Golf ball marking equipment

Abstract

To provide a marking device for a golf ball that can divide a golf ball into two equal parts and accurately and easily mark a line extending all the way around the ball without interruption.SOLUTION: Provided is a golf ball marking device that includes two holding members 1 each having a hemispherical portion f that has a depth that extends only up to the vicinity of a position that divides a golf ball into two equal parts, the hemispherical portion f having an inner diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the golf ball so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the golf ball; a handle part 2 that moves the two holding members 1 relative to each other so that the two holding members can be sandwiched and held, or the two holding members 1 can be opened to take in and take out the golf ball by arranging the two holding members 1 close to each other on both sides of the position dividing the golf ball into two halves; and a gap Sm for marking by the circular edge 1a of the hemispherical part f.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf ball marking tool used to mark straight lines and the like on the surface of a golf ball, and more specifically to a golf ball marking tool that can accurately and easily mark a line (a center line equivalent to the equator) that divides the golf ball in half and runs uninterrupted around the entire circumference. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when playing golf, various lines and marks, such as straight lines, have been marked on the golf ball to make it easier to clearly recognize the target direction and hit the golf ball in the correct direction, and various golf ball marking tools have been proposed for marking such lines and marks (Patent Documents 1 to 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3138076 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-45964 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,216,587 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-93963 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional golf ball marking tools include those that use a stencil (mold) with a hemispherical surface that conforms to the surface of the golf ball, but these are not capable of dividing the golf ball in half and marking a line that extends uninterrupted around the entire circumference. For example, in the golf ball marking tool described in Patent Document 1, more than half of the golf ball is contained within the tool, so it is not possible to mark a line at a position that divides the golf ball in half. A line that divides a golf ball in half and runs uninterrupted around the entire circumference is extremely useful because it allows the player to be more aware of the target direction and makes it easier to check the rolling state of the golf ball after hitting it. Therefore, there was a need to provide a golf ball marking tool that can accurately and easily mark such a line. Furthermore, conventional golf ball marking tools are limited in the types of lines that can be marked on golf balls, and there has been a need to increase the variety of lines that can be marked on golf balls.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a golf ball marking tool that can accurately and easily mark a line that divides a golf ball in two and extends around the entire circumference without interruption while holding the golf ball stably. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball marking tool that can increase the variety of lines that can be marked on a golf ball. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball marking tool that is easy to hold and that can prevent the lines marked on the golf ball from bleeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The most important feature of this invention is "a golf ball marking tool comprising two holding members with hemispherical portions deep enough to insert a golf ball only up to the point where it bisects the ball, the inner diameter of the hemispherical portions being approximately the same as the diameter of the golf ball so as to come into contact with the outer surface of the golf ball, the two holding members being positioned close to each other on either side of the point where the golf ball is bisected to hold the golf ball in place, or the two holding members being separated and opened to insert or remove the golf ball, the golf ball being divided along the marking gap created by the annular edge formed at the opening of the hemispherical portions when the two holding members are brought close to each other, allowing a continuous line to be marked around the entire circumference of the golf ball."

[0007] (2) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, the hemispherical portions of the holding members may each have a marking slit formed therein, the slit having a different pattern from the other slits. (3) Furthermore, the present invention may also be described as "a golf ball marking tool having two holding members with annular edges that have an inner diameter that can only hold a golf ball up to the point where it is divided into two equal parts, and having a handle that can move the two holding members relative to each other so that the two holding members can be positioned close to each other on either side of the point where the golf ball is divided into two equal parts to hold the golf ball in place, or the two holding members can be pulled apart to open the holding members and insert or remove the golf ball, and when the two holding members are brought close to each other, the golf ball is divided into two equal parts along the marking gap created by the annular edges, and a continuous line can be marked around the entire circumference." (4) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, the handle portion has a tip side fixed to each holding member and a base side journaled so as to be rotatable relative to each other at a common center of rotation, and the marking gap is preferably 1 mm or more.

