorinated isoprene rubbers, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0175] For example, the core may be formed from a rubber formulation containing polybutadiene as the base rubber. Polybutadiene is a homopolymer of 1,3-butadiene. The double bonds in the 1,3-butadiene monomer are attacked by a catalyst to grow the polymer chain and form a polybutadiene polymer with the desired molecular weight. Any suitable catalyst may be used to synthesize polybutadiene rubber depending on the desired properties. In one embodiment, a transition metal complex (e.g., neodymium, nickel, or cobalt) or an alkyl metal such as an alkyl lithium is used as the catalyst. Other catalysts include, but are not limited to, aluminum, boron, lithium, titanium, and combinations thereof. Catalysts produce polybutadiene rubbers with different chemical structures. In a cis bond configuration, the main internal polymer chain of the polybutadiene is on the same side of the carbon-carbon double bond contained in the polybutadiene. In a trans bond configuration, the main internal polymer chain is on the opposite side of the internal carbon-carbon double bond in the polybutadiene. Polybutadiene rubbers may have various combinations of cis and trans bond structures. For example, the polybutadiene rubber may have a 1,4 cis content of at least 40 percent. In another embodiment, the polybutadiene rubber has a 1,4 cis content of greater than 80 percent. In yet another embodiment, the polybutadiene rubber has a 1,4 cis content of greater than 90 percent. Generally, polybutadiene rubbers with a high 1,4 cis content have high tensile strength and rebonding.

[0176] Examples of commercially available polybutadiene rubbers that may be used in rubber formulations according to the present disclosure include BR 01 and BR 1220 available from BST Elastomers of Bangkok, Thailand; SE BR 1220LA and SE BR1203 available from DOW Chemical Co. of Midland, Michigan; BUDENE 1207, 1207s, 1208, and 1280 available from Goodyear, Inc. of Akron, Ohio; BR 01, 51, and 730 available from Japan Synthetic Rubber (JSR) of Tokyo, Japan; BUNA CB 21, CB 22, CB 23, CB 24, CB 25, CB 29MES, CB 60, CB Nd 60, CB 55 NF, CB 70 B, CB KA 8967, and CB 1221 available from Lanxes Corp. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and LG Chem. UBEPOL BR130B, BR150, BR150B, BR150L, ​​BR230, BR360L, BR710, and VCR617 available from UBE Industries, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan; EUROPRENE NEOCIS BR 60, INTENE 60 AF, and P30AF, and EUROPRENE HV80 available from Polimeri Europa, Rome, Italy; KBR 01, NdBr 40, NdBR-45, NdBr 60, KBR 710S, KBR 710H, and KBR 750 available from Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea; and DIENE 55NF, 70AC, and 320 available from Firestone Polymers, Akron, Ohio. AC, and PHR-Nd Group II and Group III available from Nizhnkamkhneftekhim, Nizhnkamsk, Republic of Tatarstan.

[0177] In another embodiment, the core is formed from a rubber formulation containing butyl rubber. Butyl rubber is an elastomeric copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene. Butyl rubber is an amorphous, non-polar polymer with good oxidative and thermal stability, good permanent flexibility, and high moisture and gas resistance. Generally, butyl rubber comprises a copolymer of about 70 weight percent to about 99.5 weight percent isoolefin, having about 4 to 7 carbon atoms, e.g., isobutylene, and about 0.5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent conjugated multiolefin, having about 4 to 14 carbon atoms, e.g., isoprene. The resulting copolymer contains about 85 weight percent to about 99.8 weight percent of the combined isoolefin and about 0.2 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of the combined multiolefin. Commercially available butyl rubbers suitable for use in rubber formulations according to the present disclosure include Bayer Butyl 301, manufactured by Bayer AG.

[0178] The rubber formulation may include a combination of two or more of the above-described rubbers as the base rubber. In some embodiments, the rubber formulation of the present disclosure includes a blend of different polybutadiene rubbers. In this embodiment, the rubber formulation may include a blend of a first polybutadiene rubber and a second polybutadiene rubber in a ratio of about 5:95 to about 95:5. For example, the rubber formulation may include a blend of a first polybutadiene rubber and a second polybutadiene rubber in a ratio of about 10:90 to about 90:10, or about 15:85 to about 85:15, or about 20:80 to about 80:20, or about 30:70 to about 70:30, or about 40:60 to about 60:40. In other embodiments, the rubber formulation may include a blend of three or more polybutadiene rubbers, or a blend of one or more polybutadiene rubbers with any of the other elastomers described above.

[0179] In another embodiment, the rubber formulation used to form the core comprises a blend of polybutadiene and butyl rubber. In this embodiment, the rubber formulation may comprise a blend of polybutadiene and butyl rubber in a ratio of about 95 parts polybutadiene to 5 parts butyl rubber, or 90 parts polybutadiene to 10 parts butyl rubber, or 85 parts polybutadiene to 15 parts butyl rubber, or 80 parts polybutadiene to 20 parts butyl rubber. In other examples, the rubber formulation may comprise a blend of butyl rubber and polybutadiene rubber in a ratio of about 10:90 to about 90:10, or about 20:80 to about 80:20, or about 30:70 to about 70:30, or about 40:60 to about 60:40. In other embodiments, the rubber formulation may comprise polybutadiene and / or butyl rubber blended with any of the other elastomers described above.

[0180] In a further embodiment, the rubber formulation used to form the core comprises a blend of polybutadiene rubber and EPDM rubber or grafted EPDM rubber as the base rubber. In yet a further embodiment, the rubber formulation may comprise a combination of polybutadiene rubber and EPDM rubber as the base rubber. In this embodiment, the EPDM may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 0.1 to about 20 parts by weight, or about 1 to about 15 parts by weight, or about 3 to about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. For example, the EPDM may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet a further embodiment, the core formulation may comprise a combination of EPDM rubber and two or more different types of polybutadiene rubber, such as two or more different types of high cis-1,4 polybutadiene, as the base rubber.

[0181] The rubber formulation includes a base rubber in an amount of 100 phr. That is, even if two or more rubber components are used as base rubbers in a rubber compound, the total amount of each rubber component adds up to 100 phr. In some embodiments, the rubber formulation includes a polybutadiene rubber as the base rubber in an amount of 100 phr. In other embodiments, the rubber formulation includes a polybutadiene rubber and a second rubber component. In this embodiment, the polybutadiene rubber may be used in an amount of about 80 to about 99.9 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and the second rubber component may be used in an amount of about 0.1 to about 20 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In a further embodiment, the polybutadiene rubber may be used in an amount of about 85 to about 99 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and the second rubber component may be used in an amount of about 1 to about 15 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In yet other embodiments, the polybutadiene rubber may be used in an amount of about 90 to about 97 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and the second rubber component may be used in an amount of about 3 to about 10 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In yet further embodiments, the polybutadiene rubber may be used in an amount of about 94 to about 96 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and the second rubber component may be used in an amount of about 4 to about 6 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In some embodiments, the second rubber component is an EPDM rubber.

[0182] The base rubber may be used in the rubber formulation in an amount of at least about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the rubber formulation. In some embodiments, the base rubber is included in the rubber formulation in an amount within a range having a lower limit of about 10 percent, or 20 percent, or 30 percent, or 40 percent, or 50 percent, or 55 percent, and an upper limit of about 60 percent, or 70 percent, or 80 percent, or 90 percent, or 95 percent, or 100 percent. For example, the base rubber may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 30 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, based on the total weight of the rubber formulation. In another example, the rubber formulation includes about 40 percent to about 70 percent base rubber, based on the total weight of the rubber formulation.

[0183] The rubber formulation of the present disclosure may also include a curative. Without being bound by any particular theory, the curative may affect the core hardness and the hardness gradient across the core. Suitable curatives include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid compounds containing a nitro functional group and one of a hydroxyl, amino, or sulfhydryl functional group. Non-limiting examples of curatives include nitrophenol, nitroaniline, and nitrothiophenol. Different isomers of curatives may also be used, such as 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, 2-nitroaniline, 3-nitroaniline, 4-nitroaniline, 2-nitrothiophenol, 3-nitrothiophenol, 4-nitrothiophenol, and combinations thereof. Without being bound by any particular theory, different isomers of curatives may affect the core hardness differently and produce different hardness gradients across the core. Some curatives, such as nitrophenols, may be advantageous because they are safe and / or easy to handle during manufacturing.

