GOLF BALL HAVING SPHERICAL TRIANGLE SEGMENTED DIMPLE PATTERN

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure can be ascertained from the following detailed description that is provided in connection with the drawings described below:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary golf ball divided by three reference planes.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary golf ball having a first orientation and annotations for a plurality of zones (i.e., zones A, A′, B, and B′).

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an exemplary golf ball having a second orientation and annotations for a plurality of zones (i.e., zones A, A′, B, and B′).

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the first orientation shown in FIG. 2A, and focused on a first zone (i.e., zone A) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the first orientation shown in FIG. 2A, and focused on a third zone (i.e., zone B) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the first orientation shown in FIG. 2A, and focused on a second zone (i.e., zone A′) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the first orientation shown in FIG. 2A, and focused on a fourth zone (i.e., zone B′) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the second orientation shown in FIG. 2B, and focused on a first zone (i.e., zone A) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3F is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the second orientation shown in FIG. 2B, and focused on a third zone (i.e., zone B) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3G is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the second orientation shown in FIG. 2B, and focused on a second zone (i.e., zone A′) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the second orientation shown in FIG. 2B, and focused on a fourth zone (i.e., zone B′) with annotations for an exemplary layout of spherical triangles.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the first zone (i.e., zone A) from FIG. 3A with annotations for an exemplary dimple pattern within respective spherical triangles.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the third zone (i.e., zone B) from FIG. 3B with annotations for an exemplary dimple pattern within respective spherical triangles.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the second zone (i.e., zone A′) from FIG. 3C with annotations for an exemplary dimple pattern within respective spherical triangles.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the fourth zone (i.e., zone B′) from FIG. 3D with annotations for an exemplary dimple pattern within respective spherical triangles.

FIG. 5A is a front view of an exemplary golf ball.

FIG. 5B is a rear view of an exemplary golf ball.

FIG. 5C is a top view (i.e., polar region view) of an exemplary golf ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The dimple pattern can have a maximum of first order rotational symmetry about any possible axis of the ball.

There can be at least two possible configurations for the golf ball, a first one in which the bottom hemisphere is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the top hemisphere (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D), and a second one in which the bottom hemisphere is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the top hemisphere (as shown in FIGS. 3E-3H). One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various other configurations can be provided that may include other rotational offsets between the hemispheres or movement of the zones relative to each other.

Each of the four zones A, A′, B, B′ can be divided into three spherical triangles of equal size, in one aspect.

The A zones can be comprised of a first spherical triangle 21 and two second spherical triangles 22. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the types of spherical triangles in each zone A can vary.

The A′ zones can be comprised of one first spherical triangle 21 and two third spherical triangles 22′. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the types of spherical triangles in each zone A′ can vary.

The B and B′ zones can both be comprised of a fourth spherical triangle 23, a fifth spherical triangle 24, and a sixth spherical triangle 24′. The compositions of the B and B′ zones can differ from each other either by the types of spherical triangles or by the relative positioning of the spherical triangles to each other in each zone.

The spherical triangles in each zone can vary based on the present disclosure as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.

The zones can be comprised of first zones A, second zones A′, third zones B, and fourth zones B′, such that the first and second hemispheres each consist of one first zone, one second zone, one third zone, and one fourth zone.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3E, and 4A, the first zone A can consist of three spherical triangles including at least one first spherical triangle 21 and at least one second spherical triangle 22. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3E, and 4A, the three spherical triangles of the first zone A can include a single first spherical triangle 21 and two second spherical triangles 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3C, 3G, and 4C, the second zone A′ can consist of three spherical triangles including at least one first spherical triangle 21 and at least one third spherical triangle 22′. As shown in FIGS. 3C, 3G, and 4C, the three spherical triangles of the second zone A′ can include a single first spherical triangle 21 and two third spherical triangles 22′.

As shown in FIGS. 3B, 3D, 3F, 3H, 4B, and 4D, the third zone B and the fourth zone B′ can each consist of three spherical triangles including a fourth spherical triangle 23, a fifth spherical triangle 24, and a sixth spherical triangle 24′.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can each have distinct dimple configurations.

A first subset of spherical triangles (i.e., spherical triangles 21, 23) can have a dimple configuration having mirror symmetry about a respective symmetry plane. A mirror symmetry plane (M₂₁) is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C for the first spherical triangle 21. In one aspect, a mirror symmetry plane (M₂₃) is shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D for the fourth spherical triangle 23. A mirror symmetry plane (M_A) for the first zone A, and a mirror symmetry plane (M_A′) for the second zone A′ are further illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4C.

A second subset of spherical triangles (i.e., spherical triangles 22, 22′, 24, 24′) can have a dimple configuration lacking mirror symmetry about any intersecting plane to the respective spherical triangle.

In one aspect, the first spherical triangle 21 and the fourth spherical triangle 23 can be disposed along the equatorial plane. In one aspect, a first subset of spherical triangles, i.e., the first and fourth spherical triangles 21, 23, can have dimple configurations with mirror symmetry about a respective symmetry plane.

