CA2048744A1 - Golf ball - Google Patents
Golf ballInfo
- Publication number
- CA2048744A1 CA2048744A1 CA002048744A CA2048744A CA2048744A1 CA 2048744 A1 CA2048744 A1 CA 2048744A1 CA 002048744 A CA002048744 A CA 002048744A CA 2048744 A CA2048744 A CA 2048744A CA 2048744 A1 CA2048744 A1 CA 2048744A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- dimples
- golf ball
- zone
- uncircular
- spherical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0006—Arrangement or layout of dimples
- A63B37/00065—Arrangement or layout of dimples located around the pole or the equator
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0004—Surface depressions or protrusions
- A63B37/0007—Non-circular dimples
- A63B37/0009—Polygonal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/0023—Covers
- A63B37/0024—Materials other than ionomers or polyurethane
- A63B37/0026—Balata
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/005—Cores
- A63B37/0051—Materials other than polybutadienes; Constructional details
- A63B37/0052—Liquid cores
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/0003—Golf balls
- A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
- A63B37/0077—Physical properties
- A63B37/0096—Spin rate
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A golf ball having circular dimples and uncircular dimples arranged in a different percentages depending on spherical zones, whereby a favorable aerodynamic property is obtained by eliminating the difference in trajectories between line hitting and face hitting.
A golf ball having circular dimples and uncircular dimples arranged in a different percentages depending on spherical zones, whereby a favorable aerodynamic property is obtained by eliminating the difference in trajectories between line hitting and face hitting.
Description
~a'~7~4 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a golf ball, and more particularly, to the golf ball having an improved aerodynamic symmetrical propert~ which can be accomplished by arranging dimples of different surface configurations on the surface thereof.
Description of the Related Arts Normally, 280 to 540 dimples are formed on the surface of the golf ~all. The function of dimples is to reduce pressure resistance to the ~olf ball and improve dynamic lift thereof. More specifically, in order to lift it high in air, the separation point between air and the upper surface thereof is required to be as back ward as possible compared with the separation point between air and the lower 8urface thereof so as to make air pressure exist-ing above it smaller than that existing below it. In order to accelerate the separation of air existing above it from the upper surface thereof, it is necessary to make the air current in the periphery thereof tuxbulent. In this sense, a dimple which makes the air current around the golf ball turbulent is aerodynamically superior.
Since the golf ball is molded by a pair of upper and lower semispherical molds having dimple patterns, dimples cannot be arranged on the parting line corresponding 7 ~ ~
to the connecting face of the upper and lower molds.
Therefore, one great circle path corresponding to the parting line unintersecting any dimples is formed on the surface of the golf ball.
As the surface configuration of the dimple, circu-lar, elliptic, polygonal or the like is adopted. The golf ball has dimples of the same surface configuration or various surface configurations formed on the surface there-of.
In view of dimple effect, the surface of the golf ball may be divided into a spherical zone in the vicinity of a great circle path unintersecting any dimples and other spherical zone with respect to the great circle path.
According to conventional methods of arranging dimples of different surface configurations, both spherical zones have the same dimple arrangement, i.e., dimples are uniformly arranged throughout the ~urface of the golf ball.
When dimples of different configurations are arranged on the surface of the golf ball uniformly in both spherical zones, the dimple effect in the spherical zone in the vicinity of the great circle path is differentiated from the other spherical zone due to the existence of the great circle path. Consequently, the following problem occurs in the aerodynamic symmetrical property of the golf ball.
g~
It is preferable that the golf ball flies in the same trajectory each tim~ it flies. That is, preferably, the trajectory height, flight time, and flight distance of the golf ball is the same, respectively regardless of whether or not its rotational axis in its backspin coincides with the great circle path. But actually, dimple effect is varied ac~ording to a rotational axis, namely, whether or not a circumference which ro~ates fastest in its backspin coincides with the great circle path.
More specifically, in line hitting, i.e., when the golf ball rotates in its backspin such that a circumference which rotates fastest in its backspin coincides with the great circle path, the dimple effect of making air current around the golf ball turbulent is smaller than the dimple effect obtained in face hitting, i.e., when the golf ball rotates in its backspin Such that a circumference whiCh rotates fastest in its backspin does not coincide with the great circle path. That iS, the tra jectory height of the golf ball is lower and consequently the flight time thereof in line hitting is shorter than those in face hitting.
If the golf ball has a different flight perfor-mance according to a rotational axis, i.e., if the golf ball has an unfavorable aerodynamic property, a player~s ability cannot be displayed.
In order to solve the above-described problem, methods for manufacturing golf balls having no great circles are proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication 64-8983 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publica-tion No. 62-47379. However, due to various problems, these methods are incapable of putting golf balls on the market.
Such being the case, golf balls commercially available have at least one great circle path.
SUMMARY OF THE INV~I~rION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf ball, having at least one great circle path formed on the surface thereof, in which a favorable aerody-namic property is obtained by eliminating the difference in tra~ectories between line hitting and face hitting.
In accomplishing these and other ob~ects, a golf ball according to the present invention has dimples of different configurations, namely, circular and uncircular dimples having effect of making air current turbulent.
Circular dimples and uncircular dimples are arranged in a different percentage depending on spherical zones, namely, in an (L) spherical zone in the vicinity of the great circle and an (F) spherical zone other than ~L) spherical zone.
