GOLF BALL WITH INTEGRALLY-RELATED ALIGNMENT FEATURES

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to golf balls, specifically to a golf ball designed to aid players in aligning their shots with a target. In particular, the present disclosure relates to golf balls having integrally-related alignment features in an alignment aid for enhancing visual alignment and accuracy for golfers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper alignment can significantly influence the accuracy and success of a golf shot. Golf balls, therefore, often incorporate an alignment aid to assist players in achieving the correct positioning. The alignment aid provides the golfer with visual cues to aid in aligning their golf ball with a target. Some golf balls typically feature one or more lines, and some include printed arrows or other directional shapes to assist with alignment. However, for some golfers there may be some difficulty in selecting a consistent focal point of the alignment aid during the golf shot. Existing alignment aids may have block shapes or large arrows, which do not provide well-defined directional suggestions upon which a golfer can easily focus their gaze. Thus, there is an opportunity for an alignment aid that provides both a focal point and a general peripheral sense of direction for a golf shot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure includes a golf ball. The golf ball includes a spherical surface including a base color. The golf ball also includes an alignment aid including one or more non-base colors, the alignment aid being completely within a circumferential ring area of the golf ball, the circumferential ring area defined by two circular boundaries that enclose and are parallel to a great circle of the golf ball, wherein a dimension between the two circular boundaries is defined as a width W measured in a width direction, wherein W is 10 mm or less. The alignment aid includes 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, wherein LW is approximately 1-3 mm. Each of the discontinuous lines are parallel to or on the path of the great circle such that the plurality of discontinuous lines are all oriented with a target direction perpendicular to the width direction when viewing the golf ball from above. Each discontinuous line is spaced from at least one other discontinuous line in the width direction by a base color line. Each discontinuous line comprises at least one set of spaced end portions with a base color discontinuity therebetween. The second alignment feature includes a base color directional indicator formed by a grouping of discontinuities in all the discontinuous lines, the directional indicator pointing in the target direction. The non-base color discontinuous lines and the base color directional indicator are simultaneously visible to a golfer viewing the golf ball from above and, in combination, orient the golf ball along a path that follows the target direction.

According to some embodiments, the second alignment feature includes two outermost discontinuities and a middle discontinuity. Each discontinuity is defined by a first end portion comprising a first boundary and a second end portion comprising a second boundary. For each outermost discontinuity, the first boundary and the second boundary are lines that extend across the entire line width LW at an angle relative to the width direction. In some embodiments, the angle is constant, and the first boundary and the second boundary are parallel. In some embodiments, the angle is constant but different for the first boundary and the second boundary such that the first boundary and the second boundary are not parallel. In other embodiments, the angle is continuously variable such that the first and second boundaries are curved lines.

According to some embodiments, the two outermost discontinuities have mirror symmetry with each other across the great circle.

According to some embodiments, the middle discontinuity includes a first boundary having two connected lines extending at different angles relative to the width direction and a second boundary also having two connected lines extending at different angles relative to the width direction. For both the first and second boundaries of the middle discontinuity, the connected lines converge to point toward the linear direction.

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

According to some embodiments, the directional indicator is an arrow having a constant thickness.

According to some embodiments, the directional indicator is an arrow having a variable thickness.

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

According to some embodiments, the first alignment feature includes three discontinuous lines and the second alignment feature comprises three groupings of discontinuities each forming a directional indicator. In some embodiments, each discontinuous line includes three line segments separated by the discontinuities between respective end portions. In some embodiments, each line segment is approximately 35-45 mm in length.

According to another embodiment, the present disclosure includes a method of 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 the line segments being parallel to or on the path of a great circle of the golf ball such that the plurality of line segments is all oriented with a target direction. The method also includes printing a second stamp on the surface of the golf ball, the second stamp comprising a second plurality of non-base color line segments, each of the line segments of the second plurality being adjacent and on the same circle as one of the line segments of the first plurality. The first and second stamps are printed such that a grouping of base color discontinuities is formed between the adjacent pluralities of line segments, the grouping of discontinuities shaped to form a directional indicator pointing in the target direction. In some embodiments, the first stamp and the second stamp fit within a circumferential ring area of the golf ball, the circumferential ring area defined by two circular boundaries that enclose and are parallel to a great circle of the golf ball, wherein a dimension between the two circular boundaries is defined as a width W measured in a width direction, wherein W is 10 mm or less.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. To illustrate the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a golf ball showing a surface divided into a circumferential ring area;