[0008] (5) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, the handle portions are spaced apart from each other so that when the golf ball is held between the two holding members, there is space for the pen tip to reach the golf ball through the marking gap, and the part that supports them so that they can move relative to each other is also spaced apart from the annular edge of the holding member so as not to interfere with the pen. (6) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, the handle portion may have a tip fixed to each holding member, and may have a recess corresponding to a finger on the outer surface between the fixed portion and the portion that supports it so that it can move relatively. (7) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, the inner surface of the hemispherical portion that comes into contact with the golf ball may have a convex portion formed along the vicinity of the slit, or a raised surface formed to guide the pen tip along the edge of the slit. (8) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, the annular edge facing the marking gap may have a raised surface formed to guide the pen tip along it, or a clearance may be formed between the golf ball and the edge. (9) The present invention may be a golf ball marking tool having a handle that can move two holding members relative to one another so that the two holding members can be placed close together to sandwich and hold a golf ball, or the two holding members can be pulled apart to open the two holding members and allow the golf ball to be inserted or removed, and at least one of the holding members has an annular edge that can only hold the golf ball up to the point where it is divided into two equal parts, and when the golf ball is sandwiched between the two holding members, the golf ball is divided into two equal parts along the annular edge of one of the holding members, allowing an uninterrupted line to be marked around the entire circumference. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] (1) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention configured as described above, by operating the handle to open the two holding members, placing a golf ball in the hemispherical portion, and closing the holding members so that the golf ball is sandwiched between them, the golf ball is held immobile while the center line of the golf ball, which corresponds to the equator, is exposed to the outside of the hemispherical portion. Thus, along the marking gap created by the annular edges formed at the openings of the hemispherical portions of the two holding members, a line (the center line corresponding to the equator) dividing the golf ball into two equal parts and running uninterrupted around the entire circumference can be easily and reliably marked.

[0010] (2) Furthermore, in the golf ball marking device of the present invention, when marking slits of different patterns are formed in the hemispherical portions of each of the holding members, various lines can be selected from a wide variety of options to mark the golf ball placed in the holding member so that it is sandwiched between the two hemispherical portions, according to the golfer's preference, making it easier for the golfer to correctly identify the target direction when hitting the ball. (3) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, by operating the handle to open two holding members, placing a golf ball inside the annular edges of the holding members, and then closing the holding members so that the golf ball is sandwiched between them, the golf ball is held immobile while the center line of the golf ball, which corresponds to the equator, is exposed outside the annular edges. Thus, along the marking gap created by the annular edges of the two holding members, a line (the center line corresponding to the equator) that divides the golf ball in half and runs uninterrupted around the entire circumference can be easily and reliably marked. (4) In the golf ball marking device of the present invention, when the tip end of the handle portion is fixed to each holding member and the base end is supported so that they can rotate relative to each other at a common center of rotation, the holding members can be opened and closed easily and quickly by operating the handle portion. Furthermore, in the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, if the marking gap is 1 mm or more, it is possible to reliably mark an easily visible line with a pen (marker).

[0011] (5) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, when the handles are spaced apart so as not to interfere with the pen tip, it is possible to accurately and reliably mark a line that divides the golf ball in two and extends around the entire circumference without interruption. (6) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, if the outer surface of the handle is provided with a recess corresponding to the finger, the handle can be easily pressed with the finger, the golf ball can be held firmly and securely, and a line can be accurately marked that divides the golf ball in two and extends around the entire circumference without interruption. (7) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, if a convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the hemispherical portion or if a raised surface is formed on the edge of the slit, the line marked on the golf ball can be prevented from bleeding. (8) In the golf ball marking tool of the present invention, even if a raised surface is formed on the annular edge facing the marking gap, or if a clearance is formed between the golf ball and the tool, the line marked on the golf ball can be prevented from bleeding. (9) In the present invention, even if at least one of the holding members has an annular edge that can only hold a golf ball up to the point where it is divided into two equal parts, by placing the golf ball within one of the holding members up to the point where it is divided into two equal parts and closing the two holding members so that the golf ball is sandwiched between them, the golf ball can be divided into two equal parts along the annular edge of one of the holding members, and a continuous line can be drawn around the entire circumference. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a golf ball marking tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view showing the golf ball marking tool in use, (B) is a front view of the golf ball marking tool, and (C) is a perspective view showing the hemispherical portion of the golf ball marking tool. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a golf ball marking tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a plan view of the golf ball marking tool, (B) is a bottom view of the golf ball marking tool, and (C) and (D) are side views of the golf ball marking tool. [Figure 3] 3(A) and 3(B) are plan views showing the hemispherical portion of the golf ball marking tool of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the golf ball marking tool of one embodiment of the present invention opened and holding a golf ball. [Figure 5] 5(A) to 5(E) are cross-sectional views showing examples of the convex portion, the standing surface, and the clearance of the golf ball marking tool of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of a golf ball on which a line has been marked using the golf ball marking tool of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a golf ball marking tool according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figures 8(A) to (C) show another embodiment of a golf ball marking tool of the present invention, where (A) is a plan view of the golf ball marking tool, (B) is a front view of the golf ball marking tool, and (C) is a front view showing the golf ball marking tool in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention is a golf ball marking tool comprising two holding members with hemispherical portions each having a depth that allows the golf ball to be inserted only up to the point where it is divided into two equal halves, the inner diameter of the hemispherical portions being approximately the same as the diameter of the golf ball so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the golf ball, the two holding members being positioned close to each other on both sides of the point where the golf ball is divided into two equal halves to hold the golf ball, and the handle portion being capable of moving the two holding members relative to each other so that the two holding members can be separated and opened to insert or remove the golf ball, and when the two holding members are brought close to each other, the golf ball is divided into two equal halves along the marking gap created by the annular edge formed at the opening of the hemispherical portions, allowing a continuous line to be marked around the entire circumference. or "a golf ball marking tool having two holding members with annular edges that have an inner diameter that can only hold a golf ball up to the point where it is divided into two equal parts, the two holding members being positioned close to each other on either side of the point where the golf ball is divided into two equal parts to hold the golf ball in place, or the two holding members being separated and opened to allow the golf ball to be inserted or removed, the golf ball being divided into two equal parts along the marking gap created by the annular edges when the two holding members are brought close to each other, allowing a continuous line to be marked around the entire circumference," which can be suitably embodied in the embodiments described below.

