GOLF BALL WITH RING DESIGNS IN POLE AREAS FOR IMPROVED ALIGNMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments relate to printing a first circular marking and a second circular marking on a golf ball. Methods may include arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, matching a reference position on the printing plate to a first reference position and a second reference position on the golf ball, transferring a first ink press from the printing plate to a first pad, transferring a second ink press from the printing plate to a second pad, and simultaneously transferring the first ink press from the first pad to the first reference position of the golf ball and the second ink press from the second pad to the second reference position of the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the first circular marking and the second circular marking. Methods may further include arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, matching a reference position on the printing plate to a first reference position on the golf ball, transferring a first ink press from the printing plate to a pad, transferring the first ink press from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the first circular marking, rotating the golf ball 180 degrees, to a second reference position on the golf ball, matching the reference position on the printing plate to the second reference position on the golf ball, transferring a second ink press from the printing plate to the pad, and transferring the second ink press from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the second circular marking.

Description

BACKGROUND

Golfers frequently use alignment aids on a golf ball to assist in aligning the golf ball towards a target. Alignment aids may allow golfers to maintain alignment of a target direction from a variety of perspectives around the golf ball. For example, a golfer may use an alignment aid to aim a golf ball while standing behind the golf ball. This may allow the golfer to align the golf ball in the target direction while viewing the target direction from behind the golf ball. The alignment aid may also provide an alignment direction when the golfer is standing above the golf ball to hit the golf ball, allowing the golfer to maintain alignment with the target direction after moving from behind the golf ball in preparation to hit the golf ball in the target direction.

Many current alignment aids may be formed by printing a line on a golf ball that passes through the center of the golf ball at its highest point. From this position, the line appears to be straight as it wraps around the curves of the surface of the golf ball. Solutions are needed, however, to provide alternative alignment aids that can better assist golfers in aiming golf balls in target directions. Such solutions may provide a first circular marking and a second circular marking on the golf ball, where each circular marking is printed around opposite poles of the golf ball. Such solutions provide, for example, a wider view of the alignment aid while standing behind and above the golf ball. Such solutions may further provide circular markings that appear to have a constant diameter around the center point of the pole of the golf ball to provide a consistent alignment aid around each pole of the golf ball that appear linear when viewed from a standard golf position with a golfer standing over and looking down on a golf ball. To achieve such solutions, the circular markings must be precisely printed on the golf ball to counteract the curvature of the golf ball itself. These solutions may provide improved alignment aids to golf balls.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments describe a method for simultaneously printing a first circular marking and a second circular marking on a golf ball. The method may comprise arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, wherein the etching pattern corresponds to the first circular marking and the second circular marking, matching a reference position on the printing plate to a first reference position and a second reference position on the golf ball, wherein the first reference position and the second reference position are on opposite poles of the golf ball, transferring a first ink press from the printing plate to a first pad, transferring a second ink press from the printing plate to a second pad, and simultaneously transferring the first ink press from the first pad to the first reference position of the golf ball and the second ink press from the second pad to the second reference position of the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the first circular marking and the second circular marking, wherein the first circular marking is a complete circle having a constant diameter about the first reference position of the golf ball and the second circular marking is a complete circle having a constant diameter about the second reference position of the golf ball.

According to disclosed embodiments, the diameter of the first circular marking may be equal to the diameter of the second circular marking. Moreover, the etching pattern may be based on the diameter of the first circular marking and the second circular marking, and the first circular marking and the second circular marking may have a diameter of at least 30 mm and/or may have a line weight between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. According to disclosed embodiments, the first circular marking and the second circular marking may comprise two concentric circles and/or may comprise at least one of a dashed line, a design of letters, or a design of symbols.

According to another disclosed embodiment, there may be a method for printing a first circular marking and a second circular marking on a golf ball. The method may comprise arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, wherein the etching pattern corresponds to the first circular marking and the second circular marking, matching a reference position on the printing plate to a first reference position on the golf ball, transferring a first ink press from the printing plate to a pad, transferring the first ink press from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the first circular marking, wherein the first circular marking is a complete circle having a constant diameter around the first reference position of the golf ball, rotating the golf ball 180 degrees, to a second reference position on the golf ball, wherein the second reference position is on an opposite pole of the golf ball from the first reference position, matching the reference position on the printing plate to the second reference position on the golf ball, transferring a second ink press from the printing plate to the pad, and transferring the second ink press from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the second circular marking, wherein the second circular marking is a complete circle having a constant diameter around the second reference position of the golf ball.

