Finally, Logos Within the Dimples of a Golf Ball!

Callaway had an interesting golf ball patent application publish today as US Pub. No. 20090054177 titled “Dimples Composed of Letters or Symbols Inset into Cover,” which describes the invention as:

The present invention relates to dimples and dimple patterns for golf  balls (20), preferably dimple patterns composed of letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20). The golf ball (20) has dimples (40) and logo depressions (50) in a cover of the golf ball (20). The logo depressions (50) are preferably letters, symbols, logos and combinations thereof, inset into the cover of the golf ball (20).

That’s right, logos in your dimples, or dimples that are logos! Just what the game of golf has needed.

The application goes on to explain:

[0025] According to a primary object of the invention, dimples may be formed by drilling or machining desired letters or symbols into a mold using the direct cavity machining process. This produces a letter, symbol or other shape that would have a size similar to the size of a traditional dimple, normally 0.1 to 0.25 inches high. When produced on a golf ball, the dimples would have a depth similar to that of a traditional circular or non-circular dimple, normally 0.005 to 0.015 inches. The dimple pattern would be optimized to optimize the aerodynamics of the finished golf ball.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows one example wherein logo depressions 50 are formed as letters inset into the cover. The logo depression 50 is preferably a graphic representation, company symbol, trademark or readily recognized abbreviation. The ball is divided into two hemispheres 11 and 12 divided by an equator E-E. A basic pattern section is shown on hemisphere 11. The pattern shows dimples 40 and the letter “X” and the letter “L” for the logo depression 50. This pattern can be repeated as often as desired in either or both hemispheres.

[0042] The logo depressions 50 are formed by machining the various shapes into the molds. The logo depressions 50 are formed to be preferably the same size as traditional circular dimples, normally about 0.1 to 0.25 inches width and 0.005 to 0.015 inches depth. Alternatively, the logo depressions 50 are larger or smaller than traditional dimples, particularly if the desired effect is for the logo depressions 50 to stand out more than other dimples. The aerodynamics of the golf ball using the logo depressions 50 is similar to that of a more traditional dimple pattern.

It will be interesting to see if a patent is granted.

Dave Dawsey  – Tracking Golf Ball Technology

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