In one aspect, a second subset of spherical triangles, i.e., the second spherical triangle 22, the third spherical triangle 22′, the fifth spherical triangle 24, and the sixth spherical triangle 24′, can lack mirror symmetry about any intersecting plane to the respective spherical triangle.

The second spherical triangle 22, the third spherical triangle 22′, the fifth spherical triangle 24, and the sixth spherical triangle 24′ can each be disposed adjacent to a polar axis of the golf ball. In one aspect, exactly two of the second spherical triangles 22, two of the third spherical triangles 22′, two of the fifth spherical triangles 24, and two of the sixth spherical triangles 24′ share a common vertex at a polar axis of the golf ball.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can each have an identical size relative to each other. The first zones A, the second zones A′, the third zones B, and the fourth zones B′ can each have distinct dimple patterns from each other.

In one aspect, two of the zones, such as first zones A and the second zones A′, can each be mirror symmetrical about a respective plane extending through a polar axis of the golf ball.

In one aspect, two of the zones, such as third zones B and the fourth zones B′, can each lack mirror symmetry about a respective plane extending through a polar axis of the golf ball.

The dimple pattern can have at most first order rotational symmetry about any axis of the golf ball.

The first hemisphere can have mirror symmetry about a first plane passing through the polar axis. The second hemisphere can have mirror symmetry about a second plane passing through the polar axis.

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

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

The golf ball can lack any dimple-free great circles, in one aspect.

In one aspect, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles can each be divided by spherical edges, two of which are considered spherical internal edges and are distinct from the spherical outer edges, the latter being coplanar with the zone edges.

The dimples can be configured within each of the four types of spherical triangles such that: (i) the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles each have a distinct dimple configuration, (ii) the first and third spherical triangles each have mirror symmetry across one plane intersecting the spherical triangle, and (iii) the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth spherical triangles do not have mirror symmetry across any plane intersecting the spherical triangle.

The zones are not rotationally symmetric about the geometric centroid of the zones, in one aspect.

A dimple may have a centroid that is coincident with the geometric centroid of a zone face, in one aspect. A dimple centroid can be coincident with a vertex of a zone, in one aspect. In one aspect, no dimple has a centroid that is coincident with the spherical edge between two zones.

A dimple having a centroid that is located along an edge is referred to herein as a shared dimple. All other dimples that do not have a centroid located along said edges can be considered non-shared dimples. If a majority of a dimple is located within a certain spherical triangle or zone, then that dimple is considered to be located within or belong to the associated spherical triangle or zone.

A dimple can have a centroid that is coincident with a spherical inner edge of a spherical triangle, in one aspect. A dimple having a centroid that is coincident with a spherical inner edge of a spherical triangle can be considered part of the two adjacent spherical triangles, with one half of the dimple is assigned to one spherical triangle, and the other half assigned to the second spherical triangle.

In one aspect, there are no dimple-free great circles on the golf ball. In another aspect, there is at least one dimple-free great circle on the golf ball.

In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 100 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 200 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 300 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 400 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 500 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 750 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of at least 900 dimples.

In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of no greater than 500 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of no greater than 400 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of no greater than 300 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of no greater than 200 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of no greater than 100 dimples.

In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 348 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 302 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 312 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 328 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 346 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 350 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 352 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 362 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 372 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 376 dimples. In another aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of exactly 388 dimples. In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of 346 dimples-388 dimples.

In one aspect, the first zone includes dimples having at least six different diameters. In one aspect, the second zone includes dimples having at least nine different diameters. In one aspect, the third zone includes dimples having at least nine different diameters. In one aspect, the fourth zone includes dimples having at least nine different diameters. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the zones can have dimples of various dimple diameters.

In one aspect, the dimple pattern can consist of: a first subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.100 inches-0.110 inches (i.e., “A” dimples); a second subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.110 inches-0.120 inches (i.e., “B” dimples); a third subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.115 inches-0.125 inches (i.e., “C” dimples); a fourth subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.123 inches-0.133 inches (i.e., “D” dimples); a fifth subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.138 inches-0.148 inches (i.e., “E” dimples); a sixth subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.143 inches-0.153 inches (i.e., “F” dimples); a seventh subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.148 inches-0.158 inches (i.e., “G” dimples); an eighth subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.158 inches-0.168 inches (i.e., “H” dimples); a ninth subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.163 inches-0.173 inches (i.e., “I” dimples); a tenth subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.173 inches-0.183 inches (i.e., “J” dimples); and an eleventh subset of dimples having a diameter of 0.185 inches-0.195 inches (i.e., “K” dimples).

In one aspect, Table 1 defines further parameters of the dimple pattern according to one specific example. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the diameters and quantities of dimples can vary.

TABLE 1
Dimple		Quantity
Diameter Label	Diameter (inches)	per Hemisphere

A	0.105	3
B	0.115	2
C	0.120	3
D	0.128	20
E	0.143	14
F	0.148	3
G	0.153	32
H	0.163	36
I	0.168	38
J	0.178	20
K	0.190	10

In one aspect, no dimples are shared by the zones. In other aspects, there can be at least one shared dimple or multiple shared dimples.

