Golf ball dimple pattern including deep and shallow edge angles

Abstract

A golf ball is disclosed herein including a plurality of dimples on its outermost surface. The plurality of dimples can be comprised of at least two sub-sets of dimples, including some dimples having a relatively shallow edge angle and some dimples having a relatively deep edge angle. The values for both the shallow edge angle and the deep edge angle can be relatively different than the effective edge angle, as defined herein. The dimple pattern can also include at least a certain quantity of the shallow and deep edge angle dimples. Based on the dimple pattern concepts disclosed herein, improved refinement of a golf ball flight profile can be achieved based on the ability to have greater control of golf ball aerodynamics and targeted flight windows.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf ball, and more particularly relates to specific characteristics of dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known that golf ball flight performance is influenced by the aerodynamics of the golf ball, which is primarily dictated by characteristics of the dimple pattern. There are various parameters associated with dimple pattern designs, such as patterning or tiling techniques, quantity of dimples, chord depths, surface coverage, dimple volume, edge angles, etc. Professional, competitive, and recreational golfers each continue to seek high performance golf balls that require designs exhibiting improved aerodynamic characteristics while also hitting preferred target flight windows.

[0003] It would generally be desirable to provide an additional path for dimple pattern design to allow for greater refinement of aerodynamic parameters thereby providing improved golf ball flight performance.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a golf ball having an extreme edge angle modification to the totality of the dimples formed on the golf ball cover. This concept is described in more detail herein.

[0005] At least one dimple pattern is disclosed herein that includes two distinct edge angles on the golf ball. A first subset of the dimples can have a relatively deep edge angle while a second subset of the dimples can have a relatively shallow edge angle. The golf ball can have an overall effective edge angle that is highly or substantially different from the two edge angles, in one aspect. In one aspect, this allows for golf ball designs that more precisely target aerodynamic parameters and flight windows with improved refinement and specificity.

[0006] A golf ball is disclosed herein that includes an outer layer having a dimple pattern including a plurality of dimples. The golf ball can include any number of layers, and various other aspects disclosed herein. The dimple pattern is comprised of: (i) a plurality of shallow dimples (nshallow) having a shallow edge angle (EAshallow), and (ii) a plurality of deep dimples (ndeep) having a deep edge angle (EAdeep). The sum of the plurality of shallow dimples (nshallow) and the plurality of deep dimples (ndeep) is equal to a total number of dimples (ntotal). The dimple pattern has an effective edge angle (EAeffective) defined by:EAeffective=(nshallow*EAshallow)+(ndeep*EAdeep)ntotal

[0007] In one aspect, the plurality of shallow dimples (nshallow) is at least 25% of the total number of dimples but no greater than 75% of the total number of dimples. In one aspect, the plurality of deep dimples (ndeep) is at least 25% of the total number of dimples but no greater than 75% of the total number of dimples. In one aspect, the shallow edge angle (EAshallow) and the deep edge angle (EAdeep) are each at least 1.0° different than the effective edge angle (EAeffective).

[0008] In one aspect, the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 35% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 65% of the total number of dimples.

[0009] In one aspect, the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 45% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 55% of the total number of dimples.

[0010] In one aspect, the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 55% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 45% of the total number of dimples.

[0011] In one aspect, the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 65% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 35% of the total number of dimples.

[0012] In one aspect, the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 75% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 25% of the total number of dimples.

[0013] In one aspect, EAdeep−EAshallow≥1.5°. In another aspect, EAdeep−EAshallow≥2.5°. In another aspect, EAdeep−EAshallow≥3.5°. In another aspect, EAdeep−EAshallow≥4.5°.

[0014] In another aspect, EAeffective−EAshallow≥0.5°. In another aspect, EAeffective−EAshallow≥1.5°. In another aspect, EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.5°.

[0015] In one aspect, EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.5°. In one aspect, EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.5°.

[0016] In another aspect, |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥1.0°. In another aspect, |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥1.5°. In another aspect, |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥2.0°.

[0017] In one aspect, 12.0°≤EAeffective≤15.5°. In one aspect, 13.0≤EAeffective≤14.25°. In one aspect, 14.25°≤EAeffective≤15.5°.

