Golf facilities

Abstract

To provide an information printed golf ball on which the content of printed information can be confirmed and can be recycled and a golf facility which manufactures the information printed golf ball.SOLUTION: An information printed golf ball 1 comprises: a spherical body 2 being a golf ball; a surface 3 of the body 2; and information 4 printed on the surface 3. The information 4 is photograph, pattern, character, mark, diagram or the like printed by a 3D printer or the like on the basis of image data recorded on a storage medium such as a personal computer and a portable terminal. A golf facility 10 includes: a printer 11; a heating device 12; and a temperature management device 13. A user can print favorite information 4 on the basis of the image data stored in the portable terminal in a golf course. Since the information 4 disappears after the elapse of a prescribed leaving period or when it becomes the first prescribed temperature or higher, new information 4 can be printed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information-printed golf ball in which information such as a pattern, characters, or marks is printed on the surface of a golf ball, and a golf facility for manufacturing the information-printed golf ball.

Background Art

[0002] An information-printed golf ball in which characters or figures are printed on the surface of a golf ball is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 has a surface that changes color from a first color to a second color different from the first color by receiving sunlight or by a change in temperature, and a printing layer that is formed by partially overlapping on the outside of the outer surface and displays characters or figures in the first color. It is a golf ball in which the printing layer is not recognized before the surface changes color and the printing layer is visible after the surface changes color, and it is disclosed that a golf ball rich in taste can be provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the golf ball described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is unclear what kind of printing layer it is unless heat is applied to the golf ball. Further, although the printing layer becomes clear as the temperature rises, the initial printing layer is retained unless the printing layer is removed, and there is a problem that it cannot be recycled particularly in a golf driving range.

[0006] In view of the circumstances described above, the present invention aims to provide a recyclable golf ball with printed information on it, on which the content of the printed information can be verified, and a golf facility for manufacturing such golf balls. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of diligent research and development regarding the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of this invention have discovered the following groundbreaking information-printed golf balls and golf facilities.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is an information-printed golf ball having information printed on its surface, comprising a body, a surface of the body, and information printed on the surface, wherein the information disappears after a predetermined period of time has elapsed or when the temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature.

[0009] Here, "information" refers to printed photographs, pictures, text, marks, figures, etc. "Specified waiting period" refers to the period during which the printed golf ball is left stationary after the information has been printed. Furthermore, "first specified temperature" is a temperature higher than the ambient temperature during printing, and is the temperature at which the information disappears.

[0010] In this first embodiment, the user can see what information has been printed on the golf ball and can swing while checking the information. Furthermore, since the printed information on the golf ball disappears after a predetermined period of time or when it reaches a predetermined temperature, new information can be printed on it. As a result, it is possible to print information tailored to the preferences of the user who is swinging, and to provide a golf ball with printed information that the user can enjoy.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is an information-printed golf ball according to the first aspect, characterized in that the information is printed based on image data captured by a camera of a mobile device.

[0012] In this second embodiment, users can select their favorite photos from those taken with their mobile device and print them as information. As a result, data can be easily provided without the need for special cameras or other equipment.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention is an information-printed golf ball according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the information is a person's face.

[0014] In this third mode, since the golfer swings with intention while looking at the person's face, they can concentrate better, reduce body sway, improve impact power, and ultimately improve their score. As a result, it becomes possible to provide golf balls with high commercial value through printed information.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a golf facility comprising a printing device and a heating device, wherein the printing device prints information on the surface to produce the information-printed golf ball described in the first aspect, and the heating device heats the information printed on the surface to a first predetermined temperature or higher.

[0016] Here, "golf facilities" are not particularly limited to any facility where golf can be played. Examples of golf facilities include golf courses and golf driving ranges (outdoor and indoor).

[0017] In this fourth embodiment, golf facilities can select information tailored to the user's preferences. Furthermore, users can select from image data they have brought with them. As a result, convenience is improved, and golf balls with high-value printed information can be provided.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a golf facility according to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the heating device is a hot air discharge device that discharges dry hot air or steam hot air, or a hot water device that heats water in a container.

[0019] In such a fifth aspect, the heating device and the hot water device have a simple structure such as a heater and a fan, and can easily heat information. As a result, the equipment investment cost is low, it can be easily installed, and the information can be erased in a short time.

[0020] The sixth aspect of the present invention further includes a temperature control device, and the temperature control device is in the golf facility according to the fourth aspect, which is characterized in that it manages so that the information-printed golf ball does not become lower than a second predetermined temperature.

[0021] Here, the "second predetermined temperature" is the temperature at which the information that has disappeared above the first predetermined temperature reappears in color, and is a temperature lower than the printed environmental temperature.

[0022] In such a sixth aspect, when the ink uses reversibility, it will reappear in color (become opaque again) when it becomes lower than the second predetermined temperature. By controlling the temperature with the temperature control device, the reappearance in color can be prevented. As a result, a recyclable information-printed golf ball can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] An example of the information-printed golf ball according to the present invention is shown, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of (a). [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the golf facility according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing the state of the information of the information-printed golf ball according to the present invention, (a) is the main body before information printing, and (b) is the information-printed golf ball after information printing. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing an example of the information according to the present invention, (a) is Example 1, and (b) is Example 2. [Figure 5] Following Figure 4, (a) is Example 3, and (b) is Example 4.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention

[0024] Embodiments of the information-printed golf ball according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an example of an information-printed golf ball according to the present invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a cross-sectional view AA of (a). Based on Figure 1, the information-printed golf ball of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0026] The information-printed golf ball 1 of this embodiment comprises a spherical body 2 which is a golf ball, a surface 3 of the body 2, and information 4 printed on the surface 3. Generally, a golf ball is composed of a core with a high coefficient of restitution and a resin cover that insert-moldes the core. The shape, structure, etc., of the golf ball used in the present invention are not particularly limited, and commercially available golf balls can be used, for example.

[0027] The information-printed golf ball 1 of this embodiment is a golf ball on which information 4 is printed on its surface 3. Information 4 includes photographs, patterns, characters, marks, figures, etc. Information 4 is printed using a 3D printer or the like based on image data recorded on a storage medium such as a personal computer or mobile device. Alternatively, Information 4 may be printed based on image data provided by the golfer (user). Such image data can be provided via transmission over the internet or from a storage medium brought by the user. The image data includes faces, photographs, portraits, etc., and includes image data captured by a camera on a mobile device, and creation data created using software on a mobile device.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a golf facility. Based on Figure 2, the equipment installed within the golf facility will be explained.

[0029] Golf facilities 10, such as golf courses and golf driving ranges, are equipped with a printing device 11 for printing information 4, a heating device 12 for heating the information-printed golf balls 1, and a temperature control device 13 for managing the temperature of the information-printed golf balls 1.

[0030] The information 4 formed on the surface 3 of the main body 2 is printed by a printing device 11 installed in the golf facility 10, thereby manufacturing an information-printed golf ball 1. The printing device 11 is electrically connected to a printer (not shown), as well as a USB port, display, and storage device. The information 4 to be printed is stored as data in the storage device, but the data may also be retrieved from a mobile device provided by the user. Using the printing device 11, the user can select data recorded in the storage device and print their preferred image on the surface 3 of the golf ball. Here, the printing device 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of printing the information 4 on the surface 3 of the main body 2. An example of the printing device 11 is an inkjet printer that can print on curved surfaces, etc.

[0031] The printing ink used in this printing apparatus 11 contains, for example, pigments described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-206650, International Publication No. 2018 / 186479, International Publication No. 2019 / 082722, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-77853, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-99628, International Publication No. 2020 / 085358, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-100710, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-55176, or Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-92862. In this embodiment, the information 4 printed with such ink disappears after a predetermined period of time has elapsed or when the temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature. The predetermined period of time is the period of time that the information 4 is left as is after printing, and is not particularly limited, but is for example a few days, such as half a day to two days. The first predetermined temperature is a temperature higher than the ambient temperature during printing, for example, around 50°C to 60°C.

[0032] The ink used may be irreversible, permanently disappearing above a first predetermined temperature, or reversible, returning to its colored state below a second predetermined temperature. The second predetermined temperature is a temperature lower than the ambient temperature during printing, for example, around -10°C to -20°C. The thickness of the information 4 is not particularly limited, but a thickness such that the trajectory of the information-printed golf ball 1 does not change when it is hit is preferred, for example, 1 μm to 2 μm is preferred.

[0033] Because the information 4 disappears, new information 4 can be printed on the used information-printed golf ball 1. This allows for the printing of information 4 on the information-printed golf ball 1 to be customized to the user's preferences, especially at golf driving ranges, and enables the recycling of the main unit 2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the main body 2, which is a typical golf ball, does not have information 4 printed on it (see Figure 3(a)). When information 4 is printed on the surface 3 of the main body 2, the information-printed golf ball 1 is completed (see Figure 3(b)). When the temperature exceeds the first predetermined temperature, information 4 disappears, and only the main body 2 without information 4 is left (see Figure 3(a)). Since information 4 disappears, it becomes possible to print new information 4. Note that in Figure 3, for the sake of clarity, dimples are not shown in the area of ​​information 4.

[0035] The first method of eliminating information 4 above a predetermined temperature can be achieved by heating the surface 3 of the main body 2 of the information-printed golf ball 1. For example, the information-printed golf ball 1 can be heated by sunlight, impact, air friction resistance while in flight, and friction when bouncing. Alternatively, the information 4 can be lost by artificially rubbing and heating the information 4 on the information-printed golf ball 1.

[0036] Alternatively, the information 4 can be destroyed by heating it to a first predetermined temperature or higher using a heating device 12 installed in the golf facility 10. The information 4 may be heated directly with the heating device 12, or the entire information-printed golf ball 1 may be heated. The room in which the information-printed golf ball 1 is stored may also be heated.

[0037] The heating device 12 may be, for example, a hot air discharge device that emits dry hot air or steam hot air, or a hot water device that heats the water in the container into which the information-printed golf ball 1 is immersed. The hot air discharge device and the hot water device have a simple structure such as a heater or fan, are easy to handle, inexpensive, easy to install, and highly convenient.

[0038] Furthermore, a temperature control device 13 may be installed in the golf facility 10. When reversible ink is used, the color will reappear (become opaque again) if the temperature falls below a second predetermined temperature. Generally, at golf driving ranges, the information-printed golf balls 1 that have been used are washed, so there is a high possibility that the ink will be removed. However, there are cases where the ink does not come off with washing, and sometimes clean information-printed golf balls 1 are not washed. Therefore, the temperature control device 13 can be used to control the temperature so that the information-printed golf balls 1 do not fall below a second predetermined temperature. In other words, the temperature is controlled to prevent reappearance of color. The temperature control device 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the temperature so that the information-printed golf balls 1 do not fall below a second predetermined temperature. Examples of temperature control devices 13 include general air conditioning equipment.

[0039] Examples of the information will be explained based on Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4(a) is Example 1, Figure 4(b) is Example 2, Figure 5(a) is Example 3, and Figure 5(b) is Example 4.

[0040] Example 1 is a person's face. The person's face can be captured with a camera, recorded as image data on a storage medium, and then printed on the surface 3 of the main unit 2 using a printing device 11 to obtain information 4. The camera can be a single-lens reflex camera, a camera built into a mobile device, etc. Alternatively, it can be drawn as an illustration using software, or it can be a caricature. By swinging with intention while looking at the person's face, concentration can be improved, body sway can be reduced, impact power can be improved, and the score can be improved.

[0041] Example 2 is a design. The design is an illustration of a golf course. It can be an illustration created using software, or image data created by processing a camera image with software. Other subjects such as landscapes, people, anime, interiors, plants, and fantasy are also acceptable.

[0042] Example 3 consists of marks and shapes. Marks include symbols, codes, signs, emblems, designs, etc., and are used to represent a certain meaning or concept. Shapes include triangles, circles, squares, polygons, etc., and can be created by arranging or transforming these shapes.

[0043] Example 4 is a letter. Users can choose a letter according to their preference and, when swinging, focus on, visualize, or pay attention to the letter, which can lead to an improvement in the quality of training.

[0044] Furthermore, it is possible to combine the aforementioned faces, illustrations, marks, shapes, or letters as appropriate.

[0045] Within the printable area, the size of Information 4 can be selected. A larger size makes it more noticeable to the user, allowing them to focus on the ball, reduce body sway, and potentially improve their swing. Furthermore, since the user can choose their preferred Information 4, they can swing more comfortably.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Information printed on golf balls 2 Main unit 3 surface 4. Information 10 Golf Facilities 11 Printing device 12 Heating device 13 Temperature control device

Claims

1. Printing device and Equipped with a heating device, The printing apparatus prints information on the surface of a golf ball to produce an information-printed golf ball. The heating device heats the information printed on the surface to a first predetermined temperature or higher, in a golf facility. The aforementioned information-printed golf ball is The main unit and The surface of the main body and The information printed on the surface, The information described above is characterized in that it disappears after a predetermined period of time has elapsed or when the temperature exceeds the first predetermined temperature. Golf facilities.

2. The heating device is characterized by being a hot air discharge device that discharges dry hot air or steam hot air, or a hot water device that heats the water in the container. The golf facility described in claim 1.

3. The aforementioned golf facility is further equipped with a temperature control device, The temperature control device is characterized by controlling the temperature so that the information-printed golf ball does not fall below a second predetermined temperature. The golf facility described in claim 1.

4. The aforementioned information is characterized by being printed based on image data captured by the camera of a mobile device. A golf facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned information is characterized by being a person's face. A golf facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images