[0184] The vulcanizing agent may be included in the rubber formulation in various amounts depending on the desired properties of the golf ball core. For example, the vulcanizing agent may be used in an amount of 0.01 to about 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In one embodiment, the core rubber formulation contains about 0.05 to about 1.5, about 0.1 to about 1, or about 0.1 to 0.5 parts by weight of vulcanizing agent per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In another embodiment, the vulcanizing agent is included in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 0.2 to about 0.7 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet another embodiment, the rubber formulation contains about 0.05 to about 0.3, about 0.2 to about 0.4, about 0.3 to about 0.5, or about 0.4 to about 0.6 parts by weight of vulcanizing agent per 100 parts by weight of total rubber.

[0185] In some cases, the amount of curative in a rubber formulation required to produce a desired hardness gradient may vary based on the compound used as the curative and the specific isomer of the compound. For example, if the rubber formulation contains 2-nitrophenol, which has a nitro functionality ortho to the hydroxyl functionality, the curative may be used in an amount of about 0.1 to about 0.3 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber to achieve the desired hardness gradient. In another embodiment, if the rubber formulation contains 3-nitrophenol, which has a nitro functionality meta to the hydroxyl functionality, the curative may be used in an amount of about 0.2 to about 0.4 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber to achieve the desired hardness gradient. In a further embodiment, if the rubber formulation contains 4-nitrophenol, which has a nitro functionality para to the hydroxyl functionality, the curative may be used in an amount of about 0.3 to about 0.5 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber to achieve the desired hardness gradient. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the relative positions of the functional groups on the disubstituted benzoic acid hardener affect the effectiveness of the compound as a hardener. Thus, the amount of hardener required to produce a desired hardness gradient can be different when different isomers within a class of compounds are used.

[0186] The rubber formulation may further comprise a reactive crosslinking co-agent. Suitable co-agents include, but are not limited to, metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, unsaturated vinyl compounds and polyfunctional monomers (e.g., trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate), phenylene bismaleimide, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the co-agent is one or more metal salts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates, and dimethacrylates, where the metal is selected from magnesium, calcium, zinc, aluminum, lithium, and nickel. In another embodiment, the co-agent comprises one or more zinc salts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates, and dimethacrylates. For example, the co-agent may be zinc diacrylate (ZDA). In another embodiment, the co-agent may be zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA). An example of a commercially available zinc diacrylate is Dymalink® 526 manufactured by Crayboro.

[0187] The co-agent may be included in the rubber formulation in various amounts depending on the desired characteristics of the golf ball core. For example, the co-agent may be used in an amount of about 5 to about 50 parts by weight, or about 10 to about 45 parts by weight, or about 15 to about 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In one embodiment, the core rubber formulation includes about 35 to about 48 parts by weight of the co-agent per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In another embodiment, the rubber formulation includes about 38 to about 45, or about 39 to about 42 parts by weight of the co-agent per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In another embodiment, the co-agent is included in the core rubber formulation in an amount of about 29 to about 37 parts by weight, or about 31 to about 35 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet another embodiment, the rubber formulation includes about 25 to about 33 parts by weight, or about 27 to about 31 parts by weight of the co-agent per 100 parts by weight of total rubber.

[0188] In some respects, the amount of co-agent in a rubber formulation can vary based on the class of compound used as a curative and the specific isomer within that class of compound. For example, if the rubber formulation includes 2-nitrophenol, the co-agent may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 37 to about 43 parts by weight or about 39 to about 41 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In another example, if the rubber formulation includes 3-nitrophenol, the co-agent may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 30 to about 36 parts by weight or about 32 to about 34 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet another example, if the rubber formulation includes 4-nitrophenol, the co-agent may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 26 to about 32 parts by weight or about 28 to about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. Without being bound by any particular theory, the concentration of the co-agent may be varied to achieve the desired compression of the golf ball core when different curatives are used.

[0189] The core formulation may comprise a free radical initiator selected from organic peroxides, a high-energy radiation source capable of generating free radicals, or a combination thereof. Suitable organic peroxides include, but are not limited to, dicumyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, n-butyl-4,4-di(t-butylperoxy)valerate, 1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane, di-t-butyl peroxide, di-t-amyl peroxide, t-butyl peroxide, t-butylcumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3, di(2-t-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)benzene, dilauroyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the free radical initiator is dicumyl peroxide, including but not limited to, Perkadox® BD-FF, commercially available from Akzo Nobel. In other embodiments, the free radical initiator is dimethyl tertbutyl peroxide, including but not limited to, Trigonox® 101-50D-PD, commercially available from Nuryon.

[0190] The free radical initiator may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of at least 0.05 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, or in an amount ranging from 0.05 parts by weight, 0.1 parts by weight, 1 parts by weight, 1.25 parts by weight, 1.5 parts by weight, 2.5 parts by weight, or 5 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, with upper limits of 2.5 parts by weight, 3 parts by weight, 5 parts by weight, 6 parts by weight, 10 parts by weight, or 15 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. For example, the rubber formulation may contain from about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight, or from about 0.5 to about 6 parts by weight, or from about 1 to about 5 parts by weight of peroxide free radical initiator per 100 parts of total rubber. In another example, the rubber formulation may contain from about 0.5 to about 2 parts by weight, or from about 0.7 to about 1.8 parts by weight, or from about 0.8 to about 1.2 parts by weight, or from about 1.3 to about 1.7 parts by weight of peroxide free radical initiator per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet another embodiment, the rubber formulation may comprise from about 1.5 to about 3, or from about 1.7 to about 2.8, or from about 1.8 to about 2.2, or from about 2.3 to about 2.7 parts by weight of peroxide free radical initiator per 100 parts by weight of total rubber.

[0191] Radical scavengers, such as halogenated organic sulfur, organic disulfide, or inorganic disulfide compounds, may also be added to the rubber formulation. In one embodiment, the halogenated organic sulfur compounds included in the rubber formulation include, but are not limited to, salts of PCTP, such as pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP) and zinc pentachlorothiophenol (ZnPCTP). In another embodiment, ditolyl disulfide, diphenyl disulfide, dixylyl disulfide, 2-nitroresorcinol, and combinations thereof are added to the rubber formulation. An example of a commercially available radical scavenger is Rhenogran® Zn-PTCP-72, manufactured by Rheine Chemie. The radical scavenger may be present in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 0.3 to about 1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In one embodiment, the rubber formulation may contain about 0.4 to about 0.9 parts by weight of radical scavenger per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In another embodiment, the rubber formulation may comprise from about 0.5 to about 0.8 parts by weight of radical scavenger per 100 parts by weight of total rubber.

[0192] The rubber formulation may also contain one or more fillers. Suitable non-limiting examples of fillers include carbon black, clay and nanoclay particles, talc, glass (e.g., glass flake, milled glass, and microglass), mica and mica-based pigments (e.g., Merck Group's Iriodin® pearl cluster pigments), and combinations thereof. Metal oxide and metal sulfate fillers may also be included in the rubber formulation. Suitable metal fillers include, for example, particulates, powders, flakes, and fibers of copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, iron, lead, tin, zinc, barium, bismuth, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum, as well as alloys and combinations thereof. Suitable metal oxide fillers include, for example, zinc oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, and zirconium oxide. Suitable metal sulfate fillers include, for example, barium sulfate and strontium sulfate. If present, the filler may be present in an amount of about 1 to about 25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In one embodiment, the rubber formulation includes at least one filler in an amount of about 5 to about 20 parts by weight or about 8 to about 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In another embodiment, the rubber formulation includes at least one filler in an amount of about 8 to about 14 parts by weight or about 10 to about 12 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet another embodiment, the rubber formulation includes at least one filler in an amount of about 10 to about 17 parts by weight or about 12 to about 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In yet another embodiment, the rubber formulation includes at least one filler in an amount of about 10 to about 16 parts by weight or about 12 to about 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. In a further embodiment, the rubber formulation includes at least one filler in an amount of about 12 to about 18 or about 14 to about 16 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber. An example of a commercially available barium sulfate filler is PolyWate® 325 manufactured by Cimbar Performance Minerals.