[0018] In another aspect, 12.0°≤EAshallow<EAeffective.

[0019] In one aspect, EAeffective<EAdeep≤20.0°. In another aspect, EAeffective<EAdeep≤19.0°.

[0020] Various other aspects of the present disclosure are described in further detail herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other aspects of the present invention may be more fully understood with references to, but not limited by, the following drawings:

[0022] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portion of a dimple pattern according to one aspect.

[0023] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a golf ball including the dimple pattern shown in FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of a dimple pattern according to one aspect.

[0025] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a golf ball including the dimple pattern shown in FIG. 2A.

[0026] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a portion of a dimple pattern according to one aspect.

[0027] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a golf ball including the dimple pattern shown in FIG. 3A.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a portion of a dimple pattern according to one aspect.

[0029] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a golf ball including the dimple pattern shown in FIG. 4A.

[0030] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portion of a dimple pattern according to one aspect.

[0031] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a golf ball including the dimple pattern shown in FIG. 5A.

[0032] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of a dimple pattern according to one aspect.

[0033] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a golf ball including the dimple pattern shown in FIG. 6A.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of half of a dimple to illustrate various parameters of the dimple.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] According to the present disclosure, a dimple pattern technique or methodology is disclosed herein that includes a substantial portion of relatively deep edge angle dimples and a substantial portion of relatively shallow edge angle dimples. Based on this configuration, a balance of deep and shallow dimples is achieved in which the shallow dimples are generally more favorable towards lift, whereas deeper dimples can create a balance that is more favorable towards drag. When working in concert with each other, the two substantially different and unique edge angles can produce an optimized aerodynamics profile that is fine-tuned to hit a specific flight window.

[0036] As a means of further determining the impact dimple depth has on the lift / drag balance, the present disclosure provides aspects that allow for additional refinement of golf ball aerodynamics via the pairing of deep dimples with shallow dimples, such that each subset of dimple types is comprised of at least 25% of the dimples on the golf ball and the sum of the subsets of dimple types is equal to the total number of dimples. Stated differently, in one aspect, there are no dimples having the “medial,”“medium,” or “average” dimple edge angle among the plurality of dimples and instead two extreme edge angle values that contribute to the effective edge angle of the dimple pattern. In one aspect, as used in this context, the term “medial” edge angle can refer to an edge angle that is within 0.5°, or 1.0°, or 1.5°, or 2.0°, or 2.5°, or 3.0° to the effective edge angle of the dimple pattern.

[0037] Furthermore, (i) the shallow edge angle value, (ii) the quantity of dimples having the shallow edge angle, (iii) the deep edge angle value, and (iv) the quantity of dimples having the deep edge angle can be designed to target an effective edge angle for the golf ball. Accordingly, an effective edge angle can be targeted, which in part can be optimized to achieve a particular flight window, while the overall aerodynamic characteristics are still able to be modified. The present disclosure therefore provides the additional capability to refine, optimize, and / or control the aerodynamic performance of a golf ball.

[0038] For the exemplary dimple configurations disclosed herein, each can be comprised of dimples having one of two edge angles, one shallow and one deep, which combine to yield the effective edge angle EAeffective for the configuration, defined by:(nshallow*EAshallow)+(ndeep*EAdeep)ntotal⁢ dimples=EAeffectivewhere nshallow is the number of dimples having the shallow edge angle (EAshallow);

[0040] where ndeep is the number of dimples having the deep edge angle (EAdeep); and

[0041] where ntotal is the total number of dimples on the golf ball.

[0042] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there could be more than one subset of deep dimples and / or more than one subset of shallow dimples. For example, there could be two subsets of shallow dimples (i.e., two subsets of dimples having different shallow edge angles), and one subset of deep dimples. In this configuration, there could be a greater quantity of the subset of deep dimples as compared to the sum of the two subsets of shallow dimples. In one aspect, there could be an unequal number of subsets of shallow dimples and deep dimples. In one aspect, there is an equal number of subsets of shallow dimples and deep dimples.