That is, in (~) spherical zone, uncircular dimples are arranged in a percenta~e higher than circular dimples while in (F) spherical zone, circular dimples are arranged in a ~ A
percentage higher than uncircular dimples. Thus, dimple effect of (L) spherical zone is equal to that of (F) spheri- :
cal zone.
More specifically, a golf ball according to the present invention has dimples on the surface thereof and at least one great circle path unintersecting the dimples in which supposing that a spherical zone ranging from the great circle to each circumference formed in correspondence with a central angle of less than approximately 15 wi~h respect to the great circle is represented as an (L) spherical zone and a spherical zone other than the (L) spherical zone is represented as an (F) spherical zone, uncircular dimples are arranqed in the (L) spherical zone in more than 60~ of all dimples arranged in the (~) spherical zone and circular dimples are arranged in the (F) spherical zone in more than 60~ of all dimples arranged in the (F) spherical zone. The surface configuration of each of the uncircular dimples is re~ular polygonal.
According to the golf ball of the present inven-tion, the dimple effect of (L) zone is increased by arrang-ing uncircular dimples in (L) spherical zone in more than 60% of all dimples arranged in (IJ) sphexical zone and circular dimples in (F) spherical zone in more than 60% of all dimples arranged in ~F) spherical zone. Tl.us, the dimple effect reduced in (L~ zone by the great circle is compensated so that the dimple effect of (L) spherical zone is equal to that of (F) spherical zone.
The reason dimple effect in (L) spherical zone is increased is that an uncircular dimple has effect of making air current more turbulent than a circular dimple as de-scribed above. That is, the air current in the periphery of the cixcular dimple, for example, d-l as shown in Fig. 1 is smooth while the air current in the periphery of the uncircular dimples, for example, d-2, d-3, and d-4 as shown in Fig. 2, 3, and 4, respectively makes air current turbu-lent when air current runs against the edge of the uncircular dimple.
According to the above construction, when the golf ball is line-hit, i.e., when it rotates about a rotational axis, the circumference of which coincides with the great circle, dimple effect of (L) spherical ~one can be improved because uncircular dimples are arranged in the vicinity of the great circle in more th~n 60~ of all dimples arranged therein. Thus, the tra~ectory height, flight time, and flight distance of the golf ball in line hitting are similar to those in face hitting. That is, the golf ball has an equal flight performance wherever it is hit, namely, irre-spective of a rotational axis in its backspin.
The central angle made by a circumference which divides the golf ball into (L) spherical zone and (F) ,3 7 ~ ~
spherical zone is not limited to 15, but determined by the number of great circles. If one to two great circles are formed on the surface of the golf ball, preferably, the central angle of the circumference is 20~ while if three great circles are formed on the surface thereof, the line connecting the circumference and the center of the golf ball with each other makes 10 with the line connecting the center of ~he golf ball and each great circle with each other. Since the area of (L) spherical zone increases with the increase of the number of great circles, it is favorable to ~educe the area of each (L) spherical zone so that the golf ball has a favorable aerodynamic property. According-ly, the central angle of each circumference is decreased from 20~ to 10 with the increase of the number of great circle paths.
The dimple arranged in (~) spherical aone means that the center of the dimple is positioned in (L) spherical zone and similarly, the dimple arranged in (F) spherical zone means that the center of the dimple is positioned in (F) sphexical zone. The center of an uncircular dimple as shown in Fig. 4 is the center of gravity of the surface configuration thereof.
BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~ hese and other ob~e~ts and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following 7 ~ ~
description taken in conjunction with the pxeferred embodi-ment~ thereof with reference to the accompanying drawing~, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic ~iew showing air current on a circular dimple;
Fig. 2 iS a schematic view showing air current on an uncircular dimple;
Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing air current on an uncircular dimple;
Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing air current on an uncircular dimple;
Fig. 5 is a front view showing a golf ball accord-ing to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the golf ball shown in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 iS a front ViQW showing an L spherical zone and an F spherical zone of the golf ball according to the first embodiment of the pre8ent invention;
Fig. 8 is a descriptive view for describing the boundary line between L spherical zone and F spherical zone;
Fig. 9 is a front view showing a golf ball accord-ing to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 10 is a plan view of the golf ball shown in Fig. 9;
~J ~ L~
Fig. 11 is a front view showing L spherical zone and F spherical zone of a golf ball according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a front view showing a golf ball according to a first comparative example;
Fig. 13 is a plan view of the golf ball shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a front view showing L spherical zone and F spherical zone of the golf ball according to the first comparative example;
Fig. 15 is a front view showing a golf ball according to a second comparative example;
Fig. 16 is a plan view showing the golf ball according to the second comparative example; and Fig. 17 is a front view showing L spherical zone and F spherical zone of the golf ball according to the second comparative example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVENT~ON
Before the description of the present invention proceeds, it i5 to be noted that like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
7 ~ L~, Referring to Figs. 5, 6, and 7 showing a golf ball Gl in accordance with a first embodiment of the present in~ention, dimples of the golf ball Gl are arranged based on regular octahedral arrangement, i.e., the spherical surface of the golf ball Gl is divided into areas corresponding to the faces of a regular octahedron to form eight identical spherical equilateral triangles. The golf ball Gl has three great circle paths 1, 2, and 3 unintersecting dimples.
