Golf balls with integrally related alignment features

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a golf ball, and more particularly to a golf ball designed to help a player align their shot with a target. [Solution] The golf ball has an alignment aid that is entirely within a circumferential ring region having a width of 10 mm or less. The alignment aid has a first alignment feature having a plurality of non-base color discontinuous lines. Each of the discontinuous lines is parallel to or on the path of a great circle so that all of the discontinuous lines are oriented in the target direction. The alignment aid also has a second alignment feature having a base color direction indicator formed by the group of discontinuous lines. The non-base color discontinuous lines and the base color direction indicator are visible to a golfer looking at the golf ball from above, and together they orient the golf ball along a path that follows the target direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a golf ball, and more particularly to a golf ball designed to assist a player in aligning a shot with a target. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a golf ball having alignment features integrally related to an alignment aid for enhancing a golfer's visual alignment and accuracy.

Background Art

[0002] Proper alignment can significantly impact the accuracy and success of a golf shot. Thus, golf balls often incorporate alignment aids to assist a player in achieving proper positioning. Alignment aids provide visual cues to the golfer and help align the golf ball with the target. Some golf balls are typically configured with one or more lines, some of which include arrows or other directional indicating shapes printed to assist alignment. However, for some golfers, it can be somewhat difficult to select a consistent focus on the alignment aid during a golf shot. Existing alignment aids, some of which have block shapes or large arrows, do not provide a clear directional indication that a golfer can easily target. Thus, there may be a need for an alignment aid that provides both a focus and a general sense of surroundings for a shot.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a golf ball. The golf ball includes a spherical surface including a base color. The golf ball also includes one or more non-base color alignment aids, the alignment aids being entirely within a circumferential ring region of the golf ball, the circumferential ring region being defined by two circular boundaries enclosing and parallel to the great circle of the golf ball, the dimension between the two circular boundaries being defined as a width W measured in the width direction, where W is 10 mm or less. The alignment aids include a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature. The first alignment feature includes a plurality of non-base color discontinuous lines having a line width LW in the width direction, where LW is approximately 1 to 3 mm. Each of the discontinuous lines is parallel to or on the path of the great circle such that the plurality of discontinuous lines are all oriented in a target direction perpendicular to the width direction when the golf ball is viewed from above. Each discontinuous line is spaced in the width direction from at least one other discontinuous line by a base color line. Each discontinuous line includes at least one set of spaced end portions having base-color discontinuities between them. A second alignment feature includes a base-color direction indicator formed by the group of discontinuities of all the discontinuous lines, the direction indicator facing the target direction. The non-base-color discontinuous lines and the base-color direction indicator are visible simultaneously to a golfer viewing the golf ball from above, and together they orient the golf ball along a path aligned with the target direction.

[0004] According to some embodiments, the second alignment feature includes two outermost discontinuities and an intermediate discontinuity. Each discontinuity is defined by a first end portion containing a first boundary and a second end portion containing a second boundary. For each outermost discontinuity, the first and second boundaries are lines extending across the entire line width LW at an angle with respect to the width direction. In some embodiments, the angle is constant and the first and second boundaries are parallel. In some embodiments, the angle is constant but differs relative to the first and second boundaries so that the first and second boundaries are not parallel. In other embodiments, the angle changes continuously so that the first and second boundaries are curved.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the two outermost discontinuities are mirror-image symmetry with respect to each other on either side of the great circle.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the intermediate discontinuity includes a first boundary having two connected lines extending at different angles with respect to the width direction, and a second boundary also having two connected lines extending at different angles with respect to the width direction. For both the first and second boundaries of the intermediate discontinuity, the connected lines converge so as to be oriented in the direction of the straight line.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the average distance between the first boundary and the second boundary for each discontinuity is approximately 0.5 to 3.0 mm.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the direction indicator is an arrow having a certain thickness.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the direction indicator is an arrow having a varying thickness.

[0010] According to some embodiments, each base color line extends uninterruptedly parallel to the great circle. Each base color line has a line width BLW of 1 to 3 mm.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the first alignment feature includes three discontinuous lines, and the second alignment feature includes three discontinuous groups, each forming a directional indicator. In some embodiments, each discontinuous line includes three line segments separated by discontinuities between their respective end portions. In some embodiments, each line segment is approximately 35–45 mm in length.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the disclosure includes a method for printing an alignment aid on a golf ball. The golf ball includes a base color surface. The method includes printing a first stamp on the surface of the golf ball. The first stamp includes a first plurality of non-base color line segments, each of which line segments is parallel to or on the path of a great circle of the golf ball such that all of the plurality of line segments are oriented in the target direction. The method also includes printing a second stamp on the surface of the golf ball, the second stamp includes a second plurality of non-base color line segments, each of which line segments of the second plurality is adjacent to one of the line segments of the first plurality and lies on the same circle. The first and second stamps are printed such that groups of base color discontinuities are formed between adjacent plurality of line segments, and the groups of discontinuities are shaped to form a direction indicator pointing in the target direction. In some embodiments, the first and second stamps are fitted into a circumferential ring region of a golf ball, the circumferential ring region being defined by two circular boundaries that surround and are parallel to the great circle of the golf ball, the dimension between the two circular boundaries being defined as a width W measured in the width direction, where W is 10 mm or less. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] The aforementioned and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While currently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings to illustrate the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific means disclosed. The drawings include the following figures:

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a golf ball with a surface divided into a circumferential ring region. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a golf ball having an alignment assist portion that fits within the circumferential ring region of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the alignment assist part shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a golf ball having an alignment assist portion, consistent with the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the golf ball from Figure 4, further illustrating the alignment aid. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is an example of a stamp that may be printed on a golf ball to generate the alignment aid of the present disclosure according to the first embodiment. Figure 6B is a magnified view of a portion of the alignment aid created by repeatedly printing the stamp of Figure 6A. Figure 6C shows the alignment features of the alignment aid of Figure 6B. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is an example of a stamp that may be printed on a golf ball to generate the alignment aid of the present disclosure, according to another embodiment. Figure 7B is a magnified view of a portion of the alignment aid created by repeatedly printing the stamp of Figure 7A. Figure 7C shows the alignment features of the alignment aid of Figure 7B. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is an example of a stamp that may be printed on a golf ball to generate the alignment aid of the present disclosure, according to another embodiment. Figure 8B is a magnified view of a portion of the alignment aid created by repeatedly printing the stamp of Figure 8A. Figure 8C shows the alignment features of the alignment aid of Figure 8B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] This disclosure describes a golf ball having an alignment aid having integrally related dual alignment features. The alignment aid of this disclosure has a non-base color discontinuous line and a base color direction indicator, which are simultaneously visible to a golfer viewing the golf ball from above. When combined, the integrally related alignment features orient the golf ball along a path that follows the target direction.

[0016] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the alignment aid includes several discontinuous lines set on a plurality of parallel circles on a golf ball. Each line segment constituting the discontinuous line indicates a linear direction that can be directed toward the target line when the golf ball is viewed from above. The alignment end aid also includes a direction indicator (e.g., an arrow) formed by a combination shape of discontinuous groups of discontinuous lines (e.g., the space between the shape of the line segment and its end portion), which provides a linear primary focal area and point to help the golfer's eye follow the target line away from the golf ball toward the target.

[0017] In one embodiment, the golf ball includes a spherical surface and an alignment aid visible on its surface. The alignment aid includes at least three discontinuity lines, each line having at least two discontinuity segments. Each line segment constituting each discontinuity line is collinear with a circle on the surface of the golf ball. The line segments themselves align with the target line of the golf shot when the golfer addresses the golf ball, forming the primary alignment feature of the alignment aid while providing the golfer with additional peripheral sense. The effect is further enhanced by closely grouping relatively thin line segments. Furthermore, combining the grouping of discontinuity segments near each discontinuity line creates a secondary alignment feature using "negative space" (i.e., the base color between printed marks) from the discontinuity segments. For example, the negative space of the base color forms a directional indicator such as an arrow, providing a transparent but non-interfering focus, and the line segments generate a general peripheral sense of direction for the golfer. The integrally related alignment features are simultaneously visible to a golfer viewing the golf ball from above and, combined, orient the golf ball along a path following the target direction. This combination of alignment features helps golfers repeatedly orient the golf ball and swing path along the target line.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a golf ball 10 having a spherical surface 12. The golf ball 10 may also have a configuration having a plurality of dimples (not shown) formed on the surface 12. The term “spherical” in relation to the surface 12 is understood to include a dimpled surface. In some embodiments, the surface 12 is the visible area of ​​the golf ball 10. The surface 12 may consist of multiple layers. For example, the surface 12 may consist of a cover layer, a paint layer, and a transparent clear paint layer of the golf ball 10. Any combination of these and / or other layers of the golf ball visible to the observer may be considered part of the surface 12. For example, the golf ball 10 may consist of a visible nameplate, play number, and side stamp printed on the base color cover layer and below the clear paint layer. The base color cover and printed markings are visible to the observer and may be considered on or part of the surface 12.

[0019] Figure 1 further depicts the circumferential ring region 14 as a part of the surface 12. The circumferential ring region 14 is shown in Figure 1 to define a region of the surface 12, but is not in itself a visual aspect of the golf ball 10 or the surface 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential ring region 14 is a region of the surface 12 defined as the region between parallel circular boundaries, including a first circular boundary 16 and a second circular boundary 18. The circular boundaries 16, 18 define a space between them that includes a great circle 20 (e.g., the spherical great circle of the golf ball 10). In an exemplary embodiment, the circular boundaries 16, 18 are parallel to the great circle 20. The circumferential ring region 14 is a 360° stripe constrained between the circular boundaries 16, 18. The region of the surface 12 between the circular boundaries 16, 18 is considered the circumferential ring region 14. The region outside the circumferential ring region 14 constitutes the rest of the surface 12. The circumferential ring region has a width W, which is a dimension measured in the width direction from the first circular boundary 16 to the second circular boundary 18, and is constant around the circular direction following the great circle 20. As described below, the circumferential ring region depicts the space on the surface of the golf ball from which the alignment aid is visible. Limiting the alignment aid to a circumferential ring region with a relatively small width W helps to improve the function of the alignment aid in relation to its use for golf shots (e.g., aligning the golf ball and / or swing path with the target). In exemplary embodiments, the width W is 10 mm or less.

[0020] Figure 2 shows a golf ball 100 having a spherical surface 105 and an alignment aid 110. Although not shown, the spherical surface 105 may have a configuration that includes multiple dimples, as is typical for golf balls. The alignment aid 110 is a visual mark on or part of the surface 105. For example, the alignment aid 110 may be printed on the layers of the golf ball 100 that make up the surface 105. The surface 105 may have a base color configuration, and the alignment aid 110 may have a configuration that includes at least one non-base color. For example, the surface 105 may have a configuration that includes a base color cover layer and / or a base color paint layer, and the alignment aid 110 may have a configuration that includes a pad printing ink layer which is a non-base color. One or more clear paint layers that do not obscure the base color or one or more non-base colors may also be provided on the golf ball 110. In one embodiment, the base color is white, and the non-base color is another color that is not white (e.g., black, blue, green, gray, red, etc.). In another embodiment, the base color is not white, and the non-base color is another color other than that non-white.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the alignment assist portion 110 is a 360° printed mark along the great circle of the golf ball 100 and has a stamp width SW limited to a circumferential ring region having a width W (FIG. 1). The circumferential ring region constitutes a part of the surface 105, and the alignment assist portion 110 exists within this region and does not exist outside the region. As a result, the alignment assist portion 110 can generate a full-circumference type alignment assist portion limited to a specific width W and can be used to orient the golf ball 100 with respect to the target direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the target direction is perpendicular to the width direction and continues away from the golf ball 100 when viewed from above the golf ball. Since the alignment assist portion 110 follows the great circle for 360° around the entire circumference of the golf ball 100, it is not necessary to rotate the golf ball 100 so that a specific part of the golf ball 100 can be seen to view the alignment assist portion 110. Further, restricting the alignment assist portion 110 to a relatively shallow circumferential ring region helps the golfer to focus on the aspect of the alignment assist portion while perceiving the target direction from the range of the long axis direction of the alignment assist portion.

[0022] Compared with FIGS. 1-2, the alignment assist portion 110 is visible up to the range of the circular boundary of the circumferential ring region. The alignment assist portion 110 may be printed on another layer of the golf ball 100 and may consist of one or more ink layers visible on the surface 105. For example, the alignment assist portion 110 may be configured to include a plurality of pad-printed stamps. In an exemplary embodiment, the surface 105 includes a base color inside and outside the circumferential ring region. For example, a white base color may be configured to constitute most of the surface area outside the circumferential ring region and a part of the surface area inside the circumferential ring region. The alignment assist portion 110 is limited to the circumferential ring region but is not completely covered with a non-base color (i.e., it is not a solid stripe).

[0023] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the alignment assist portion 110 includes a plurality of discontinuous lines. In one embodiment, the alignment assist portion 110 includes three discontinuous lines, namely a first discontinuous line 112, a second discontinuous line 114, and a third discontinuous line 116. The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 extend around the golf ball 100 parallel to the great circle, and the circular boundary of the circumferential ring region is centered on the great circle (see FIG. 1). The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 are separated from each other in the width direction by a first base color line 118 and a second base color line 120. The base color lines 118 and 120 also extend around the golf ball parallel to the great circle. Each of the base color lines 118, 120 extends without interruption parallel to the great circle. Thus, the alignment assist portion 110 includes circumferentially alternating base color and non-base color lines that are parallel to the great circle at the center of the circumferential ring region that defines the entire width of the alignment assist portion 110.

[0024] The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 are discontinuous due to discontinuities 122 that exist at various points around at least the circumferential extent of the discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116. The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 may be configured to include separate line segments separated by the discontinuities 122. As used in the present disclosure, a "line segment" may refer to the non-base color portion of a discontinuous line. The discontinuity 122 exists as the space between the end portions of the line segment. In at least some embodiments, the discontinuity 122 is of a base color.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the discontinuities 122 exist in each of the discontinuous lines 112 within the group. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the grouping of the discontinuities 122 generates a direction indicator 124 that indicates a target direction. For example, each of the grouped discontinuities 122 contributes to the appearance of an arrow pointing in the same direction (i.e., the target direction) as suggested by the discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 and the base color lines 118, 120.

[0026] The exemplary described alignment aid 110 includes integrally related alignment features. In the exemplary embodiment, the first alignment feature is non-base color discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 separated by base color lines 118, 120, all extending parallel to each other, and the great circle provides a linear path when viewing the golf ball 100 from above, and that linear path aligns with the target direction so that the golf ball and golfer can be oriented toward the target. The alignment aid 110 also includes a second alignment feature in the form of a direction indicator 124. The direction indicator 124 is created by the shape of the space between the line segments of the discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116. The direction indicator 124 is, for example, an arrow pointing toward the target direction. The combined alignment features of the alignment assist unit 110 are simultaneously visible, providing the golfer with a general peripheral sense of focus and direction, aligning the path of the golf ball and golf club, and helping the golfer direct the golf ball toward the target. The golf ball includes upper and lower portions 126 located outside the circumferential ring area, which may have the same base color as the direction indicator 124.

[0027] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the alignment aid 110, and in particular shows a group of discontinuities 122 that combine to form a direction indicator 124. The discontinuity lines 112, 114, and 116 include end portions 128 at the ends of the line segments 130. The discontinuities 122 are shown as dotted lines and are again drawn on the side of the enlarged view of the alignment aid 110 to further illustrate their shapes. The shape of the end portions 128 and the space between them defines the shape of each discontinuity 122. Each discontinuity 122 is defined, at least in part, by the boundary of the line segments at the end portions 128.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, each line segment includes a periphery. Figure 3 illustrates the line segments as outlines, but it will be understood that the outlines may also be solid lines representing the periphery of the line segments. The periphery of each line segment includes two longitudinal boundaries A that follow the length of the line segment. The longitudinal boundaries are parallel to a great circle, at least in some embodiments. The line segment further includes an end boundary B at the end portion 128 that connects the longitudinal boundaries and thereby defines the shape of the end portion 128. As shown in Figure 3, each discontinuity 122 may be configured to correspond to a shape defined by an upper boundary C and a lower boundary C, which are continuations of a lateral boundary D that coincide with / overlap with the longitudinal boundaries A and the end boundary B.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the grouping of discontinuities includes an intermediate discontinuity 132 and two outermost discontinuities 134, 136. The intermediate discontinuity 132 may be shaped by opposing arrow-shaped boundaries. For example, the boundary of the intermediate discontinuity 132 may include two connected lines extending at different angles with respect to the width direction W. The connected lines forming the boundary of the intermediate discontinuity converge so as to face the linear direction. The boundaries may be parallel to each other to create a shape that is convex at one end and concave at the other end.

[0030] The two outermost discontinuities 134 and 136 are mirror-symmetric to each other on either side of the great circle. In exemplary embodiments, the two outermost discontinuities include a parallelogram shape with angled side boundaries. The angle of the lines defining each side boundary with respect to the width direction creates the angled side of the direction indicator. Figure 3 shows that the side boundaries defining the shape of discontinuity 122 are set on lines at an angle θ or -θ with respect to the width direction W. For example, adjacent halves of the outermost discontinuity 134 and the middle discontinuity 132 may be set at an angle of -θ, and adjacent halves of the outermost discontinuity 136 and the middle discontinuity 132 may be set at an angle θ. In exemplary embodiments, the angle θ is approximately equal to 45° with respect to the width direction. Other embodiments may include other constant angles or configurations that include continuously variable angles (e.g., curved boundaries). In some embodiments, the angle θ may be 70° or greater.

[0031] The two connected lines of the lateral boundary of the intermediate discontinuity 132 are a continuation of the lateral boundary of the outermost discontinuities 134, 136. In other words, the lines drawn from each end boundary B of the outermost discontinuities 134, 136 extend into and overlap with the adjacent portions of the end boundary B of the intermediate discontinuity 132. This generates an arrow with a constant thickness and angle that comes to a point at the center of one of the lateral boundary of the intermediate discontinuity 132. The thickness used in this characterization essentially refers to the distance between the end boundary B measured in a direction perpendicular to the width direction W. Other embodiments may include a configuration that includes a directional indicator / arrow with variable thickness. Alternatively, the thickness may be described as the average spacing distance between the first and second boundaries in the target direction. This encompasses discontinuities where the boundaries are not parallel. In embodiments of this disclosure, the average spacing distance of each discontinuity is approximately 0.5 to 4.0 mm, but in other embodiments it may be greater than 4.0 mm.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 show embodiments of a golf ball 150 having an alignment aid 155. Figure 5 shows the surface of the golf ball in a phantom to illustrate the alignment aid 155 extending 360° around the golf ball. The alignment aid 155 is identical or similar to the alignment aid 110, including a number of discontinuous lines separated by a discontinuity and a base color line. In exemplary embodiments, the alignment aid 155 is added to the surface of the golf ball 150 as a mark via printing. There are several methods for printing the mark, including, for example, pad printing and laser jet printing.

[0033] In pad printing, ink is deposited on a plate and arranged in a pattern corresponding to the marking to be made on a golf ball. The pad comes into contact with the plate, thereby receiving ink on the pad surface. The ink is then transferred from the pad to the golf ball by pressing the inked pad onto the golf ball to produce a stamp. As used in this disclosure, “stamp” or “marking” refers to the printed area produced by applying an ink-transporting pad to the surface of an item such as a golf ball. “Single stamp” or “single marking” refers to the printed area produced by only a single application of the ink-transporting pad to the item. Pad printing is an indirect intertaglio process. The depressions are created with a flat block called a “plate” or disc in pad printing. The depressions are filled with ink, and a smooth, resilient stamp block of silicone rubber takes the ink from the plate and transfers it to the golf ball. As used in this disclosure, “etched pattern” refers to wells (recesses) and / or depressions in the printing plate arranged in a pattern corresponding to the desired marking to be ultimately printed on the item.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pad printing process begins by using a spatula to spread ink across the entire surface of a plate. The plate contains an etched pattern corresponding to the mark to be printed on the golf ball. The ink is then scraped into an ink reservoir using a doctor blade, which leaves ink in the depressions of the etched pattern on the plate. Thinner evaporates from the ink in these depressions, making the ink surface sticky. As the pad passes over the depressions, the ink adheres to the pad. When the pad is lifted, it takes up not only the sticky, adhesive film but also some of the fluid ink beneath it. This film of ink is carried to the target area on the dimpled golf ball surface. Along the way, thinner evaporates from the exposed surface of the ink on the silicone pad, making the ink surface facing away from the pad sticky. As the pad is attached to the golf ball, the film of ink adheres to the ball surface and separates from the pad when the pad is lifted.

[0035] In some embodiments, the alignment aid 155 is printed via a pad that prints multiple stamps around the golf ball 150. In Figures 4-5, a set of three line segments 160, 162, and 164 constitutes a single pad-printed stamp. A printing plate with an etching pattern matching the line segments 160, 162, and 164 receives the ink to be printed onto the golf ball 150. The printing pad takes the ink from the plate and applies it to the golf ball 150. This process is repeated so that the same stamp is printed two more times around the golf ball 150 to produce a complete alignment aid 155. The base color lines between the line segments 160, 162, and 164 are formed as a result of the spacing of the etching pattern on the printing plate. The discontinuities between the line segments are created based on the spacing between continuous stamps during printing. As a result, a 360° continuous alignment aid is produced without the need for any overlapping stamps. This simply helps the printing process reduce printing errors.

[0036] The embodiments shown in Figures 4-5 include three spaced stamps, but other configurations and processes are possible. For example, the alignment aid may be configured to include two stamps printed on opposite poles. In other embodiments, the alignment aid may be configured to include four or more stamps printed around the golf ball. In yet another embodiment, the stamps may be configured to include a group of discontinuities based on an etching pattern (instead of generating discontinuities based on the spacing of different stamps). In other embodiments, configurations using methods other than pad printing may be used. For example, the alignment aid may be printed using single-pass laser jetting, multi-pass laser jetting, or inkjet printing.

[0037] Figure 6A shows an example of a single stamp 200 that may be printed on a golf ball to produce an alignment aid consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The stamp 200 includes three line segments 202, 204, and 206. Line segments 202, 204, and 206 correspond to the line segments shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5. Each of the line segments 202, 204, and 206 has a line width LW. The stamp 200 includes a stamp width SW from the upper boundary of line segment 202 to the lower boundary of line segment 206. Although shown as contours, it will be understood that line segments 202, 204, and 206 may be filled with a non-base color, either entirely or partially. For example, line segments 202, 204, and 206 may be filled with a single color, a pattern, a color gradient, or other non-base color relative to the base color of the golf ball. Line segments 202, 204, and 206 are separated by base color lines 208 and 210. Base color lines 208 and 210 are generated by line segments 202, 204, and 206, which are spaced apart from each other so that the base color of the surface is visible between them. Base color lines 208 and 210 have a baseline width BLW.

[0038] The stamp 200 may be printed continuously around the golf ball to create a 360° alignment aid. In one embodiment, each line segment 202, 204, 206 may be configured to have a length that covers approximately 110–120° around the great circle of the golf ball. In other embodiments, the length of the line segments may be shorter, for example, covering approximately 30–90° around the great circle. The line segments 202, 204, 206 are printed continuously to create a discontinuous line with multiple line segments. The space between the continuous line segments on the same circle results in multiple discontinuities 212, 214, 216, as shown in Figure 6B. The end portions of the line segments 212, 214, 216 are shaped and positioned so that the combination of their respective appearances forms a direction indicator 218, as shown in Figure 6C. The boundaries at the ends of line segments 202, 204, and 206, and the spacing of the discontinuities 212, 214, and 216, constitute a configuration in which the direction indicator has a constant thickness. The dotted line in Figure 6C is shown only to outline the shape of the direction indicator 218. However, in some embodiments, the contour of the direction indicator 218 can be printed.

[0039] Figure 7A is another example of a single stamp 300 that may be printed on a golf ball to produce an alignment aid consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The stamp 300 includes three line segments 302, 304, and 306. The line segments 302, 304, and 306 include the arrangement shown in Figures 6A–6C, with different end portions and spacings. Each of the line segments 302, 304, and 306 has a line with LW. The stamp 300 includes a stamp width SW from the upper boundary of line segment 302 to the lower boundary of line segment 306. Although shown as contours, it will be understood that the line segments 302, 304, and 306 may be fully or partially filled with a non-base color. For example, the line segments 202, 204, and 206 may be filled with a single color, a pattern, a color gradient, or other non-base color relative to the base color of the golf ball. Line segments 302, 304, and 306 are separated by base color lines 308 and 310. The base color lines 308 and 310 are generated by line segments 302, 304, and 306, which are spaced apart from each other so that the base color of the surface is visible between them. The base color lines 308 and 310 have a baseline width (BLW).

[0040] The stamp 300 may be printed continuously around a golf ball to generate a 360° alignment aid. For example, each line segment 302, 304, 306 may have a length that covers approximately 110–120° around the great circle of the golf ball. The line segments 302, 304, 306 are printed continuously to generate a discontinuous line with multiple line segments. The space between the continuous line segments on the same circle gives rise to multiple discontinuities 312, 314, 316, as shown in Figure 7B. The end portions of the line segments 312, 314, 316 are shaped and arranged so that the combination of their respective appearances forms a direction indicator 318, as shown in Figure 7C. The dotted line illustrated in Figure 7C is shown only to outline the shape of the direction indicator 318. However, in some embodiments, the contour of the direction indicator 318 can be printed.

[0041] The boundaries at the end portions of line segments 302, 304, and 306, and the spacing of the discontinuities 312, 314, and 316, are configured such that the directional indicator has a varying thickness. The outermost line segments 302 and 306 may have a shape at their end boundaries such that the first end boundary 320 is a line that extends at a different angle than the line that constitutes the second end boundary 322. In this way, the end boundaries 320 and 322 that are adjacent to each other across a continuous stamp are not parallel to each other. The intermediate line segment 314 includes two different arrow-shaped boundaries 324 and 326. The arrow-shaped boundaries are not copies of each other and are therefore not configured in such a way that corresponding shapes interlock, as illustrated in the example in Figure 6B. The first end boundary 320 is angled to be a continuation of a portion of the arrow-shaped boundary 324, and the second end boundary 322 is angled to be a continuation of a portion of the arrow-shaped boundary 326. As a result, the direction indicator 318 has a varying thickness and a sharp leading edge, and a wider, flatter trailing edge, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0042] Figure 8A is another example of a single stamp 400 that may be printed on a golf ball to produce an alignment aid consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The stamp 400 includes three line segments 402, 404, and 406. The line segments 402, 404, and 406 include the arrangements shown in Figures 6A–6C and 7A–7C and have different end boundaries and spacings. Each of the line segments 402, 404, and 406 has a line with LW. The stamp 400 includes a stamp width SW from the upper boundary of line segment 402 to the lower boundary of line segment 406. Although shown as contours, the line segments 402, 404, and 406 may be filled with a non-base color, either completely or partially. For example, the line segments 402, 404, and 406 may be filled with a single color, a pattern, a color gradient, or other non-base color relative to the base color of the golf ball. Line segments 402, 404, and 406 are separated by base color lines 408 and 410. The base color lines 408 and 410 are generated by line segments 402, 404, and 406, which are spaced apart from each other so that the base color of the surface is visible between them. The base color lines 408 and 410 have a baseline width (BLW).

[0043] The stamp 400 may be printed continuously around a golf ball to generate a 360° alignment aid. For example, each line segment 402, 404, 406 may be configured to have a length that covers approximately 110–120° around the great circle of the golf ball. The line segments 402, 404, 406 are printed continuously to generate a discontinuous line with multiple line segments. The space between the continuous line segments on the same circle gives rise to multiple discontinuities 412, 414, 416, as shown in Figure 8B. The end portions of the line segments 412, 414, 416 are shaped and arranged such that the combination of their respective appearances forms a direction indicator 418, as shown in Figure 8C. The dotted line shown in Figure 8C is shown only to outline the shape of the direction indicator 418. However, in some embodiments, the contour of the direction indicator 418 can be printed.

[0044] The boundaries at the end portions of line segments 402, 404, and 406, and the spacing of the discontinuities 412, 414, and 416, are such that the direction indicator has a curved appearance. Line segments 402, 404, and 406 may be configured to include end boundaries that are curves such that the angle of each line with respect to the width direction changes continuously. The end boundaries of the outermost line segments 402 and 406 may be mirror images of each other, symmetrical on both sides of the intermediate line segment 404. The end boundaries of the outermost line segments 402 and 406 may curve in the opposite direction toward the intermediate line segment 404. The end boundary of the intermediate line segment 404 may be configured to include a corresponding curve to continue the shape of the direction indicator 418. As a result, the direction indicator 418 has the appearance shown in Figure 8C, having a curved shape with a leading edge and a trailing edge. In similar embodiments, the curvature of the end boundaries may be configured to vary to produce the curvature of the leading edge and trailing edge of the direction indicator.

[0045] Stamps 200, 300, and 400 provide examples of marks that can be printed on the surface of a golf ball to provide an alignment aid having discontinuous lines extending in the direction of a target and base-color direction indicators that also point in the direction of the target. These embodiments include direction indicators of constant thickness, varying thickness, and curved direction indicators. Other embodiments may include configurations that include other shapes and / or combinations of the illustrated shapes. For example, another embodiment may be a configuration that produces a direction indicator having an acute-angled leading edge and a curved trailing edge. In some embodiments, the alignment aid may be configured to have direction indicators of different shapes formed by multiple groups of discontinuous sections. For example, each of the direction indicators 218, 318, and 418 may be configured to exist on the same golf ball by accordingly shaping adjacent end boundaries of line segments.

[0046] The stamp widths SW of stamps 200, 300, and 400 are sized to fit within the corresponding circumferential ring area of ​​a golf ball having equal width W. As a result, stamps 200, 300, and 400 can be limited to a relatively thin area near the great circle of the golf ball. In exemplary embodiments, the stamp width SW is 10 mm or less. In another embodiment, the stamp width SW is 8 mm or less. In yet another embodiment, the stamp width SW is 6 mm or less. The line widths LW of the line segments and baseline widths BLW in the stamps of this disclosure are selected so that the combination of line segments and base color lines fits within the desired total stamp width SW. For example, each line width LW and baseline width BLW may be approximately 1 to 3 mm. In some embodiments, all line widths LW and baseline widths BLW are equal, but other embodiments are also possible. Each line segment may have a length that depends on the number of discontinuity groups between them. For example, in an embodiment having three line segments and three discontinuities within each discontinuity line, each line segment may be configured to have a length along the circular direction of approximately 35 to 45 mm. The length of the line segments also affects the size of the discontinuities between them. The line segments may be sized and positioned such that the average distance between the ends of the line segments (i.e., the average thickness of the discontinuities) is approximately 0.5 to 1 mm. More specifically, the average distance between the boundaries of the line segments may be approximately 0.7 to 0.8 mm. This size of the discontinuities produces a directional indicator that is appropriately sized to be the golfer's focus without being conspicuous or obscuring the appearance of the line segments as separate alignment features.

[0047] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the color appearance of each stamp is selected to sufficiently contrast with the color beneath the surface of the golf ball (i.e., the base color). As described in the present disclosure, the golf ball has at least one base color, such as a predominantly white surface produced by one or more paint layers. The stamps, including the nameplate, play number, side stamp, and / or alignment aids, are printed on the base color. The ink for printing the alignment aids is at least one non-base color to create a contrast visible to the observer. The ink applied to the printing plate for each stamp is a color other than the base color (e.g., the non-white of the golf ball). The alignment aids according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a single non-base color and may instead include multiple non-base colors. For example, at least one line segment of a single stamp may be a different non-base color from at least one other line segment of the same single stamp. In some embodiments, discontinuities between line segments may be printed as a third color that is neither the base color nor the color of the adjacent line segment. In some embodiments, multiple stamps with different color inks may overlap to create different visual effects.

[0048] Embodiments are disclosed that use any type of ink suitable for printing on golf balls. There are many types of inks available in the printing industry, including solvent evaporation inks, oxidation-curing inks, reactive (catalyst-curing or dual-component) inks, calcination inks, UV-curing inks, sublimation inks, ceramic and glass inks, etc.

[0049] Solvent-based inks are dominant in the pad printing industry because they dry very rapidly by solvent evaporation alone. They are highly versatile inks, available in both glossy and matte finishes and performing very well on many thermoplastic substrates. Oxidation-curing inks are limited in use for pad printing applications due to their slow drying speed. However, they produce very strong, flexible, weather-resistant ink films and are very useful for printing on metal and glass surfaces.

[0050] Due to their long shelf life, single-component inks can be used, making them easier to handle and potentially more economical. Some single-component inks are highly resistant to abrasion and solvents. Hardening can occur through physical means or oxidation.

[0051] Two-part inks are also widely used in pad printing and contain polymerizable resins. These inks cure very rapidly, especially when heated, and are generally good for printing on substrates such as metals, some plastics, and glass, and have very good chemical and abrasion resistance. However, the inks have a limited shelf life once the polymerization catalyst is added. In two-part inks, curing typically takes place over about 5 days at a temperature of about 20°C or over about 10 minutes at a temperature of about 100°C.

[0052] Ceramic and gas (thermal) diffusion inks are also used in the pad printing industry. These inks are solid at room temperature and must be heated to a temperature of over approximately 80°C in the ink storage area. Unlike solvent evaporation inks, pad wetting occurs not due to solvent evaporation, but due to the cooling effect the pad has on the heated ink. Ink transfer occurs because the outer surface of the ink becomes tacky when exposed to air. Ink transfer is aided by the cooler surface of the substrate being printed on.

[0053] UV inks can also be used in this invention. UV inks are typically cured by UV light having a wavelength of approximately 180 nm to 380 nm. The advantages of using UV inks are that they cure quickly and sufficiently, are easy to use, are unaffected by small changes in ambient conditions, maintain a constant viscosity (i.e., they do not dry rapidly), and use less flammable organic solvents, resulting in little to no solvent fumes leaking into the work environment, thus making them more environmentally safe. Small amounts of solvent may be added to the UV ink for specific applications to allow the ink to be transferred in the conventional manner.

[0054] The ink may optionally contain additives such as binders, reactive prepolymers, thinners, low-viscosity monofunctional and polyfunctional monomers, photoinitiators to stimulate polymerization, stabilizing additives, flow regulators, wetting agents, pigments, extenders, or combinations thereof.

[0055] The ink film is transferred to a predetermined three-dimensional surface. In a preferred embodiment, the surface is the recessed surface of a golf ball. In an alternative embodiment, other three-dimensional surfaces such as golf balls and golf shoes are possible. The mark may be printed on or under a clear coating. Preferably, the color mark is printed under the clear coating. After the printing process is complete, the golf ball may be removed to a drying chamber to cure the ink that will ultimately be used for the logo. The drying chamber is kept at a high temperature to help the logo ink dry.

[0056] The thickness of the ink film transferred to the golf ball may be any thickness that is sufficient to provide a clear image of the mark and can vary depending on the type and color of the ink. The thickness of the ink film is also affected by the type of printing process, the viscosity of the ink, the pad material, the depth of etching in the plate, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. This thickness can be, but is not limited to, approximately 5 μm to 75 μm.

[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure include an alignment aid having integrally related configurations. The dual alignment feature offers several advantages in addressing the challenge of aligning a golf ball with a target and successfully directing the golf ball toward the target in a basket swing. By incorporating integrally related dual alignment features, the alignment aid of the present disclosure provides a clear focus and general peripheral sense of direction, enhancing the golfer's ability to accurately align the golf ball. The combination of line and direction indicator provides a clearer and more precise visual cue, helping the golfer focus more accurately on the target and reduce the likelihood of misalignment. Furthermore, by using a “negative space” of the base color for the direction indicator, the contrast of the line with the rest of the golf ball becomes clearer, even though the focus itself blends with the base color. In particular, the shape of the end boundary of the line ensures that the arrow is clearly visible and provides a separate focus for alignment. The line and direction indicator are integrally related, meaning that the arrow is formed as a direct result of the placement of the line. This integration allows alignments to work together seamlessly, providing a cohesive and effective solution for improving alignment.

[0058] By providing a clear focus and a general sense of peripheral direction, dual alignment can enhance a golfer's ability to accurately align the golf ball with the target, potentially leading to more consistent and accurate shots. Knowing that the golf ball is properly aligned can boost a golfer's confidence, positively impacting their performance and potentially leading to better results on the course. The integrally related alignment features are suitable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, helping to improve shot accuracy and consistency.

[0059] Embodiments of this disclosure also help improve and simplify the process of manufacturing golf balls having a 360° alignment aid. For example, the use of base color negative space between a pair of lines allows for the creation of a full-wrap design using continuous stamps and reduces the need for complete overlap between stamps when the stamps are connected to each other. Furthermore, this approach provides enhanced customization options. Each of three or more circles printed with discontinuous lines is parallel on the golf ball, and the circles can be divided into any number of segments. The spacing between segments may be modified to customize the appearance of the integrally related alignment aid. The line segments can be modified in length or consistency.

[0060] Where numerical lower and upper limits are described in this disclosure, it is assumed that any combination of these values ​​may be used. All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited in this disclosure, including priority documents, are incorporated by reference in full to the extent that such disclosures do not conflict with the present invention and in all jurisdictions where such incorporation is permitted.

[0061] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood that various other modifications are apparent and readily possible to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the claims attached herein are not intended to be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein, but rather are to be interpreted as encompassing all patentable novel features present in the invention, including all features that would be treated as equivalents by those skilled in the art relating to the invention.

Claims

1. Golf ball (10,100), A spherical surface (105) having a base color, Alignment assist portion (110) having one or more non-base colors, wherein the alignment assist portion is entirely within the circumferential ring region (14) of the golf ball, the circumferential ring region is defined by two circular boundaries (16, 18) that surround and are parallel to the great circle (20) of the golf ball, and the dimension between the two circular boundaries is defined as a width W measured in the width direction, where W is 10 mm or less, comprising: The alignment assist unit, A first alignment feature portion comprising a plurality of non-base color discontinuous lines (112, 114, 116) having a line width LW in the width direction, wherein LW is approximately 1 to 3 mm. Each of the discontinuous lines is parallel to or on the path of the great circle such that all of the discontinuous lines are oriented in a target direction perpendicular to the width direction when the golf ball is viewed from above. Each discontinuous line is separated in the width direction from at least one other discontinuous line by the base color lines (118, 120). Each discontinuous line includes a first alignment feature portion comprising at least one set of spaced end portions (128) having a base color discontinuity between them, A second alignment feature comprising a base color direction indicator (124) formed by a group of discontinuities (122) of all the discontinuities lines, wherein the direction indicator points in the target direction, A golf ball in which the non-base color discontinuous line and the base color direction indicator are simultaneously visible to a golfer viewing the golf ball from above, and together orient the golf ball along a path along the target direction.

2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the second alignment feature includes two outermost discontinuities (134) and an intermediate discontinuity (132).

3. The golf ball according to claim 2, wherein each discontinuity is defined by a first end portion including a first boundary and a second end portion including a second boundary.

4. The golf ball according to claim 3, wherein, for each of the outermost discontinuities, the first boundary and the second boundary are lines that extend across the entire line width LW at an angle with respect to the width direction.

5. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the angle is constant and the first boundary and the second boundary are parallel.

6. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the angle is constant, but differs from the first boundary and the second boundary such that the first boundary and the second boundary are not parallel.

7. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the angle changes continuously such that the first and second boundaries are curved.

8. The golf ball according to claim 3, wherein the two outermost discontinuities are mirror-symmetric to each other on both sides of the great circle.

9. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate discontinuity includes a first boundary having two connected lines extending at different angles with respect to the width direction and a second boundary having two connected lines extending at different angles with respect to the width direction.

10. The golf ball according to claim 9, wherein, with respect to both the first boundary and the second boundary of the intermediate discontinuity, the connected lines converge and point in a straight line direction.

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