In one aspect, there are at least three dimples in each zone that are shared by spherical triangles. In another aspect, no dimple has a centroid that is coincident with the geometric centroid of the zone. In another aspect, no more than two of the zones contain at least one dimple having the minimum dimple diameter. Each of the four zones in each hemisphere can contain at least one dimple having the minimum dimple diameter.

In one aspect, a subset of preferred polar dimples having the same diameter and having centroids at the same polar latitudinal angle do not have the minimum or maximum dimple diameter. In another aspect, the dimples among the subset of preferred polar dimples can have a maximum dimple diameter or a minimum dimple diameter.

In another aspect, the number or quantity of dimples within the subset of preferred polar dimples having the same diameter and centroids at the same polar latitudinal degree is less than the number of zones comprising each hemisphere. The number of dimples within the subset of preferred polar dimples can be greater than the number of zones within each hemisphere.

The configuration of dimples for the polar axis of the golf ball can be arranged according to a specific methodology or pattern. In one aspect, the subset of preferred polar dimples can be located in or shared by at least one of the third spherical triangles 22′ and at least one of the fifth spherical triangle 24, and can correspond to the positions of retractable pins for retractable pin injection molding (RPIM). In another aspect, the subset of preferred polar dimples can correspond to the positions of critical or significant elements or features associated with any one or more of reaction injection-molding (RIM), liquid injection-molding, compression molding, casting, etc.

In one specific arrangement, the subset of preferred polar dimples can have centroids that are disposed no more than 30 degrees from the nearest pole. In another aspect, the subset of preferred polar dimples can have centroids that are disposed no more than 20 degrees from the nearest pole. In another aspect, the subset of preferred polar dimples can have centroids that are disposed no more than 10 degrees from the nearest pole.

The quantity of the dimples within the subset of preferred polar dimples in each hemisphere and the quantity of the zones in each hemisphere can vary, as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate based on this disclosure.

With respect to the poles, the dimple pattern can include dimples of an identical diameter whose centroids share a common latitudinal degree coordinate but whose longitudinal degree difference or offset is identical to a hemisphere segment or zone degree span. For example, there can be three dimples with an identical diameter that are disposed at the same common latitude and are spaced from each other by 120 degrees longitudinally, and the hemispheres can be divided into four equal zones (which can each be defined by a 90 degree longitudinal span).

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, there can be three dimples within the subset of preferred polar dimples (annotated as dimples 30 in FIG. 5C), with one arranged in a fifth spherical triangle, another one arranged in a different fifth spherical triangle, and another one shared between two adjacent third spherical triangles. In one aspect, at least one dimple among the subset of preferred polar dimples can have a centroid that is coincident with a mirror symmetry plane of a zone, i.e., mirror symmetry plane M_A of zone A. In one aspect, a centroid of at least one dimple of the subset of preferred polar dimples is non-coincident with a spherical edge defined between adjacent zones. In one aspect, a centroid of at least one dimple among the subset of preferred polar dimples is coincident with a spherical edge defined between adjacent spherical triangles.

The subset of preferred polar dimples can correspond to a third subset (i.e., “C” dimples), in one aspect. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the dimple diameter of the polar region dimples can vary, and the subset of preferred polar dimples can correspond to A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and/or K dimples.

The subset of preferred polar dimples 30 are disposed at the same common latitude, i.e., the polar latitude angle (θ), and are spaced from each other by 120 degrees longitudinally. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 30 degrees, in one aspect. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 25 degrees, in one aspect. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 20 degrees, in another aspect. The polar latitude angle (θ) is no greater than 10 degrees, in another aspect.

In RPIM techniques for golf ball covers, the retractable pins can be configured to move in and out of the cavity vertically, and can be disposed on a bolt circle large enough to provide stability to a centered golf ball sub-assembly that is dropped into place, and also close enough to the pole in order to be retracted as late as possible. Additionally, stationary vent pins can be disposed nearest to the pole to allow for prolonged off-gassing, thereby improving knit in the injected thermoplastic material. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pole configuration that addresses various challenges of RPIM while simultaneously promoting a high level of geometric symmetry. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides benefits with respect to manufacturing techniques while allowing for various dimple pattern designs for varying flight orientations and aerodynamic packages.

The dimple pattern can include 300-400 dimples, in one aspect. The dimple pattern can include 100-700 dimples, or 250-550 dimples, or at least 600 dimples, or less than 225 dimples in other aspects. The golf ball can lack any dimple-free great circles, in one aspect.

The plurality of dimples can include dimples of at least one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or more than eleven different dimple diameters, in one aspect.

In one aspect, aspects of the present configuration provide an improved ability for forming the cover on the golf ball, particularly during various formation techniques, such as reaction injection-molding (RIM), retractable pin injection-molding (RPIM), liquid injection-molding, compression molding, casting, as well as other formation techniques.

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Numerical quantities given in this description are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like are used to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

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