[0014] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the golf ball marking tool of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, which has a hemispherical portion deep enough to only allow the golf ball to be inserted up to the point where it is divided into two equal parts.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the golf ball marking tool T of this embodiment comprises two holding members 1 each having a hemispherical portion f with a depth that allows the golf ball G to be inserted only up to the position that divides it into two equal parts, and the dimensions of the hemispherical portion f are set so that its inner diameter is approximately the same as the diameter of the golf ball G so that it comes into contact with the outer surface of the golf ball G. The opening of the hemispherical portion f constitutes the annular edge 1a of the present invention. Moreover, the hemispherical portion f of each holding member 1 is formed with marking slits S having different patterns. The slit S is an inclined through-hole with a wider outer opening and a narrower inner opening, making it easier to draw a line with a pen P.

[0016] One end of a plate-shaped handle 2 is fixed to the vicinity of the opening of each holding member 1 so as to be on approximately the same plane as the opening. If the end of the handle 2 is fixed at a position too far from the opening, the range in which the slit S can be provided will be limited. A pair of support posts 2a protrude from the other end of each handle portion 2 toward the other handle portion as a part for supporting them so that they can move relative to each other, and the two handle portions 2 are rotatably connected to each other by an axis 3 that passes through these four support posts 2a. With the above configuration, with the openings of each holding member 1 facing each other, the tip side of the handle portion 2 is fixed to each holding member 1, and the base side is supported so that it can rotate relative to each other around a common center of rotation. Furthermore, a coil spring 4 is wound around the shaft 3 as a biasing means for constantly biasing the tip end of the handle portion 2 in the closing direction.

[0017] Therefore, the handle portion 2 allows the two holding members 1 to be positioned close to each other on either side of the position that divides the golf ball G in half to sandwich and hold the golf ball G, or the two holding members 1 to be pulled apart and opened to allow the golf ball G to be inserted or removed (see Figure 4). When the two holding members 1 are brought close to each other, a gap Sm for marking can be generated between the annular edges 1a of the openings of the two hemispherical portions f. The width of the marking gap Sm that is created when the two holding members 1 are brought close together to sandwich and hold the golf ball G should be approximately 1 mm to 3 mm, and in a preferred embodiment, it is approximately 2 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, the handle portions 2 are spaced apart in the vertical direction so as to ensure space 5 for the nib Pa of the pen P (marker) to reach the golf ball G through the marking gap Sm when the golf ball G is sandwiched and held between the two holding members 1 from above and below, and the part that supports them so that they can move relative to each other (i.e., the support 2a) is also preferably spaced apart from the annular edge 1a of the holding member 1 so as not to interfere with the pen P and its nib Pa (see the separation distance L in Figure 1(B)). This separation distance L should be 5 mm or more, and a maximum of approximately 30 mm is desirable depending on the type of pen. In addition, the handle portion 2 has a circular recess 2b that corresponds to a finger on the outer surface between the fixed portion at the tip that is fixed to each holding member 1 and the portion where the support 2a for supporting each holding member 1 so that it can move relative to one another is formed.

