Golf ball dimples forming indicia

Abstract

The present invention comprises a golf ball with dimples. Some of the dimples have markings that are raised geometric elements having substantially the same elevation as the undimpled land area. Innovatively, the markings interact with and become components of dimples themselves rather than being additions or replacements for dimples. Innovatively, the markings increase the total perimeter value of one or more dimples, and the aggregate dimple perimeter value of a golf ball. Such increased perimeter quantities provide a means to control and improve aerodynamic performance.

1 . A golf ball comprises a first set of dimples, a second set of dimples and a land area, wherein the first set of dimples has at least one dimple comprising circumference c, wherein the second set of dimples comprises at least one marking within at least one dimple comprising n subcomponents, wherein said dimple has a total perimeter value provided by the expression 
       
         
           
             
               P 
               = 
               
                 
                   ∑ 
                   
                     i 
                     = 
                     1 
                   
                   n 
                 
                  
                 
                   p 
                   i 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       where p is the perimeter of the each subcomponent and n is at least two, and wherein the value of P is at least about 1.10c. 
     
     
         2 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the value of P is at least 1.25c. 
     
     
         3 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the value of P is at least 1.5c. 
     
     
         4 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the value of P is at least 1.75c. 
     
     
         5 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein n is at least three. 
     
     
         6 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein n is at least four. 
     
     
         7 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the dimples have a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular, catenary, elliptical, and conical shapes. 
     
     
         8 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the dimples have a plan form shape selected from the group consisting of circular, polygonal, oval, and irregular shapes. 
     
     
         9 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one marking in the second set of dimples forms a geometrical pattern on the golf ball. 
     
     
         10 . The golf ball of  claim 9 , wherein said geometrical pattern comprises a circle. 
     
     
         11 . The golf ball of  claim 9 , wherein said geometrical pattern comprises an oval. 
     
     
         12 . The golf ball of  claim 9 , wherein said geometrical pattern comprises a polygon. 
     
     
         13 . The golf ball of  claim 9 , wherein said geometrical pattern comprises multiple geometrical shapes. 
     
     
         14 . The golf ball of  claim 13 , wherein said shapes comprise a circle and a triangle. 
     
     
         15 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one marking in the second set of dimples is substantially contoured within a single dimple.