Since the golf ball Gl has three great circles, the central angle of each bounda~y circumference (X) divid-ing the surface of the golf ball into two æones, an (L) spherical zone and an (F) spherical zone is set to ~ = 10 as shown in Fig. 8 for the reason described previously.
More specifically, the line connecting each boundary circum-ference (X) with the Center Of the golf ball makes 10 with the line connecting each great circle path 1, 2, and 3 with the center of the golf ball G1. (~) zone ranges from each great circle peth 1, 2, and 3 to each boundary circumference tx)~ (F) zone i8 the region other than (L) zone. As shown in Fig. 7, dimples Dl arranged in (L) zone are black while dimples D2 arranged in (F) zone are white.
The number of dimples Dl arran~ed in ( L ) zone is 168 and that of dimples D2 arranged in (F) zone is also 168, totalling 336 as shown in Table 1. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples Dl-l or regular octagonal dimples Dl-2 is 120 which is 71~ of dimples D1 arranged in (L) zone while the number of circular dimples D1-3 arranged in (L) zone is 48 which is 29% of dimples Dl. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples D2-1 or regular octagonal dimples D2-2 is 48 which is 29% of dimples D2 arranged in tF) zone while the number of circular dimples D2-3 in (F) zone is 120 which is 71% of dimples D2.
`
7 ~ /~
e ~ ~
~D ~ ~ c~l ~ ~e ~ ~
r ~ L ~ ~ ~ ~ l E~ @ ~ ~ ~ ~D C`~ ~ e~l ~a1 ; ; _ ~ ;
,~J i~ Li~3 7 ~ ~
~ 12 ~
As apparent from the above description, according to the golf ball G1 of the first embodiment, in (L) zone, uncircular dimples are arranged more than circular dimples while in (F) zone, the number of uncircular dimples are less than that of circular dimples so that air current in the periphery of (L) zone is more turbulent than that in the periphery of (F) zone.
Referring to Figs. 9, 10, and 11, a golf ball according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described below. Dimples of a golf ball G2 is arranged on the surface ~hereof based on regular icosahedral arrangement conventionally used, i.e., the spherical surface of the golf ball G2 is divided into areas corresponding to the faces of a regular icosahedron to form 20 identical spherical equi-lateral trian~les. The golf ball G2 has one great circle path l correspondin~ to the partin~ line. For the reason dQscribed previously, the central angle of each boundary circumference (X) dividing the surface of the golf ball into two zoneS~ (L) spherical zone and (F) spherical zone is set to ~ = 200. More specifically, the line connectin~ each boundary circumference ~) with the center of the golf ball G2 makes 20 with the line connecting the great circle path l with the center of the golf ball. As shown in Fig. 11, dimples Dl' arranged in (L) zone are black while dimples D2' arranged in (F) zone are white.
.
7 ~
The number of dimples Dl' arranged in ~L) zone is 120 and that of dimples D2' arranged in (F) zone is 212, totalling 332 as shown in Table 1. The dimples ~1' arranged in (L) zone are all uncircular dimples, namely, regular hexagonal dimples while the number o~ uncircular dimples, namely, regular hexagonal dimples is 80 which is 38% of dimples D2 ' arranged in ( F ) zone and the number of circular dimples is 132 which is 62% of the dimples D2' arranged in (F) zone.
As apparent from the above description, according to the golf ball G2 of the second embodiment, only uncircular dimples are arranged in (~) zone while circular dimples are arranged more than uncircular dimples in (F) zone so that air current in the periphery of (L) zone is more turbulent than that in the periphery of (F) zone.
According to the f irst and second embodiments, polygonal dimples such as square, regular octagonal or regular hexagonal d~mples are u8ed ag uncircular dimples.
This is because these re$ular poly~onal dimples have more favorable symmetrical properties than dimples of other uncircular configurations and act on air current irrespec-tive of the direction thereof.
Since dimples are formed on the spherical surface of the golf ball, sides of a regulax polygonal dimple are all ~pherical. But according to the present invention, a 7 ~
dimple which is regular polygonal when it is viewed along the normal line to the curve of the golf ball at a given point is regarded as a regular polygonal dimple.
In order to examine the operation and effect of the aerodynamic property of the golf ball according to the present invention, first comparative example golf balls corresponding to the first embodiment and second comparative example golf balls corresponding to the second embodiment were prepared.
Referring to Figs. 12, 13, and 14 showing a golf ball G3 according to a first comparative example, dimples of the golf ball G3 are arranged based on regular octahedral arrangement and has three great circle paths 1~ 2~ and 3 unintersecting dimples, similarly to the first embodiment.
Therefore~ the central angle of each boundary circum~erence dividing the surface of the golf ball G3 into twO zones, (L) ~pherical zone and (F) spherical zone is set to ~ = 10 5imilarly tO the fir~t embodiment. AS shown in Fig. 14~
dimples D1 arranged in (L) zone are black while dimples D2 arranged in (F) zone are white.
