Imprint stamp, material having imprint pattern, and imprint method for producing imprint pattern
A specialized embossing die with convex tips on a cylindrical body replicates golf ball patterns on materials like leather or plastic with minimal damage, achieving an authentic and durable representation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2025178101
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-14
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing embossing methods struggle to effectively replicate the patterns of golf balls, and the patterns are not always well-defined or easy to apply to a single layer without damaging it, and often require post-processing to achieve an authentic representation.
A specialized embossing die with convexly curved tips on a cylindrical or conically tapered body is used to create concave depressions with cylindrical or conical walls and bridges, allowing for a gentle demolding process that replicates the golf ball pattern with clear, durable indentations.
The method produces an authentic golf ball pattern on materials like leather or plastic with minimal damage, enabling a tactile experience and clear definition of dimples, suitable for modern golf ball designs.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an embossing die and a material with an embossing pattern according to the preambles of the independent claims.
[0002] Embossing processes are already known from the prior art for creating the pattern of a golf ball, namely concave indentations in a more or less regular sequence. Such patterns are frequently incorporated into layers of leather to give the leather a special feel and appearance reminiscent of golf.
[0003] The indentations, or "dimples," of the pattern are not always well-defined or easy to apply to a single layer of material without damaging it. Therefore, materials with such an embossed pattern often require post-processing. Furthermore, existing embossing methods are not particularly suitable for authentically replicating the patterns of golf balls.
[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of representing a golf ball pattern in a defined, material-friendly, flexible and authentic way on the surface of a material.
[0005] The present invention solves the aforementioned problem through the features of the independent claims.
[0006] According to the invention, it has been discovered that a very special embossing die must be used, namely one that has embossing dies at its end facing the surface to be embossed. An embossing die must have a convexly curved tip in the manner of a spherical cap, which rests on a substantially cylindrical or conically tapered body in the direction of embossing. This allows the embossing die to be easily pressed into a layer of material and also withdrawn from it.
[0007] According to the invention, concave embossing depressions with concave bases are formed in the material after embossing, which transition at least partially into cylindrical or conically widening depression walls and / or into a bridge between two embossing depressions and / or into a bridging surface between two concave bases. The depression walls are at least partially cylindrical or conical, and the bridges can be produced with slight rounding and / or interruptions.
[0008] The demolding process is gentle on the material. Virtually no burrs or nicks remain on the material, especially on leather or plastic layers. According to the invention, it has been found that such an embossing die can be used to create particularly authentic patterns on golf balls, including newer models. Different embossing patterns can be achieved by varying the depth of the die's impression into the material.
[0009] Against this background, the diameter of a die could range from 3 to 7 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the tip could protrude from the body by 0.3 to 1 mm. This creates a golf ball pattern that is particularly easy to see. The golf ball pattern is depicted in a slightly exaggerated manner.
[0010] The edge of the dome of a die can transition into the body of the die with a sharp edge or a rounded edge with a 3 / 10 mm radius of curvature. This sharp or rounded transition ensures that the outer diameter or circumferential edge of a dimple or the concave area of a dimple is clearly defined and is impressed into the material by at least 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters at the edge of the concave area. In the center of the dimple, the dome leaves a negative, concave impression in the material. This results in a clear and durable golf ball appearance.
[0011] One die could form a contact area with another die. Due to the resulting small distance between the dies, the surface of the material between the embossing depressions acquires a bulge or rounding. Rounded ridges and curved surfaces can be created between the embossing depressions in the embossed material.
[0012] Two dies could merge at the contact points, with at least a partial interruption of their cylindrical or conical surfaces. Preferably, the dies merge in the lower region of their bodies, facing the base of the die. This makes it possible to better simulate the appearance of modern golf balls, whose ridges between the dimples decrease in height or are set back relative to a hypothetical golf ball radius.
[0013] The edges of the dimples could merge into one another or touch at a point or area of contact. This can create an exaggerated simulation of the look of modern golf balls. The material appears as if the dimples blend together even more clearly. As a result, the ridges between the concave bases of the embossed depressions in the material may be interrupted.
[0014] A material with a golf ball-like embossed pattern comprises a plurality of embossed depressions arranged in the material, wherein each embossed depression has a concave base that transitions into a depression wall that is at least partially cylindrical or conical, and / or into a bridge between the embossed depressions, and / or into a bridging surface connecting two concave bases. An embossed depression is preferably circular. In particular, the concave base is modeled on the negative of a spherical shell or cap.
[0015] The material ridges between the embossed depressions could have a curve or rounding. This creates a unique feel and appearance. Alternatively or additionally, the ridges could have different heights at different points. This makes it possible to replicate the look of newer golf balls.
[0016] The material ridges between the embossed depressions could slope inwards, towards the concave base, and / or be interrupted in such a way that the concave bases of two embossed depressions abut or merge into one another. This makes it possible to reproduce the appearance of modern golf balls with exceptional authenticity. A honeycomb-like arrangement of the dimples is achievable, whereby a "honeycomb wall" at the dimple contact points is offset inwards or is almost entirely absent, or even completely missing in certain areas.
[0017] The material could be leather, imitation leather, foam rubber, or soft plastic. Such materials are particularly easy to emboss.
[0018] The pattern of the embossed indentations could be regularly repeating or honeycomb-like. This makes the continuous embossed pattern resemble the surface of a golf ball.
[0019] A method for creating a golf ball-shaped embossed pattern in a material could include the following steps: Pressing the embossing die into the material, pulling the embossing die out of the material.
[0020] A stamping die of the type described here could be used.
[0021] This makes it possible to press the die so deeply and firmly into the material that the cylindrical or conical walls of the depression are as invisible as possible, resulting in rounded transition areas between the individual concave bases of the embossed pattern. This creates a tactile experience similar to that of curved, essentially edgeless surfaces. A particularly advantageous feature is that no conical contour is visible within the embossed depression on the finished material.
[0022] A holder for cards and / or banknotes could comprise a material of the type described here and a housing to which a hinged lid bearing the embossed pattern is attached. Such a holder for cards and / or banknotes can visually reference the sport of golf, or establish a visual or tactile connection between the holder and the sport of golf, particularly golf events.
[0023] The holding device could have an upwardly open housing with a base, the base having upwardly projecting and spaced-apart side ribs, the side ribs together with the base forming, at least partially, a slot for cards. This makes it possible to store golf club membership cards or access cards for ball dispensing machines in credit card format in the holding device.
[0024] At least one clip could be provided, which engages from above into the open-topped housing, with the clip, if neither cards nor banknotes are placed in the housing, being partially located between the side ribs and extending with one free end at least approximately to the bottom. In addition to club membership cards, banknotes can also be stored in the holder using this clip.
[0025] The drawing shows Fig. 1 a top view of a first embossing die, in which five embossing dies are shown in partial and schematic form, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the first embossing die, in which the section through the dashed line in Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the first die according to Fig. 1 and 2 , Fig. 4 shows in part a material in which an embossing pattern is introduced, which is formed by the first embossing die according to Fig. 1 Fig. 5 is a top view of a second embossing die, in which five embossing dies are shown schematically and in part, which partially merge into one another at the edges, Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the second embossing die, in which the section through the dashed line in Fig. 5 Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the second die according to Fig. 5 and 6, Fig. 8 shows a section of a material in which an embossed pattern is introduced, which is formed by the second embossing die according to Fig. 5 Fig. 9 shows a holding device for cards and / or banknotes, which has a lid with a material in which a pattern resembling a golf ball is incorporated, and Fig. 10 shows the holding device according to Fig. 9 with the lid open.
[0026] The Fig. 1 bis 3 Figure 1 shows the first die 10a, comprising a base body 10, on the die's embossing side of which embossing stubs 11a project from the base body surface, each having a convexly shaped tip 12a. The tip 12a rests on a body 13a and projects from it in the direction of embossing, the body 13a tapering conically towards the tip 12a. The conical taper is Fig. 2 and 3particularly easy to recognize. The diameter of such a die 11a is in the range of 3 to 7 mm.
[0027] Fig. 2 This shows that the edge 14a of the apex 12a transitions sharply into the lateral surface 15a of the body 13a. The body 13a is a truncated cone, the apex 12a is a spherical shell or cap.
[0028] Fig. 2 and 3 show that one embossing die 11a forms a contact area 16a with another embossing die 11a. Specifically, each embossing die 11a is surrounded by six other embossing dies 11a, with each embossing die 11a bearing against the other embossing dies 11a at six contact areas 16a.
[0029] Fig. 2 This shows that two embossing dies 11a merge into one another at the contact areas 16a, with at least a partial interruption of their outer surfaces 15a. The dies 13a partially merge into one another at a lower area facing the base body 10.
[0030] Fig. 4 Figure 9a shows a material 9a with an embossed pattern resembling a golf ball, comprising a plurality of embossed depressions 18a arranged in the material 9a. Each embossed depression 18a has a concave base 19a that transitions into a depression wall 20a that is at least partially conical and / or into a ridge 21a between the embossed depressions 18a. The material 9a according to Fig. 4 is with the first embossing die 10a according to Fig. 1 bis 3 produced. The embossing die 10a was pressed so deeply into the material 9a that the embossing depressions 18a shown are formed in the material 9a with slightly rounded ridges 21a between the embossing depressions 18a.
[0031] The ridges 21a of material 9a between the embossing depressions 18a have a curvature or rounding and different heights at different points. Three ridges 21a converge at a triple plane 22a, which is curved and rounded in three directions and into which the three ridges 21a terminate.
[0032] A bridge 21a, which extends between two triple levels 22a1, 22a2, slopes slightly inwards from a first triple level 22a1, thus reducing its height, in order to increase again in height after passing through a point of minimum height 23a as it approaches the second triple level 22a2.
[0033] Material 9a can be leather, imitation leather, foam rubber, or soft plastic. The pattern of the embossed indentations 18a is regularly repeated and honeycomb-like.
[0034] Fig. 5 bis 7 Figure 1 shows the second die 10b, comprising a base body 10, on the embossing side of which embossing stubs 11b project from the surface of the base body, each having a convexly shaped dome 12b. The dome 12b rests on a body 13b and projects from it in the direction of embossing, the body 13b tapering conically towards the dome 12b. The conical taper is Fig. 6 and 7 particularly easy to recognize. The diameter of such a die 11b is in the range of 3 to 7 mm.
[0035] Fig. 6 This shows that the edge 14b of the apex 12b transitions sharply into the lateral surface 15b of the body 13b. The body 13b is a truncated cone, the apex 12b is a spherical shell or cap.
[0036] Fig. 6 and 7show that one embossing die 11b forms a contact area 16b with another embossing die 11b. Specifically, each embossing die 11b is surrounded by six other embossing dies 11b, with each embossing die 11b bearing against the other embossing dies 11b at six contact areas 16b.
[0037] Fig. 6 This shows that two embossing dies 11b merge into one another at the contact areas 16b, with at least a partial interruption of their outer surfaces 15b. The dies 13b partially merge into one another at a lower area facing the base body 10.
[0038] In contrast to the situation with the first die 10a after Fig. 1 bis 3 The edges 14b of the tips 12b of the embossing die 10b also merge into one another at a contact area 17b. Specifically, each embossing die 11b is surrounded by six other embossing dies 11b, with each embossing die 11b abutting the other embossing dies 11b at six contact areas 17b.
[0039] Fig. 8 Figure 9a shows a material 9a with a golf ball-shaped embossing pattern comprising a plurality of embossing depressions 18b arranged in the material 9b. An embossing depression 18b has a concave base 19b that transitions into a ridge 21b between the embossing depressions 18b and into a bridging surface 23b that connects two concave bases 19b. The material 9b according to Fig. 8 is with the second embossing die 10b according to Fig. 5 bis 7 produced. The second embossing die 10b was pressed so deeply into the material 9b that the embossing depressions 18b shown are formed in the material 9b with slightly rounded and interrupted ridges 21b between the embossing depressions 18b.
[0040] The ridges 21b of material 9b between the embossing depressions 18b have a curvature or rounding and different heights at different points. Three ridges 21b converge at a triple plane 22b, which is curved and rounded in three directions and radiates outwards in a star shape to the three interrupted ridges 21b.
[0041] A bridge 21b, which extends between two triple planes 22b1, 22b2, slopes slightly inwards from a first triple plane 22b1, thus reducing its height, in order to increase again in height after passing through the bridging surface 23b as it approaches the second triple plane 22b2.
[0042] The webs 21b of the material 9b between the embossing depressions 18b slope inwards and are interrupted in such a way that the concave bases 19b of two embossing depressions 18b merge into one another at six bridging surfaces 23b.
[0043] Material 9b can be leather, imitation leather, foam rubber, or soft plastic. The pattern of the embossed indentations 18b is regularly repeated and honeycomb-like.
[0044] With reference to the Fig. 1 bis 8 A method for producing an embossed pattern in the form of a golf ball in a material 9a, 9b is disclosed, comprising the following steps: Pressing a die 10a, 10b into the material 9a, 9b, withdrawing the die 10a, 10b from the material 9a, 9b.
[0045] A stamping die 10a, 10b of the type described above is used.
[0046] The embossing die 10a, 10 can be flexibly pressed deep into the material 9a, 9b to represent a golf ball pattern in a defined, material-friendly, flexible and authentic way on a surface of the material 9a, 9b.
[0047] In the embossing die 10a, 10b used, each embossing die 11a, 11b is surrounded by six further embossing dies 11a, 11b. In the finished material 9a, 9b, the concave base 19a, 19b is preferably adjoined by an optionally interrupted rounded edge with a height of approximately 0.26 mm. The base 19a, 19b is 0.66 mm deep, measured from the highest elevation of the material's surface, namely the highest point of a triple plane 22a, b.
[0048] Fig. 9 shows a holding device for cards and / or banknotes, comprising a material 9a of the type described herein and a housing 1 to which a lid 7 is pivotably attached, which has the embossing pattern described herein.
[0049] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a card and / or banknote holder comprising a housing 1 to which a cover 7 is pivotally attached. The housing 1 has a slot 1a for cards. The holder has an upwardly open housing 1 which has a base 2, wherein the base 2 has upwardly projecting and spaced-apart side ribs 3, 4, wherein the side ribs 3, 4 together with the base 2 form at least partially the slot 1a for cards.
[0050] At least one clamp 5 is provided, which engages from above into the upwardly open housing 1, wherein the at least one clamp 5, if neither cards nor banknotes are arranged in the housing 1, is partially located between the side ribs 3, 4 and extends with a free end at least approximately to the bottom 2.
[0051] The side ribs 3 and 4 have different heights. The height of the first side rib 3 is greater than the height of the second side rib 4, such that banknotes and / or cards with a lower height can protrude from the housing 1 above the first side rib 4.
[0052] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows that the side panels 3 and 4 of the housing 1 are connected to each other only on one rear side of the housing 1 by a connecting bar 6 that is perpendicular to the base 2. The clip 5 is also attached to this rear side, i.e., to the connecting bar 6. Cards or credit cards can be inserted into the housing 1 from the front, like a drawer, until they reach a stop against the connecting bar 6 or other stops.
[0053] The base 2 further features a flat front crossbar 2a, to which a through-hole 2b extends towards the connecting bridge 6. Cards can be moved through the through-hole 2b using a finger or thumb. The thumb or finger then protrudes from below through the through-hole 2b towards the clamp 5 coming from above. The flat crossbar 2a is flush with the base 2 and is part of the base 2.
[0054] The side web 3 forms a connection side of the housing 1, to which the cover 7 is pivotally attached. The cover 7 can be secured to the other side web 4, which forms the push-button side of the housing 1, by means of a push button 8. Fig. 10 The lid 7 is opened or swung open so that the inside of the lid 7 is visible.
[0055] The lid 7 can be made of leather, imitation leather or another embossable material. Reference sign
[0056] 1 Housing 1a Insert compartment 2 Bottom 2 Front crossbar of 2 2b Through-hole of 2 3 First side bar 4 Second side bar 5 Clip 6 Connecting bar 7 Cover 8 Snap fastener 9a, b Material 10 Base body 10a, b Embossing die 11a, b Embossing die 13a, b Body 14a, b Edge 15a, b Shell surface 16a, b Contact area 17b Touching area 18a, b Embossing recess 19a, b Concave base 20a, b Recess wall 21a, b Bar 22a, b Triple plane 23a Point of minimum height 23b Bridging surface, not embossed, had no contact with the embossing die 10a, 10b
Claims
1. Embossing die (10a, 10b), comprising a base body (10), on the embossing side of which embossing stubs (11a, b) projecting from the surface of the base body are arranged, each of which has a convexly shaped dome (12a, 12b), characterized by the fact that the dome (12a, 12b) sits on a body (13a, 13b) and projects from it in the direction of the impression, the body (13a, 13b) being cylindrical or tapering conically towards the dome (12a, 12b).
2. Embossing die according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the diameter of a die (11a, 11b) is in the range of 3 to 7 mm and / or that the dome (12a, 12b) protrudes from the body (13a, 13b) by a height of 0.3 to 1 mm.
3. Embossing die according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the edge (14a, 14b) of the dome (12a, 12b) transitions sharply or rounded with a radius of curvature of 3 / 10 mm into the lateral surface (15a, 15b) of the body (13a, 13b).
4. Embossing die according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata die (11a, 11b) forms at least one contact area (16a, 16b) with at least one further die (11a, 11b).
5. Embossing die according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that two embossing dies (11a, 11b) merge into each other at the contact areas (16a, 16b) with at least partial interruption of their lateral surfaces (15a, 15b).
6. Embossing die according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by the fact that the edges (14b) of the peaks (12b) merge into one another or lie atop each other at a point of contact or area of contact (17b) 7. Material (9a, 9b) with an embossed pattern in the manner of a golf ball, comprising a plurality of embossed depressions (18a, 18b) arranged in the material (9a, 9b), characterized by the fact thata stamping depression (18a, 18b) has a concave base (19a, 19b) which transitions into a depression wall (20a, b) which is at least partially cylindrical or conical and / or into a web (21a, b) between the stamping depressions (18a, 18b) and / or into a bridging surface (23b) which connects two concave bases (19b).
8. Material according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the ridges (21a, 21b) of the material between the embossing depressions (18a, 18b) have a curvature or rounding and / or that the ridges (21a, 21b) have different heights at different points.
9. Material according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact that the ridges (21a, 21b) of the material (9a, 9b) between the embossing depressions (18a, 18b) slope inwards and / or are interrupted in such a way that the concave bases (19a, 19b) of two embossing depressions (18a, 18b) abut each other or merge into each other.
10. Material according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe material (9a, 9b) is designed as leather, as artificial leather, as foam rubber or as soft plastic.
11. Material according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by the fact that the pattern of the embossed depressions (18a, 18b) is regularly repeated or honeycomb-like.
12. Method for producing an embossed pattern in the form of a golf ball in a material (9a, 9b), comprising the following steps: - pressing an embossing die (10a, 10b) into the material (9a, 9b), - withdrawing the embossing die (10a, 10b) from the material (9a, 9b), characterized by the fact that a stamping die (10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 6 is used.
13. Holding device for cards and / or banknotes, comprising a material (9a, 9b) according to one of claims 7 to 11 and a housing (1) to which a cover (7) is pivotably attached, which has the embossed pattern.
14. Holding device according to claim 13, characterized byan upwardly open housing (1) which has a base (2) wherein the base (2) has upwardly projecting and spaced-apart side ribs (3, 4) wherein the side ribs (3, 4) together with the base (2) form at least partially a slot (1a) for cards.
15. Holding device according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that at least one clamp (5) is provided which engages from above into the upwardly open housing (1), wherein the at least one clamp (5), if neither cards nor banknotes are arranged in the housing (1), is partially located between the side ribs (3, 4) and extends with a free end at least approximately to the bottom (2).
Citation Information
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