FIG. 2 is a golf ball having an alignment aid that fits within the circumferential ring area of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a portion of the alignment aid of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a golf ball having an alignment aid, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 5 is the golf ball of FIG. 4 further showing the alignment aid;

FIG. 6A is an example of a stamp that may be printed on a golf ball to produce a disclosed alignment aid, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a close-up view of a portion of an alignment aid created by repeated printing of the stamp of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows an alignment feature of the alignment aid of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A is an example of a stamp that may be printed on a golf ball to produce a disclosed alignment aid, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a close-up view of a portion of an alignment aid created by repeated printing of the stamp of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C shows an alignment feature of the alignment aid of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8A is an example of a stamp that may be printed on a golf ball to produce a disclosed alignment aid, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a close-up view of a portion of an alignment aid created by repeated printing of the stamp of FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 8C shows an alignment feature of the alignment aid of FIG. 8B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes a golf ball with an alignment aid having dual alignment features that are integrally-related. A disclosed alignment aid has non-base color discontinuous lines and base color directional indicators that are simultaneously visible to a golfer viewing the golf ball from above. In combination, the integrally-related alignment features orient the golf ball along a path that follows a target direction.

In disclosed embodiments, an alignment aid includes several discontinuous lines that are set on a plurality of parallel circles on the golf ball. The line segments that make up the discontinuous lines each indicate a linear direction that can be directed toward a target line when viewing the golf ball from above. The alignment aid also includes a directional indicator (e.g., an arrow) formed by the combined shape of a grouping of discontinuities in the discontinuous lines (e.g., the space between the line segments and the shapes of the end portions thereof) and which provides a primary focus area and points in the linear direction to help the golfer's eye follow the target line away from the golf ball to the target.

In an embodiment, a golf ball includes a spherical surface and an alignment aid visible on the surface. The alignment aid includes at least three discontinuous lines, wherein each line has at least two discontinuities. The line segments that make up each discontinuous line are each respectively collinear with a circle on the surface of the golf ball. The line segments themselves form a first alignment feature of the alignment aid by aligning with a target line of a golf shot while also providing an additional peripheral sense of direction to the golfer as they address the ball. A close grouping of relatively thin line segments further enhances the effect. In addition, a grouping of nearby discontinuities of each discontinuous line combine to create a second alignment feature using “negative space” (i.e., the base color spaced between the printed indicia) from the discontinuities. For example, the base color negative space forms a directional indicator, such as an arrow, providing a clear but unintrusive focal point, while the line segments produce 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, in combination, orient the golf ball along a path that follows the target direction. This combination of alignment features helps a golfer repeatedly orient the golf ball and a swing path along the target line.

FIG. 1 depicts a golf ball 10 having a spherical surface 12. The golf ball 10 may have a plurality of dimples (not shown) formed on the surface 12. The term “spherical” as related 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 be made up of multiple layers. For example, the surface 12 may include a cover layer, a paint layer, and a transparent clear coat layer of the golf ball 10. Any combination of these and/or other layers of the golf ball that are visible to an observer may be considered part of the surface 12. For example, the golf ball 10 may include a visible name plate, play number, and side stamp printed on a base color cover layer and under a clear coat layer. The base color cover and the printed indicia are visible to an observer and may be considered on or part of the surface 12.

FIG. 1 further depicts a circumferential ring area 14 as a portion of the surface 12. The circumferential ring area 14 is shown in FIG. 1 to define a region of the surface 12 but is not itself a visual aspect of the golf ball 10 or surface 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential ring area 14 is an area of the surface 12 that is defined as an area between parallel circular boundaries including a first circular boundary 16 and a second circular boundary 18. The circular boundaries 16, 18 define a space therebetween that includes a great circle 20 (e.g., a great circle of the spherical shape of the golf ball 10). In an exemplary embodiment, the circular boundaries 16, 18 are parallel to the great circle 20. The circumferential ring area 14 is a 360° stripe that is constrained between the circular boundaries 16, 18. The area of the surface 12 between the circular boundaries 16, 18 is considered the circumferential ring area 14. The area outside of the circumferential ring area 14 makes up the rest of the surface 12. The circumferential ring area has a width W which is a dimension measured in a width direction from the first circular boundary 16 to the second circular boundary 18 and is constant around a circular direction that follows the great circle 20. As will be described, the circumferential ring area delineates a space on the surface of the golf ball where an alignment aid is visible. Limiting the alignment aid to a circumferential ring area having a relatively small width W helps to improve the functionality of the alignment aid with respect to its use in relation to a golf shot (e.g., aligning the golf ball and/or a swing path with a target). In an exemplary embodiment, the width W is 10 mm or less.

