Abstract:
A golf ball is provided having a dimpled surface, the configuration of the dimples comprising a dimple-free equatorial line on the ball dividing the ball into two hemispheres, with each hemisphere having substantially identical dimple patterns. The dimple pattern of each hemisphere comprises a first plurality of dimples extending in at least two spaced clockwise arcs between the pole and the equator of each hemisphere, a second plurality of dimples extending in at least two spaced counterclockwise arcs between the pole and the equator of each hemisphere, and a third plurality of dimples substantially filling the surface area between the first and second plurality of dimples.

Description:
This invention relates generally to golf balls and more particularly to the arrangement of dimples on a golf ball and the method of arranging such dimples. 
     Dimples are used on golf balls as a standard means for controlling and improving the flight of the golf ball. One of the basic criteria for the use of dimples is to attempt to cover the maximum surface of the ball with dimples without incurring any detrimental effects which would influence the aerodynamic symmetry of the ball. Such aerodynamic symmetry is necessary in order to satisfy the requirements of the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.). Aerodynamic symmetry means that the ball must fly substantially the same with little variation no matter how it is placed on the tee or on the ground. 
     In British Patent Provisional Specification Serial No. 377,354, filed May 22, 1931, in the name of John Vernon Pugh, there is disclosed various triangular configurations which may be used to establish dimple patterns that are geometrical and which would also be aerodynamically symmetrical. Pugh uses a number of geometrical patterns wherein he inscribes a regular polyhedron of various types in order to provide such symmetry. The details of plotting and locating the dimples is described in the above-mentioned provisional specification. 
     The problem arises with the Pugh icosahedral golf ball in that there is no equatorial line on the ball which does not pass through some of the dimples. Since golf balls are molded and manufactured by two hemispherical half molds normally having straight edges, the ball as it comes from the mold has a flash line about the equatorial line created by the two hemispheres of the mold. Even if the ball could be molded with dimples on the flash line, the ball could not be properly cleaned and finished in any efficient manner since the flash could not be cleaned from the bottom of the dimple without individual treatment of each dimple. 
     Many proposals have been made and, in fact, many balls have been produced using modifications of the Pugh polyhedron concept, which leave an equatorial dimple-free line and still substantially maintain aerodynamic symmetry. 
     Other various proposals have been made and balls have been conformed which use differing means for locating the dimples on a golf ball. One such means is the use of a plurality of great circles about the ball, which great circles form triangles which include the dimples to be used on the golf ball. Again, these balls provide for an equatorial line free of dimples so that they may be molded. 
     There is a constant striving for dimple configurations which provide the necessary aerodynamic symmetry and which still allow for the maximum surface coverage on the golf ball. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a golf ball having dimples on the surface which assume a unique symmetry about the surface of the ball so that the ball will fly equally well regardless of its position on the tee. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide a method for locating dimples on the surface of a ball so as to achieve aerodynamic symmetry. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to use a surface pattern for locating dimples on a golf ball which includes opposed arcs extending clockwise and counterclockwise between the pole and equator of the ball. 