[0193] In some embodiments, the amount of filler in a rubber formulation can vary based on the compound used as a curative and the specific isomer of the compound. For example, if the rubber formulation includes 2-nitrophenol, at least one filler may be included in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 9 to about 13 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In another example, if the rubber formulation includes 3-nitrophenol, the filler may be included in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 11 to about 16 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In yet another example, if the rubber formulation includes 4-nitrophenol, the filler may be included in the rubber formulation in an amount of about 13 to about 17 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber.

[0194] In some embodiments, more than one type of filler may be included in the rubber formulation. For example, the rubber formulation may include a first filler in an amount of about 5 to about 20 parts by weight or about 8 to about 17 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and a second filler in an amount of about 1 to about 10 parts by weight or about 3 to about 7 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In another example, the rubber formulation may include a first filler in an amount of about 7 to about 13 parts by weight or about 9 to about 12 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and a second filler in an amount of about 2 to about 8 parts by weight or about 4 to about 6 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In yet another example, the rubber formulation may include a first filler in an amount of about 10 to about 15 parts by weight or about 13 to about 14 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber, and a second filler in an amount of about 2 to about 9 parts by weight or about 3 to about 7 parts by weight per 100 parts of total rubber. In further embodiments, the rubber formulation may include the first filler in an amount of about 10 to about 15 or about 13 to about 14 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber, and the second filler in an amount of about 13 to about 18 or about 14 to about 16 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber.

[0195] Antioxidants, processing aids, accelerators (e.g., tetramethylthiuram), dyes and pigments, wetting agents, surfactants, plasticizers, colorants, fluorescent agents, chemical blowing agents, defoamers, stabilizers, softeners, impact modifiers, antioxidants, and other additives known in the art can also be added to rubber formulations. Examples of suitable processing aids include, but are not limited to, high molecular weight organic acids and their salts. Suitable organic acids are aliphatic organic acids, aromatic organic acids, saturated monofunctional organic acids, unsaturated monofunctional organic acids, polyunsaturated monofunctional organic acids, and their dimerized derivatives. In one embodiment, the organic acids include, but are not limited to, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, benzoic acid, palmitic acid, phenylacetic acid, naphthalene acid, and their dimerized derivatives. Salts of organic acids include salts of barium, lithium, sodium, zinc, bismuth, chromium, cobalt, copper, potassium, strontium, titanium, tungsten, magnesium, cesium, iron, nickel, silver, aluminum, tin, or calcium, salts of fatty acids, in particular stearic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, or dimerized derivatives thereof.

[0196] In accordance with the present disclosure, the base rubber, curative, crosslinking agent, free radical initiator, filler, and any other materials used to form the core may be combined to form a mixture by any type of mixing known to those skilled in the art. Suitable types of mixing include single-pass and multi-pass mixing. A single-pass mixing process, in which ingredients are added sequentially, is preferred because this type of mixing tends to increase efficiency and reduce process costs. In embodiments in which a free radical initiator is used, it may be desirable to combine the curative with the rubber formulation before adding the free radical initiator.

[0197] The rubber formulation may be cured using conventional curing processes, non-limiting examples of curing processes suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure include peroxide curing, sulfur curing, high energy radiation, and combinations thereof.

[0198] Compositions containing ionomers, or mixtures of two or more E / X and E / X / Y ionomers, are particularly suitable intermediate and cover layer materials. Preferred E / X and E / X / Y ionomer cover compositions include (a) compositions containing high-acid ionomers (i.e., having an acid content greater than 16% by weight), such as Surlyn® 8150, and (b) compositions containing high-acid ionomers and maleic anhydride-grafted non-ionomeric polymers (e.g., Fusabond® functional polymers). A particularly preferred mixture of high-acid ionomers and maleic anhydride-grafted polymers is an 84% / 16% by weight mixture of Surlyn® 8150 and Fusabond®.Blends of high acid ionomers with maleic anhydride grafted polymers are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,992,135 and 6,677,401, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; (c) compositions comprising a 50 / 45 / 5 blend of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650 / Nucrel® 960, preferably having a material hardness of 80-85 Shore C; (d) compositions comprising a 50 / 45 / 5 blend of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650 / Nucrel® 960, preferably having a material hardness of about 90 Shore C; (e) a composition comprising a 50 / 25 / 25 mixture of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650, preferably having a material hardness of about 86 Shore C; (f) a composition comprising a mixture of Surlyn® 7940 / Surlyn® 8940, optionally containing a melt flow modifier; (g) a composition comprising a mixture of a first high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the first high acid ionomer is a 50 / 25 / 25 mixture of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650; (h) compositions in which the acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the second high acid ionomer (e.g., a 50 / 50 mixture of Surlyn® 8150 and Surlyn® 9120), optionally comprising one or more melt flow modifiers such as an ionomer, an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ester telepolymer; and (i) compositions in which the first high acid ionomer and the second high acid ionomer are neutralized with a different cation than the second high acid ionomer, and 0 to 10 wt. % ethylene acid copolymer or ester telepolymer. and compositions comprising an ethylene / acid / ester ionomer, wherein the ethylene / acid / ester ionomer is neutralized with the same cation as either the first high acid ionomer or the second high acid ionomer, or with a different cation than the first and second high acid ionomers (e.g., a mixture of 40-50 wt. % Surlyn® 8140 or 8150, 40-50 wt. % Surlyn® 9120, and 0-10 wt. % Surlyn® 6320).

[0199] Surlyn® 8150, Surlyn® 8940, and Surlyn® 8140 are different grades of E / MAA copolymers in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with sodium ions. Surlyn® 9650, Surlyn® 9910, and Surlyn® 9120 are different grades of E / MAA copolymers in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn® 7940 is an E / MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with lithium ions. Surlyn® 6320 is a very low modulus magnesium ionomer with a moderate acid content. Nucrel® 960 is an E / MAA copolymer resin made with nominally 15% by weight methacrylic acid. Surlyn® ionomers, Fusabond® polymers, and Nucrel® copolymers are commercially available from Theow Chemical Company.

[0200] Suitable E / X and E / X / Y type ionomer cover materials are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,382, 6,756,436, 6,894,098, 6,919,393, and 6,953,820, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0201] Suitable polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane / polyurea blends and hybrids are further disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,334,673, 5,484,870, 6,506,851, 6,756,436, 6,835,794, 6,867,279, 6,960,630, and 7,105,623, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0011868, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0093929, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0117923, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,865,052, 6,734,273, 8,026,334, and 8,034,873, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0202] Suitable UV absorbers, optionally included in the cover layer composition, are further disclosed in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 5,156,405, 5,840,788, and 7,722,483, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0203] The dimensions, ie, thickness / diameter, of each golf ball layer may vary depending on the desired properties.

[0204] Coefficient of restitution The "Coefficient of Restitution" or "COR" of a golf ball refers to the ratio of the rebound velocity of the golf ball to its initial entry velocity when the golf ball is launched from an air cannon at a rigid vertical plate. COR is measured according to a known procedure in which a golf ball or golf ball subassembly (e.g., a golf ball core) is launched from an air cannon at two given velocities, with a velocity of 125 feet per second being used in the calculation. Resilient light screens are placed between the air cannon and a steel plate at a fixed distance to measure the golf ball velocity. As the golf ball travels toward the steel plate, it activates each light screen and the duration of the golf ball at each light screen is measured. This provides an entry travel duration that is inversely proportional to the golf ball's entry velocity. The golf ball impacts the steel plate, bounces off, and passes through the light screen again. As the rebounding golf ball activates each light screen, the duration of the golf ball at each screen is measured. This provides an exit travel time that is inversely proportional to the golf ball's exit velocity. The COR is then calculated as the ratio of the ball's departure travel time to the ball's entry travel time (COR=V out / Vin =T in / T out ).