FIG. 2 is a view of a golf ball 100 having an spherical surface 105 and alignment aid 110. While not shown, the spherical surface 105 may include a plurality of dimples, as is typical for a golf ball. The alignment aid 110 is visible indicia that is on or part of the surface 105. For instance, the alignment aid 110 may be printed on a layer of the golf ball 100 that makes up the surface 105. The surface 105 may include a base color and the alignment aid 110 may include at least one non-base color. For instance, the surface 105 may include a base color cover layer and/or a base color paint layer and the alignment aid 110 may include a pad-printed ink layer that is a non-base color. One or more clear coat layers may also be present on the golf ball 110 that does not obscure the base color or non-base color(s). In one embodiment, the base color is white and the non-base color(s) are other colors that are non-white (e.g., black, blue, green, gray, red, etc.). In other embodiments, the base color is non-white and the non-base colors are other colors that are not the non-white color.

According to disclosed embodiments, the alignment aid 110 is 360° printed indicia that follows a great circle of the golf ball 100 and has a stamp width SW that is confined to a circumferential ring area having a width W (see FIG. 1). The circumferential ring area makes up a portion of the surface 105 and the alignment aid 110 is present within this area and not present outside of the area. As a result, the alignment aid 110 may be confined to a particular width W to produce a full-wraparound alignment aid that can be used to orient the golf ball 100 relative to a 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 the golf ball is viewed from above. The golf ball 100 does not need to be rotated to expose a certain portion of the golf ball 100 in order to see the alignment aid 110 because it wraps around 360°, following a great circle. Moreover, limiting the alignment aid 110 to a relatively thin circumferential ring area helps a golfer to focus on an aspect of the alignment aid while perceiving a target direction from the longitudinal extent of the alignment aid.

Comparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, the alignment aid 110 is visible to the extent of the circular boundaries of the circumferential ring area. The alignment aid 110 may be made up of one or more ink layers printed on another layer of the golf ball 100 and visible on the surface 105. For example, the alignment aid 110 may include a plurality of pad-printed stamps. In an exemplary embodiment, the surface 105 includes the base color inside and outside of the circumferential ring area. For example, a white base color may make up a majority of the surface area outside of the circumferential ring area as well as some portion of the surface area inside of the circumferential ring area. The alignment aid 110 is confined to the circumferential ring area but does not completely cover it with non-base colors (i.e., it is not a solid-colored stripe).

According to disclosed embodiments, the alignment aid 110 includes a plurality of discontinuous lines. In an embodiment, the alignment aid 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 a great circle and the circular boundaries of the circumferential ring area centered on the great circle (referring to 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 base color line 118, 120 extends uninterrupted parallel to the great circle. The alignment aid 110 thus includes alternating base color and non-base color lines in the width direction, all parallel to the great circle at the center of the circumferential ring area that defines the width of the alignment aid 110.

The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 are “discontinuous” at least due to discontinuities 122 that are present at various points around the circumferential extent of the discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116. The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 may include separate line segments that are separated by discontinuities 122. As used herein, “line segment” may refer to a non-base color portion of a discontinuous line. The discontinuities 122 are present as spaces between end portions of the line segments. In at least some embodiments, the discontinuities 122 are a base color.

In an exemplary embodiment, the discontinuities 122 are present in each of the discontinuous lines 112 in groupings. According to disclosed embodiments, the groupings of discontinuities 122 create directional indicators 124 that point in the target direction. For example, each discontinuity 122 in a grouping contributes to the appearance of an arrow that points in the same direction that the discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 and base color lines 118, 120 suggest (i.e., the target direction).