     These and other objects of the invention will become obvious from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A golf ball is provided having a dimpled surface, the configuration of the dimples comprising a dimple-free equatorial line on the ball dividing the ball into two hemispheres, with each hemisphere having substantially identical dimple patterns. The dimple pattern of each hemisphere comprises a first plurality of dimples extending in at least two spaced clockwise arcs between the pole and the equator of each hemisphere, a second plurality of dimples extending in at least two spaced counterclockwise arcs between the pole and the equator of each hemisphere, and a third plurality of dimples substantially filling the surface area between said first and second pluralities of dimples. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a view of a golf ball along an offset line from the equator line of the ball indicating the pole position; 
     FIG. 2 is a showing of the ball of FIG. 1 with the arcuate clockwise and counterclockwise lines drawn on the surface thereof; 
     FIG. 3 is a polar view of the ball of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a polar view of the ball of FIG. 3 showing the location of dimples at the crossing points of the arcuate lines; 
     FIG. 5 is a polar view of the ball of FIG. 4 having additional dimples added along the arcuate lines; 
     FIG. 6 is a polar view of the ball of FIG. 5 modified by using different dimple sizes to avoid intersecting dimples; 
     FIG. 7 is a polar view of the ball of FIG. 6 with further dimples of different sizes being placed in the area between the dimples forming the arcuate lines; 
     FIG. 8 is an offset view of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a view taken along an offset line from the equator line of the ball showing the finished ball without the arcuate lines thereon; 
     FIGS. 10-18 disclose some alternate arcuate configurations for providing further embodiments of the golf ball as disclosed in FIG. 9; and 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic showing of the measurement of dimple depth and diameter. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The drawings basically show a dimpled ball and a method for providing the dimple configuration of the present invention on the surface of a golf ball. It is to be stressed that the primary consideration in the basic concept of dimple configuration and all of the embodiments resulting therefrom is directed to the aspect of dimple symmetry so that the ball will have the necessary aerodynamic symmetry in flight regardless of its position on the tee or ground. FIGS. 1-9 disclose one embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a basic golf ball 11 having a surface which has no dimples thereon. In approaching the dimple configuration, one begins with an equatorial line E--E which in all cases must be dimple-free. This equatorial line obviously creates a pole P at the top and the bottom of the ball. 
     The basic concept of the present invention is to use sets of arcuate lines extending between the pole and the equator on each hemisphere of the ball. In order to obtain the symmetry desired, both hemispheres have dimple configurations which are substantially identical. FIGS. 1-9 show the development of one specific dimple configuration, resulting in one embodiment of the present invention. In this particular configuration, four sets of opposing clockwise and counterclockwise arcs are used to establish the basic dimple pattern. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, four arcs 13, 15, 17, and 19 originate at pole P and extend clockwise about the surface of the hemisphere and terminate at equator E--E. Four counterclockwise arcs 21, 23, 25, and 27 extend in like manner and equivalent arcuate configuration counterclockwise about the hemisphere of the ball from pole P to equator E--E. FIG. 3 shows a polar view of the arcs shown in FIG. 2. 
     In order to obtain symmetry, the present invention provides that dimples be placed along the lines of the arcs extending between pole P and equator E--E. 
     While various approaches could be taken to commence with the arrangement of these dimples, it is preferable that the dimples be originally located at each point wherein the clockwise and counterclockwise arcs intersect. This is specifically shown in FIG. 4, wherein dimples 31, all having the same diameter, have been placed so that their centers are substantially over the intersecting points of the arcs. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, additional dimples are added to the lines so that they substantially fill the arcs with dimples between pole P and equator E--E. As can be seen from FIG. 5, use of dimples of the same size will result in overlapping dimples such as indicated at 33. Although overlapping dimples may be used, it is preferable to cover the maximum amount of the surface of the ball while eliminating most or all such overlaps. 
     Turning to FIG. 6, it can be seen that one solution for eliminating the overlaps while still striving towards the coverage of the surface is to use dimples having different sizes. In this particular embodiment three different size dimples are used. The largest dimples 31 are of the diameter with which the method began, with the smaller dimples 35 and yet smaller dimples 37 being also used. FIG. 6 discloses the use of such dimples along the arcs so as to eliminate overlapping of any of the dimples. 
     It is noted that each of the clockwise arcs may include the identical pattern of dimples, including number, size, and location. Likewise, each of the counterclockwise arcs may include the identical pattern of dimples, including number, size, and location. This provides the symmetry which is discussed above. 
     The same criterion of maximum dimple coverage is used to complete the ball. FIG. 7 illustrates the use of dimples of three different sizes within the areas between the dimples which lie along the arcuate lines. 
     FIG. 8 is a view taken along an offset line from the equator showing the same dimple arrangement as FIG. 7. 
     FIG. 9 is a showing of the ball of FIG. 8 without any arcuate lines. 