[0043] In one aspect, the present disclosure can be directed to an effective edge angle (EAeffective) in a range that is at least 13.0° and no greater than 15.5° while allowing the shallow edge angle (EAshallow) to be at least 10.0° but not greater than the effective edge angle (EAeffective), and the deep edge angle (EAdeep) to be at least the effective edge angle (EAeffective) but no greater than 20.0°.

[0044] All dimples on the golf ball can have an edge angle equal to either the shallow edge angle or the deep edge angle. In one aspect a difference between shallow edge angle and the deep edge angle can be at least 2.0°.

[0045] In one aspect, the quantity or number of shallow dimples (nshallow) is comprised of at least 25% of the total dimples on the golf ball, but no greater than 75% of the total quantity or number of dimples (ntotal).

[0046] In one aspect, the quantity or number of deep dimples (ndeep) is comprised of at least 25% of the total dimples on the golf ball, but no greater than 75% of the total quantity or number of dimples.

[0047] In one aspect, the number of shallow dimples is at least 35% of the total dimples, and the number of deep dimples is no greater than 65% of the total number of dimples.

[0048] In one aspect, the number of shallow dimples is at least 45% of the total dimples, and the number of deep dimples is no greater than 55% of the total number of dimples.

[0049] In one aspect, the number of shallow dimples is at least 55% of the total dimples, and the number of deep dimples is no greater than 45% of the total number of dimples.

[0050] In one aspect, the number of shallow dimples is at least 65% of the total dimples, and the number of deep dimples is no greater than 35% of the total number of dimples.

[0051] In one aspect, the edge angle of the shallow dimples is less than 12.0°, or 11.5°, or 11.0°, or 10.5°, or 10.0°, or 9.5°, or 9.0°.

[0052] In one aspect, the edge angle of the deep dimples is greater than 13.0°, or 14.0°, or 15.0°, or 16.0°, or 17.0°, or 18.0°, or 19.0°, or 20.0°.

[0053] In one aspect, each of the deep and shallow edge angles are at least 1.0°, or 1.5°, or 2.0°, or 2.5°, or 3.0°, or 3.5°, or 4.0° or 4.5° different than the effective edge angle.

[0054] In one aspect, an absolute value for a difference between: (i) the difference between the deep edge angle and effective edge angle, and (ii) the difference between the effective edge angle and the shallow edge angle (i.e., |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|) is at least 1.0°. In another aspect, |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)| is at least 2.0°, or 3.0°, or 4.0°.

[0055] In one aspect, the quantity of dimples having deep edge angles and the quantity of dimples having shallow edge angles is each at least 50, or 100, or 125, or 150, or 175, or 200, or 250.

[0056] One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate based on the present disclosure that the features and aspects described herein with respect to deep, shallow, and effective edge angles, as well as the percentages associated with the deep and shallow dimples can be adapted to any dimple pattern, regardless of layout. For illustrative purposes, the present disclosure provides further details for two specific types of dimple patterns. Dimple Pattern 1 includes 348 dimples and Dimple Pattern 2 includes 388 dimples. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to these two dimple patterns.Dimple Pattern 1

[0057] A first exemplary dimple pattern is detailed herein. This first dimple pattern can include 348 dimples. Table 1A below provides details regarding specific configurations (i.e., Examples 1-10) that use Dimple Pattern 1.

[0058] More specifically, Table 1A below details the respective:

[0059] shallow edge angle (EAshallow);

[0060] deep edge angle (EAdeep);

[0061] difference between the deep and shallow edge angles (AEA);

[0062] effective edge angle (EAeffective);

[0063] difference between the deep edge angle and effective edge angle (i.e., EAdeep−EAeffective);

[0064] difference between the effective edge angle and the shallow edge angle (i.e., EAeffective−EAshallow); and