The exemplary-described alignment aid 110 includes integrally-related alignment features. In an exemplary aspect, the first alignment feature is the non-base color discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 separated by the base color lines 118, 120, all extending parallel to each other and a great circle to provide a linear path when viewing the golf ball 100 from above, where that linear path can be aligned with a target direction to orient the golf ball and a golfer toward a target. The alignment aid 110 also includes a second alignment feature in the form of the directional indicators 124. The directional indicators 124 are created by the shape of spaces between line segments of the discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116. The directional indicators 124 are, for example, arrows that point in the target direction. The combined alignment features of the alignment aid 110 are simultaneously visible to provide the golfer with a focal point and a general peripheral sense of direction to orient the golf ball and the path of the golf club to help the golfer direct the golf ball toward the target. The golf ball includes top and bottom portions 126 that are outside of the circumferential ring area and that may have the same base color as the directional indicators 124.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a portion of the alignment aid 110, particularly showing a grouping of discontinuities 122 that combine to create a directional indicator 124. The discontinuous lines 112, 114, 116 include end portions 128 at the ends of line segments 130. The discontinuities 122 are shown in dotted lines and are redrawn to the side of the close-up view of the alignment aid 110 to further illustrate their shape. The shape of the end portions 128 and the space therebetween defines the shape of each discontinuity 122. Each discontinuity 122 is defined, at least in part, by the boundaries of the line segments at the end portions 128.

In an exemplary embodiment, each line segment includes a perimeter. FIG. 3 shows the line segments as outlines, even though it is understood that the line segments may be solid colors where the outline represents the perimeter of the line segment. The perimeter of each line segment includes two longitudinal boundaries A that follow the length of the line segments. The longitudinal boundaries are parallel to the great circle in at least some embodiments. The line segments further include end boundaries B at the end portions 128 that connect the longitudinal boundaries and thereby define a shape of the end portions 128. As shown in FIG. 3, each discontinuity 122 may correspond to a shape defined by upper and lower boundaries C that are continuations of the longitudinal boundaries A and side boundaries D that match/overlie the end boundaries B.

In an exemplary embodiment, the grouping of discontinuities includes a middle discontinuity 132, and two outermost discontinuities 134, 136. The middle discontinuity 132 may be shaped by opposing arrow-shaped boundaries. For example, the boundaries of the middle discontinuity 132 may include two connected lines that extend at different angles relative to the width direction W. The connected lines forming the boundaries of the middle discontinuity converge to point toward the linear direction. The boundaries may be parallel to each other to create a shape that is convex on one end and concave on the other.

The two outermost discontinuities 134, 136 have mirror symmetry with each other across the great circle. In an exemplary embodiment, the two outermost discontinuities include parallelogram shapes with angled side boundaries. The angle of the line defining each side boundary relative to the width direction creates the angled sides of the directional indicator. FIG. 3 shows that the side boundaries that define the shape of the discontinuities 122 are set on a line that is at an angle θ or −θ relative to the width direction W. For example, the outermost discontinuity 134 and the adjacent half of the middle discontinuity 132 may be set at an angle −θ and the outermost discontinuity 136 and the adjacent half of the middle discontinuity 132 may be set at an angle θ. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle θ is equal to approximately 45° relative to the width direction. Other embodiments may include other constant angles or may include continuously variable angles (e.g., curved boundaries). In some embodiments, the angle θ may be 70° or more.

The two connected lines of the side boundaries of the middle discontinuity 132 are a continuation of the side boundaries of the outermost discontinuities 134, 136. In other words, a line drawn from each end boundary B of the outermost discontinuities 134, 136 would run into and overlap the adjacent portion of the end boundary B of the middle discontinuity 132. This produces an arrow with a constant thickness and angle that comes to a point at a center of one of the side boundaries of the middle discontinuity 132. Thickness as it is used in this characterization refers essentially to the distance between the end boundaries B as measured in a direction perpendicular to the width direction W. Other embodiments may include directional indicators/arrows with variable thicknesses. Alternatively, thickness may be described as an average spacing distance between the first boundary and the second boundary in the target direction. This encompasses discontinuities where the boundaries are not parallel. In disclosed embodiments, the average spacing distance for each discontinuity is approximately 0.5-4.0 mm, but may be greater than 4.0 mm in other embodiments.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a golf ball 150 having an alignment aid 155. FIG. 5 shows the golf ball surface in phantom in order to show the alignment aid 155 extending 360° around the golf ball. The alignment aid 155 is the same as or similar to the alignment aid 110, including a plurality of discontinuous lines separated by discontinuities and base color lines. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment aid 155 is applied to the surface of the golf ball 150 as indicia via printing. There are several methods for printing the indicia, including pad printing and laser jet printing, for example.