     In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-9, three different size dimples are used. The dimples have the following diameters D and depths d: 
     
         ______________________________________D1 = 0.165 Inch          d1 = 0.0113 InchD2 = 0.140 Inch          d2 = 0.0099 InchD3 = 0.110 Inch          d3 = 0.0076 Inch______________________________________ 
    
     FIG. 19 illustrates the standard measurement technique for dimple diameter and depth. 
     As will be evident from viewing the drawings, the adjustment of the dimples not only relates to using dimples of different diameters, but also to small adjustments of the location of the center of the dimples. 
     It should be noted that if a particular configuration of dimples is not within acceptable standards relative to aerodynamic symmetry, it is common practice to make minor modifications in dimple location and dimple depth without departing from the basic dimple pattern. 
     The ball of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is based on the four sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs, with each arc being substantially helical and extending 360° about the hemisphere between the pole and the equator. There are a total of 410 dimples, with 138 dimples having a diameter D1, 160 dimples having a diameter D2, and 112 dimples having a diameter D3. Each arc includes a common polar dimple D1, eight additional dimples having a diameter D1, nine dimples having a diameter D2, and two dimples having a diameter D3. As can be seen, each of the arcs share one dimple at the point of intersection of any two arcs. The hemispherical coordinates and the diameter of each dimple are indicated in the following chart: 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________DIMPLE LATITUDE       LONGITUDE      DIMPLENUMBER Degrees      Minutes           Seconds                Degrees                     Minutes                          Second                               DIAMETER__________________________________________________________________________ 1    0    0    0     0   0    0    0.165 2    11   53   30    0   0    0    0.110 3    11   53   30    45  0    0    0.140 4    11   53   30    90  0    0    0.110 5    11   53   30   135  0    0    0.140 6    11   53   30   180  0    0    0.110 7    11   53   30   225  0    0    0.140 8    11   53   30   270  0    0    0.110 9    11   53   30   315  0    0    0.14010    18   32   0     19  6    45   0.11011    18   32   0     70  53   15   0.11012    18   32   0    109  6    45   0.11013    18   32   0    160  53   15   0.11014    18   32   0    199  6    45   0.11015    18   32   0    250  53   15   0.11016    18   32   0    289  6    45   0.11017    18   32   0    340  53   15   0.11018    22   24   0     45  0    0    0.16519    22   24   0    135  0    0    0.16520    22   24   0    225  0    0    0.16521    22   24   0    315  0    0    0.16522    23   27   45    0   0    0    0.11023    23   27   45    90  0    0    0.11024    23   27   45   180  0    0    0.11025    23   27   45   270  0    0    0.11026    28   45   15    25  39   0    0.14027    28   45   15    64  21   0    0.14028    28   45   15   115  39   0    0.14029    28   45   15   154  21   0    0.14030    28   45   15   205  39   0    0.14031    28   45   15   244  21   0    0.14032    28   45   15   295  39   0    0.14033    28   45   15   334  21   0    0.14034    30   53   45    8   17   0    0.11035    30   53   45    81  43   0    0.11036    30   53   45    98  17   0    0.11037    30   53   45   171  43   0    0.11038    30   53   45   188  17   0    0.11039    30   53   45   261  43   0    0.11040    30   53   45   278  17   0    0.11041    30   53   45   351  43   0    0.11042    33   55   45    45  0    0    0.16543    33   55   45   135  0    0    0.16544    33   55   45   225  0    0    0.16545    33   55   45   315  0    0    0.16546    37   40   15    0   0    0    0.11047    37   40   15    90  0    0    0.11048    37   40   15   180  0    0    0.11049    37   40   15   270  0    0    0.11050    38   13   15    28  43   0    0.14051    38   13   15    61  17   0    0.14052    38   13   15   118  43   0    0.14053    38   13   15   151  17   0    0.14054    38   13   15   208  43   0    0.14055    38   13   15   241  17   0    0.14056    38   13   15   298  43   0    0.14057    38   13   15   331  17   0    0.14058    41   7    30    13  57   0    0.14059    41   7    30    76  3    0    0.14060    41   7    30   103  57   0    0.14061    41   7    30   166  3    0    0.14062    41   7    30   193  57   0    0.14063    41   7    30   256  3    0    0.14064    