[0065] an absolute value for the difference between: (i) the difference between the deep edge angle and effective edge angle, and (ii) the difference between the effective edge angle and the shallow edge angle (i.e., |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|).TABLE 1AEAdeep −EAeffective −|(EAdeep − EAeffective) −ExampleEAshallowEAdeepΔEAEAeffectiveEAeffectiveEAshallow(EAeffective − EAshallow)|110.75°14.50°3.75°13.34°1.16°2.59°1.43°210.25°14.75°4.50°13.35°1.40°3.10°1.70°310.25°15.50°5.25°13.39°2.11°3.14°1.03°411.75°14.50°2.75°13.39°1.11°1.64°0.43°511.0°15.75°4.75°13.35°2.40°2.35°0.05°610.25°16.50°6.25°13.34°3.16°3.09°0.07°710.0°18.25°8.25°13.32°4.93°3.32°1.61°811.75°15.50°3.75°13.36°2.14°1.61°0.53°910.75°19.0°8.25°13.31°5.69°2.56°3.13°1011.75°17.0°5.25°13.38°3.62°1.63°1.99°

[0066] Table 1B below provides further details for the exemplary configurations mentioned above in Table 1A. Table 1B provides further details regarding:

[0067] the number of shallow dimples (nshallow);

[0068] the number of deep dimples (ndeep);

[0069] the total number of dimples (ntotal) (which is 348 for all configurations in Table 1B);

[0070] the percentage of shallow dimples amongst the total number of dimples (%shallow); and

[0071] the percentage of deep dimples amongst the total number of dimples (%deep).TABLE 1BExamplenshallowndeepntotal%shallow%deep 110824034831.0%69.0% 210824034831.0%69.0% 314020834840.2%59.8% 414020834840.2%59.8% 517617234850.6%49.4% 617217634849.4%50.6% 720814034859.8%40.2% 820814034859.8%40.2% 924010834869.0%31.0%1024010834869.0%31.0%

[0072] FIGS. 1A-3B illustrate exemplary dimple patterns having the features described above with respect to Dimple Pattern 1.

[0073] More specifically, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one exemplary configuration having the characteristics detailed above with respect to Examples 1 and 2, i.e., there are 31.0% of the dimples that are shallow dimples (indicated via shaded dimples), and the remaining 69.0% of the dimples are deep dimples (indicated via non-shaded dimples). Examples 1 and 2 can have an identical distribution of shallow versus deep dimples, but the associated edge angles for shallow dimples and the respective edge angles for deep dimples can vary between Examples 1 and 2.

[0074] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another exemplary configuration having the characteristics detailed above with respect to Examples 3 and 4, i.e., there are 40.2% of the dimples that are shallow dimples (indicated via shaded dimples), and the remaining 59.8% of the dimples are deep dimples (indicated via non-shaded dimples). As noted above, Examples 3 and 4 can have an identical distribution of shallow versus deep dimples, but the associated edge angles for shallow dimples and the respective edge angles for deep dimples can vary between Examples 3 and 4.

[0075] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another exemplary configuration having the characteristics detailed above with respect to Example 5, i.e., there are 50.6% of the dimples that are shallow dimples (indicated via shaded dimples), and the remaining 49.4% of the dimples are deep dimples (indicated via non-shaded dimples).Dimple Pattern 2

[0076] A second dimple pattern is detailed herein. This second dimple pattern can include 388 dimples. Table 2A below provides details regarding exemplary configurations (i.e., Examples 11-20) that use Dimple Pattern 2.

[0077] More specifically, Table 2A below details the respective:

[0078] shallow edge angle (EAshallow);

[0079] deep edge angle (EAdeep);

[0080] difference between the deep and shallow edge angles (ΔEA);

[0081] effective edge angle (EAeffective);

[0082] difference between the deep edge angle and effective edge angle (i.e., EAdeep−EAeffective);

[0083] difference between the effective edge angle and the shallow edge angle (i.e., EAeffective−EAshallow); and