[0019] Furthermore, a convex portion 6 is formed along the vicinity of the slit S on the inner surface of the hemispherical portion f that comes into contact with the golf ball G (see FIGS. 3(A), (B) and 5(A)). The height of this convex portion 6 is preferably about 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Furthermore, the annular edge 1a facing the marking gap Sm is formed with a raised surface 7 for guiding the pen tip Pa along it, forming a clearance 8 between the golf ball G. The width of this raised surface 7 is preferably about 1 mm, which also has the effect of rounding the corners and making it soft to the touch. These convex portion 6, standing surface 7 and clearance 8 can prevent the line drawn on the golf ball G by the pen P from bleeding (see FIGS. 5(A), (B), etc.).

[0020] Furthermore, by providing a through hole 2c at the end of the handle 2 so that a pen P can be attached, the convenience of the golf ball marking tool T can be improved. In this case, it is recommended to use pens P of different colors, such as red and black (see FIG. 3(B)). Furthermore, by reducing the thickness of the annular edge 1a adjacent to the part where the holding member 1 and the handle portion 2 are fixed, it becomes easier to prevent interference between the annular edge 1a and the pen P and pen tip Pa, allowing for even neater lines to be drawn (see Figure 1(C)).

[0021] The golf ball marking tool T of the above embodiment of the present invention configured as described above can be manufactured from synthetic resin or the like using known molding techniques. Here, if transparent polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, or the like is used, it will have excellent strength and will allow the line to be drawn while checking the position of the letters and designs originally affixed to the golf ball.

[0022] Next, a method of using the golf ball marking tool T of the above embodiment will be described. 4, the handle 2 of the golf ball marking tool T is operated to open the two holding members 1, a golf ball G is placed in the hemispherical portion f, and the holding members 1 are closed to sandwich the golf ball G, so that the area around the center line of the golf ball G, which corresponds to the equator, is exposed (outside the hemispherical portion f) in the marking gap Sm. In this case, the handle 2 is constantly biased by the coil spring 4 in the direction of closing the two holding members 1, so that the state in which the golf ball G is sandwiched and fixed by the two holding members 1 can be easily maintained.

[0023] Furthermore, a recess 2b corresponding to the bulge of the fingertip is formed on the outer surface between the fixed portion with each holding member 1 at the tip side of the handle portion 2 and the portion that supports each holding member 1 so that it can move relative to one another (i.e., the portion of the support 2a), so that both handle portions 2 can be pressed firmly and securely with the fingers, thereby ensuring that the golf ball G is fixed in place. Therefore, along the marking gap Sm created by the annular edges 1a formed at the openings of the hemispherical portions f of the two holding members 1, a line (a center line corresponding to the equator) that divides the golf ball in half and runs uninterrupted around the entire circumference can be easily and reliably marked with a pen P (marker) (see the golf balls in the upper left and upper right of Figure 6).

[0024] Furthermore, if another line is desired to be drawn on the golf ball G, it can be drawn with a pen P using the marking slit S of the holding member 1 in the state as it is. Instead of dividing the golf ball G into two equal parts and drawing a line that runs uninterrupted around the entire circumference, it is also possible to draw only various other lines using the marking slit S (see another golf ball in FIG. 6).

[0025] Next, another embodiment of the golf ball marking tool of the present invention will be described. In the golf ball marking tool T1 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the pattern of the marking slits S formed in the hemispherical portion f of the holding member 1 is changed. As in the golf ball marking device T1 of this embodiment, the shape and arrangement of the marking slit S formed in the hemispherical portion f can be changed as appropriate, and in some cases it is possible to implement the invention without providing the marking slit S in one of the holding members 1, or without providing it in both holding members 1.

[0026] In the embodiment of the golf ball marking tool T2 shown in Figure 8, the hemispherical portion f of the holding member 1 of the golf ball marking tool T described in the previous embodiment is omitted, and the golf ball marking tool T2 is provided with two holding members 10 each having an annular edge 1a with an inner diameter that can only insert the golf ball G up to the position that divides it into two equal parts. In this embodiment of the golf ball marking device T2, the same usage method as in the previous embodiment can be used by placing the two holding members 10 close together on either side of the position that divides the golf ball G in half to sandwich and hold the golf ball G, or by pulling the two holding members 10 apart to open the golf ball G and insert or remove it. When the two holding members 10 are brought close to each other, a marking gap Sm is created by their annular edges 1a, allowing the golf ball G to be divided into two equal parts and a continuous line to be drawn around the entire circumference.

[0027] The present invention may be implemented by appropriately changing the position of the handle portion 2 and the method of connecting them, by appropriately changing the shape, dimensions, angle, and installation position of each part such as the holding member 1 and the handle portion 2 within the scope of the invention, and by appropriately changing the structure for holding the holding member 1 in a relative movement or rotatable manner, etc. Furthermore, for example, (a) the same pattern of marking slits S may be provided in the two holding members, (b) a standing surface similar to the standing surface 7 shown in Figure 5(B) may be provided on the edge of the marking slit S, or (c) the coil spring 4 may be omitted. In addition, one of the holding members 1, 10 of the golf ball marking tools T, T1, T2 can be configured in the same way as the golf ball marking tools T, T1, T2, and the other holding member can be implemented so that it only has the function of clamping and holding down the golf ball G, for example, by making the opening smaller. In this case, one of the holding members 1, 10, which is configured in the same manner as the above-mentioned golf ball marking devices T, T1, T2, can divide the golf ball in two along the annular edge that can only hold the golf ball up to the position where it is divided into two equal parts (i.e., a configuration that can achieve the same effect as the marking gap that occurs between the two holding members in other embodiments), and can mark a continuous line that extends around the entire circumference. [Industrial Applicability]

[0028] The present invention is industrially suitable for use as a golf ball marking tool used to mark lines such as straight lines on the surface of a golf ball. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 1. Holding member 1a Circular edge 2 Handle 2a post 2b Recess 2c through hole 3-axis 4 coil springs 5 Space 6 Convex part 7 Standing 8 Clearance 10. Holding member f hemispherical part G Golf Ball L separation distance P Pen (marker) Pa nib S slit for marking Sm marking gap T, T1, T2 Golf ball marking equipment

Claims

1. A marking tool for golf balls, comprising two holding members each having a hemispherical portion with a depth that allows the golf ball to be inserted only up to the position where it is divided into two equal parts, the hemispherical portion has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the golf ball so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the golf ball; The golf ball is held between two holding members arranged close to each other on either side of a position that divides the golf ball into two equal halves, and the two holding members can be moved relative to each other by separating the two holding members to open the holding members and insert or remove the golf ball. When the two holding members are brought close together, the golf ball is divided into two equal parts along the marking gap created by the annular edge formed at the opening of the hemispherical portion, allowing a continuous line to be marked around the entire circumference.

2. 2. The golf ball marking tool according to claim 1, wherein the hemispherical portions of the holding members are formed with marking slits of different patterns.

3. A golf ball marking tool comprising two holding members each having an annular edge with an inner diameter that can only hold a golf ball up to the position where it is divided into two equal parts, The golf ball is held between two holding members arranged close to each other on either side of a position that divides the golf ball into two equal halves, and the two holding members can be moved relative to each other by separating the two holding members to open the holding members and insert or remove the golf ball. This golf ball marking tool is characterized in that it divides the golf ball in two along the marking gap created by the annular edges of the two holding members when they are brought close to each other, making it possible to mark a line that extends around the entire circumference without interruption.

4. A golf ball marking tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the handle portion has a tip side fixed to each holding member and a base side supported on a shaft so that it can rotate relative to each other around a common center of rotation, and the marking gap is 1 mm or more.

5. A golf ball marking device as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the handle portions are spaced apart so that when the golf ball is sandwiched and held between the two holding members, there is space for the pen tip to reach the golf ball through the marking gap, and the part that supports them so that they can move relative to each other is also spaced apart from the annular edge of the holding member so as not to interfere with the pen.

6. The golf ball marking tool of claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the handle portion has a tip fixed to each holding member, and has a recess corresponding to a finger on the outer surface between the fixed portion and the portion that supports it so that it can move relatively.

7. 3. The golf ball marking tool according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the hemispherical portion that comes into contact with the golf ball has a convex portion formed along the vicinity of the slit, or a raised surface formed to guide the pen tip along the edge of the slit.

8. 4. The golf ball marking tool according to claim 1, wherein the annular edge facing the marking gap has a raised surface formed thereon to guide the pen tip along, or a clearance is formed between the golf ball and the edge.

9. A golf ball marking tool having a handle that can move two holding members relative to each other so that the two holding members can be positioned close to each other to sandwich and hold a golf ball, or the two holding members can be separated to open the holding members and allow the golf ball to be inserted or removed, the at least one holding member has an annular edge that can hold the golf ball only up to a position that divides the golf ball in half, This golf ball marking tool is characterized in that when the golf ball is sandwiched between the two holding members, the golf ball is divided into two equal parts along the annular edge of one of the holding members, and a line can be marked continuously around the entire circumference.

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