[0205] In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.775 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.760 to 0.795. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.755 to 0.785. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.710 to 0.785. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be less than 0.800. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be less than 0.780. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be less than 0.760. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.785 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.770 to 0.815. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.740 to 0.810. In one embodiment, the COR of the golf ball may be 0.710 to 0.780. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the coefficient of restitution may be varied.

[0206] Compression As disclosed in "Jeff Dalton's Compression by Any Other Name, Science and Golf IV, Proceedings of the World Scientific Congress of Golf" (Eric Thain ed., Routledge, 2002) ("J. Dalton"), several different methods can be used to measure compression, including Atti compression, Riehle compression, load / deflection measurements at various fixed loads and offsets, and effective modulus. For purposes of this invention, compression refers to the Soft Center Deflection Index ("SCDI"). SCDI is a program modification of a Dynamic Compression Machine (DCM) that allows for the determination of the pounds required to deflect a core 10% of its diameter. The DCM is a device that applies a load to a core or ball and measures the number of inches the core or ball deflects at the measured load. A raw load / deflection curve fitted to the Atti compression scale is generated, and a number representing Atti compression is derived. The DCM does this via a load cell attached to the bottom of a hydraulic cylinder that is pneumatically triggered at a fixed speed toward a fixed core. The cylinder is fitted with an LVDT that measures the distance the cylinder travels during the test. A software-based logarithmic algorithm ensures that no measurements are taken until at least five consecutive increases in load are detected during the initial phase of the test. The SCDI is a slight variation of this setup. The hardware is the same, but the software and output have been modified. The SCDI looks at the pound-force required to deflect the core x inches. That amount of deflection is 10% of the core diameter. The DCM is triggered, the cylinder deflects the core 10% of its diameter, and the DCM reports the pound-force (measured from the attached load cell) required to deflect the core that amount. The displayed value is a single number in pounds. As used in this disclosure, the term compression refers to DCM compression.

[0207] In one embodiment, a golf ball having any one or more of the aerodynamic characteristics disclosed in this disclosure may have a compression of less than 60. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 60 to 80. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 80 to 100. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 75 to 95. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 50 to 75. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of 95 to 110. In one embodiment, the golf ball may have a compression of greater than 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that the compression may be varied.

[0208] initial velocity In one embodiment, a golf ball having any one or more of the aerodynamic characteristics disclosed in this disclosure may be configured to have an initial velocity of 255 feet / second or less (measured according to the USGA initial velocity test method or calculated using COR). In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have an initial velocity of 252 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have an initial velocity of 250 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have an initial velocity of 248 feet / second or less. In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have an initial velocity of 238 to 255 feet / second. In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have an initial velocity of 238 to 252 feet / second. In one embodiment, the golf ball may be configured to have an initial velocity of 238 to 248 feet / second. Those skilled in the art will recognize that initial velocities may vary.

[0209] Exemplary Golf Ball In one aspect, the dimple pattern, aerodynamic performance parameters (i.e., C D , C LAny one of the dimple parameter characteristics (and / or DA value) can be applied to golf balls having various golf ball structures. Exemplary golf ball structures may include relatively slow structures compared to modern high-performance golf ball structures, such as a golf ball having a compression of less than 60 and a COR of 0.785 to 0.815, or a golf ball having a compression of at least 60 to less than 80 and a COR of 0.770 to 0.815, or a golf ball having a compression of at least 80 to less than 100 and a COR of 0.740 to 0.810, or a golf ball having a compression of at least 100 and a COR of 0.710 to 0.780. Various other COR, initial velocity, and other golf ball parameters are disclosed herein.

[0210] Exemplary golf ball structures may include a core (such as a single-layer core or a dual-layer core), a casing or intermediate layer, and a cover layer. In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.500 inches, or at least 1.525 inches, or at least 1.545 inches. In another embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.510 inches, or at least 1.530 inches, or at least 1.550 inches. In another embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.560 inches, or 1.570 inches, or 1.580 inches, or 1.600 inches. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that core sizes can vary.

[0211] In some embodiments, the core may have a COR of less than 0.760 or less than 0.750. In other embodiments, the core COR may be less than 0.770. In one embodiment, the core COR may be less than 0.775. In one embodiment, the core COR may be less than 0.780. In one embodiment, the core COR may be less than 0.785. In one embodiment, the core COR may be less than 0.790. In one embodiment, the core COR may be less than 0.800. In one embodiment, the core COR may be 0.750 to 0.770. In one embodiment, the core COR may be 0.760 to 0.780. In one embodiment, the core COR may be 0.730 to 0.760. In one embodiment, the core COR may be 0.700 to 0.740. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the core COR may vary.

[0212] In one embodiment, the core may be configured with a positive hardness gradient, as understood by those skilled in the art and as disclosed or defined in U.S. Patent No. 2024 / 0173595 (which is commonly assigned to Acushnet Company and incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein). For example, the core of the golf ball disclosed in this disclosure may be configured with a hardness gradient of at least 5 Shore C, or at least 10 Shore C, or at least 15 Shore C, or at least 20 Shore C, or at least 25 Shore C, or at least 30 Shore C. Alternatively, the core may have a negative or zero hardness gradient in other embodiments.

[0213] In one embodiment, the casing layer may have a thickness of 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the casing layer may have a thickness of less than 0.025 inches. In one embodiment, the casing layer may have a thickness of greater than 0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the casing layer may have a thickness of at least 0.035 inches, or 0.040 inches, or 0.045 inches, or 0.050 inches, or 0.055 inches. In one embodiment, the casing layer may be formed from a material having a high flexural modulus (as measured by ASTM D790), such as at least 60,000 psi, or at least 65,000 psi, or at least 70,000 psi, or at least 75,000 psi. In one embodiment, the case-like core may be configured to have a COR of less than 0.760, or less than 0.770, or less than 0.780, or less than 0.790, or less than 0.800, or less than 0.810, or less than 0.820.

[0214] In one embodiment, the golf ball may include a cased core having a compression of less than 70, or less than 75, or less than 80, or less than 85, or less than 90, or less than 95, or less than 100, or less than 105, or less than 110. In one embodiment, the cased core may have a compression of 50 to 95. In one embodiment, the cased core may have a compression of 60 to 80. In one embodiment, the cased core may have a compression of 90 to 110.

[0215] In one embodiment, the cover layer may have a thickness of 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the cover layer may have a thickness of less than 0.025 inches. In one embodiment, the cover layer may have a thickness of greater than 0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the cover layer may have a thickness of at least 0.025 inches, or 0.030 inches, or 0.035 inches, or 0.050 inches, or 0.060 inches. In one embodiment, the cover layer has a thickness of 0.020 inches to 0.070 inches.

[0216] In one embodiment, the exemplary golf balls disclosed herein have the following relationship between golf ball compression and golf ball COR: When the compression is less than 60, the COR is 0.785 to 0.815; When the compression is at least 60 and less than 80, the COR is 0.770 to 0.815; If the compression is at least 80 but less than 100, the COR is 0.740 to 0.810; or If the compression is at least 100, the COR is 0.710 to 0.780.

[0217] In another embodiment, the golf ball structure has the following relationship between compression and COR: If the golf ball has a compression greater than 40, then for a compression C0, the COR is defined by the curve of FIG. 3 and is defined by Equation 11:

[0218]

number

[0219] 3 is a representative plot showing golf ball compression and golf ball COR for some exemplary golf balls according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary target "COR area" is depicted between the upper and lower plot lines.

[0220] Exemplary Golf Ball Construction Classifications The following non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction categories may be matched or paired with any one or more of the dimple pattern categories, embodiments, or other aspects disclosed in this disclosure.

[0221] A first non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including two-layer golf balls having a COR of 0.785 to 0.815, a compression of less than 60, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0222] A second non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a three-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.785 to 0.815, a compression of less than 60, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0223] A third non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a four-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.785 to 0.815, a compression of less than 60, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0224] A fourth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including two-layer golf balls having a COR of 0.770 to 0.815, a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0225] A fifth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a three-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.770 to 0.815, a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0226] A sixth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a four-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.770 to 0.815, a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0227] A seventh non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a two-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.740 to 0.810, a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0228] An eighth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a three-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.740 to 0.810, a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0229] A ninth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a four-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.740 to 0.810, a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0230] A tenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a two-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.710 to 0.780, a compression of at least 100, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0231] An eleventh non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a three-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.710 to 0.780, a compression of at least 100, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0232] A twelfth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category may be a configuration including a four-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.710 to 0.780, a compression of at least 100, and an initial velocity of less than 255 feet per second.

[0233] A thirteenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a two-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.800 or less, a compression of 90 or less, and an initial velocity of 252 feet per second or less, wherein the golf ball core may be constructed of at least 5 phr of butyl rubber. The core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches and a weight of at least 1.320 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.765 or less.

[0234] A fourteenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a two-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.780 or less, a compression of 90 or less, and an initial velocity of 250 feet per second or less, wherein the golf ball core may be constructed of at least 10 phr of butyl rubber. The core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches and a weight of at least 1.320 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.745 or less.

[0235] A fifteenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a two-layer golf ball having a COR of 0.760 or less, a compression of 90 or less, and an initial velocity of 248 feet per second or less, wherein the golf ball core may be constructed of at least 15 phr of butyl rubber. The core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches and a weight of at least 1.320 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.725 or less.

[0236] A sixteenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a three-layer golf ball including a core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.795 or less, a compression of 95 or less, and an initial velocity of 252 feet per second or less, and the core of the golf ball may be constructed of at least 5-hour butyl rubber. The core may have a diameter of at least 1.530 inches and a weight of at least 1.260 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.775 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.050 inches. The cased core may have a COR of 0.800 or less.

[0237] A seventeenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a three-layer golf ball including a core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.775 or less, a compression of 95 or less, and an initial velocity of 250 feet per second or less, and the core of the golf ball may be constructed of at least 10 phr of butyl rubber. The core may have a diameter of at least 1.530 inches and a weight of at least 1.260 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.755 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.050 inches. The encased core may have a COR of 0.780 or less.

[0238] An eighteenth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a three-layer golf ball including a core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.760 or less, a compression of 95 or less, and an initial velocity of 248 feet per second or less, and the core of the golf ball may be constructed of at least 15 phr of butyl rubber. The core may have a diameter of 1.530 inches and a weight of at least 1.260 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.735 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.050 inches. The encased core may have a COR of 0.765 or less.

[0239] A nineteenth exemplary golf ball construction category includes a four-layer golf ball including an inner core, an outer core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.800 or less, a compression of 105 or less, and an initial velocity of 252 feet per second or less, and wherein the inner core, the outer core, or the inner core and the outer core of the golf ball may be composed of at least 5 phr of butyl rubber. The dual core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches and a weight of at least 1.300 ounces. The dual core may have a COR of 0.785 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.040 inches. The cased core may have a COR of 0.805 or less.

[0240] A twentieth non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a four-layer golf ball including an inner core, an outer core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.780 or less, a compression of 105 or less, and an initial velocity of 250 feet per second or less, and wherein the inner core, the outer core, or the inner core and outer core of the golf ball may be composed of at least 10-hour butyl rubber. The dual core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches and a weight of at least 1.300 ounces. The dual core may have a COR of 0.765 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.040 inches. The cased core may have a COR of 0.785 or less.

[0241] A twenty-first non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a four-layer golf ball including an inner core, an outer core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.760 or less, a compression of 105 or less, and an initial velocity of 248 feet per second or less, and the inner core, outer core, or inner core and outer core of the golf ball may be constructed of at least 15-hour butyl rubber. The dual core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches and a weight of at least 1.300 ounces. The dual core may have a COR of 0.745 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.040 inches. The encased core may have a COR of 0.765 or less.

[0242] A twenty-second non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a three-layer golf ball including a core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.810 or less, a compression of at least 90, and an initial velocity of 253 feet per second or less, and the core of the golf ball may be constructed of styrene butadiene rubber with a 5-hour to 50-hour hardness. The core may have a diameter of at least 1.525 inches and a weight of at least 1.250 ounces. The core may have a COR of 0.790 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.025 inches to 0.055 inches. The cased core may have a COR of 0.805 or less.

[0243] A twenty-third non-limiting exemplary golf ball construction category includes a four-layer golf ball including an inner core, an outer core, a casing, and a cover, wherein the golf ball has a COR of 0.810 or less, a compression of at least 90, and an initial velocity of 253 feet per second or less, and at least one of the inner core, outer core, or inner core and outer core of the golf ball may be composed of 5 phr to 50 phr styrene butadiene rubber. The dual core may have a diameter of at least 1.545 inches and a weight of at least 1.290 ounces. The dual core may have a COR of 0.790 or less. The casing may have a thickness of 0.025 inches to 0.055 inches. The cased core may have a COR of 0.805 or less.

[0244] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that golf balls having five or more layers can also be provided with properties similar to those of golf balls having two, three, or four layers.

[0245] In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.220 ounces and has a COR of less than 0.790. In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.245 ounces and has a COR of less than 0.785, or less than 0.790, or less than 0.795, or less than 0.800. In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.250 ounces and has a coefficient of restitution of less than 0.785, or less than 0.790, or less than 0.795, or less than 0.800. In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.275 ounces and has a COR of less than 0.785, or less than 0.790, or less than 0.795, or less than 0.800. In one embodiment, the core weighs at least 1.290 ounces and has a COR of less than 0.785, or less than 0.790, or less than 0.795, or less than 0.800.

[0246] In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.525 inches. In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.530 inches. In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.535 inches. In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.540 inches. In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.545 inches. In one embodiment, the core may have a diameter of at least 1.550 inches.

[0247] Exemplary Ball Structure Package In one aspect, several golf ball construction features or packages may be provided in this disclosure, and these exemplary golf ball constructions are described in detail in this disclosure.

[0248] In any one of the golf balls described below, the golf ball core (single layer or multi-layer), casing layer, and cover layer may be formed from any one or more of the exemplary materials disclosed herein.

[0249] Structural Package 1 Table 7 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the first structural package. The following example parameters can be provided for a golf ball having three layers, including a core layer, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0250] [Table 10]

[0251] Structural Package 2 Table 8 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the second structural package. The following example parameters can be provided for a golf ball having four layers, including an inner core layer, an outer core layer, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0252] [Table 11]

[0253] Structural Package 3 Table 9 discloses relevant parameters for golf balls associated with the third structural package. The following exemplary parameters can be provided for a golf ball having two layers, including a core and a cover layer:

[0254] [Table 12]

[0255] Structural Package 4 Table 10 discloses relevant parameters for golf balls associated with the fourth structural package. The following exemplary parameters can be provided for a golf ball having two layers, including a core layer and a cover layer:

[0256] [Table 13]

[0257] Structural Package 5 Table 11 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the fifth construction package. The following exemplary parameters can be provided for a golf ball having two layers, including a core and a cover:

[0258] [Table 14]

[0259] Structural Package 6 Table 12 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the sixth structural package. The following exemplary parameters can be provided for a golf ball having three layers, including a core layer, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0260] [Table 15]

[0261] Structural Package 7 Table 13 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the seventh construction package. The following exemplary parameters may be provided for a golf ball having four layers, including a dual-layer core, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0262] [Table 16]

[0263] Structural Package 8 Table 14 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the eighth structural package. The following exemplary parameters may be provided for a golf ball having four layers, including a dual-layer core, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0264] [Table 17]

[0265] Structural Package 9 Table 15 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the ninth structural package. The following exemplary parameters can be provided for a golf ball having three layers, including a core layer, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0266] [Table 18]

[0267] Structural Package 10 Table 16 discloses relevant parameters for golf balls associated with the tenth structural package. The following exemplary parameters may be provided for a golf ball having four layers, including a dual-layer core, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0268] [Table 19]

[0269] Structural Package 11 Table 17 discloses relevant parameters for a golf ball associated with the eleventh structural package. The following exemplary parameters may be provided for a golf ball having four layers, including a dual-layer core, a casing layer, and a cover layer:

[0270] [Table 20]

[0271] In one aspect, a golf ball may be provided that includes one of the predefined structural packages and one of the predefined dimple patterns. Various exemplary golf ball profiles are provided below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other combinations of structural packages and dimple patterns are possible, and that any one of the structural packages may be matched with any one of the dimple patterns.

