Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Ball
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-30
2001-08-21
Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Ball
Reexamination Certificate
active
06277038
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new configuration for the dimples on a golf ball surface which improve the flight characteristics of the ball.
According to the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) rules, a golf ball may not have a weight in excess of 1.620 ounces or a diameter smaller than 1.680 inches. The initial velocity of balls conforming to U.S.G.A. regulations may not exceed 250 feet per second with a maximum tolerance of 2%. Initial velocity is measured on a standard machine kept by the U.S.G.A. A projection on a wheel rotating at a defined speed hits the test ball, and the length of time it takes the ball to traverse a set distance after impact is measured. U.S.G.A. regulations also require that a ball not travel a distance greater than 280 yards when hit by the U.S.G.A. outdoor driving machine under specified conditions. In addition to this specification, there is a tolerance of plus 4% and a 2% tolerance for test error.
These specifications limit how far a struck golf ball will travel in several ways. Increasing the weight of a golf ball tends to increase the distance it will travel and lower the trajectory. A ball having greater momentum is better able to overcome drag. Reducing the diameter of the ball also has the effect of increasing the distance it will travel when hit. This is believed to occur primarily because a smaller ball has a smaller projected area and, thus, a lower drag when traveling through the air. Increasing initial velocity increases the distance the ball will travel.
Drag on a golf ball is also reduced by forming a plurality of dimples, generally circular, in the outer surface of the ball. The dimples serve to reduce the pressure differential between the front and rear of the ball as it travels through the air.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Numerous dimple configurations for use on golf balls are well-known in the patented prior art. While circular dimples are the most common, non-circular dimples are also used on golf balls. For example, the Wood U.S. design Pat. No. 44,227 discloses a design for a golf ball with an outer surface having a plurality of crescent-moon dimples thereon and the Penny U.S. design Pat. No. 44,109 discloses a design for a golf ball with half-moon shaped dimples. Elongated, tear-drop shaped dimples are disclosed in the Lavallee U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,150 which is assigned to the same owner as the present application.
While these dimpled golf balls of the prior art differ from the more conventional circular dimpled balls, they each have different flight characteristics and limitations to the per cent of dimple coverage on the surface of the ball. The present invention was developed in order to create a dimpled golf ball with improved flight characteristics which also conforms with U.S.G.A. standards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a golf ball having a spherical surface with a plurality of uniquely configured dimples thereon. Each dimple includes and outer edge having a first radial configuration and an inner edge having a second configuration different from the first radial configuration. The inner and outer edges meet at opposite sides of the dimple with the are between the edges being recessed relative to the golf ball surface to define a dimple having a sickle configuration.
According to a more particular embodiment of the invention, the second configuration of the inner edge is a radial configuration whose radius is less than the first radial configuration, thereby defining a dimple with a convex outer edge and a concave inner edge, the edges joining at either space points or along a curved surface at the opposite sides of the dimple.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a golf ball wherein a side end of one dimple is arranged within a convex area defined by the inner edge of an adjacent dimple, thereby to define an interlocking pattern of dimples on the golf ball surface.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 44109 (1913-05-01), Penney
patent: D. 44227 (1913-06-01), Wood
patent: 1517514 (1924-12-01), Hunt
patent: 1656408 (1928-01-01), Young
patent: 5005838 (1991-04-01), Oka
patent: 5033750 (1991-07-01), Yamagishi et al.
patent: 5503398 (1996-04-01), Lu
patent: 5518246 (1996-05-01), Moriyama et al.
patent: 6019688 (2000-02-01), Sullivan
Gorden Raeann
Graham Mark S.
Spalding Sports Worldwide Inc.
LandOfFree
Golf ball with non-circular sickle-shaped dimples does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Golf ball with non-circular sickle-shaped dimples, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Golf ball with non-circular sickle-shaped dimples will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2535099