As shown in ~able 1, 168 dimples are arranged in (L) zone and (F) zone of the first comparative example the golf ball G3, respectively, totalling 336 similarly to the first embodiment. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples Dl-1 arranged in (L) zone is 72 which is 43%
- :
7 ~ ~
of dimples Dl arranged therein while the number of circular dimples D1-3 arranged in (L) zone is 96 which is 57% of dimples Dl axranged therein. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples D2-1 or regular octagonal dimples D2-2 arranged in (F) zone is 48 which is 29% of dimples D2 arranged therein while the number of circular dimples D2-3 arranged in (F) zone is 120 which is 71~ of dimples D2 arranged therein. In the golf ball G3 of the first comparative example, circular dimples having a smaller effect of making air current turbulent are arranged more than uncircular dimples both in ( L ) and ( F ) zones.
Referring to Figs. 15, 16, and 17, second compara-tive example golf balls G4 are described below. Dimples are arranged on the surface thereof based on regular icosahedral arrangement. The golf ball G4 has one great circle path corresponding to the parting line similarly to the second Qmbodiment~ The central angle of each boundary circumfer-ence dividing the surface of the golf ball into two zones, (L) spherical zone and (F) spherical zone is set to 0 = 20.
As shown in Fig. 17, dimples Dl' arranged in (L) zone are black whi.le dimples D2' arranged in (F) æone are white.
As shown in Table 1, 120 dimples are arranged in (L) zone and 212 dimples are arran~ed in (F~ zone of the golf ball G3, totalling 332 similarly to the second embodi-ment. All of 120 dimples arranged in (L) zone are 7 ~ ~
uncircular, namely, regular hexagonal. Similarly, all of 212 dimples arranged in (F) zone are also uncircular, namely, regular hexagonal. That is, only uncircular dimples having the effect of making air current turbulent greatly are arranged both in (L) zone and (F) zones of the golf ball G4 of the second comparative example.
The golf balls of the first and ~econd embodiments ., .
and the first and second comparative examples are each thread-wound and have a liquid center and a balata cover.
They have the same composition and construction. The outer diameter thereof iS all 42.70 + 0.03mm and the compression thereof is all 95 + 2.
Experimental results of the first and second embodiments and the first and second comparati~e examples are described below.
Using a swing robot manufactured by True Temper Corp., tests for examining symmetrical property thereof were conducted. The test conditions were as follows:
Club useds driver (~1) Head speed: 48.8 m/sec Spin: 3500 + 300 rpm Angle of elevation: g D + O . 5 D
Wind: against, 0.9 ~ 2.7m/s Temperature of golf balls: 23 + 1C
7 ~ ~
The number of golf balls prepared for each embodi-ment and comparative example was 40.
Under this condition, 20 balls were line-hit and 20 balls were face-hit. The averages of carries, trajectory heights (trajectory height means an angle of elevation viewed from a launching point of a golf ball to the highest point thereof in flight) and flight time were measured. The results are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Syn~netrical Characteristic Test way of carry trajectory flight time hitting (yard) height (DEG) (SEC) first line hitting 237.4 13.72 6.10 .
embodiment face hitting 238.4 13.76 6.10 _ second line hitting 235.0 13.91 6.22 embodiment face hitting 235.6 13.84 6.25 first line hitting 231.1 13.29 5.77 comparative face hitting 237.4 13.70 6.05 example second line hitting 234.7 13.99 6.20 comparative face hitting 228.5 14.38 6.54 example . .
7 ~ ~
As clear from Table 2, according to the golf balls of the first and second embodiments, the carry, the trajec-tory height, and the flight time in line hitting were almost equal to those in face hitting.
As compared with the golf ball of the embodiments, according to the first comparative example golf ~alls, the trajectory height in line hitting was lower than that in face hitting and the flight time and the carry in line hitting were shorter than those in face hitting. This is because the percentage of uncircular dimples arranged in (L) zone of the first comparative example golf balls is lower than that of uncircular dimples arranged in (L) zone of the golf ball according to the first embodiment and consequent-ly, in line hitting, the dimple effect of the first compara-tive example ~olf balls is smaller than that of the golf balls of the first embodiment.
Similarly, according to the second comparative example golf balls, the tra~ectory height in line hitting was lower than that in face hitting and the flight time in line hitting was shorter than those in face hitting. This is because the percentage of uncircular dimples arranged in (F) zone of the second comparative example golf balls is much ~reater than that of uncircular dimples arranged in (F3 zone of the golf ball according to the first embodiment and consequently, in face hi~ting, the dimple effect of the second comparative example golf balls is too great.
~0~7~
Uncircular dimples has effect of making air current in the vicinity of the golf ball turbulent greatly, but if they are arranged inappropriately on the surface of the golf ball as exemplified in the second comparative example golf balls, the golf ball has an unfavorable symmetrical property and consequently, its flight distance is short.
As apparent from the foregoing description, the golf balls according to the first and second embodiments has a more favorable aerodynamic property than the first and second COmparativQ example golf balls and are small in difference in the trajectory thereof irrespective of whether the golf ball rotates in back spin on a rotational axis, the circumference of which coincides with the great circle path or a rotational axis, the circumference of which does not coincide with the great circle path.
Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a golf ball, and more particularly, to the golf ball having an improved aerodynamic symmetrical propert~ which can be accomplished by arranging dimples of different surface configurations on the surface thereof.
Description of the Related Arts Normally, 280 to 540 dimples are formed on the surface of the golf ~all. The function of dimples is to reduce pressure resistance to the ~olf ball and improve dynamic lift thereof. More specifically, in order to lift it high in air, the separation point between air and the upper surface thereof is required to be as back ward as possible compared with the separation point between air and the lower 8urface thereof so as to make air pressure exist-ing above it smaller than that existing below it. In order to accelerate the separation of air existing above it from the upper surface thereof, it is necessary to make the air current in the periphery thereof tuxbulent. In this sense, a dimple which makes the air current around the golf ball turbulent is aerodynamically superior.