41   7    30   283  57   0    0.14065    41   7    30   346  3    0    0.14066    44   31   0     39  0    15   0.11067    44   31   0     50  59   45   0.11068    44   31   0    129  0    15   0.11069    44   31   0    140  59   45   0.11070    44   31   0    219  0    15   0.11071    44   31   0    230  59   45   0.11072    44   31   0    309  0    15   0.11073    44   31   0    320  59   45   0.11074    47   47   15    0   0    0    0.14075    47   47   15    90  0    0    0.14076    47   47   15   180  0    0    0.14077    47   47   15   270  0    0    0.14078    49   27   0     21  28   45   0.14079    49   27   0     68  31   15   0.14080    49   27   0    111  28   45   0.14081    49   27   0    158  31   15   0.14082    49   27   0    201  28   45   0.14083    49   27   0    248  31   15   0.14084    49   27   0    291  28   45   0.14085    49   27   0    338  31   15   0.14086    52   21   45    33  13   15   0.14087    52   21   45    56  46   45   0.14088    52   21   45   123  13   15   0.14089    52   21   45   146  46   45   0.14090    52   21   45   213  13   15   0.14091    52   21   45   236  46   45   0.14092    52   21   45   303  13   15   0.14093    52   21   45   326  46   45   0.14094    53   51   30    10  14   15   0.14095    53   51   30    79  45   45   0.14096    53   51   30   100  14   15   0.14097    53   51   30   169  45   45   0.14098    53   51   30   190  14   15   0.14099    53   51   30   259  45   45   0.140100   53   51   30   280  14   15   0.140101   53   51   30   349  45   45   0.140102   56   28   15    45  0    0    0.165103   56   28   15   135  0    0    0.165104   56   28   15   225  0    0    0.165105   56   28   15   315  0    0    0.165106   58   51   0     0   0    0    0.140107   58   51   0     90  0    0    0.140108   58   51   0    180  0    0    0.140109   58   51   0    270  0    0    0.140110   61   8    30    24  2    0    0.165111   61   8    30    65  58   0    0.165112   61   8    30   114  2    0    0.165113   61   8    30   155  58   0    0.165114   61   8    30   204  2    0    0.165115   61   8    30   245  58   0    0.165116   61   8    30   294  2    0    0.165117   61   8    30   335  58   0    0.165118   64   13   0     11  20   30   0.165119   64   13   0     78  39   30   0.165120   64   13   0    101  20   30   0.165121   64   13   0    168  39   30   0.165122   64   13   0    191  20   30   0.165123   64   13   0    258  39   30   0.165124   64   13   0    281  20   30   0.165125   64   13   0    348  39   30   0.165126   65   4    15    34  34   15   0.110127   65   4    15    55  25   45   0.110128   65   4    15   124  34   15   0.110129   65   4    15   145  25   45   0.110130   65   4    15   214  34   15   0.110131   65   4    15   235  25   45   0.110132   65   4    15   304  34   15   0.110133   65   4    15   325  25   45   0.110134   67   50   15    45  0    0    0.165135   67   50   15   135  0    0    0.165136   67   50   15   225  0    0    0.165137   67   50   15   315  0    0    0.165138   69   25   30    0   0    0    0.140139   69   25   30    90  0    0    0.140140   69   25   30   180  0    0    0.140141   69   25   30   270  0    0    0.140142   72   42   30    21  18   0    0.165143   72   42   30    68  42   0    0.165144   72   42   30   111  18   0    0.165145   72   42   30   158  42   0    0.165146   72   42   30   201  18   0    0.165147   72   42   30   248  42   0    0.165148   72   42   30   291  18   0    0.165149   72   42   30   338  42   0    0.165150   74   42   0     33  5    0    0.165151   74   42   0     56  55   0    0.165152   74   42   0    123  5    0    0.165153   74   42   0    146  55   0    0.165154   74   42   0    213  5    0    0.165155   74   42   0    236  55   0    0.165156   74   42   0    303  5    0    0.165157   74   42   0    326  55   0    0.165158   75   34   0     9   26   30   0.165159   75   34   0     80  33   30   0.165160   75   34   0     99  26   30   0.165161   75   34   0    170  33   30   0.165162   75   34   0    189  26   30   0.165163   75   34   0    260  33   30   0.165164   75   34   0    279  26   30   0.165165   75   34   0    350  33   30   0.165166   79   8    15    45  0    0    0.165167   79   8    15   135  0    0    0.165168   79   8    15   225  0    0    0.165169   79   8    15   315  0    0    0.165170   79   18   0     0   0    0    0.110171   79   18   0     90  0    0    0.110172   79   18   0    180  0    0    0.110173   79   18   0    270  0    0    0.110174   83   47   15    24  36   45   0.165175   83   47   15    65  23   15   0.165176   83   47   15   114  36   45   0.165177   83   47   15   155  23   15   