[0272] In the first exemplary golf ball profile, the structural package 1 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns A-G.

[0273] In the second exemplary golf ball profile, structural package 2 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns A-G.

[0274] In the third exemplary golf ball profile, the structural package 3 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns A-G.

[0275] In the fourth exemplary golf ball profile, structural package 4 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns A-G.

[0276] In the fifth exemplary golf ball profile, the structural package 5 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns AG.

[0277] In the sixth exemplary golf ball profile, the structural package 6 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns A-G.

[0278] In the seventh exemplary golf ball profile, structural package 7 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns AG.

[0279] In the eighth exemplary golf ball profile, structural package 8 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns AG.

[0280] In the ninth exemplary golf ball profile, structural package 9 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns AG.

[0281] In the tenth exemplary golf ball profile, the structural package 10 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns AG.

[0282] In the eleventh exemplary golf ball profile, structural package 11 is paired with any one of exemplary dimple patterns A-G.

[0283] Flight Factor According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least some of the example golf balls disclosed herein may exhibit a flight factor defined according to the following equation:

[0284]

number

[0285] In the formula, C D1 is the drag coefficient defined at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, and C D2 is the drag coefficient defined at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, and C D3 is the drag coefficient defined at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, DA is the integrated drag area, and W core is the weight of the core in ounces, and D core is the core diameter (in inches), and IV ball is the initial velocity of the golf ball (ft / s), and COR ball is the COR of the golf ball, and COR core is the COR of the core.

[0286] In one embodiment, the flight factor is at least 120, or at least 130, or at least 140, or at least 150. In one embodiment, the flight factor is 160 or less, or 170 or less, or 180 or less.

[0287] The flight factor addresses the balance of various aerodynamic and structural parameters of a given golf ball. In one aspect, the flight factor can represent an optimized design solution for a kinetic golf ball that can exhibit relatively shorter distances on longer shots based at least in part on high drag characteristics, while at the same time exhibiting more nearly the same total distances on iron or wedge shots compared to modern high-performance kinetic golf balls.

[0288] Speed ​​Factor In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, at least some of the exemplary golf balls disclosed in the present disclosure may exhibit a velocity factor, and the golf ball may exhibit a coefficient of restitution (COR ゴルフボール ) and initial velocity (IV ゴルフボール ) (feet / second), and the speed factor (S) is defined by the following formula:

[0289]

number

[0290] In one embodiment, the speed factor (S) is at least 177 and not more than 181. In one embodiment, the speed factor is not more than 180, or not more than 179, or not more than 178. In another embodiment, the speed factor is at least 178, or at least 179, or at least 180.

[0291] Velocity factor refers to the effectiveness of energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball at impact, converting club head velocity into golf ball velocity. Velocity factor is a result of golf ball construction, with lower velocity factors resulting in lower energy transfer rates. Similarly, higher velocity factors result in relatively higher energy transfer rates.

[0292] At least some of the golf balls of the present disclosure may preferably have a ratio of flight factor to velocity factor of at least 0.650, or at least 0.700, or at least 0.750, or at least 0.800, or at least 0.850, or at least 0.900. In one embodiment, the ratio of flight factor to velocity factor may be between 0.700 and 0.900, or between 0.750 and 0.850.

[0293] In one embodiment, if the golf ball is a two-layer golf ball (ie, a core and a cover), the ratio of the flight factor to the velocity factor may be between 0.750 and 0.875.

[0294] In one embodiment, if the golf ball is a three-layer golf ball (ie, core, casing, cover), the ratio of the flight factor to the velocity factor may be between 0.725 and 0.825.

[0295] In one embodiment, when the golf ball is a four-layer golf ball (ie, inner core, outer core, casing, cover), the ratio of the flight factor to the velocity factor may be between 0.725 and 0.825.

[0296] Exemplary Golf Ball Profiles The following table includes various exemplary golf ball profiles: As shown in the table below, each of the golf ball construction parameters detailed below can be paired with various exemplary dimple patterns detailed above.

[0297] In each of the tables disclosed in this disclosure, compression is defined according to DCM compression, initial velocity (IV) is defined in feet / second, weight is defined in ounces, and thickness and diameter are defined in inches. All parameters set forth in the tables disclosed in this disclosure are defined according to the various methodologies disclosed in this disclosure.

[0298] Those skilled in the art will understand that any one or more of the exemplary golf ball profiles can be paired with other dimple patterns. More specifically, any one or more of the exemplary golf ball profiles can include a dimple pattern that exhibits the aerodynamic performance parameters detailed in this disclosure. Any one or more of the golf balls described below can exhibit the following drag coefficient values: 0.225≦CD≦0.235 at a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070; 0.225≦CD≦0.235 at a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095; and 0.225≦CD≦0.235 at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100. Any one or more of the golf balls described below may exhibit an integrated drag area value, as defined according to the above equation and established by the above conditions, of 13,750≦DA≦14,750.

[0299] Table 18 provides specific characteristics of two-layer golf balls, such as golf balls including a core and a cover. These two-layer golf balls may be configured with an exemplary golf ball weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces. These two-layer golf balls may be configured with an exemplary golf ball diameter of 1.680 inches to 1.700 inches.

[0300] In one embodiment, the core of the two-layer golf ball may be formed from any one or more of the materials disclosed in this disclosure. More specifically, the core of the two-layer golf ball may be formed from at least a base polymer (such as polybutadiene or any other rubber composition disclosed in this disclosure), an initiator, a co-agent and / or a curing agent, and optionally one or more of a metal oxide, a metal fatty acid or fatty acids, an antioxidant, a softening and high speed agent, a filler, and additives, in addition to the recited butyl content detailed in the table. In one embodiment, the cover of the two-layer golf ball may be formed primarily from an ionomer.

[0301] [Table 21]

[0302] [Table 22]

[0303] Table 19 provides specific characteristics of three-layer golf balls, such as golf balls including a core, a casing or intermediate layer, and a cover. These three-layer golf balls may be configured with an exemplary golf ball weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces. These three-layer golf balls may be configured with an exemplary golf ball diameter of 1.680 inches to 1.700 inches.

[0304] In one embodiment, the core of the three-layer golf ball may be formed from any one or more of the materials disclosed in this disclosure. More specifically, the core of the three-layer golf ball may be formed from at least a base polymer (such as polybutadiene or any other rubber composition disclosed in this disclosure), an initiator, a co-agent and / or a curing agent, and optionally one or more of a metal oxide, a metal fatty acid or fatty acid, an antioxidant, a softening and high-speed agent, a filler, and additives, in addition to the butyl content detailed in the table. In one embodiment, the casing layer of the three-layer golf ball may be formed primarily from an ionomer. In one embodiment, the cover layer of the three-layer golf ball may be formed primarily from a urethane.

[0305] [Table 23]

[0306] [Table 24]

[0307] Table 20 provides specific characteristics of four-layer golf balls, such as golf balls including a dual-layer core (i.e., a central and outer core layer), a casing or intermediate layer, and a cover. These four-layer golf balls may be configured with an exemplary golf ball weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces. These four-layer golf balls may be configured with an exemplary golf ball diameter of 1.680 inches to 1.700 inches.

[0308] In one embodiment, the core of a four-layer golf ball may be formed from any one or more of the materials disclosed in this disclosure. More specifically, the core of a four-layer golf ball may be formed from at least a base polymer (such as polybutadiene or any other rubber composition disclosed in this disclosure), an initiator, a co-agent, and / or a curing agent, and optionally, one or more of a metal oxide, a metal fatty acid or fatty acid, an antioxidant, a softening and high-speed agent, a filler, and additives, in addition to the butyl content detailed in the table, which may be present in either the center or outer core layer, or both. In one embodiment, the casing layer of a four-layer golf ball may be formed primarily from an ionomer. In one embodiment, the cover layer of a four-layer golf ball may be formed primarily from a urethane.

[0309] [Table 25]

[0310] Although the golf balls detailed in the above tables generally have relatively high compression, one skilled in the art will understand that various other golf ball constructions, such as golf balls exhibiting relatively low compression, may be used in conjunction with the dimple patterns disclosed in this disclosure. Additionally, all other properties detailed in the following tables, such as core butyl content and other properties associated with the core, cover, and / or casing, may be varied.