Since the golf ball is molded by a pair of upper and lower semispherical molds having dimple patterns, dimples cannot be arranged on the parting line corresponding 7 ~ ~
to the connecting face of the upper and lower molds.
Therefore, one great circle path corresponding to the parting line unintersecting any dimples is formed on the surface of the golf ball.
As the surface configuration of the dimple, circu-lar, elliptic, polygonal or the like is adopted. The golf ball has dimples of the same surface configuration or various surface configurations formed on the surface there-of.
In view of dimple effect, the surface of the golf ball may be divided into a spherical zone in the vicinity of a great circle path unintersecting any dimples and other spherical zone with respect to the great circle path.
According to conventional methods of arranging dimples of different surface configurations, both spherical zones have the same dimple arrangement, i.e., dimples are uniformly arranged throughout the ~urface of the golf ball.
When dimples of different configurations are arranged on the surface of the golf ball uniformly in both spherical zones, the dimple effect in the spherical zone in the vicinity of the great circle path is differentiated from the other spherical zone due to the existence of the great circle path. Consequently, the following problem occurs in the aerodynamic symmetrical property of the golf ball.
g~
It is preferable that the golf ball flies in the same trajectory each tim~ it flies. That is, preferably, the trajectory height, flight time, and flight distance of the golf ball is the same, respectively regardless of whether or not its rotational axis in its backspin coincides with the great circle path. But actually, dimple effect is varied ac~ording to a rotational axis, namely, whether or not a circumference which ro~ates fastest in its backspin coincides with the great circle path.
More specifically, in line hitting, i.e., when the golf ball rotates in its backspin such that a circumference which rotates fastest in its backspin coincides with the great circle path, the dimple effect of making air current around the golf ball turbulent is smaller than the dimple effect obtained in face hitting, i.e., when the golf ball rotates in its backspin Such that a circumference whiCh rotates fastest in its backspin does not coincide with the great circle path. That iS, the tra jectory height of the golf ball is lower and consequently the flight time thereof in line hitting is shorter than those in face hitting.
If the golf ball has a different flight perfor-mance according to a rotational axis, i.e., if the golf ball has an unfavorable aerodynamic property, a player~s ability cannot be displayed.
In order to solve the above-described problem, methods for manufacturing golf balls having no great circles are proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication 64-8983 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publica-tion No. 62-47379. However, due to various problems, these methods are incapable of putting golf balls on the market.
Such being the case, golf balls commercially available have at least one great circle path.
SUMMARY OF THE INV~I~rION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf ball, having at least one great circle path formed on the surface thereof, in which a favorable aerody-namic property is obtained by eliminating the difference in tra~ectories between line hitting and face hitting.
In accomplishing these and other ob~ects, a golf ball according to the present invention has dimples of different configurations, namely, circular and uncircular dimples having effect of making air current turbulent.
Circular dimples and uncircular dimples are arranged in a different percentage depending on spherical zones, namely, in an (L) spherical zone in the vicinity of the great circle and an (F) spherical zone other than ~L) spherical zone.
That is, in (~) spherical zone, uncircular dimples are arranged in a percenta~e higher than circular dimples while in (F) spherical zone, circular dimples are arranged in a ~ A
percentage higher than uncircular dimples. Thus, dimple effect of (L) spherical zone is equal to that of (F) spheri- :
cal zone.
More specifically, a golf ball according to the present invention has dimples on the surface thereof and at least one great circle path unintersecting the dimples in which supposing that a spherical zone ranging from the great circle to each circumference formed in correspondence with a central angle of less than approximately 15 wi~h respect to the great circle is represented as an (L) spherical zone and a spherical zone other than the (L) spherical zone is represented as an (F) spherical zone, uncircular dimples are arranqed in the (L) spherical zone in more than 60~ of all dimples arranged in the (~) spherical zone and circular dimples are arranged in the (F) spherical zone in more than 60~ of all dimples arranged in the (F) spherical zone. The surface configuration of each of the uncircular dimples is re~ular polygonal.
According to the golf ball of the present inven-tion, the dimple effect of (L) zone is increased by arrang-ing uncircular dimples in (L) spherical zone in more than 60% of all dimples arranged in (IJ) sphexical zone and circular dimples in (F) spherical zone in more than 60% of all dimples arranged in ~F) spherical zone. Tl.us, the dimple effect reduced in (L~ zone by the great circle is compensated so that the dimple effect of (L) spherical zone is equal to that of (F) spherical zone.
The reason dimple effect in (L) spherical zone is increased is that an uncircular dimple has effect of making air current more turbulent than a circular dimple as de-scribed above. That is, the air current in the periphery of the cixcular dimple, for example, d-l as shown in Fig. 1 is smooth while the air current in the periphery of the uncircular dimples, for example, d-2, d-3, and d-4 as shown in Fig. 2, 3, and 4, respectively makes air current turbu-lent when air current runs against the edge of the uncircular dimple.
According to the above construction, when the golf ball is line-hit, i.e., when it rotates about a rotational axis, the circumference of which coincides with the great circle, dimple effect of (L) spherical ~one can be improved because uncircular dimples are arranged in the vicinity of the great circle in more th~n 60~ of all dimples arranged therein. Thus, the tra~ectory height, flight time, and flight distance of the golf ball in line hitting are similar to those in face hitting. That is, the golf ball has an equal flight performance wherever it is hit, namely, irre-spective of a rotational axis in its backspin.
The central angle made by a circumference which divides the golf ball into (L) spherical zone and (F) ,3 7 ~ ~
spherical zone is not limited to 15, but determined by the number of great circles. If one to two great circles are formed on the surface of the golf ball, preferably, the central angle of the circumference is 20~ while if three great circles are formed on the surface thereof, the line connecting the circumference and the center of the golf ball with each other makes 10 with the line connecting the center of ~he golf ball and each great circle with each other. Since the area of (L) spherical zone increases with the increase of the number of great circles, it is favorable to ~educe the area of each (L) spherical zone so that the golf ball has a favorable aerodynamic property. According-ly, the central angle of each circumference is decreased from 20~ to 10 with the increase of the number of great circle paths.
The dimple arranged in (~) spherical aone means that the center of the dimple is positioned in (L) spherical zone and similarly, the dimple arranged in (F) spherical zone means that the center of the dimple is positioned in (F) sphexical zone. The center of an uncircular dimple as shown in Fig. 4 is the center of gravity of the surface configuration thereof.
BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~ hese and other ob~e~ts and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following 7 ~ ~
description taken in conjunction with the pxeferred embodi-ment~ thereof with reference to the accompanying drawing~, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic ~iew showing air current on a circular dimple;
Fig. 2 iS a schematic view showing air current on an uncircular dimple;
Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing air current on an uncircular dimple;
Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing air current on an uncircular dimple;
Fig. 5 is a front view showing a golf ball accord-ing to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the golf ball shown in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 iS a front ViQW showing an L spherical zone and an F spherical zone of the golf ball according to the first embodiment of the pre8ent invention;
Fig. 8 is a descriptive view for describing the boundary line between L spherical zone and F spherical zone;
Fig. 9 is a front view showing a golf ball accord-ing to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 10 is a plan view of the golf ball shown in Fig. 9;
~J ~ L~
Fig. 11 is a front view showing L spherical zone and F spherical zone of a golf ball according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a front view showing a golf ball according to a first comparative example;
Fig. 13 is a plan view of the golf ball shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a front view showing L spherical zone and F spherical zone of the golf ball according to the first comparative example;
Fig. 15 is a front view showing a golf ball according to a second comparative example;
Fig. 16 is a plan view showing the golf ball according to the second comparative example; and Fig. 17 is a front view showing L spherical zone and F spherical zone of the golf ball according to the second comparative example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVENT~ON
Before the description of the present invention proceeds, it i5 to be noted that like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
7 ~ L~, Referring to Figs. 5, 6, and 7 showing a golf ball Gl in accordance with a first embodiment of the present in~ention, dimples of the golf ball Gl are arranged based on regular octahedral arrangement, i.e., the spherical surface of the golf ball Gl is divided into areas corresponding to the faces of a regular octahedron to form eight identical spherical equilateral triangles. The golf ball Gl has three great circle paths 1, 2, and 3 unintersecting dimples.
Since the golf ball Gl has three great circles, the central angle of each bounda~y circumference (X) divid-ing the surface of the golf ball into two æones, an (L) spherical zone and an (F) spherical zone is set to ~ = 10 as shown in Fig. 8 for the reason described previously.
More specifically, the line connecting each boundary circum-ference (X) with the Center Of the golf ball makes 10 with the line connecting each great circle path 1, 2, and 3 with the center of the golf ball G1. (~) zone ranges from each great circle peth 1, 2, and 3 to each boundary circumference tx)~ (F) zone i8 the region other than (L) zone. As shown in Fig. 7, dimples Dl arranged in (L) zone are black while dimples D2 arranged in (F) zone are white.
The number of dimples Dl arran~ed in ( L ) zone is 168 and that of dimples D2 arranged in (F) zone is also 168, totalling 336 as shown in Table 1. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples Dl-l or regular octagonal dimples Dl-2 is 120 which is 71~ of dimples D1 arranged in (L) zone while the number of circular dimples D1-3 arranged in (L) zone is 48 which is 29% of dimples Dl. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples D2-1 or regular octagonal dimples D2-2 is 48 which is 29% of dimples D2 arranged in tF) zone while the number of circular dimples D2-3 in (F) zone is 120 which is 71% of dimples D2.
`
7 ~ /~
e ~ ~
~D ~ ~ c~l ~ ~e ~ ~
r ~ L ~ ~ ~ ~ l E~ @ ~ ~ ~ ~D C`~ ~ e~l ~a1 ; ; _ ~ ;
,~J i~ Li~3 7 ~ ~
~ 12 ~
As apparent from the above description, according to the golf ball G1 of the first embodiment, in (L) zone, uncircular dimples are arranged more than circular dimples while in (F) zone, the number of uncircular dimples are less than that of circular dimples so that air current in the periphery of (L) zone is more turbulent than that in the periphery of (F) zone.
Referring to Figs. 9, 10, and 11, a golf ball according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described below. Dimples of a golf ball G2 is arranged on the surface ~hereof based on regular icosahedral arrangement conventionally used, i.e., the spherical surface of the golf ball G2 is divided into areas corresponding to the faces of a regular icosahedron to form 20 identical spherical equi-lateral trian~les. The golf ball G2 has one great circle path l correspondin~ to the partin~ line. For the reason dQscribed previously, the central angle of each boundary circumference (X) dividing the surface of the golf ball into two zoneS~ (L) spherical zone and (F) spherical zone is set to ~ = 200. More specifically, the line connectin~ each boundary circumference ~) with the center of the golf ball G2 makes 20 with the line connecting the great circle path l with the center of the golf ball. As shown in Fig. 11, dimples Dl' arranged in (L) zone are black while dimples D2' arranged in (F) zone are white.
.
7 ~
The number of dimples Dl' arranged in ~L) zone is 120 and that of dimples D2' arranged in (F) zone is 212, totalling 332 as shown in Table 1. The dimples ~1' arranged in (L) zone are all uncircular dimples, namely, regular hexagonal dimples while the number o~ uncircular dimples, namely, regular hexagonal dimples is 80 which is 38% of dimples D2 ' arranged in ( F ) zone and the number of circular dimples is 132 which is 62% of the dimples D2' arranged in (F) zone.
As apparent from the above description, according to the golf ball G2 of the second embodiment, only uncircular dimples are arranged in (~) zone while circular dimples are arranged more than uncircular dimples in (F) zone so that air current in the periphery of (L) zone is more turbulent than that in the periphery of (F) zone.
According to the f irst and second embodiments, polygonal dimples such as square, regular octagonal or regular hexagonal d~mples are u8ed ag uncircular dimples.
This is because these re$ular poly~onal dimples have more favorable symmetrical properties than dimples of other uncircular configurations and act on air current irrespec-tive of the direction thereof.
Since dimples are formed on the spherical surface of the golf ball, sides of a regulax polygonal dimple are all ~pherical. But according to the present invention, a 7 ~
dimple which is regular polygonal when it is viewed along the normal line to the curve of the golf ball at a given point is regarded as a regular polygonal dimple.
In order to examine the operation and effect of the aerodynamic property of the golf ball according to the present invention, first comparative example golf balls corresponding to the first embodiment and second comparative example golf balls corresponding to the second embodiment were prepared.
Referring to Figs. 12, 13, and 14 showing a golf ball G3 according to a first comparative example, dimples of the golf ball G3 are arranged based on regular octahedral arrangement and has three great circle paths 1~ 2~ and 3 unintersecting dimples, similarly to the first embodiment.
Therefore~ the central angle of each boundary circum~erence dividing the surface of the golf ball G3 into twO zones, (L) ~pherical zone and (F) spherical zone is set to ~ = 10 5imilarly tO the fir~t embodiment. AS shown in Fig. 14~
dimples D1 arranged in (L) zone are black while dimples D2 arranged in (F) zone are white.
As shown in ~able 1, 168 dimples are arranged in (L) zone and (F) zone of the first comparative example the golf ball G3, respectively, totalling 336 similarly to the first embodiment. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples Dl-1 arranged in (L) zone is 72 which is 43%
- :
7 ~ ~
of dimples Dl arranged therein while the number of circular dimples D1-3 arranged in (L) zone is 96 which is 57% of dimples Dl axranged therein. The number of uncircular dimples, namely, square dimples D2-1 or regular octagonal dimples D2-2 arranged in (F) zone is 48 which is 29% of dimples D2 arranged therein while the number of circular dimples D2-3 arranged in (F) zone is 120 which is 71~ of dimples D2 arranged therein. In the golf ball G3 of the first comparative example, circular dimples having a smaller effect of making air current turbulent are arranged more than uncircular dimples both in ( L ) and ( F ) zones.
Referring to Figs. 15, 16, and 17, second compara-tive example golf balls G4 are described below. Dimples are arranged on the surface thereof based on regular icosahedral arrangement. The golf ball G4 has one great circle path corresponding to the parting line similarly to the second Qmbodiment~ The central angle of each boundary circumfer-ence dividing the surface of the golf ball into two zones, (L) spherical zone and (F) spherical zone is set to 0 = 20.
As shown in Fig. 17, dimples Dl' arranged in (L) zone are black whi.le dimples D2' arranged in (F) æone are white.
As shown in Table 1, 120 dimples are arranged in (L) zone and 212 dimples are arran~ed in (F~ zone of the golf ball G3, totalling 332 similarly to the second embodi-ment. All of 120 dimples arranged in (L) zone are 7 ~ ~
uncircular, namely, regular hexagonal. Similarly, all of 212 dimples arranged in (F) zone are also uncircular, namely, regular hexagonal. That is, only uncircular dimples having the effect of making air current turbulent greatly are arranged both in (L) zone and (F) zones of the golf ball G4 of the second comparative example.
The golf balls of the first and ~econd embodiments ., .
and the first and second comparative examples are each thread-wound and have a liquid center and a balata cover.
They have the same composition and construction. The outer diameter thereof iS all 42.70 + 0.03mm and the compression thereof is all 95 + 2.
Experimental results of the first and second embodiments and the first and second comparati~e examples are described below.
Using a swing robot manufactured by True Temper Corp., tests for examining symmetrical property thereof were conducted. The test conditions were as follows:
Club useds driver (~1) Head speed: 48.8 m/sec Spin: 3500 + 300 rpm Angle of elevation: g D + O . 5 D
Wind: against, 0.9 ~ 2.7m/s Temperature of golf balls: 23 + 1C
7 ~ ~
The number of golf balls prepared for each embodi-ment and comparative example was 40.
Under this condition, 20 balls were line-hit and 20 balls were face-hit. The averages of carries, trajectory heights (trajectory height means an angle of elevation viewed from a launching point of a golf ball to the highest point thereof in flight) and flight time were measured. The results are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Syn~netrical Characteristic Test way of carry trajectory flight time hitting (yard) height (DEG) (SEC) first line hitting 237.4 13.72 6.10 .
embodiment face hitting 238.4 13.76 6.10 _ second line hitting 235.0 13.91 6.22 embodiment face hitting 235.6 13.84 6.25 first line hitting 231.1 13.29 5.77 comparative face hitting 237.4 13.70 6.05 example second line hitting 234.7 13.99 6.20 comparative face hitting 228.5 14.38 6.54 example . .
7 ~ ~
As clear from Table 2, according to the golf balls of the first and second embodiments, the carry, the trajec-tory height, and the flight time in line hitting were almost equal to those in face hitting.
As compared with the golf ball of the embodiments, according to the first comparative example golf ~alls, the trajectory height in line hitting was lower than that in face hitting and the flight time and the carry in line hitting were shorter than those in face hitting. This is because the percentage of uncircular dimples arranged in (L) zone of the first comparative example golf balls is lower than that of uncircular dimples arranged in (L) zone of the golf ball according to the first embodiment and consequent-ly, in line hitting, the dimple effect of the first compara-tive example ~olf balls is smaller than that of the golf balls of the first embodiment.
Similarly, according to the second comparative example golf balls, the tra~ectory height in line hitting was lower than that in face hitting and the flight time in line hitting was shorter than those in face hitting. This is because the percentage of uncircular dimples arranged in (F) zone of the second comparative example golf balls is much ~reater than that of uncircular dimples arranged in (F3 zone of the golf ball according to the first embodiment and consequently, in face hi~ting, the dimple effect of the second comparative example golf balls is too great.
~0~7~
Uncircular dimples has effect of making air current in the vicinity of the golf ball turbulent greatly, but if they are arranged inappropriately on the surface of the golf ball as exemplified in the second comparative example golf balls, the golf ball has an unfavorable symmetrical property and consequently, its flight distance is short.
As apparent from the foregoing description, the golf balls according to the first and second embodiments has a more favorable aerodynamic property than the first and second COmparativQ example golf balls and are small in difference in the trajectory thereof irrespective of whether the golf ball rotates in back spin on a rotational axis, the circumference of which coincides with the great circle path or a rotational axis, the circumference of which does not coincide with the great circle path.
Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.
Claims (2)
1. A golf ball having dimples on the surface thereof and at least one great circle path unintersecting the dimples in which supposing that a spherical zone ranging from said great circle to each circumference formed in correspondence with a central angle of less than approxi-mately 15° with respect to said great circle is represented as an (L) spherical zone and a spherical zone other than said (L) spherical zone is represented as an (F) spherical zone, uncircular dimples are arranged in said (L) spherical zone in more than 60% of all dimples arranged in said (L) spherical zone and circular dimples are arranged in said (F) spherical zone in more than 60% of all dimples arranged in said (F) spherical zone.
2. A golf ball as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface configuration of each of said uncircular dimples is regular polygonal.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP3035400A JP2940565B2 (en) | 1991-02-04 | 1991-02-04 | Golf ball |
| JP3-35400 | 1991-02-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2048744A1 true CA2048744A1 (en) | 1992-08-05 |
Family
ID=12440866
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002048744A Abandoned CA2048744A1 (en) | 1991-02-04 | 1991-08-08 | Golf ball |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5143377A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0498031B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2940565B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU638345B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2048744A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69108537T2 (en) |
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| JPH067875B2 (en) * | 1985-06-07 | 1994-02-02 | 住友ゴム工業株式会社 | Golf ball |
| US4653758A (en) * | 1985-08-22 | 1987-03-31 | Karsten Solheim | Golf ball |
| JP2851619B2 (en) * | 1987-02-16 | 1999-01-27 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | Golf ball |
| JP2569776B2 (en) * | 1988-12-02 | 1997-01-08 | ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 | Golf ball |
| US4991852A (en) * | 1989-04-28 | 1991-02-12 | Pattison John W | Multi-purpose golf ball |
-
1991
- 1991-02-04 JP JP3035400A patent/JP2940565B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-07-31 AU AU81477/91A patent/AU638345B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-07-31 DE DE69108537T patent/DE69108537T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-07-31 EP EP91112919A patent/EP0498031B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-08-02 US US07/739,458 patent/US5143377A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-08-08 CA CA002048744A patent/CA2048744A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0498031B1 (en) | 1995-03-29 |
| JP2940565B2 (en) | 1999-08-25 |
| JPH0584328A (en) | 1993-04-06 |
| AU638345B2 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| AU8147791A (en) | 1992-08-06 |
| US5143377A (en) | 1992-09-01 |
| DE69108537D1 (en) | 1995-05-04 |
| DE69108537T2 (en) | 1996-01-18 |
| EP0498031A1 (en) | 1992-08-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |