Tubular body and decoration forming method

Abstract

To provide a tubular body having an ornament excellent in environmental resistance and adhesiveness, in addition to being able to enhance appearance.SOLUTION: A tubular body of the present invention includes a base layer 21 having a first appearance, a pattern layer having a pattern 15 having a second appearance different from the first appearance, and a clear layer 26 coated on the pattern layer. A modified region 23 is formed on the surface of the base layer 21 in an area slightly larger than an outline of the pattern 15 constituting the pattern layer, an outer edge 23c of the modified region 23 is exposed outside the outline 15a of the pattern, and a clear layer 26 is provided on the surface of the pattern and the surface of the exposed outer edge, excluding the surface of the base layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tubular bodies, such as shafts used in golf clubs, and to methods of forming decorations that can be applied to such tubular bodies. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the above-mentioned tubular bodies have been decorated in various ways to improve their appearance. For example, in the case of golf club shafts, the entire shaft has a matte appearance, and logos (hereinafter also referred to as patterns) such as letters, character strings, figures, and character strings are partially formed by printing, transferring, or the like. In this case, by giving the pattern a glossy appearance, or by giving the entire shaft a glossy appearance and the logo a matte appearance, the contrast between the pattern and the non-patterned parts is improved, thereby improving the design.

[0003] The above-mentioned decoration is achieved by processing the surface of the shaft to make it smooth, forming a pattern (pattern layer) on top of that, and finally applying a protective layer, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In other words, the surface of the shaft before the pattern layer is formed is finished to have as few irregularities as possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-49256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned decorative forming methods have the problem of poor pattern adhesion because the pattern is applied to a smooth shaft surface. Golf club shafts, in particular, are prone to bending when swinging and hitting a ball, transmitting vibrations during impact, which can lead to the pattern peeling off. In this case, roughening the main body surface beforehand and then applying a pattern to that surface can improve the pattern's adhesion, but applying a protective layer results in the appearance and texture of the main body becoming substantially identical to that of the pattern, resulting in a lack of improved contrast. Furthermore, while the appearance can be improved by not forming a protective layer, problems arise in that environmental resistance and adhesion are reduced.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a tubular body having a decoration that has improved appearance and good environmental resistance and adhesion, and a method for forming such a decoration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the tubular body of the present invention has a base layer having a first appearance, a pattern layer having a second appearance different from the first appearance, and a clear layer coated on the pattern layer, and is characterized in that a modified area is formed on the surface of the base layer over an area slightly larger than the outline of the pattern that constitutes the pattern layer, the outer edge of the modified area is exposed outside the outline of the pattern, and the clear layer is provided on the surface of the pattern and the surface of the exposed outer edge, excluding the surface of the base layer.

[0008] The tubular body having the above-described configuration has a base layer having a first appearance, a modified region slightly larger than the pattern, and a pattern layer having a second appearance formed in the modified region. The pattern layer is provided on the surface of the modified region, thereby improving adhesion, and the clear layer is also provided in the exposed modified region outside the outline of the pattern that constitutes the pattern layer, thereby improving adhesion. Furthermore, because the clear layer is provided except on the surface of the base layer, the texture of the first appearance and the second appearance will not be the same, thereby improving the appearance.

[0009] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the decorative forming method of the present invention comprises a base layer having a first appearance, a pattern layer having a second appearance different from the first appearance, and a clear layer applied on the pattern layer, and further comprises a modified area forming step of forming a modified area on the surface of the base layer that is slightly larger than the range of the pattern that constitutes the pattern layer, a pattern layer forming step of forming the pattern layer with the modified area exposed outside the outline of the pattern, a masking step of masking the base layer other than the exposed modified area, and a clear layer forming step of forming the clear layer on the masked surface.

[0010] According to the above-mentioned decorative forming method, the pattern layer and the clear layer are applied to the modified area, thereby improving the adhesion between them and improving the appearance without making the texture of the first appearance and the second appearance the same. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a tubular body having an improved appearance and a decoration with good environmental resistance and adhesion can be obtained, and further, it is possible to obtain such a decoration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a tubular body according to the present invention, and is a diagram showing a golf club equipped with a golf club shaft that is a tubular body. FIG. [Figure 2] An enlarged view of the decorative portion of the shaft shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] (a) to (e) are diagrams (part 1) that explain the method of forming decorations on the shaft in order, and Figure (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure (c). [Figure 4] (a) to (e) are diagrams (part 2) that explain the method of forming decorations on the shaft in order, and diagram (e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of diagram (d). [Figure 5] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams sequentially explaining modified examples of the method for forming a decoration on a shaft. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a procedure for forming a decoration on a shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The tubular body according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the tubular body will be described as a shaft for a golf club. As described above, the present invention aims to form a decoration on the surface of a tubular body so that the decorative portion is resistant to peeling, has excellent environmental resistance, and improves appearance. Generally, golf club shafts have the characteristic of being easily flexible when hitting a ball and transmitting vibrations. However, by using the decoration forming method described below, even for shafts with such characteristics, it is possible to obtain a configuration in which the decorative portion is resistant to peeling, has excellent environmental resistance, and improves appearance.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a wood-type golf club 1, in which a head 5 is attached to the tip end of a tubular shaft 3, and a grip 7 made of rubber or the like is attached to the base end of the shaft 3.

[0015] As is well known, the shaft 3 is made of FRP and is formed by the sheet winding method, in which a prepreg sheet, made of reinforcing fibers impregnated with synthetic resin, is wound around a core, heat-cured, and then removed from the core. The prepreg sheet wound around the core includes a prepreg sheet (main body sheet) wound over the entire length of the shaft 3, and prepreg sheets (reinforcing sheets) wound around the head mounting area, grip mounting area, etc. to improve strength in certain areas.

[0016] There may be a plurality of the main body sheet and reinforcing sheet, and there are no limitations on the number of windings, the type and orientation of the reinforcing fibers, the amount of resin impregnation, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned sheets, prepreg sheets wound within a certain length range in the axial direction and prepreg sheets that are not wound over the entire circumference (360°) may also be included.

[0017] The shaft 3 described above is provided with decoration 10 to improve its appearance. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a pattern constituting a pattern layer is formed as a logo 15 by printing, transferring, or the like on the grip side of the surface of the shaft 3, and as shown in Figure 2, the logo 15 is a combination of Roman letters 15A, numbers 15B, and a figure 15C.

[0018] The configuration of the decoration 10 and the method for forming it will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4 and 6. In the following description, the Roman letter "F" 15A portion of the logo 15 shown in Fig. 2 will be described. The "logo 15" may also be referred to as the "pattern 15."

[0019] First, the surface of the tubular body (also referred to as the base material) formed as described above is subjected to an overall painting process (FIG. 3(a) and step S1 in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the base material 20 is FRP, and a base layer 21 is formed by painting its surface. The base layer 21 is formed by applying a black matte paint (with a gloss level of 5% or less) as a first appearance, and can be formed on the base material 20 by, for example, spray painting, brush painting, ironing, or the like. Furthermore, the base layer 21 is formed over the entire length of the shaft, resulting in a matte black shaft. The underlayer 21 may be formed on a part of the surface of the base material 20. The underlayer may also be formed of the base material 20 itself (the appearance of the forming material itself) without being painted as described above, and it is possible to give the appearance the texture of the material itself.

[0020] Next, the base layer 21, which has been painted in a matte color, is subjected to a process of forming a surface modified region 23 over an area slightly larger than the pattern 15 that constitutes the second appearance (FIG. 3(b) and step S2 in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the modified region 23 is formed by roughening the surface of the base layer 21, and when the Roman letters 15A that constitute the pattern are illustrated, the modified region 23 is formed over an area slightly larger than the outline of the letters (FIGS. 3(c) to (e)). Here, the slightly larger range may be such that the adhesion of the logo and clear layer constituting the pattern is improved without deteriorating the appearance, as will be described in detail below.

[0021] The modified area 23 can be formed, for example, by using a laser engraving machine or the like to irradiate an area where data has been input in advance with laser light. The modified area 23 formed using a laser engraving machine has a slightly recessed surface on the base layer 21, and its bottom surface is roughened with irregularities 23a (see the enlarged view of FIG. 3(e)). In this case, the unevenness 23a on the bottom surface should be formed to the extent that the logo and clear layer have good adhesion (bonding) and are difficult to peel off. Specifically, the maximum height of the roughness (Ry) should be less than half the thickness of the coating film of the base layer 21 so as not to impair the role of the base layer 21. Furthermore, the surface roughness (Ra value) should be 0.5 μm or more. However, if it is too large, the unevenness of the roughness may be visible in the pattern layer above, so it is preferable to keep it 5 μm or less.

[0022] As described above, the modified region 23 is formed in an area slightly larger than the pattern (logo outline) to be formed therein. For example, in the case of the Roman letter "F" 15A, the letter "F" is formed as a letter "F" slightly larger than the surrounding outline 15a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(e), the outer edge 23b of the modified region 23 is exposed outside the outline 15a surrounding the Roman letter 15A (outside the outline). Specifically, the exposed width W (roughened width; corresponding to the slightly larger range) may be formed in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm to obtain the above-mentioned effect.

[0023] It is preferable that the exposed width W be as small as possible, but if it is too small, it becomes difficult to attach the logo while leaving the outer edge 23b around it, and conversely, if it is too large, the border (outer frame) of the logo becomes too visible, which may detract from the appearance of the pattern. In reality, taking into consideration workability and appearance, a range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm is sufficient, and more preferably a range of 0.2 to 0.3 mm.

[0024] In this embodiment, the modified area 23 is formed to correspond to the logo (Roman letter F) that constitutes the pattern and is slightly larger than its outline, but the modified area may be formed to correspond to each of the Roman letters 15A, numbers 15B, and figures 15C that constitute the logo 15, or these characters may be integrated into a sticker-like shape with the outer edge of the modified area exposed outside the outline of the sticker. Note that, although the outer edge 23b of the modified area 23 is preferably exposed evenly around the outline of the logo, the exposed width may vary depending on the position, and some parts may not be exposed.

[0025] Next, a pattern (pattern layer) forming process for the second appearance is performed on the base layer 21 on which the modified region 23 has been formed (FIGS. 3(c) to (e) and step S3 in FIG. 6). The pattern 15 of this embodiment is composed of multiple logos (combinations of letters, numbers, and figures) as described above, and is composed of a second appearance that is different from the first appearance (the appearance of the base layer 21), for example, a glossy color such as a shiny silver color. That is, for the decoration 10, the pattern is formed in a shiny silver color on a matte black background, and by combining the matte color and the glossy color, the glossy parts are emphasized, improving the appearance. Conversely, the base layer 21 may be made glossy and the pattern may be made in a matte color.

[0026] The logo (pattern) 15 can be formed by, for example, attaching a mirror logo sticker, or by glossy transfer such as pad printing, heat transfer, or water transfer, or by inkjet printing. Furthermore, when providing a pattern on the modified region 23, the outer edge 23b of the modified region 23 outside the outlines of the logos 15A to 15C that make up the pattern is exposed with an exposure width W, as described above.

[0027] Next, the base layer 21 other than the exposed modified region 23 is masked, for example, by attaching a masking sheet or by inkjet printing (FIGS. 4(a) and (b) and step S4 in FIG. 6). The masked coating 25 is applied to areas other than the pattern 15 and the outer edge 23b of the modified region 23, so that the outer edge 23b of the modified region 23 is exposed with an exposure width W (FIG. 4(b)).

[0028] Next, a process for forming a clear layer 26 is performed on the surface (FIG. 4(c) and step S5 in FIG. 6). The clear layer 26 can be formed by hand-blown painting, spray painting, ironing painting, inkjet painting, or the like using acrylic, urethane, silicone, or fluorine-based resin, and is composed of a colorless transparent layer and a colored transparent layer.

[0029] Then, the coating 25 is removed by the masking process described above, and then cleaning is performed (steps S6 and S7 in FIG. 6), thereby forming the decoration 10 shown in FIGS. 4(d) and (e).

[0030] The shaft 3 configured as described above has a matte black base layer 21, which is the first appearance, and a pattern layer having a glossy pattern 15, which is the second appearance. The pattern layer is provided on the surface of the modified region 23, thereby improving adhesion, and the clear layer 26 is also provided on the exposed modified region outside the outline of the pattern 15 (the surface of the outer edge portion 23b), thereby improving adhesion. Furthermore, because the clear layer 26 is provided except on the surface of the base layer 21, the textures of the first appearance and the second appearance are not the same, and the distinction between the two is clearly defined, thereby improving the appearance.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(b)(e), the clear layer 26 penetrates between the logo outline 15a and the inner wall 23c of the modified area 23 formed as described above, so that when the masking coating 25 is peeled off, it can cover the side of the outline 15a, making it possible to make the logo more difficult to peel off.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the decoration 10 formed as described above is formed on the grip-side surface of the golf club shaft 3 (at a position approximately 100 to 150 mm away from the grip tip). This position is also a part that is prone to rubbing (friction) with the opening of the golf bag when the golf club is taken in and out of the golf bag loaded in a cart when used on the course. In this embodiment, by forming the decoration 10 in this position using the method described above, the pattern 15 is less susceptible to damage and peeling. Furthermore, the golf club shaft 3 has a kick point KP at the position shown in FIG. 1, which is characterized by the shaft being most flexible at this position. Therefore, a similar effect can be achieved by providing the decoration 10 near this position.

[0033] The golf club shaft 3 having the above-mentioned decoration 10 formed thereon was evaluated in comparison with Comparative Examples 1 and 2 in terms of design, adhesion of the logo, resistance to discoloration of the logo, and scratch resistance of the logo, and the following results were obtained. Here, in Comparative Example 1, like this embodiment, the base layer 21 is painted matte black, no modified area 23 is formed, and a shiny silver logo sheet is attached to the surface, without forming a clear layer, as in Figure 2. Also, in Comparative Example 2, like this embodiment, the base layer 21 is painted matte black, a modified area 23 the same size as the logo is formed, a logo sheet is attached, and a clear layer is formed on top to cover the logo and base layer.

[0034] Each item was evaluated using a four-point scale (◎, 〇, △, ×). Regarding design, five evaluators evaluated the appearance of the logos on the three shafts on a four-point scale from 1 to 4, with 18 points or higher being ◎, 15 points or higher being 〇, 12 points or higher being △, and 11 points or lower being ×. Logo adhesion was evaluated using a tape adhesion test based on the cross-cut method specified in the JIS standard (JIS K 5600-5-6), and was evaluated based on ease of removal. Logo discoloration resistance was evaluated using an accelerated degradation test using a weathering tester to evaluate discoloration and visual defects, and was evaluated based on the degree of color change. Logo scratch resistance was evaluated using a Taber 5750 linear abrasion tester, and the abrasion resistance was evaluated based on the condition of scratches on the surface.

[0035] The evaluation results are shown below. [Table 1]

[0036] As is clear from the evaluation results of Comparative Example 2 and the present embodiment described above, providing a clear layer on the surface provided favorable results in terms of logo adhesion, logo colorfastness, and logo scratch resistance. However, the configuration of Comparative Example 2, in which the clear layer covered both the logo and the base layer, resulted in inferior design. This was because the textures of the logo and base layer became substantially identical, making the boundary between them unclear. Furthermore, by applying the clear layer 26 to the outer edge 23b (exposed width W) of the modified region, as in the present embodiment, the clear layer itself is less likely to peel off, making it possible to maintain favorable logo adhesion, logo colorfastness, and logo scratch resistance over a long period of time.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the method for forming a decoration on the shaft. In this modified example, modified area 23A on the surface of base layer 21 is formed by applying primer 28 by inkjet printing or the like (FIG. 5(a)). As in the above-described embodiment, modified area 23A is formed in an area slightly larger than outline 15a of pattern 15 to be formed (FIG. 5(b)), and its exposed width W is formed in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm. Note that, since a width greater than 1.0 mm gives a sense of elegance, in the present invention, it is not necessarily limited to 1.0 mm or less, and it is preferable to form it in the range of 2.0 mm or less, although this depends on the size of the pattern and the object.

[0038] After the pattern 15 is formed on the primer 28 in this manner, a coating 25 is formed by masking the base layer 21 in a portion other than the pattern 15 and the outer edge 23B of the exposed modified region 23 (FIG. 5(c)). Then, a clear layer 26 is formed on the surface, the coating 25 is peeled off, and a cleaning process is performed, thereby forming the decoration 10 as shown in FIG. 5(d).

[0039] This decorative forming method also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the pattern 15 thus formed is slightly raised by the primer 28, and its sides are also covered with a clear layer, making it less likely to peel off and enabling a three-dimensional appearance to be achieved.

[0040] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways. The tubular body described above may be a golf club shaft, a fishing rod, a ski pole, a tennis or badminton racket, a bicycle frame, etc. Furthermore, the object on which the decoration is to be formed may be a golf club head, various fishing tackle or sporting goods, etc., other than a tubular body, and the base layer that forms the first appearance may be the substrate itself. Furthermore, the substrate may be made of metal, plastic, etc., other than the above-mentioned FRP, and such a substrate may be colored or coated with a clear coating, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1. Golf club 3 Shaft (tubular body) 10 Decoration 15 Pattern (Logo) 20 Base material 21 Base layer 23, 23A Modification area 26 Clear Layer

Claims

1. A tubular body having a base layer having a first appearance, a pattern layer having a second appearance different from the first appearance, and a clear layer applied on the pattern layer, forming a modified region on the surface of the base layer in an area slightly larger than the outline of the pattern constituting the pattern layer; exposing an outer edge of the modified region outside the outline of the pattern; The clear layer is provided on the surface of the pattern and the surface of the exposed outer edge portion, excluding the surface of the base layer; The modified region includes a treated layer obtained by roughening the surface of the base layer or by coating the surface with a primer. A tubular body characterized by:

2. A tubular body as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the exposed width of the outer edge portion is formed in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm.

3. A tubular body as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the first appearance and the second appearance are composed of a combination of matte colors and glossy colors.

4. A method for forming an ornament having a base layer with a first appearance, a pattern layer with a second appearance different from the first appearance, and a clear layer applied on the pattern layer, a modified region forming step of forming a modified region on the surface of the base layer, the modified region being slightly larger than the area of ​​the pattern constituting the pattern layer; a pattern layer forming step of forming the pattern layer in a state in which the modified region is exposed outside the outline of the pattern; a masking step of masking the underlying layer except for the exposed modified region; a clear layer forming step of forming the clear layer on the masked surface; and A method for forming a decoration, characterized in that the modified area is formed by roughening the surface of the base layer or by coating the surface with a primer.

5. A decorative forming method as described in Claim 4, characterized in that the exposed width of the modified area is formed in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm.

6. A method for forming an ornament as described in Claim 4, characterized in that the base layer is a forming material of the object on which the ornament is to be formed.

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