[0084] an absolute value for the difference between: (i) the difference between the deep edge angle and effective edge angle, and (ii) the difference between the effective edge angle and the shallow edge angle (i.e., |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|).TABLE 2AEAdeep −EAeffective −|(EAdeep − EAeffective) −ExampleEAshallowEAdeepΔEAEAeffectiveEAeffectiveEAshallow(EAeffective − EAshallow)|1110.5°14.25°3.75°13.17°1.08°2.67°1.59°1210.0°14.50°4.50°13.20°1.30°3.20°1.90°1310.0°15.25°5.25°13.19°2.06°3.19°1.13°1410.75°14.75°4.0°13.18°1.57°2.43°0.86°1510.25°16.0°5.75°13.10°2.90°2.85°0.05°1610.0°16.25°6.25°13.16°3.09°3.16°0.07°1711.0°16.5°5.50°13.15°3.35°2.15°1.20°1810.0°18.0°8.0°13.13°4.87°3.13°1.74°1911.25°17.75°6.5°13.13°4.62°1.88°2.74°2010.75°19.0°8.25°13.13°5.87°2.38°3.49°

[0085] Table 2B below provides further details for the ten exemplary configurations mentioned above in Table 2A. Table 2B provides further details regarding:

[0086] the number of shallow dimples (nshallow);

[0087] the number of deep dimples (ndeep);

[0088] the total number of dimples (ntotal) (which is 388 for all configurations in Table 2B);

[0089] the percentage of shallow dimples amongst the total number of dimples (%shallow); and

[0090] the percentage of deep dimples amongst the total number of dimples (%deep).TABLE 2BExamplenshallowndeepntotal%shallow%deep1111227638828.9%71.1%1211227638828.9%71.1%1315223638839.2%60.8%1415223638839.2%60.8%1519619238850.5%49.5%1619219638849.5%50.5%1723615238860.8%39.2%1823615238860.8%39.2%1927611238871.1%28.9%2027611238871.1%28.9%

[0091] FIGS. 4A-6B illustrate exemplary dimple patterns having the features described above with respect to the first dimple pattern.

[0092] More specifically, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one exemplary configuration having the characteristics detailed above with respect to Examples 11 and 12, i.e., there are 28.9% of the dimples that are shallow dimples (indicated via shaded dimples), and the remaining 71.1% of the dimples are deep dimples (indicated via non-shaded dimples). As noted above, Examples 11 and 12 can have an identical distribution of shallow versus deep dimples, but the associated edge angles for shallow dimples and the respective edge angles for deep dimples can vary between Examples 11 and 12.

[0093] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another exemplary configuration having the characteristics detailed above with respect to Examples 13 and 14, i.e., there are 39.2% of the dimples that are shallow dimples (indicated via shaded dimples), and the remaining 60.8% of the dimples are deep dimples (indicated via non-shaded dimples). As noted above, Examples 13 and 14 can have an identical distribution of shallow versus deep dimples, but the associated edge angles for shallow dimples and the respective edge angles for deep dimples can vary between Examples 13 and 14.

[0094] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another exemplary configuration having the characteristics detailed above with respect to Example 15, i.e., there are 50.5% of the dimples that are shallow dimples (indicated via shaded dimples), and the remaining 49.5% of the dimples are deep dimples (indicated via non-shaded dimples).

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 1A-6B, the shaded dimples, which can indicate shallow dimples in one aspect, are distributed amongst a variety of dimple diameters. For example, the shallow dimples can include the smallest dimple diameter dimples, the largest dimple diameter dimples, and one or more medium dimple diameter dimples. Likewise, the deep dimples can include the smallest dimple diameter dimples, the largest dimple diameter dimples, and one or more medium dimple diameter dimples.

[0096] The shallow / deep dimple distribution can be arranged such that the disposition of the two edge angles on the golf ball is symmetrical or not symmetrical relative to the dimple pattern.

[0097] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 224 dimples including 56-168 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 8.0°-12.5°, and 56-168 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.5°-20.0°.

[0098] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 244 dimples including 70-178 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 9.25°-13.5°, and 66-174 deep dimples with an edge angle of 15.5°-19.0°.

[0099] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 264 dimples including 80-188 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 8.75°-13.25°, and 76-184 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.750-18.5°.

[0100] In an additional further exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 288 dimples including 76-126 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 8.5°-13.5°, and 162-212 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.0°-18.5°.

[0101] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 296 dimples including 78-206 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 9.0°-13.250 and 90-222 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.5°-17.0°.

[0102] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 300 dimples including 84-218 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 10.250-13.5° and 82-216 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.5°-18.0°.