[0311] Those skilled in the art will appreciate, based on the present disclosure, that golf ball constructions may be modified, such as the following exemplary formulations or compositions: In one aspect, the following exemplary formulations or compositions are selected to achieve the desired speed and / or flight factors disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0312] In one embodiment, the golf ball may be constructed with at least three layers, including a casing layer comprising one or more ethylene ionomers, ethylene / methacrylic ionomers, or ethylene / acrylic acid copolymers having a flexural modulus of 70 KSI or less.

[0313] In another embodiment, the golf ball may be a two-layer golf ball with a cover comprising one or more thermoplastic ionomers having a flexural modulus of 70 KSI or less.

[0314] In another embodiment, the golf ball may be configured with a cased core diameter of 1.630 inches or less. In another embodiment, the golf ball may be configured with a cased core diameter of 1.620 inches or less. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of any layer of the golf ball can be varied.

[0315] In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing 0.30 phr or less of a radical scavenger. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing 0.25 phr or less of a radical scavenger. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing 0.20 phr or less of a radical scavenger. Those skilled in the art will understand that core elements containing these radical scavenger compositions may include a single solid core, a center of a dual core, an outer layer of a dual core, and / or both the center and outer layers of a dual core. Various examples of radical scavengers are known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed herein.

[0316] In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing 15 phr or less of catalyst in the rubber composition. In another embodiment, the core may contain 12 phr or less of catalyst in the rubber composition. In another embodiment, the core may contain 9 phr or less of catalyst in the rubber composition. Those skilled in the art will understand that core elements having these catalyst compositions may include a single solid core, a dual core center, a dual core outer layer, and / or both a dual core center layer and an outer layer. Various examples of rubber composition catalysts are known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed in this disclosure.

[0317] In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 1 phr of filler configured to reduce the COR (i.e., low-speed filler) of the core. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 3 phr of low-speed filler. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 5 phr of low-speed filler. Those skilled in the art will understand that core elements having these low-speed filler compositions may be configured to include a single solid core, a dual-core center, a dual-core outer layer, and / or both the center and outer layers of a dual-core. Various examples of fillers for rubber compositions are known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed herein.

[0318] In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core comprising at least 15 phr of core regrind. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core comprising at least 20 phr of core regrind. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core comprising at least 25 phr of core regrind. Those skilled in the art will understand that core elements comprising these regrind compositions may include a single solid core, a dual core center, an outer layer of a dual core, and / or both the center and outer layers of a dual core.

[0319] In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 5 phr of styrene-butadiene rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 15 phr of styrene-butadiene rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 30 phr of styrene-butadiene rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 45 phr of styrene-butadiene rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing 1 phr to 50 phr of styrene-butadiene rubber. In one embodiment, the base rubber of the core may contain polybutadiene, and the secondary rubber of the core may contain any amount of styrene-butadiene rubber. In yet another embodiment, the base rubber of the core may contain styrene-butadiene rubber, and the secondary rubber of the core may contain polybutadiene. Other known rubbers, such as the rubbers and materials disclosed in this disclosure, can be combined with the styrene-butadiene rubber. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that core elements or layers having these exemplary styrene-butadiene rubber compositions may be configured to include a single solid core, a dual-core center, a dual-core outer layer, and / or both a dual-core center layer and an outer layer. Furthermore, in the case of a dual core, the center or inner layer of the core may have a first amount or phr of styrene-butadiene rubber and the outer layer of the core may have a second, different amount or phr of styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0320] In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 5 phr of butyl rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 15 phr of butyl rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 30 phr of butyl rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing at least 45 phr of butyl rubber. In another embodiment, the golf ball may have a core containing 1 phr to 50 phr of butyl rubber. In one embodiment, the base rubber of the core may contain polybutadiene, and the secondary rubber of the core may contain any amount of butyl rubber. In yet another embodiment, the base rubber of the core may contain butyl rubber, and the secondary rubber of the core may contain polybutadiene. Other known rubbers, such as the rubbers and materials disclosed in this disclosure, can be combined with butyl rubber. Those skilled in the art will understand that core elements or layers containing these exemplary butyl rubber compositions may include a single solid core, a dual-core center, an outer layer of a dual-core, and / or both the center and outer layers of a dual-core. Further, in the case of a dual core, the central or inner layer of the core may have a first amount or phr of butyl rubber and the outer layer of the core may have a second, different amount or phr of butyl rubber.

[0321] In one embodiment, the core may comprise at least 0.80 phr, or at least 0.90 phr, or at least 1.00 phr of free radical initiator. In another embodiment, the golf ball may comprise a dual core with an outer core comprised of at least 0.40 phr of free radical initiator, or at least 0.80 phr of free radical initiator, or at least 1.20 phr of free radical initiator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that core elements comprising these free radical initiator compositions may comprise a single solid core, a center of a dual core, an outer layer of a dual core, and / or both the center and outer layers of a dual core. Various examples of free radical initiators for rubber compositions are known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed herein.

[0322] In yet another embodiment, the core may be configured with varying levels of reactive crosslinking coagent. For example, in one embodiment, a solid or single-layer core may be configured with at least 25 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent, or at least 30 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent, or at least 35 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent. In a golf ball having a dual core, the center may be configured with at least 20 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent, or at least 25 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent, or at least 30 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent. In a golf ball having a dual core, the outer layer may be configured with at least 30 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent, or at least 35 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent, or at least 40 phr of reactive crosslinking coagent. Those skilled in the art will understand that core elements having these reactive crosslinking coagent compositions may be configured with a single solid core, the center of a dual core, the outer layer of a dual core, and / or both the center layer and the outer layer of a dual core. Various examples of reactive crosslinking coagents for rubber compositions are known to those skilled in the art and are disclosed herein.

[0323] At least some of the golf balls disclosed in the present disclosure may exhibit flight patterns with relatively shorter distances on longer shots, at least in part due to relatively high drag characteristics (compared to modern high performance golf balls) paired with relatively slower golf ball speeds (compared to modern high performance golf balls). At least some of the golf balls disclosed in the present disclosure may exhibit reduced total distances on driver shots compared to modern high performance golf balls. At least some of the golf balls disclosed in the present disclosure may exhibit more similar total distances on iron or wedge shots compared to modern high performance golf balls.

[0324] Golf balls comprising the exemplary dimple patterns and golf ball structures disclosed herein may exhibit shorter total distances when struck with club heads having relatively high speeds, such as those produced by drivers, other metal woods, and long irons, compared to those having modern, high-performance dimple patterns paired with modern, high-performance golf ball structures. The difference in comparative distance between a golf ball of the present disclosure and one having a modern, high-performance design decreases as club head speed decreases, with the difference being smaller at the slowest club head speeds, such as a half-swing pitch wedge, than at faster club head speeds. This decrease in comparative distance difference is due in part to the decrease in aerodynamic forces that accompany decreasing golf ball speed, as golf ball flight becomes increasingly ballistic in nature. Thus, exemplary golf balls comprising dimple patterns exhibiting the aerodynamic properties of the present disclosure paired with a relatively slower golf ball structure compared to modern, high-performance dimple patterns and modern, high-performance golf ball structures may exhibit increasingly similar flight performance in an increasingly ballistic flight regime, even though aerodynamic forces are in the same regime as modern, high-performance dimple patterns and modern, high-performance golf ball structures. It should also be noted that at least some of the golf ball structures of the present disclosure may result in relatively slower golf ball velocities resulting from impact with the club, as compared to the golf ball velocities of modern high performance golf balls struck under the same impact conditions, which is a result of less efficient energy transfer from the club to the golf ball. In one aspect, at least some of the golf balls disclosed in the present disclosure may achieve these characteristics through a combination of a relatively high drag dimple pattern paired with a relatively slower velocity golf ball structure (as compared to modern high performance golf balls).

[0325] For purposes of comparative comparison, Figure 5 shows flight patterns (A), (B), and (C) for driver shots of several exemplary golf balls having dimple patterns incorporating the aerodynamic characteristics disclosed herein and paired with a relatively low-velocity golf ball design (compared to modern, high-performance golf ball designs). Flight pattern (D) is also illustrated for a conventional golf ball having a relatively low-drag and high-velocity golf ball design (i.e., a modern, high-performance golf ball).

[0326] In one embodiment, flight pattern (A) is a flight pattern that is within a relatively high flight window, i.e., 1.375≦C D / C L <1.575. Flight pattern (A) reaches a relatively high peak height compared to conventional golf balls.

[0327] In one embodiment, flight pattern (B) is a flight pattern that is selected for a relatively intermediate or moderate flight window, i.e., 1.575≦C D / C L <1.775. The flight pattern (B) reaches a relatively similar peak height compared to a conventional golf ball.

[0328] In one embodiment, the flight pattern (C) is within a relatively low flight window, i.e., 1.775≦C D / C L ≦1.975. Flight pattern (C) reaches a relatively low peak height compared to conventional golf balls.

[0329] The dimple patterns involved in flight patterns (A), (B), and (C) have similar drag aerodynamic characteristics (i.e., low drag, relatively high compared to modern high-performance dimple patterns). CD values), but have different aerodynamic lift characteristics, resulting in a high-drag, high-lift pattern (i.e., a relatively high C L The pattern with a lower C value than the high drag low lift pattern D / C LThis variation in lift-drag balance provides a variety of peak heights for golfers to choose from depending on their preference.

[0330] As shown in Figure 5, exemplary golf ball flight patterns (A), (B), and (C) each reach their respective peak heights at a relatively short distance downrange compared to conventional golf ball flight pattern (D). The flight differences shown in Figure 5 are exemplary representations of three flight patterns (A), (B), and (C), which have increased drag and a slower kinetic golf ball speed relative to the fourth flight pattern (D), while also having distinct lift characteristics between (A), (B), and (C). Those skilled in the art will understand that as the flight becomes increasingly ballistic, flight patterns (A), (B), (C), and (D) will become increasingly similar.

[0331] While it is clear that the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this disclosure fulfill the objectives set forth above, it will be understood that numerous variations and other embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art. It will therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that would fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0332] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various components or elements, but these components or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component or element from another. Thus, a first component or element discussed below could be referred to as a second component or element, and similarly, a second component or element discussed below could be referred to as a first component or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0333] The golf balls described and claimed in this disclosure are not limited in scope by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, as these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the disclosure. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the device in addition to those shown and described in this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. All patents and patent applications cited in the foregoing sentence are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A golf ball having at least a core and a cover, having a weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces and a diameter of 1.680 inches to 1.700 inches; The core has a weight (W ｃｏｒｅ ) and a diameter (D ｃｏｒｅ ) The cover has a drag coefficient (C Ｄ ) and lift coefficient (C Ｌ a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a At a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.225≦C Ｄ１ ≦0.235, At a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, 0.225≦C Ｄ２ ≦0.235, and At a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, 0.225≦ Ｄ３ 3≦0.235, The dimple pattern has a combined drag area (DA) defined by the following formula: [0016] In the formula, C Ｄ (Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball velocity of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, and 13,750≦DA≦14,750; (i) the golf ball has a compression of less than 60 and the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball is ｂａｌｌ ) is 0.785 to 0.815, (ii) the golf ball has a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball is ｂａｌｌ ) is 0.770 to 0.815, (iii) the golf ball has a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball is ｂａｌｌ ) is 0.740 to 0.810, or (iv) the golf ball has a compression of at least 100 and a coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball ｂａｌｌ ) is 0.710 to 0.

780.

2. The golf ball has a compression of less than 60 and a coefficient of restitution (COR) of ｂａｌｌ 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.785 to 0.

815.

3. The golf ball has a compression of at least 60 and less than 80, and a coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball. ｂａｌｌ 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.770 to 0.

815.

4. The golf ball has a compression of at least 80 and less than 100, and a coefficient of restitution (COR) of ｂａｌｌ 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.740 to 0.

810.

5. The golf ball has a compression of at least 100 and a coefficient of restitution (COR) of ｂａｌｌ 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.710 to 0.

780.

6. 10. The golf ball of claim 1, having a flight factor (F) defined by the following equation: [Equation 17] (wherein, (IV ｂａｌｌ ) is the initial velocity of the golf ball (feet / second), and (COR ｃｏｒｅ ) is the coefficient of restitution of the core, The flight factor (F) is at least 120.

7. 7. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein the flight factor (F) is at least 130.

8. 7. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein the flight factor (F) is at least 140.

9. 7. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein the flight factor (F) is at least 150.

10. The drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 Ｄ ) and the lift coefficient (C Ｌ ) is 1.375≦C Ｄ / C Ｌ The golf ball of claim 1 having a relationship of <1.

575.

11. The drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 Ｄ ) and the lift coefficient (C Ｌ 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the C Ｄ / C Ｌ <1.

775.

12. The drag coefficient (C) at a Reynolds number of 225,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070 Ｄ ) and the lift coefficient (C Ｌ 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the C Ｄ / C Ｌ ≦1.

975.

13. The coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball ｂａｌｌ 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.800 or less.

14. The coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf ball ｂａｌｌ 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.780 or less.

15. The coefficient of restitution (COR) of the core ｃｏｒｅ 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.770 or less.

16. The coefficient of restitution (COR) of the core ｃｏｒｅ 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the ρ is 0.750 or less.

17. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball is a two-layer golf ball.

18. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball is a three-layer golf ball.

19. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball is a four-layer golf ball.

20. 10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the core has a weight of at least 1.260 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.530 inches.

21. 10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the core has a weight of at least 1.300 ounces and a diameter of at least 1.545 inches.

22. 10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has a velocity factor (S) defined by the following equation: [Equation 18] In the formula, (IV ゴルフボール ) is the initial velocity of the golf ball in feet per second; wherein 177≦S≦181.

23. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, At a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.230≦C Ｄ１ ≦0.235, At a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, 0.230≦C Ｄ２ ≦0.235, and 0.230≦at a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100 Ｄ３ A golf ball having a viscosity of 3≦0.

235.

24. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, At a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.225≦C Ｄ１ ≦0.230, At a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, 0.225≦C Ｄ２ ≦0.230, and At a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, 0.225≦ Ｄ３ A golf ball having a viscosity of 3≦0.

230.

25. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the integrated drag area is defined as 14,000≦DA≦14,750.

26. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the integrated drag area satisfies the following relationship: 14,000≦DA≦14,500.

27. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the integrated drag area satisfies the following relationship: 13,750≦DA≦14,500.

28. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the integrated drag area is 14,250≦DA≦14,750.

29. A golf ball having at least a core and a cover, having a weight of 1.600 ounces to 1.620 ounces and a diameter of 1.680 inches to 1.700 inches; The core has a weight (W ｃｏｒｅ ) and a diameter (D ｃｏｒｅ ) The cover has a drag coefficient (C Ｄ ) and lift coefficient (C Ｌ a plurality of dimples arranged in a dimple pattern having a At a Reynolds number of 220,000 and a spin ratio of 0.070, 0.225≦C Ｄ１ ≦0.235, At a Reynolds number of 160,000 and a spin ratio of 0.095, 0.225≦C Ｄ２ ≦0.235, and At a Reynolds number of 120,000 and a spin ratio of 0.100, 0.225≦ Ｄ３ 3≦0.235, The integrated drag area (DA) is defined by the following formula: [Equation 19] In the formula, C Ｄ (Re) is established at launch conditions of a golf ball velocity of 182.0 mph, a launch angle of 10.0 degrees, and a spin rate of 2,700 rpm, and 13,750≦DA≦14,750; The golf ball is 4 ０ Higher compression (C0) and coefficient of restitution (COR) ｂａｌｌ ) a golf ball having: [Equation 20] and [0000]

30. 30. The golf ball of claim 29, wherein the golf ball has a flight factor (F) defined by the following equation: [Equation 22] (wherein, (IV ｂａｌｌ ) is the initial velocity of the golf ball (feet / second), and (COR ｃｏｒｅ ) is the core coefficient of restitution, The flight factor (F) is at least 130.

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