In pad printing, ink is deposited onto a plate and arranged in a pattern corresponding to the markings to be made on the golf ball. A pad contacts the plate and thereby receives the 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. A “stamp” or “marking,” as used herein, refers to the printed area produced by application of an ink-carrying pad to a surface of an item, such as a golf ball. A “single stamp” or “single marking” refers a printed area produced by only one application of an ink-carrying pad onto the item. Pad printing is an indirect intaglio process. Depressions are created in a flat block called “the plate” or pad printing cliche. The depressions are filled with ink and a smooth, resilient stamp block of silicone rubber takes up ink from the plate and transfers it to the golf ball. A “etching pattern,” as used herein, refers to the wells and/or depressions in a printing plate arranged in a pattern corresponding to a desired marking to be ultimately printed on an item.

In some embodiments, a pad printing process begins by spreading ink across the surface of a plate using a spatula. The plate includes an etching pattern corresponding the indicia that will be printed on the golf ball. The ink is then scraped back into the ink reservoir using a doctor blade which leaves ink in the depressions of the etching pattern on the plate. Thinner evaporates from the ink lying in these depressions and the ink surface becomes tacky. As the pad passes over the depressions, ink will stick to the pad. As the pad lifts, it takes with it not only the tacky, adhering film, but also some of the more fluid ink underneath. This film of ink is carried to the target area on the dimpled golf ball surface. On the way, more of the thinner evaporates from the exposed, surface of the ink on the silicone pad, and the ink surface facing away from the pad becomes tacky. As the pad is applied to the golf ball, the film of ink sticks to the ball surface, and separates from the pad as it is raised.

In some embodiments, the alignment aid 155 is printed via pad printing a plurality of stamps around the golf ball 150. In FIGS. 4-5, a set of three line segments 160, 162, 164 make up a single pad-printed stamp. A printing plate having an etching pattern matching the line segments 160, 162, 164 receives ink to be printed on the golf ball 150. A 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 twice more around the golf ball 150 to produce the complete alignment aid 155. The base color lines between the line segments 160, 162, 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 the successive stamps during printing. As a result, a 360° continuous alignment aid is produced without requiring any of the stamps to overlap. This helps to simply the printing process reduce printing errors.

While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5 includes three spaced stamps, other configurations and processes are possible. For example, an alignment aid may include two stamps printed on opposite poles. In other examples, an alignment aid may include four or more stamps printed around the golf ball. In still other examples, a stamp may be configured to include a group of discontinuities therein based on the etching pattern (instead of only creating the discontinuities based on a spacing of different stamps). In other embodiments, methods other than pad printing may be used. For example, an alignment aid may be printed using single or multi-pass laser jet or ink jet printing.

FIG. 6A is an example of a single stamp 200 that may be printed on a golf ball to produce an alignment aid consistent with the disclosed embodiments. The stamp 200 includes three line segments 202, 204, 206. The line segments 202, 204, 206 match the line segments shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. The line segments 202, 204, 206 each have a line width LW. The stamp 200 includes a stamp width SW from a top boundary line of the line segment 202 to a bottom boundary line of the line segment 206. While shown as outlines, it should be understood that the line segments 202, 204, 206 may be completely or partially filled with a non-base color. For example, the line segments 202, 204, 206 may be solid colors, patterns, color gradients, or other non-base color fills relative to a base color of a golf ball. The line segments 202, 204, 206 are separated by base color lines 208, 210. The base color lines 208, 210 are produced by way of the line segments 202, 204, 206 being spaced from each other to enable a base color of the surface to be visible therebetween. The base color lines 208, 210 have base line widths BLW.

The stamp 200 may be successively printed around a golf ball to produce a 360° alignment aid. In one example, each line segment 202, 204, 206 may have a length that covers approximately 110-120° around a great circle of the golf ball. In other examples, the line segment lengths may be shorter, for example covering approximately 30-90° around the great circle. The line segments 202, 204, 206 are successively printed to produce discontinuous lines having multiple line segments. The space between successive line segments on the same circle creates a plurality of discontinuities 212, 214, 216, as shown in FIG. 6B. The discontinuities 212, 214, 216 are shaped and arranged by the end portions of the line segments 212, 214, 216 such that combination of their appearance produces a directional indicator 218, as shown in FIG. 6C. The boundaries at the end portions of the line segments 202, 204, 206 and the spacing of the discontinuities 212, 214, 216 is such that the directional indicator has a constant thickness. The dotted-lines shown in FIG. 6C are only shown to outline the shape of the directional indicator 218. However, in some embodiments, an outline of the directional indicator 218 could be printed.

FIG. 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 disclosed embodiments. The stamp 300 includes three line segments 302, 304, 306. The line segments 302, 304, 306 are similar to the line segments shown and described in FIGS. 6A-6C, with different end portions and spacing. The line segments 302, 304, 306 each have a line with LW. The stamp 300 includes a stamp width SW from a top boundary line of the line segment 302 to a bottom boundary line of the line segment 306. While shown as outlines, it should be understood that the line segments 302, 304, 306 may be completely or partially filled with a non-base color. For example, the line segments 202, 204, 206 may be solid colors, patterns, color gradients, or other non-base color fills relative to a base color of a golf ball. The line segments 302, 304, 306 are separated by base color lines 308, 310. The base color lines 308, 310 are produced by way of the line segments 302, 304, 306 being spaced from each other to enable a base color of the surface to be visible therebetween. The base color lines 308, 310 have base line widths BLW.

The stamp 300 may be successively printed around a golf ball to produce a 360° alignment aid. For example, each line segment 302, 304, 306 may have a length that covers approximately 110-120° around a great circle of the golf ball. The line segments 302, 304, 306 are successively printed to produce discontinuous lines having multiple line segments. The space between successive line segments on the same circle creates a plurality of discontinuities 312, 314, 316, as shown in FIG. 7B. The discontinuities 312, 314, 316 are shaped and arranged by the end portions of the line segments 312, 314, 316 such that combination of their appearance produces a directional indicator 318, as shown in FIG. 7C. The dotted-lines shown in FIG. 7C are only shown to outline the shape of the directional indicator 318. However, in some embodiments, an outline of the directional indicator 318 could be printed.

The boundaries at the end portions of the line segments 302, 304, 306 and the spacing of the discontinuities 312, 314, 316 is such that the directional indicator has a variable thickness. The outermost line segments 302, 306 may be shaped at end boundaries such that a first end boundary 320 is a line that extends at a different angle than a line that makes up a second end boundary 322. In this way, the end boundaries 320, 322 that are adjacent to each other across successive stamps are not parallel to each other. The middle line segment 314 includes two different arrow-shaped boundaries 324, 326. The arrow-shaped boundaries are not copies of each other and thus do not have the same interrelated convex/concave shape as those shown in FIG. 6B. The first end boundaries 320 are angled to be continuations of part of the arrow-shaped boundary 324 and the second end boundaries 322 are angled to be continuations of part of the arrow-shaped boundary 326. As a result, the directional indicator 318 has the appearance shown in FIG. 7C, with a variable thickness and a sharp-angled leading edge and a more broad, flattened trailing edge.

FIG. 8A is another example of a single stamp 400 that may be printed on a golf ball to produce an alignment aid consistent with the disclosed embodiments. The stamp 400 includes three line segments 402, 404, 406. The line segments 402, 404, 406 are similar to the line segments shown and described in FIGS. 6A-6C and 7A-7C, with different end boundaries and spacing. The line segments 402, 404, 406 each have a line with LW. The stamp 400 includes a stamp width SW from a top boundary line of the line segment 402 to a bottom boundary line of the line segment 406. While shown as outlines, the line segments 402, 404, 406 may be completely or partially filled with a non-base color. For example, the line segments 202, 204, 206 may be solid colors, patterns, color gradients, or other non-base color fills relative to a base color of a golf ball. The line segments 402, 404, 406 are separated by base color lines 408, 410. The base color lines 408, 410 are produced by way of the line segments 402, 404, 406 being spaced from each other to enable a base color of the surface to be visible therebetween. The base color lines 408, 410 have base line widths BLW.

The stamp 400 may be successively printed around a golf ball to produce a 360° alignment aid. For example, each line segment 402, 404, 406 may have a length that covers approximately 110-120° around a great circle of the golf ball. The line segments 402, 404, 406 are successively printed to produce discontinuous lines having multiple line segments. The space between successive line segments on the same circle creates a plurality of discontinuities 412, 414, 416, as shown in FIG. 8B. The discontinuities 412, 414, 416 are shaped and arranged by the end portions of the line segments 412, 414, 416 such that combination of their appearance produces a directional indicator 418, as shown in FIG. 8C. The dotted lines shown in FIG. 8C are only shown to outline the shape of the directional indicator 418. However, in some embodiments, an outline of the directional indicator 418 could be printed.

The boundaries at the end portions of the line segments 402, 404, 406 and the spacing of the discontinuities 412, 414, 416 is such that the directional indicator has a curved appearance. The line segments 402, 404, 406 may include end boundaries that are curved lines such that an angle of each line relative to the width direction is constantly variable. The end boundaries of the outermost line segments 402, 406 may be mirror images of each other, symmetrical across the middle line segment 404. The end boundaries of the outermost line segments 402, 406 may be oppositely curved toward the middle line segment 404. The end boundaries of the middle line segment 404 may include corresponding curvature to continue the shape of the directional indicator 418. As a result, the directional indicator 418 has the appearance shown in FIG. 8C, with curved shape having rounded leading edge and trailing edges. In similar embodiments, the curvature of the end boundaries may be varied to produce curvature of the leading and trailing edges of a directional indicator.

The stamps 200, 300, 400 provide examples of indicia that can be printed on a golf ball surface to provide an alignment aid having discontinuous lines that extend in a target direction and base color directional indicators that also point in the target direction. These embodiments include constant thickness, variable thickness, and curved directional indicators. Other embodiments may include other shapes and/or combinations of the shapes depicted. For example, another embodiment may produce a directional indicator having a sharp-angled leading edge and a curved trailing edge. In some embodiments, an alignment aid may have differently shaped directional indicators formed at the plurality of groups of discontinuities. For example, each of the directional indicators 218, 318, 418 may be present on the same golf ball by shaping adjacent end boundaries of the line segments accordingly.

The stamp width SW of the stamps 200, 300, 400 is sized to fit within a corresponding circumferential ring area of a golf ball having an equal width W. As a result, the stamps 200, 300, and 400 can be confined to a relatively thin area near a great circle of a golf ball. In an exemplary embodiment, the stamp width SW is 10 mm or less. In another embodiment, the stamp width SW is 8 mm or less. In still further embodiments, the stamp width SW is 6 mm or less. The line width LW of the line segments and base line widths BLW in the disclosed stamps is selected such that combination of the line segments and the base color lines fit within the desired total stamp width SW. For example, each line width LW and base line width BLW may be approximately 1-3 mm. In some embodiments, all of the line widths LW and base line widths BLW are equal, although other embodiments are possible. Each line segment may have a length that is dependent on the number of discontinuities groupings therebetween. For instance, in embodiments having three line segments and three discontinuities within each discontinuous line each line segment may have a length along the circular direction of approximately 35-45 mm. The length of the line segments also influences the size of the discontinuities therebetween. The line segments may be sized and positioned such that an average spacing distance between the ends of the line segments (i.e., the average thickness of the discontinuities) is approximately 0.5-1 mm. More particularly, the average spacing distance between the boundaries of the line segments may be approximately 0.7-0.8 mm. This size of discontinuity produces a directional indicator that is appropriately sized to be a focal point for a golfer without being obtrusive and obscuring to the appearance of the line segments as a separate alignment feature.

According to disclosed embodiments, the color appearance of each stamp is selected to sufficiently contrast with the underlying color of the surface of the golf ball (i.e., the base color). As described herein, a golf ball has at least one base color, such as a predominantly white surface created by one or more paint layers. Indicia is printed over the base color(s), including a name plate, play number, side stamp, and/or alignment aid. The ink for printing the alignment aid is at least one non-base color to create a contrast that is visible to an observer. The ink applied to the printing plate for each stamp is a color that is not the base color (e.g., a non-white color for white golf balls). Alignment aids according to disclosed embodiments are not limited to a single non-base color and instead could include multiple non-base colors. For instance, at least one line segment in a single stamp may be a different non-base color than at least one other line segment in the same single stamp. In some embodiments, the discontinuities between line segments may be printed as a third color that is not the base color or the color of the adjacent line segments. In some embodiments, multiple stamps with different color inks may overlap to create different visual effects.

Disclosed embodiments by use any type of ink suitable for printing on a golf ball. There are numerous types of inks available within the printing industry, such as solvent evaporating inks, oxidation curing inks, reactive (catalyst curing or dual component) inks, baking inks, UV curable inks, sublimation inks, and ceramic and glass inks.

Solvent-based inks are predominant in the pad-printing industry, as they dry very rapidly through solvent evaporation alone. They are very versatile inks, as they are available in both gloss and matte finishes and perform very well with many thermoplastic substrates. Oxidative curing inks have limited uses in pad-printing applications due to their slow drying speed. They do, however, produce very tough, flexible, weather-resistant ink films and are very useful for printing onto metal and glass surfaces.