[0103] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 324 dimples including 96-248 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 8.0°-12.5° and 76-228 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.0°-17.5°.

[0104] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 336 dimples including 98-242 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 10.0°-14.25°, and 94-238 deep dimples with an edge angle of 15.5°-18.5°.

[0105] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 368 dimples including 104-262 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 8.0°-13.0°, and 106-264 deep dimples with an edge angle of 15.0°-19.5°.

[0106] In yet another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 392 dimples including 114-290 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 7.5°-12.5°, and 102-278 deep dimples with an edge angle of 14.250-17.75°.

[0107] In another exemplary configuration, the dimple pattern can include 452 dimples including 140-324 shallow dimples with an edge angle of 10.250-13.5°, and 128-312 deep dimples with an edge angle of 15.0°-19.0°.

[0108] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the dimple counts, distribution of deep and shallow dimples, and other parameters can vary.

[0109] In one aspect, the distribution of dimples having shallow edge angles and deep edge angles can be configured such that shallow and deep dimples are dispersed throughout the respective segments or portions of the dimple pattern. For example, a plurality of shallow and deep dimples can be generally arranged in all of the edge areas, center areas, and medial areas of the respective segments or portions of the dimple pattern.

[0110] A variety of relationships between the edge angle of the deep dimples, edge angle of the shallow dimples, and the effective edge angle of the entire dimple pattern are recited below. Any one or more of the following limitations can be combined with any one or more of the other limitations:

[0111] i. EAdeep−EAshallow≥1.5°.

[0112] ii. EAdeep−EAshallow≥2.5°.

[0113] iii. EAdeep−EAshallow≥3.5°.

[0114] iv. EAdeep−EAshallow≥4.5°.

[0115] v. EAeffective−EAshallow≥0.5°.

[0116] vi. EAdeep−EAeffective≥0.5°.

[0117] vii. EAeffective−EAshallow≥1.5°.

[0118] viii. EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.5°.

[0119] ix. EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.5°.

[0120] X. EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.5°.

[0121] xi. |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥1.0°.

[0122] xii. |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥1.5°.

[0123] xiii. |(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥2.0°.

[0124] xiv. 12.0°≤EAeffective≤15.5°.

[0125] xv. 13.0°≤EAeffective≤14.25°.

[0126] xvi. 14.25°≤EAeffective≤15.5°.

[0127] xvii. 10.0°≤EAshallow<EAeffective.

[0128] xviii. 11.0°≤EAshallow<EAeffective.

[0129] xix. 12.0°≤EAshallow<EAeffective.

[0130] xx. EAeffective<EAdeep≤20.0°.

[0131] xxi. EAeffective<EAdeep≤19.0°.

[0132] xxii. EAeffective<EAdeep≤18.0°.

[0133] Some exemplary specific combinations of characteristics of dimple patterns are provided below. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other specific combinations of characteristics disclosed herein can be used for exemplary dimple patterns and this listing is non-exhaustive.

[0134] i. nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥2.5°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.0°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥1.0°.

[0135] ii. nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥3.0°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.0°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥1.250.

[0136] iii. nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥4.0°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.5°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥1.5°.

[0137] iv. nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥5.0°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.0°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.0°.

[0138] v. nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥5.5°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.5°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.5°.

[0139] vi. nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥6.0°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.5°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.5°.

[0140] vii. nshallow≥150; ndeep≥100; ΔEA≥5.0°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.0°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.0°.

[0141] viii. nshallow≥125; ndeep≥150; ΔEA≥4.5°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.5°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.0°.

[0142] ix. nshallow≥125; ndeep≥125; ΔEA≥5.25°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.5°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.0°.

[0143] x. EAshallow≤11.75°; EAdeep≥16.25°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.0°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.0°; nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100.

[0144] xi. EAshallow≤10.5°; EAdeep≥15.75°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.0°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.0°; nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100.

[0145] xii. EAshallow≤11.0°; EAdeep≥17.0°; EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.5°; EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.5°; nshallow≥100; ndeep≥100.

[0146] For purposes of the present disclosure, the diameter of a dimple having a circular plan shape is determined on a finished golf ball according to FIG. 7. Generally, it may be difficult to measure a dimple's diameter due to the indistinct nature of the boundary dividing the dimple from the ball's undisturbed land surface. Due to the effect of paint and / or the dimple design itself, the junction between the land surface and dimple may not be a sharp corner and is therefore indistinct. This can make the measurement of a dimple's diameter somewhat ambiguous. To resolve this problem, a dimple diameter on a finished golf ball is measured according to the method shown in FIG. 7, which shows a dimple half-profile 34, extending from the dimple centerline 31 to the land surface outside of the dimple 33. A ball phantom surface 32 is constructed above the dimple as a continuation of the land surface 33. A first tangent line T1 is then constructed at a point on the dimple sidewall that is spaced 0.003 inches radially inward from the phantom surface 32. T1 intersects phantom surface 32 at a point P1, which defines a nominal dimple edge position. A second tangent line T2 is then constructed, tangent to the phantom surface 32, at P1. The edge angle is the angle between T1 and T2. The dimple diameter is the distance between P1 and its equivalent point diametrically opposite along the dimple perimeter. Alternatively, it is twice the distance between P1 and the dimple centerline 31, measured in a direction perpendicular to centerline 31. The dimple depth is the distance measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple. The dimple volume is the space enclosed between the phantom surface 32 and the dimple surface 34 (extended along T1 until it intersects the phantom surface). The dimples disclosed herein can also have a chord depth as defined according to FIG. 7.

[0147] In one aspect, the presently disclosed techniques and features allows for greater refinement with respect to the total or overall dimple volume, which can have significant impact on golf ball flight and aerodynamics. Likewise, the presently disclosed techniques can allow for the maintenance of total dimple volume while varying the effective edge angle of the dimple pattern, which can enable further refinement of aerodynamic performance and the trajectory of the ball flight.

[0148] One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize based on the present disclosure that any dimple pattern can be adapted to include the extreme edge angle features disclosed herein. For example, the presently disclosed features can be implemented in dimple patterns that lack any dimple-free great circles, in one aspect. In another aspect, the extreme edge angle features can be implemented in dimple patterns having the following patterning techniques: polyhedron-based patterns (e.g., icosahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, tetrahedron, icosidodecahedron, cuboctahedron, and triangular dipyramid), phyllotaxis-based patterns, spherical tiling patterns, and random arrangements. Stated differently, the extreme edge angle features disclosed herein are universally suitable for any dimple patterning techniques or templates. Likewise, the presently disclosed features are universally adapted regardless of other dimple characteristics, such as dimple diameter variety, dimple disparity, chord depth, coverage percentages, overall dimple quantity, dimple plan shape, dimple profile, and various other dimple specific parameters.

[0149] The golf ball dimples disclosed herein can have a plurality of dimple diameters. For example, each dimple pattern disclosed herein can have at least one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten dimple diameters.

[0150] In one aspect, the dimple diameters amongst the dimple patterns can span from 0.050 inches to 0.300 inches. In other aspect, the dimple diameters can be less than 0.050 inches or greater than 0.300 inches. In one aspect, the chord depth can be at least 0.002 inches and no greater than 0.020 inches. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the chord depth can vary.

[0151] In one example, the total number of dimples can be 200-500. In another aspect, the total number of dimples can be 300-400. In another example, the total number of dimples can be 275-450. In another particular embodiment, the total number of dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball is 400 or greater. In another particular embodiment, the total number of dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball is less than 400. In another particular embodiment, the total number of dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball is 300 or less. While golf balls of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular dimple count, in a particular embodiment, the golf ball can have a dimple count of 224 or 248 or 256 or 260 or 264 or 276 or 284 or 288 or 296 or 300 or 302 or 312 or 328 or 342 or 344 or 348 or 352 or 364 or 376 or 388. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the quantity of dimples could be less than or greater than the disclosed values.

[0152] In one example, the dimples can cover at least 60%, or 65%, or 70%, or 75%, or 80%, or 85% of the golf ball outer surface. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the surface coverage can be less than 60% in another example.

[0153] The golf ball dimple patterns of the present disclosure can be selected to achieve a particular desired lift coefficient, a desired appearance, and / or various desired aerodynamic characteristics. Dimple patterns that provide a high percentage of surface coverage are preferred, and are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,562,552, 5,575,477, 5,249,804, and 4,925,193, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein, disclose geometric patterns for positioning dimples on a golf ball.

[0154] For purposes of the present invention, dimples have the “same edge angle” if their respective edge angles differ by no more than 0.20°.

[0155] One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the term “dimple” includes any texturizing on the surface of a golf ball, e.g., depressions and projections, which may have a variety of planform shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, polygonal, oval, or irregular shapes, and a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, catenary, elliptical, or conical shapes.

[0156] The present disclosure may be used with any type of golf ball construction. For instance, the ball may have a two-piece construction, a double cover or veneer cover construction or other multi-layer constructions depending on the type of performance desired of the ball. Examples of these and other types of ball constructions that may be used with the present disclosure include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,801, 5,803,831, 5,885,172, 5,919,100, 5,965,669, 5,981,654, 5,981,658, and 6,149,535, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

[0157] In some specific aspects, the golf ball can be a two-piece golf ball with a rubber core and an ionomer cover. In another aspect, the golf ball can be a three-piece golf ball with a rubber core, ionomer casing, and urethane cover. In another aspect, the golf ball can be a three-piece golf ball with dual layer rubber core and an ionomer casing. In yet another aspect, the golf ball can be a four-piece golf ball with a dual layer rubber core, ionomer casing, and urethane cover. In other aspects, the golf ball can have a multi-layer construction with an ionomer, urethane, or hybrid material cover. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the materials used to form the golf ball can vary.

[0158] While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives stated above, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A golf ball including an outer layer having a dimple pattern including a plurality of dimples, wherein the dimple pattern is comprised of:(i) a plurality of shallow dimples (nshallow) having a shallow edge angle (EAshallow), and(ii) a plurality of deep dimples (ndeep) having a deep edge angle (EAdeep),wherein the sum of the plurality of shallow dimples (nshallow) and the plurality of deep dimples (ndeep) is equal to a total number of dimples (ntotal),the dimple pattern having an effective edge angle (EAeffective) defined by:EAeffective=(nshallow*EAshallow)+(ndeep*EAdeep)ntotalwherein the plurality of shallow dimples (nshallow) is at least 25% of the total number of dimples but no greater than 75% of the total number of dimples,wherein the plurality of deep dimples (ndeep) is at least 25% of the total number of dimples but no greater than 75% of the total number of dimples, andwherein the shallow edge angle (EAshallow) and the deep edge angle (EAdeep) are each at least 1.0° different than the effective edge angle (EAeffective).

2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 35% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 65% of the total number of dimples.

3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 45% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 55% of the total number of dimples.

4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 55% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 45% of the total number of dimples.

5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 65% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 35% of the total number of dimples.

6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shallow dimples is at least 75% of the total number of dimples, and the plurality of deep dimples is no greater than 25% of the total number of dimples.

7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAdeep−EAshallow≥1.5°.

8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAdeep−EAshallow≥2.5°.

9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAdeep−EAshallow≥3.5°.

10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAdeep−EAshallow≥4.5°.

11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAeffective−EAshallow≥0.5°.

12. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAeffective−EAshallow≥1.5°.

13. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAdeep−EAeffective≥1.5°.

14. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAeffective−EAshallow≥2.5°.

15. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAdeep−EAeffective≥2.5°.

16. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:|(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥1.0°.

17. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:|(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥1.5°.

18. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:|(EAdeep−EAeffective)−(EAeffective−EAshallow)|≥2.0°.

19. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:12.0°≤EAeffective≤15.5°.

20. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:13.0°≤EAeffective≤14.25°.

21. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:14.25°≤EAeffective≤15.5°.

22. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:12.0°≤EAshallow<EAeffective.

23. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAeffective<EAdeep≤20.0°.

24. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein:EAeffective<EAdeep≤19.0°.

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