0.165178   83   47   15   204  36   45   0.165179   83   47   15   245  23   15   0.165180   83   47   15   294  36   45   0.165181   83   47   15   335  23   15   0.165182   84   46   45    35  54   15   0.140183   84   46   45    54  5    45   0.140184   84   46   45   125  54   15   0.140185   84   46   45   144  5    45   0.140186   84   46   45   215  54   15   0.140187   84   46   45   234  5    45   0.140188   84   46   45   305  54   15   0.140189   84   46   45   324  5    45   0.140190   85   0    15    14  6    30   0.140191   85   0    15    75  53   30   0.140192   85   0    15   104  6    30   0.140193   85   0    15   165  53   30   0.140194   85   0    15   194  6    30   0.140195   85   0    15   255  53   30   0.140196   85   0    15   284  6    30   0.140197   85   0    15   345  53   30   0.140198   85   39   15    4   54   15   0.110199   85   39   15    85  5    45   0.110200   85   39   15    94  54   15   0.110201   85   39   15   175  5    45   0.110202   85   39   15   184  54   15   0.110203   85   39   15   265  5    45   0.110204   85   39   15   274  54   15   0.110205   85   39   15   355  5    45   0.110__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     In order to further enhance the aerodynamic symmetry of the golf ball, the opposed hemispheres may be rotated relative to each other about an axis extending through the poles of the hemispheres. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, these hemispheres have been rotated 45°. The desired optimum rotation will depend primarily upon how many sets of arcs are used. 
     The ball described in FIGS. 1-9 has been tested and meets U.S.G.A. requirements relative to aerodynamic symmetry. 
     In order to obtain the proper results, at least two sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs must be used. The number of sets used may be varied, however, and still obtain the same desired aerodynamically symmetrical results. Additionally, the arcs could extend less than or more than 360° and still provide practical data lines and points for the proper placement of dimples. It should be further noted that the diameter of the dimples is not limited to three different diameters, but may be varied in a manner which is considered to be desirable. Obviously, different configurations using different diameter dimples may be used in order to provide a greater surface coverage; but use of the same diameter dimples will result in a useable ball. 
     The embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-18 disclose different arc configurations. For clarity purposes, the dimples are not shown on these configurations; but the placement of such dimples would be obvious when following the method previously described relative to the ball of FIGS. 1-9. It is also to be understood that the disclosed configurations are not to be considered as limiting the invention, but merely as examples of various embodiments which may be used under the invention. 
     FIG. 10 discloses a configuration using six sets of clockwise and counterclockwise arcs which extend 360° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 11 discloses a configuration using seven sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs, with each arc extending 270° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 12 discloses a configuration using five sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs which extend 270° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 13 discloses a configuration using five sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs which extend 360° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 14 discloses a configuration using four sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs extending 450° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 15 discloses a configuration having eight sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs extending 270° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 16 discloses a configuration having six sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs extending 270° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 17 discloses a configuration having three sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs extending 450° between the pole and the equator. 
     FIG. 18 discloses a configuration having three sets of opposed clockwise and counterclockwise arcs extending 540° between the pole and the equator. 
     It is to be understood the above description and drawings are illustrative only since modifications could be made without departing from the invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims.