Dimple patterns for golf balls

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Claims

1. A golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples disposed thereon, wherein the dimples are arranged in multiple copies of a first domain and a second domain, the first domain and the second domain being tessellated to cover the outer surface of the golf ball in a uniform pattern having no great circles and consisting of eight first domains and six second domains, and wherein: the first domain has three-way rotational symmetry about the central point of the first domain; the second domain has four-way rotational symmetry about the central point of the second domain; the dimple pattern within the first domain is different from the dimple pattern within the second domain; the number of different dimple diameters on the outer surface, D, is related to the total number of dimples on the outer surface, N, such that if N<350, then D>5; and if N≧350, then D>6; the plurality of dimples consists of a plurality of perimeter dimples and a plurality of interior dimples, wherein each of the plurality of perimeter dimples is located directly adjacent to a border segment of the first domain or a border segment of the second domain, and wherein each of the plurality of perimeter dimples has at least two nearest neighbor dimples that are located in a domain other than the domain of that perimeter dimple; and the difference in diameter between each perimeter dimple and each of its nearest neighbor dimples that is located in a domain other than the domain of that perimeter dimple is 0.08 inches or less.

2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein each of the dimples has a dimple diameter of from about 0.050 inches to about 0.250 inches.

3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein all nearest neighbor dimples are separated by substantially the same distance, δ, wherein the average of all δ values is from 0.002 inches to 0.020 inches, and wherein any individual δ value does not vary from the mean by more than 0.005 inches.

4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.25 to 0.32 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 30° to 38° at a Reynolds Number of 230000 and a spin ratio of 0.085.

5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.26 to 0.33 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 32° to 40° at a Reynolds Number of 180000 and a spin ratio of 0.101.

6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.27 to 0.37 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 35° to 44° at a Reynolds Number of 133000 and a spin ratio of 0.133.

7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.32 to 0.45 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 39° to 45° at a Reynolds Number of 89000 and a spin ratio of 0.183.

8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a majority of the dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball have a circular plan shape.

9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a majority of the dimples on the outer surface of the golf ball have a non-circular plan shape.

10. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 350.

11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 336.

12. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 360.

13. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 384.

14. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 390.

15. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 320.

16. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 302.

17. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 432.

18. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 342.

19. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total number of dimples on the outer surface is 306.

20. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the difference in diameter between each perimeter dimple and each of its nearest neighbor dimples that is located in a domain other than the domain of that perimeter dimple is 0.06 inches or less.

21. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the difference in diameter between each perimeter dimple and each of its nearest neighbor dimples that is located in a domain other than the domain of that perimeter dimple is 0.04 inches or less.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

(2) FIG. 1A illustrates a golf ball having dimples arranged by a method of the present invention; FIG. 1B illustrates a polyhedron face; FIG. 1C illustrates an element of the present invention in the polyhedron face of FIG. 1B; FIG. 1D illustrates a domain formed by a methods of the present invention packed with dimples and formed from two elements of FIG. 1C;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a single face of a polyhedron having control points thereon;

(4) FIG. 3A illustrates a polyhedron face; FIG. 3B illustrates an element of the present invention packed with dimples; FIG. 3C illustrates a domain of the present invention packed with dimples formed from elements of FIG. 3B; FIG. 3D illustrates a golf ball formed by a method of the present invention formed of the domain of FIG. 3C;

(5) FIG. 4A illustrates two polyhedron faces; FIG. 4B illustrates a first domain of the present invention in the two polyhedron faces of FIG. 4A; FIG. 4C illustrates a first domain and a second domain of the present invention in three polyhedron faces; FIG. 4D illustrates a golf ball formed by a method of the present invention formed of the domains of FIG. 4C;

(6) FIG. 5A illustrates a polyhedron face; FIG. 5B illustrates a first domain of the present invention in a polyhedron face; FIG. 5C illustrates a first domain and a second domain of the present invention in three polyhedron faces; FIG. 5D illustrates a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention formed of the domains of FIG. 5C;

(7) FIG. 6A illustrates a polyhedron face; FIG. 6B illustrates a portion of a domain of the present invention in the polyhedron face of FIG. 6A; FIG. 6C illustrates a domain formed by the methods of the present invention; FIG. 6D illustrates a golf ball formed using the methods of the present invention formed of domains of FIG. 6C;

(8) FIG. 7A illustrates a polyhedron face; FIG. 7B illustrates a domain of the present invention in the polyhedron face of FIG. 7A; FIG. 7C illustrates a golf ball formed by a method of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 8A illustrates a first element of the present invention in a polyhedron face; FIG. 8B illustrates a first and a second element of the present invention in the polyhedron face of FIG. 8A; FIG. 8C illustrates two domains of the present invention composed of first and second elements of FIG. 8B; FIG. 8D illustrates a single domain of the present invention based on the two domains of FIG. 8C; FIG. 8E illustrates a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention formed of the domains of FIG. 8D;

(10) FIG. 9A illustrates a polyhedron face; FIG. 9B illustrates an element of the present invention in the polyhedron face of FIG. 9A; FIG. 9C illustrates two elements of FIG. 9B combining to form a domain of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 9D illustrates a domain formed by the methods of the present invention based on the elements of FIG. 9C; FIG. 9E illustrates a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention formed of domains of FIG. 9D;

(12) FIG. 10A illustrates a face of a rhombic dodecahedron; FIG. 10B illustrates a segment of the present invention in the face of FIG. 10A; FIG. 10C illustrates the segment of FIG. 10B and copies thereof forming a domain of the present invention; FIG. 10D illustrates a domain formed by a method of the present invention based on the segments of FIG. 10C; and FIG. 10E illustrates a golf ball formed by a method of the present invention formed of domains of FIG. 10D.

(13) FIG. 11A illustrates an octahedron face projected on a sphere; FIG. 11B illustrates a first domain of the present invention in the octahedron face of FIG. 11A; FIG. 11C illustrates a first domain and a second domain of the present invention projected on a sphere; FIG. 11D illustrates the domains of FIG. 11C tessellated to cover the surface of a sphere; FIG. 11E illustrates a portion of a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention; FIG. 11F illustrates another portion of a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention; and FIG. 11G illustrates a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 11H illustrates a portion of a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention; FIG. 11I illustrates another portion of a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention; and FIG. 11J illustrates a golf ball formed using a method of the present invention.

(15) FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a method for determining nearest neighbor dimples.

(16) FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for measuring the diameter of a dimple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, connecting the control points with a non-straight sketch line, patterning the sketch line in a first manner to generate an irregular domain, optionally patterning the sketch line in a second manner to create an additional irregular domain, packing the irregular domain(s) with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain(s) to cover the surface of the golf ball in a uniform pattern. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron, and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines from the molding process.

(18) In a particular embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1A, the present invention comprises a golf ball 10 comprising dimples 12. Dimples 12 are arranged by packing irregular domains 14 with dimples, as seen best in FIG. 1D. Irregular domains 14 are created in such a way that, when tessellated on the surface of golf ball 10, they impart greater orders of symmetry to the surface than prior art balls. The irregular shape of domains 14 additionally minimize the appearance and effect of the golf ball parting line from the molding process, and allows greater flexibility in arranging dimples than would be available with regularly shaped domains.

(19) For purposes of the present invention, the term “irregular domains” refers to domains wherein at least one, and preferably all, of the segments defining the borders of the domain is not a straight line.

(20) The irregular domains can be defined through the use of any one of the exemplary methods described herein. Each method produces one or more unique domains based on circumscribing a sphere with the vertices of a regular polyhedron. The vertices of the circumscribed sphere based on the vertices of the corresponding polyhedron with origin (0,0,0) are defined below in Table 1.

(21) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Vertices of Circumscribed Sphere based on Corresponding Polyhedron Vertices Type of Polyhedron Vertices Tetrahedron (+1, +1, +1); (−1, −1, +1); (−1, +1, −1); (+1, −1, −1) Cube (±1, ±1, ±1) Octahedron (±1, 0, 0); (0, ±1, 0); (0, 0, ±1) Dodecahedron (±1, ±1, ±1); (0, ±1/φ, ±φ); (±1/φ, ±φ, 0); (±φ, 0, ±1/φ)* Icosahedron (0, ±1, ±φ); (±1, ±φ, 0); (±φ, 0, ±1)* *φ = (1 + √5)/2

(22) Each method has a unique set of rules which are followed for the domain to be symmetrically patterned on the surface of the golf ball. Each method is defined by the combination of at least two control points. These control points, which are taken from one or more faces of a regular or non-regular polyhedron, consist of at least three different types: the center C of a polyhedron face; a vertex V of a face of a regular polyhedron; and the midpoint M of an edge of a face of the polyhedron. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary face 16 of a polyhedron (a regular dodecahedron in this case) and one of each a center C, a midpoint M, a vertex V, and an edge E on face 16. The two control points C, M, or V may be of the same or different types. Accordingly, six types of methods for use with regular polyhedrons are defined as follows:

(23) 1. Center to midpoint (C.fwdarw.M);

(24) 2. Center to center (C.fwdarw.C);

(25) 3. Center to vertex (C.fwdarw.V);

(26) 4. Midpoint to midpoint (M.fwdarw.M);

(27) 5. Midpoint to Vertex (M.fwdarw.V); and

(28) 6. Vertex to Vertex (V.fwdarw.V).

(29) While each method differs in its particulars, they all follow the same basic scheme. First, a non-linear sketch line is drawn connecting the two control points. This sketch line may have any shape, including, but not limited, to an arc, a spline, two or more straight or arcuate lines or curves, or a combination thereof. Second, the sketch line is patterned in a method specific manner to create a domain, as discussed below. Third, when necessary, the sketch line is patterned in a second fashion to create a second domain.

(30) While the basic scheme is consistent for each of the six methods, each method preferably follows different steps in order to generate the domains from a sketch line between the two control points, as described below with reference to each of the methods individually.

(31) The Center to Vertex Method

(32) Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1D, the center to vertex method yields one domain that tessellates to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domain is defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 1A-1D use an icosahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 1B; 3. Center C of face 16, and a first vertex V.sub.1 of face 16 are connected with any non-linear sketch line, hereinafter referred to as a segment 18; 4. A copy 20 of segment 18 is rotated about center C, such that copy 20 connects center C with vertex V.sub.2 adjacent to vertex V.sub.1. The two segments 18 and 20 and the edge E connecting vertices V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 define an element 22, as shown best in FIG. 1C; and 5. Element 22 is rotated about midpoint M of edge E to create a domain 14, as shown best in FIG. 1D.

(33) When domain 14 is tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 1A, a different number of total domains 14 will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points C and V.sub.1. The number of domains 14 used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is equal to the number of faces P.sub.F of the polyhedron chosen times the number of edges P.sub.E per face of the polyhedron divided by 2, as shown below in Table 2.

(34) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Center to Vertex Method Type of Number of Number of Number of Polyhedron Faces, P.sub.F Edges, P.sub.E Domains 14 Tetrahedron 4 3 6 Cube 6 4 12 Octahedron 8 3 12 Dodecahedron 12 5 30 Icosahedron 20 3 30
The Center to Midpoint Method

(35) Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the center to midpoint method yields a single irregular domain that can be tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domain is defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 3A-3D use a dodecahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 3A; 3. Center C of face 16, and midpoint M.sub.1 of a first edge E.sub.1 of face 16 are connected with a segment 18; 4. A copy 20 of segment 18 is rotated about center C, such that copy 20 connects center C with a midpoint M.sub.2 of a second edge E.sub.2 adjacent to first edge E.sub.1. The two segments 16 and 18 and the portions of edge E.sub.1 and edge E.sub.2 between midpoints M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 define an element 22; and 5. Element 22 is patterned about vertex V of face 16 which is contained in element 22 and connects edges E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 to create a domain 14.

(36) When domain 14 is tessellated around a golf ball 10 to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 3D, a different number of total domains 14 will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points C and M.sub.1. The number of domains 14 used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is equal to the number of vertices P.sub.V of the chosen polyhedron, as shown below in Table 3.

(37) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Center to Midpoint Method Type of Number of Number of Polyhedron Vertices, P.sub.V Domains 14 Tetrahedron 4 4 Cube 8 8 Octahedron 6 6 Dodecahedron 20 20 Icosahedron 12 12
The Center to Center Method

(38) Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the center to center method yields two domains that can be tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domains are defined as follows:

(39) 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 4A-4D use a dodecahedron);

(40) 2. Two adjacent faces 16a and 16b of the regular polyhedron are chosen, as shown in FIG. 4A;

(41) 3. Center C.sub.1 of face 16a, and center C.sub.2 of face 16b are connected with a segment 18; 4. A copy 20 of segment 18 is rotated 180 degrees about the midpoint M between centers C.sub.1 and C.sub.2, such that copy 20 also connects center C.sub.1 with center C.sub.2, as shown in FIG. 4B. The two segments 16 and 18 define a first domain 14a; and 5. Segment 18 is rotated equally about vertex V to define a second domain 14b, as shown in FIG. 4C.

(42) When first domain 14a and second domain 14b are tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 4D, a different number of total domains 14a and 14b will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points C.sub.1 and C.sub.2. The number of first and second domains 14a and 14b used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is P.sub.F*P.sub.E/2 for first domain 14a and P.sub.V for second domain 14b, as shown below in Table 4.

(43) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Center to Center Method Number of Number of Number of First Number of Number of Second Type of Vertices, Domains Faces, Edges, Domains Polyhedron P.sub.V 14a P.sub.F P.sub.E 14b Tetrahedron 4 6 4 3 4 Cube 8 12 6 4 8 Octahedron 6 9 8 3 6 Dodeca- 20 30 12 5 20 hedron Icosahedron 12 18 20 3 12
The Midpoint to Midpoint Method

(44) Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D and 11A-11J, the midpoint to midpoint method yields two domains that tessellate to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domains are defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 5A-5D use a dodecahedron, FIGS. 11A-11J use an octahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is projected onto a sphere, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 11A; 3. The midpoint M.sub.1 of a first edge E.sub.1 of face 16, and the midpoint M.sub.2 of a second edge E.sub.2 adjacent to first edge E.sub.1 are connected with a segment 18, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 11A; 4. Segment 18 is patterned around center C of face 16, at an angle of rotation equal to 360/P.sub.E, to form a first domain 14a, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 11B; 5. Segment 18, along with the portions of first edge E.sub.1 and second edge E.sub.2 between midpoints M.sub.1 and M.sub.2, define an element 22, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 11B; and 6. Element 22 is patterned about the vertex V which connects edges E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 to create a second domain 14b, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 11C. The number of segments in the pattern that forms the second domain is equal to P.sub.E*P.sub.E/P.sub.V.

(45) When first domain 14a and second domain 14b are tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIGS. 5D and 11D, a different number of total domains 14a and 14b will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points M.sub.1 and M.sub.2. The number of first and second domains 14a and 14b used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is P.sub.F for first domain 14a and P.sub.V for second domain 14b, as shown below in Table 5.

(46) In a particular aspect of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11J, segment 18 forms a portion of a real or false parting line of golf ball 10. Thus, segment 18, along with each copy thereof that is produced by steps 4 and 6 above, produce the real and three false parting lines of the ball when the domains are tessellated to cover the ball's surface.

(47) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Midpoint to Midpoint Method Number of Number of Number of First Number of Second Type of Faces, Domains Vertices, Domains Polyhedron P.sub.F 14a P.sub.V 14b Tetrahedron 4 4 4 4 Cube 6 6 8 8 Octahedron 8 8 6 6 Dodecahedron 12 12 20 20 Icosahedron 20 20 12 12
The Midpoint to Vertex Method

(48) Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, the midpoint to vertex method yields one domain that tessellates to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domain is defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 6A-6D use a dodecahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 6A; 3. A midpoint M.sub.1 of edge E.sub.1 of face 16 and a vertex V.sub.1 on edge E.sub.1 are connected with a segment 18; 4. Copies 20 of segment 18 is patterned about center C of face 16, one for each midpoint M.sub.2 and vertex V.sub.2 of face 16, to define a portion of domain 14, as shown in FIG. 6B; and 5. Segment 18 and copies 20 are then each rotated 180 degrees about their respective midpoints to complete domain 14, as shown in FIG. 6C.

(49) When domain 14 is tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 6D, a different number of total domains 14 will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points M.sub.1 and V.sub.1. The number of domains 14 used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is P.sub.F, as shown in Table 6.

(50) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Midpoint to Vertex Method Type of Number of Number of Polyhedron Faces, P.sub.F Domains 14 Tetrahedron 4 4 Cube 6 6 Octahedron 8 8 Dodecahedron 12 12 Icosahedron 20 20
The Vertex to Vertex Method

(51) Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the vertex to vertex method yields two domains that tessellate to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domains are defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 7A-7C use an icosahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 7A; 3. A first vertex V.sub.1 face 16, and a second vertex V.sub.2 adjacent to first vertex V.sub.1 are connected with a segment 18; 4. Segment 18 is patterned around center C of face 16 to form a first domain 14a, as shown in FIG. 7B; 5. Segment 18, along with edge E.sub.1 between vertices V.sub.1 and V.sub.2, defines an element 22; and 6. Element 22 is rotated around midpoint M.sub.1 of edge E.sub.1 to create a second domain 14b.

(52) When first domain 14a and second domain 14b are tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 7C, a different number of total domains 14a and 14b will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points V.sub.1 and V.sub.2. The number of first and second domains 14a and 14b used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is P.sub.F for first domain 14a and P.sub.F*P.sub.E/2 for second domain 14b, as shown below in Table 7.

(53) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Vertex to Vertex Method Number of Number of Number of First Number of Second Type of Faces, Domains Edges per Face, Domains Polyhedron P.sub.F 14a P.sub.E 14b Tetrahedron 4 4 3 6 Cube 6 6 4 12 Octahedron 8 8 3 12 Dodecahedron 12 12 5 30 Icosahedron 20 20 3 30

(54) While the six methods previously described each make use of two control points, it is possible to create irregular domains based on more than two control points. For example, three, or even more, control points may be used. The use of additional control points allows for potentially different shapes for irregular domains. An exemplary method using a midpoint M, a center C and a vertex V as three control points for creating one irregular domain is described below.

(55) The Midpoint to Center to Vertex Method

(56) Referring to FIGS. 8A-8E, the midpoint to center to vertex method yields one domain that tessellates to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domain is defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 8A-8E use an icosahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 8A; 3. A midpoint M.sub.1 on edge E.sub.1 of face 16, Center C of face 16 and a vertex V.sub.1 on edge E.sub.1 are connected with a segment 18, and segment 18 and the portion of edge E.sub.1 between midpoint M.sub.1 and vertex V.sub.1 define a first element 22a, as shown in FIG. 8A; 4. A copy 20 of segment 18 is rotated about center C, such that copy 20 connects center C with a midpoint M.sub.2 on edge E.sub.2 adjacent to edge E.sub.1, and connects center C with a vertex V.sub.2 at the intersection of edges E.sub.1 and E.sub.2, and the portion of segment 18 between midpoint M.sub.1 and center C, the portion of copy 20 between vertex V.sub.2 and center C, and the portion of edge E.sub.1 between midpoint M.sub.1 and vertex V.sub.2 define a second element 22b, as shown in FIG. 8B; 5. First element 22a and second element 22b are rotated about midpoint M.sub.1 of edge E.sub.1, as seen in FIG. 8C, to define two domains 14, wherein a single domain 14 is bounded solely by portions of segment 18 and copy 20 and the rotation 18′ of segment 18, as seen in FIG. 8D.

(57) When domain 14 is tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 8E, a different number of total domains 14 will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points M, C, and V. The number of domains 14 used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is equal to the number of faces P.sub.F of the polyhedron chosen times the number of edges P.sub.E per face of the polyhedron, as shown below in Table 8.

(58) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Midpoint to Center to Vertex Method Type of Number of Number of Number of Polyhedron Faces, P.sub.F Edges, P.sub.E Domains 14 Tetrahedron 4 3 12 Cube 6 4 24 Octahedron 8 3 24 Dodecahedron 12 5 60 Icosahedron 20 3 60

(59) While the methods described previously provide a framework for the use of center C, vertex V, and midpoint M as the only control points, other control points are useable. For example, a control point may be any point P on an edge E of the chosen polyhedron face. When this type of control point is used, additional types of domains may be generated, though the mechanism for creating the irregular domain(s) may be different. An exemplary method, using a center C and a point P on an edge, for creating one such irregular domain is described below.

(60) The Center to Edge Method

(61) Referring to FIGS. 9A-9E, the center to edge method yields one domain that tessellates to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domain is defined as follows: 1. A regular polyhedron is chosen (FIGS. 9A-9E use an icosahedron); 2. A single face 16 of the regular polyhedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 9A; 3. Center C of face 16, and a point P.sub.1 on edge E.sub.1 are connected with a segment 18; 4. A copy 20 of segment 18 is rotated about center C, such that copy 20 connects center C with a point P.sub.2 on edge E.sub.2 adjacent to edge E.sub.1, where point P.sub.2 is positioned identically relative to edge E.sub.2 as point P.sub.1 is positioned relative to edge E.sub.1, such that the two segments 18 and 20 and the portions of edges E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 between points P.sub.1 and P.sub.2, respectively, and a vertex V, which connects edges E.sub.1 and E.sub.2, define an element 22, as shown best in FIG. 9B; and 5. Element 22 is rotated about midpoint M.sub.1 of edge E.sub.1 or midpoint M.sub.2 of edge E.sub.2, whichever is located within element 22, as seen in FIGS. 9B-9C, to create a domain 14, as seen in FIG. 9D.

(62) When domain 14 is tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 9E, a different number of total domains 14 will result depending on the regular polyhedron chosen as the basis for control points C and P.sub.1. The number of domains 14 used to cover the surface of golf ball 10 is equal to the number of faces P.sub.F of the polyhedron chosen times the number of edges P.sub.E per face of the polyhedron divided by 2, as shown below in Table 9.

(63) TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Domains Resulting From Use of Specific Polyhedra When Using the Center to Edge Method Type of Number of Number of Number of Polyhedron Faces, P.sub.F Edges, P.sub.E Domains 14 Tetrahedron 4 3 6 Cube 6 4 12 Octahedron 8 3 12 Dodecahedron 12 5 30 Icosahedron 20 3 30

(64) Though each of the above described methods has been explained with reference to regular polyhedrons, they may also be used with certain non-regular polyhedrons, such as Archimedean Solids, Catalan Solids, or others. The methods used to derive the irregular domains will generally require some modification in order to account for the non-regular face shapes of the non-regular solids. An exemplary method for use with a Catalan Solid, specifically a rhombic dodecahedron, is described below.

(65) A Vertex to Vertex Method for a Rhombic Dodecahedron

(66) Referring to FIGS. 10A-10E, a vertex to vertex method based on a rhombic dodecahedron yields one domain that tessellates to cover the surface of golf ball 10. The domain is defined as follows: 1. A single face 16 of the rhombic dodecahedron is chosen, as shown in FIG. 10A; 2. A first vertex V.sub.1 face 16, and a second vertex V.sub.2 adjacent to first vertex V.sub.1 are connected with a segment 18, as shown in FIG. 10B; 3. A first copy 20 of segment 18 is rotated about vertex V.sub.2, such that it connects vertex V.sub.2 to vertex V3 of face 16, a second copy 24 of segment 18 is rotated about center C, such that it connects vertex V.sub.3 and vertex V.sub.4 of face 16, and a third copy 26 of segment 18 is rotated about vertex V.sub.1 such that it connects vertex V.sub.1 to vertex V.sub.4, all as shown in FIG. 10C, to form a domain 14, as shown in FIG. 10D;

(67) When domain 14 is tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10, as shown in FIG. 10E, twelve domains will be used to cover the surface of golf ball 10, one for each face of the rhombic dodecahedron.

(68) After the irregular domain(s) are created using any of the above methods, the domain(s) may be packed with dimples in order to be usable in creating golf ball 10.

(69) In FIGS. 11E-11G and 11H-11J, a first domain and a second domain are created using the midpoint to midpoint method based on an octahedron. FIG. 11E shows a first domain 14a and a portion of a second domain 14b packed with dimples, with the dimples of the first domain 14a designated by the letter a. FIG. 11F shows a second domain 14b and a portion of a first domain 14a packed with dimples, with the dimples of the second domain 14b designated by the letter b. FIG. 11G shows a first domain 14a and a second domain 14b packed with dimples and tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10.

(70) As in FIG. 11E, FIG. 11H shows a first domain 14a packed with dimples and a portion of a second domain 14b packed with dimples, but the dimples are packed within the domains in different patterns than those shown in FIG. 11E. In FIG. 11H, the first domain 14a is designated by shading. FIG. 11I shows the second domain 14b and the first domain 14a with the dimples packed within the domains in the same pattern as that shown in FIG. 11H. In FIG. 11I, the second domain 14b is designated by shading. FIG. 11J shows the first and second domains packed with dimples according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11H and 11I tessellated to cover the surface of golf ball 10.

(71) In a particular embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11E-11G and 11H-11J, the dimple pattern of the first domain has three-way rotational symmetry about the central point of the first domain, and the dimple pattern of the second domain has four-way rotational symmetry about the central point of the second domain.

(72) In one embodiment, there are no limitations on how the dimples are packed. In another embodiment, the dimples are packed such that no dimple intersects a line segment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11E-11G and 11H-11J, the dimples are packed within the first domain in a different pattern from that of the second domain.

(73) In a particular embodiment, the dimples are packed such that all nearest neighbor dimples are separated by substantially the same distance, δ, wherein the average of all δ values is from 0.002 inches to 0.020 inches, and wherein any individual δ value can vary from the mean by ±0.005 inches. For purposes of the present invention, nearest neighbor dimples are determined according to the following method. Two tangency lines are drawn from the center of a first dimple to a potential nearest neighbor dimple. A line segment is then drawn connecting the center of the first dimple to the center of the potential nearest neighbor dimple. If the two tangency lines and the line segment do not intersect any other dimple edges, then those dimples are considered to be nearest neighbors. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, two tangency lines 3A and 3B are drawn from the center of a first dimple 1 to a potential nearest neighbor dimple 2. Line segment 4 is then drawn connecting the center of first dimple 1 to the center of potential nearest neighbor dimple 2. Tangency lines 3A and 3B and line segment 4 do not intersect any other dimple edges, so dimple 1 and dimple 2 are considered nearest neighbors. In FIG. 12B, two tangency lines 3A and 3B are drawn from the center of a first dimple 1 to a potential nearest neighbor dimple 2. Line segment 4 is then drawn connecting the center of first dimple 1 to the center of potential nearest neighbor dimple 2. Tangency lines 3A and 3B intersect an alternative dimple, so dimple 1 and dimple 2 are not considered nearest neighbors. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the line segments do not actually have to be drawn on the golf ball. Rather, a computer modeling program capable of performing this operation automatically is preferably used.

(74) Each dimple typically has a diameter of from about 0.050 inches to about 0.250 inches. The diameter of a dimple having a non-circular plan shape is defined by its equivalent diameter, d.sub.e, which calculated as:

(75) $d_e=2\sqrt{\frac{A}{\pi }}$
where A is the plan shape area of the dimple. Diameter measurements are determined on finished golf balls according to FIG. 13. Generally, it may be difficult to measure a dimple's diameter due to the indistinct nature of the boundary dividing the dimple from the ball's undisturbed land surface. Due to the effect of paint and/or the dimple design itself, the junction between the land surface and dimple may not be a sharp corner and is therefore indistinct. This can make the measurement of a dimple's diameter somewhat ambiguous. To resolve this problem, dimple diameter on a finished golf ball is measured according to the method shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows a dimple half-profile 34, extending from the dimple centerline 31 to the land surface outside of the dimple 33. A ball phantom surface 32 is constructed above the dimple as a continuation of the land surface 33. A first tangent line T1 is then constructed at a point on the dimple sidewall that is spaced 0.003 inches radially inward from the phantom surface 32. T1 intersects phantom surface 32 at a point P1, which defines a nominal dimple edge position. A second tangent line T2 is then constructed, tangent to the phantom surface 32, at P1. The edge angle is the angle between T1 and T2. The dimple diameter is the distance between P1 and its equivalent point diametrically opposite along the dimple perimeter. Alternatively, it is twice the distance between P1 and the dimple centerline 31, measured in a direction perpendicular to centerline 31. The dimple depth is the distance measured along a ball radius from the phantom surface of the ball to the deepest point on the dimple. The dimple volume is the space enclosed between the phantom surface 32 and the dimple surface 34 (extended along T1 until it intersects the phantom surface).

(76) In a particular embodiment, all of the dimples on the outer surface of the ball have the same diameter. It should be understood that “same diameter” dimples includes dimples on a finished ball having respective diameters that differ by less than 0.005 inches due to manufacturing variances.

(77) In another particular embodiment, there are two or more different dimple diameters on the outer surface of the ball. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the number of different dimple diameters, D, on the outer surface is related to the total number of dimples, N, on the outer surface, such that if: if N<350, then D>5; and if N≧350, then D>6.
In a further particular aspect of this embodiment, the dimples are arranged in multiple copies of a first domain and a second domain formed according to the midpoint to midpoint method based on an octahedron wherein the first domain and the second domain are tessellated to cover the outer surface of the golf ball in a uniform pattern having no great circles. The overall dimple pattern consists of eight first domains having three-way rotational symmetry about the central point of the first domain and six second domains having four-way symmetry about the central point of the second domain. The dimple pattern within the first domain is different from the dimple pattern within the second domain. Each of the first domain and the second domain consists of perimeter dimples and interior dimples. The dimples optionally have one or more of the following additional characteristics: a) each of the perimeter dimples has at least two nearest neighbor dimples that are located in a domain other than the domain of that perimeter dimple; b) for each perimeter dimple, the difference in diameter between the perimeter dimple and each of its nearest neighbor dimples located in a different domain is 0.08 inches or less, or 0.06 inches or less, or 0.04 inches or less; and c) at least one perimeter dimple in each domain is a same diameter dimple with respect to at least one of its nearest neighbor dimples located in a different domain.

(78) It should be understood that manufacturing variances are to be taken into account when determining the number of different dimple diameters. The placement of the dimple in the overall pattern should also be taken into account. Specifically, dimples located in the same location within the multiple copies of the domain(s) that are tessellated to form the dimple pattern are assumed to be same diameter dimples, unless they have a difference in diameter of 0.005 inches or greater.

(79) For purposes of the present disclosure, each dimple on the outer surface of the golf ball is either a perimeter dimple or an interior dimple and is positioned entirely within a single domain. Perimeter dimples are those dimples located directly adjacent to a border segment. The perimeter dimples of a given domain are those located inside of that domain, and, in a particular embodiment, form an axially symmetric pattern about the geometric center of the domain. Interior dimples are those dimples not located directly adjacent to a border segment. The interior dimples of a given domain are those located within the domain, and, in a particular embodiment, form an axially symmetric pattern about the geometric center of the domain.

(80) For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11H, each of the dimples labelled 4 or 6 or 9 is a perimeter dimple of the first domain 14a, and each of the dimples labelled 1 or 5 is an interior dimple of the first domain 14a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11I, each of the dimples labelled 3 or 7 or 8 is a perimeter dimple of the second domain 14b, and each of the dimples labelled 2 or 4 or 9 or 10 is an interior dimple of the second domain 14b.

(81) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11J, the total number of dimples on the outer surface of the ball is 350, and the number of different dimple diameters is 10. In FIGS. 11H and 11I, the numerical labels within the dimples designate same diameter dimples. For example, all dimples labelled 1 have the same diameter; all dimples labelled 2 have the same diameter; and so on. In a particular aspect of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11H and 11I, the dimples labelled 1 have a diameter of about 0.090 inches, the dimples labelled 2 have a diameter of about 0.110 inches, the dimples labelled 3 have a diameter of about 0.115 inches, the dimples labelled 4 have a diameter of about 0.150 inches, the dimples labelled 5 have a diameter of about 0.160 inches, the dimples labelled 6 have a diameter of about 0.165 inches, the dimples labelled 7 have a diameter of about 0.170 inches, the dimples labelled 8 have a diameter of about 0.175 inches, the dimples labelled 9 have a diameter of about 0.185 inches, and the dimples labelled 10 have a diameter of about 0.205 inches.

(82) There are no limitations to the dimple shapes or profiles selected to pack the domains. Though the present invention includes substantially circular dimples in one embodiment, dimples or protrusions (brambles) having any desired characteristics and/or properties may be used. For example, in one embodiment the dimples may have a variety of shapes and sizes including different depths and perimeters. In particular, the dimples may be concave hemispheres, or they may be triangular, square, hexagonal, catenary, polygonal or any other shape known to those skilled in the art. They may also have straight, curved, or sloped edges or sides. To summarize, any type of dimple or protrusion (bramble) known to those skilled in the art may be used with the present invention. The dimples may all fit within each domain, as seen in FIGS. 1A, 1D, 11E-11G, and 11H-11J or dimples may be shared between one or more domains, as seen in FIGS. 3C-3D, so long as the dimple arrangement on each independent domain remains consistent across all copies of that domain on the surface of a particular golf ball. Alternatively, the tessellation can create a pattern that covers more than about 60%, preferably more than about 70% and preferably more than about 80% of the golf ball surface without using dimples.

(83) In other embodiments, the domains may not be packed with dimples, and the borders of the irregular domains may instead comprise ridges or channels. In golf balls having this type of irregular domain, the one or more domains or sets of domains preferably overlap to increase surface coverage of the channels. Alternatively, the borders of the irregular domains may comprise ridges or channels and the domains are packed with dimples.

(84) When the domain(s) is patterned onto the surface of a golf ball, the arrangement of the domains dictated by their shape and the underlying polyhedron ensures that the resulting golf ball has a high order of symmetry, equaling or exceeding 12. The order of symmetry of a golf ball produced using the method of the current invention will depend on the regular or non-regular polygon on which the irregular domain is based. The order and type of symmetry for golf balls produced based on the five regular polyhedra are listed below in Table 10.

(85) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Symmetry of Golf Ball of the Present Invention as a Function of Polyhedron Type of Polyhedron Type of Symmetry Symmetrical Order Tetrahedron Chiral Tetrahedral Symmetry 12 Cube Chiral Octahedral Symmetry 24 Octahedron Chiral Octahedral Symmetry 24 Dodecahedron Chiral Icosahedral Symmetry 60 Icosahedron Chiral Icosahedral Symmetry 60

(86) These high orders of symmetry have several benefits, including more even dimple distribution, the potential for higher packing efficiency, and improved means to mask the ball parting line. Further, dimple patterns generated in this manner may have improved flight stability and symmetry as a result of the higher degrees of symmetry.

(87) In other embodiments, the irregular domains do not completely cover the surface of the ball, and there are open spaces between domains that may or may not be filled with dimples. This allows dissymmetry to be incorporated into the ball.

(88) Dimple patterns of the present invention are particularly suitable for packing dimples on seamless golf balls. Seamless golf balls and methods of producing such are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,849,007 and 7,422,529, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

(89) In a particular aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, golf balls of the present invention have a total number of dimples, N, on the outer surface thereof, of 302 or 306 or 320 or 336 or 342 or 350 or 360 or 384 or 390 or 432.

(90) Aerodynamic characteristics of golf balls of the present invention can be described by aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle. Based on a dimple pattern generated according to the present invention, in one embodiment, the golf ball achieves an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.25 to 0.32 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 30° to 38° at a Reynolds Number of 230000 and a spin ratio of 0.085. Based on a dimple pattern generated according to the present invention, in another embodiment, the golf ball achieves an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.26 to 0.33 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 32° to 40° at a Reynolds Number of 180000 and a spin ratio of 0.101. Based on a dimple pattern generated according to the present invention, in another embodiment, the golf ball achieves an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.27 to 0.37 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 35° to 44° at a Reynolds Number of 133000 and a spin ratio of 0.133. Based on a dimple pattern generated according to the present invention, in another embodiment, the golf ball achieves an aerodynamic coefficient magnitude of from 0.32 to 0.45 and an aerodynamic force angle of from 39° to 45° at a Reynolds Number of 89000 and a spin ratio of 0.183. For purposes of the present disclosure, aerodynamic coefficient magnitude (C.sub.mag) is defined by C.sub.mag=(C.sub.L.sup.2+C.sub.D.sup.2).sup.1/2 and aerodynamic force angle (C.sub.angle) is defined by C.sub.angle=tan.sup.−1 (C.sub.L/C.sub.D), where C.sub.L is a lift coefficient and C.sub.D is a drag coefficient. Aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball, including aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle, are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,976 to Bissonnette et al., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle values are calculated using the average lift and drag values obtained when 30 balls are tested in a random orientation. Reynolds number is an average value for the test and can vary by plus or minus 3%. Spin ratio is an average value for the test and can vary by plus or minus 5%.

(91) When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used.

(92) All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited herein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

(93) While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all of the features of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.