It is possible to use 1-component inks because their long shelf life can make them easier to work with and more economical. Some 1-component inks are highly resistant to abrasion and solvents. Curing can take place physically or by oxidation.

Dual-component inks are also used extensively in pad-printing and contain resins capable of polymerization. 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. The inks, though, do have a restricted shelf life once the polymerization catalyst has been added. With 2-component inks, curing typically takes place over about a 5-day period at a temperature of about 20° C., or over about a 10-minute period at a temperature of about 100° C.

Ceramic and gas (thermo) diffusion inks are also used in the pad-printing industry. These inks are solid at room temperature and must be heated in the ink reservoir to a temperature greater than about 80° C. Unlike solvent evaporating inks, pad wetting occurs due to the cooling effect the pad has on the heated ink rather than because of the evaporation of solvent. Ink transfer occurs because the outer surface of the ink becomes tacky when exposed to air. The ink transfer is aided by the cooler surface of the substrate to be printed on.

Ultraviolet ink can also be used in the present invention. UV inks are typically cured by means of UV light having wavelengths of from about 180 nm to 380 nm. The advantages of using a UV ink are that they are fast and cure thoroughly, they are easy to use and are not affected by small changes in ambient conditions, they retain constant viscosity (i.e., they do not dry up quickly), and they use smaller amounts of combustible organic solvent, such that little or no solvent fumes escape into the working environment and are, therefore, environmentally safer. Small amounts of solvent may be added to the UV inks for certain application to enable the ink to transfer in a conventional manner.

The inks may optionally contain additives such as binders, reactive prepolymers, thinners, low-viscosity mono and poly-functional monomers, photoinitiators to stimulate polymerization, stabilizing additives, flow control agents, wetting agents, pigments, extenders, or combinations thereof.

The film of ink is transferred to the predetermined three-dimensional surface. In a preferred embodiment, the surface is the dimpled surface of a golf ball. In an alternative embodiment, other three-dimensional surfaces, such as golf clubs and golf shoes, are possible. The indicia may be printed over or under a clearcoat. Preferably, the color indicia is printed under the clearcoat. After the printing process is complete, the golf balls may be removed to a dry room to finally cure the ink used for the logo. The dry room is maintained at an elevated temperature to aid in drying the logo ink.

The thickness of the ink film transferred to a golf ball can be any thickness that is sufficient to provide a clear image of the indicia and can vary with the ink type and color. The thickness of the ink film is also influenced 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, humidity, and so on. This thickness can be between about 5 μm and 75 μm but is not limited thereto.

Disclosed embodiments include an alignment aid having integrally related features. The dual alignment features offer several advantages to address the challenge of aligning a golf ball with a target and successfully directing the golf ball toward the target with a golf swing. By incorporating dual alignment features that are integrally related, the disclosed alignment aids provide a clear focal point and a general peripheral sense of direction, enhancing the golfer's ability to align the ball accurately. The combination of lines and directional indicator provides a more defined and precise visual cue, helping golfers focus better on the target and reducing the chances of misalignment. Moreover, the use of a base color “negative space” for the directional indicators, the contrast of the lines with the rest of the golf ball is apparent, even though the focal point itself blends in with the base color. In particular, the shapes of the end boundaries of the lines ensure that the arrow is clearly visible, providing a distinct focal point for alignment. The lines and the directional indicator are integrally related, meaning that an arrow is formed as a direct result of the arrangement of the lines. This integration ensures that the alignment aids work together seamlessly, providing a cohesive and effective solution for improving alignment.

By offering a clear focal point and a general peripheral sense of direction, the dual alignment aids enhance the golfer's ability to align the ball accurately with the target, potentially leading to more consistent and accurate shots. Knowing that the ball is properly aligned can boost the golfer's confidence, positively impacting the player's performance and leading to better results on the course. The integrally related alignment features are suitable for golfers of all skill levels, whether a beginner or a professional, helping improve the accuracy and consistency of shots.

Disclosed embodiments also help to improve and simplify the process of producing a golf ball having a 360° alignment aid. For example, the use of base color negative space between sets of lines allows for the use of successive stamps to create a full-wrap design, lessening the need for a perfect overlap between the stamps if the stamps were to be connected to each other. Moreover, this approach provides enhanced customization options. Each of the three or more circles that have printed discontinuous lines is parallel on the golf ball and the circles can be divided into any number of segments. The spacing between the segments can vary to customize the appearance of the integrally related alignment aid. The line segments can be varied in length or consistent.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited herein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all of the features of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.