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Steven Aoyama, Marion US

Steven Aoyama, Marion, MA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080214327GOLF BALL WITH LOBED DIMPLES - A golf ball with multi-lobed dimples is provided. The dimple comprises a plurality of lobes positioned radially around the center of the dimple, wherein each lobe is defined by a circumferential segment. Each lobe comprises a first curved profile extending from the circumferential segment toward the center of the dimple and the first curved profile of each lobe abuts each other in an uninterrupted manner. The curvature of the circumferential segments can be defined by a ratio of an inside radius to an outside radius.09-04-2008
20080261725GOLF BALL DIMPLES WITH SPIRAL DEPRESSIONS - A golf ball includes a spherical outer surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples have an inner land surface with at least one spiral depression either disposed or superimposed on the inner land surface to energize or agitate the airflow over the dimpled surfaces to increase the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. The spiral depression may turn clockwise or counterclockwise and can be either spaced apart, touching or overlapping each other. While the dimples may be circular, polygonal, triangular or elliptical, dimples having a cross section greater than 0.18 inch are preferred. The dimples may also comprise spiral depressions directly on the spherical surface of the ball.10-23-2008
20080317892MOLD FOR A GOLF BALL - A golf ball mold having a non-planar parting surface that is formed a computerized modeling system such as CAD or CAE in combination with a CNC machine tool. The mold is comprised of hemispherical upper and lower mold halves being removably mated along the non-planar parting line that is distinct from the position corresponding to an equator line of the spherical cavity. Each mold half having an interior cavity detail for creating a pattern of dimples on the cover of the golf ball, wherein at least one dimple lies across an equator of the ball and the parting line passes around and between interdigitated dimples without intersecting them, therein creating a “seamless” golf ball. The non-planar surface of the upper mold half comprising at least three true sprues for venting of air and excess material; and at least three false sprues for the placement of tabs on the cover for use in aligning the golf ball as it is spun in a buffing machine.12-25-2008
20090017941GOLF BALL SURFACE PATTERNS COMPRISING MULTIPLE CHANNELS - A golf ball having an improved surface pattern is disclosed. The golf ball has one or more channels or ridges on its surface. These ridges or channels may decrease drag, or may increase lift, and may increase or decrease flight symmetry. These channels or ridges may be linear, or may be curved, and may or may not fully circumscribe the golf ball. These channels or ridges may also be combined with traditional or non-traditional dimples.01-15-2009
20090023519HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a lift to weight ratio greater than about 1.7 at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.095, a COR of 0.790 or less, and a weight of about 1.39 to 1.62 oz; and wherein the cover layer has an outer surface including dimples covering 55% to 75% of the outer surface.01-22-2009
20090088273GOLF BALL - A golf ball that is formed by a mold developed from a computerized modeling system such as CAD or CAE in combination with a CNC machine tool which superimposes a short waveform, or multiple waveforms, onto a longer base waveform to create a non-planar parting line that is functionally dependent on the underlying dimple geometry. The non-planar parting line is comprised of a plurality of peaks and valleys that are offset from the dimple perimeters, as not to bisect any dimple edge. Also, dimples on one side of the parting line interdigitate with dimples on the other side to form a more uniform distribution of dimples over the entire golf ball surface. Still further, the non-planar parting line has a amplitude which is less than 0.02 inch from an axis substantially coincident with the equator of the ball and the length of the parting line is less than 110 percent of the length of a curve defined by the circumference of the equator. Located at a plurality of sites on the non-planar parting line and offset from the equator are tabs which are formed on the ball to aid in the finishing operation wherein flash is removed from the ball parting line. The tabs are created by true sprues (vents) and false sprues on the parting surfaces of the ball mold halves.04-02-2009
20090098951HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball having a reduced distance while maintaining the appearance of a normal high performance trajectory. The golf ball has a core, an inner cover layer, and a cover. The core has a diameter of from about 1.300 to 1.620 inches, while the ball has a weight from 1.30 to 1.620 ounces, a diameter from 1.670 to 1.800 inches and a maximum Coefficient of Restitution from about 0.600 to about 0.790 as measured at 125 ft/sec incoming ball velocity. The ball has a lift to weight ratio of greater than 1.5 at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a spin ratio of about 0.095.04-16-2009
20090124422HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 230,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.085, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.9 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 3.0.05-14-2009
20090124423HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.095, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.7 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 2.4.05-14-2009
20090124424HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 161,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.122, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.2 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.5.05-14-2009
20090124425HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 138,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.142, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 0.9 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.2.05-14-2009
20090124428HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 184,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.106, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.4 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 2.0.05-14-2009
20090124432GOLF BALL DIMPLES - A multi-lobed golf ball dimple is provided. The dimple comprises a plurality of lobes positioned radially around the center of the dimple, wherein each lobe is defined by a circumferential segment and may be further defined by spoke-like ridges. Each lobe comprises a first curved profile extending from the circumferential segment toward the center of the dimple and the first curved profile of each lobe abuts each other in an uninterrupted manner. The multi-lobed dimple may include uniform and non-uniform dimples. The curvature of the circumferential segments can be defined by a ratio of an inside radius to an outside radius. Each dimple also includes a slightly convex floor that is continuous and smooth. The curvature may match that of the outer surface of the golf ball. Further, a sloped wall interrupted by spoke-like ridges may connect the convex floor with the outer surface of the golf ball.05-14-2009
20090181805GOLF BALL SURFACE PATTERNS COMPRISING VARIABLE WIDTH/DEPTH MULTIPLE CHANNELS - A golf ball having an improved surface pattern is disclosed. The golf ball has one or more bands on its surface. These bands may be either channels or raised beads. The bands have variable widths and/or heights/depths, either within the same band or between bands. These bands may decrease drag, or may increase lift. These bands may be linear, or may be curved, and may or may not fully circumscribe the golf ball. These channels or ridges may also be combined with traditional or non-traditional dimples.07-16-2009
20090186719MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL HAVING VELOCITY GRADIENT FROM FASTER CENTER TO SLOWER COVER - The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls having a center, a cover layer, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer. The core, the at least one intermediate layer and the cover are constructed to have different initial velocities and COR such that the gradient of the initial velocities and COR progress from a faster center to a slower cover.07-23-2009
20090186720Golf Ball with Improved Flight Performance - A golf ball is provided that has improved aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in increased flight distance for golfers of all swing speeds, and more particularly for golfers possessing very high swing speeds, such as those who can launch the balls at an initial speed greater than 160 miles per hour and more particularly at initial ball speed of about 170 miles per hour or higher. The golf ball of the present invention combines lower dimple count with multiple dimple sizes to provide higher dimple coverage and improved aerodynamic characteristics.07-23-2009
20100069176GOLF BALL WITH POLYGONAL DIMPLE GROUPINGS - The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimple groupings comprised of multiple angular spiral shaped arms that are arrayed to form polygonal perimeters, wherein the number of arms equals the number of perimeter sides. This allows greater symmetry about the dimple grouping center, thereby improving the consistency of the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In another unique feature of the present invention, the angular shape of the arms facilitates the formation of polygonal shaped dimple groupings, which can fit closely together to cover a greater proportion of the ball's surface, preferably more than about 85% surface coverage, thereby further enhancing aerodynamic performance.03-18-2010
20100173728GOLF BALL DIMPLES - A multi-lobed golf ball dimple is provided. The dimple comprises a plurality of lobes positioned radially around the center of the dimple, wherein each lobe is defined by a circumferential segment and may be further defined by spoke-like ridges. Each lobe comprises a first curved profile extending from the circumferential segment toward the center of the dimple and the first curved profile of each lobe abuts each other in an uninterrupted manner. The multi-lobed dimple may include uniform and non-uniform dimples. The curvature of the circumferential segments can be defined by a ratio of an inside radius to an outside radius. Each dimple also includes a slightly convex floor that is continuous and smooth. The curvature may match that of the outer surface of the golf ball. Further, a sloped wall interrupted by spoke-like ridges may connect the convex floor with the outer surface of the golf ball.07-08-2010
20100190583GOLF BALL DIMPLE PATTERNS WITH MULTIPLE PHYLLOTACTIC ELEMENTS - A golf ball is disclosed having a plurality of dimples on its surface, the dimples being arranged in patterns determined by the science of phyllotaxis. Phyllotactic patterns are used to ascertain the placement of dimples in each polygonal face of a polyhedron based dimple pattern. Phyllotactic patterns provide for the arrangement of multiple spiral shaped strings of dimples within individual polygonal faces of a golf ball surface, with each polygonal face area having its own phyllotactic origination point at its center. The resulting multiple axes of symmetry in the overall dimple pattern provide improved symmetry of flight performance.07-29-2010
20100197428MOLD FOR A GOLF BALL - A golf ball mold having a non-planar parting surface formed by superimposing a base waveform with a least one shorter secondary waveform. The base waveform is defined by a series of concentric arcs wherein adjacent arcs are connected with a straight line segment that is tangent to the arcs and creates an acute angle. The length of the straight line segment being critical to the accuracy and predictability of the parting line.08-05-2010
20100234125HIGH LAUNCH AND LOW SPIN GOLF BALL AND GOLF CLUB COMBINATION - The present invention is directed to a golf club and golf ball combination that maximizes the distance of travel when the golf club strikes the golf ball. More specifically, a golf club and golf ball combination capable of generating a higher launch angle combined with the lower spin rate to maximize the distance. The golf club in accordance with the present invention may generally have a lower center of gravity, a higher loft angle, or may even have a coating on the club face that optimizes the coefficient of friction between the golf club and the golf ball. The golf ball in accordance with the present invention may generally have a ratio of the coefficient of lift (C09-16-2010
20100240473GOLF BALL WITH IMPROVED SYMMETRY - The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a substantially seamless design and a plurality of modified dimples, which synergistically improve the golf ball's symmetric flight performance. The modified dimples may be altered in any number of ways including, but not limited to, by means of changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and dimple plan shape. All such modifications are designed to produce golf balls wherein dimples positioned around the equator are balanced by dimples at the poles and elsewhere, thereby resulting in a ball that flies consistently regardless of orientation.09-23-2010
20110124437HIGH PERFORMANCE GOLF BALL HAVING A REDUCED-DISTANCE - A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.095, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.7 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 2.7.05-26-2011

Patent applications by Steven Aoyama, Marion, MA US