The disclosed embodiments also describe a golf ball, the golf ball comprising a first reference position that lies at a first center point of a first pole of the golf ball in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward the first reference position of the golf ball, a second reference position that lies at a second center point of a second pole of the golf ball, wherein the second pole of the golf ball is 180 degrees from the first pole of the golf ball in the plan view, a first pad-printed circular marking wherein, in the plan view, the first pad-printed circular marking has a center point at the first center point, and a second pad-printed circular marking wherein, in the plan view, the second pad-printed circular marking has a center point at the second center point.

According to disclosed embodiments, the diameter of the first pad-printed circular marking may be equal to the diameter of the second pad-printed circular marking. Moreover, the first pad-printed circular marking and the second pad-printed circular marking may have a diameter of at least 30 mm and/or may have a line weight between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. According to disclosed embodiments, the first pad-printed circular marking and the second pad-printed circular marking may comprise two concentric circles and/or may comprise at least one of a dashed line, a design of letters, or a design of symbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale or exhaustive. Instead, the emphasis is generally placed upon illustrating the principles of the inventions described herein. These drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments consistent with the disclosure and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a pad printing process, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a diagram of a clamping system for use in the pad printing process, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the clamping system in use during the pad printing process, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a first centerline marking, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a perpendicular first centerline marking, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a perpendicular first centerline marking extending between first circular marking and second circular marking, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2E is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a second centerline marking, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2F is an exemplary diagram for identifying a first circular marking on a golf ball, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2G is an exemplary diagram for identifying a second circular marking on a golf ball, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2H is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a printed first reference position, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2I is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design of concentric circles, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2J is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a pattern of words, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2K is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a pattern of words printed within a solid background, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2L is a golf ball having a final appearance reflective of an intended design with a pattern of symbols, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a process flow of an exemplary golf ball printing system, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a diagram of an exemplary golf ball printing system, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary printing plate, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for simultaneously printing a first circular marking and a second circular marking on a golf ball, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for printing a first circular marking and a second circular marking on a golf ball, in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, discussed with regards to the accompanying drawings. In some instances, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts. Unless otherwise defined, technical and/or scientific terms have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

The pad printing methods and processes disclosed herein address technical challenges in printing markings on a spherical object, such as alignment aids on a golf ball. For example, because of the curvature of the golf ball, the farther a stamped linear marking is from a centerline plane of a golf ball, the more distorted the marking appears when ink is transferred to the golf ball. The distorted pattern, as printed on the golf ball, may be particularly noticeable when viewed from a standard golfing position with a golfer standing over and looking down at a golf ball. Due to these distortions, markings that are intended to appear linear, such as alignment aids, may appear to the observer as arcs or curves. This effect is especially noticeable on markings that are not coincident with the centerline plane. The disclosed embodiments address these challenges in printing a first circular marking and a second circular marking on a golf ball. In example embodiments, the method may include an etching pattern, a printing plate, and a pad used to print circular markings on a golf ball. In an example embodiment, the golf ball may be printed with a first circular marking and a second circular marking, where the first circular marking and the second circular marking are printed on opposite poles of the golf ball. The exemplary embodiments address technical challenges by providing a first circular marking and a second circular marking with constant diameters around opposite poles of the golf ball to provide alignment aids that appear linear when viewed from a standard golfing position with a golfer standing over and looking down at a golf ball.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary pad printing process 100. At step 105, process 100 may comprise aligning pad 140 above etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150. Pad 140 may be an ink transfer mechanism capable of compressing onto etching pattern 145 to transfer an image of etching pattern 145 to another surface. For example, pad 140 may comprise a smooth, resilient stamp block of silicone rubber. The shape and size of pad 140 may vary based on the size of etching pattern 145. Etching pattern 145 may be a 2-D image comprising a pattern to be printed on a spherical object. For example, etching pattern 145 may comprise depressions, or wells, formed in a surface of printing plate 150. Ink may be filled into the depressions of etching pattern 145 to allow transfer of the pattern engraved in etching pattern 145 to a spherical object. Printing plate 150 may be a surface that holds the image to be printed on the spherical object. For example, printing plate 150 may be a flat block in which depressions are created to form etching pattern 145. Ink used in process 100 may include solvent evaporating inks, oxidation curing inks, reactive (catalyst curing or dual component) inks, baking inks, UV curable inks, sublimation inks, or ceramic and glass inks. The ink 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 any combination thereof.

At step 110, process 100 may comprise contacting pad 140 with etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150. Pad 140 may contact etching pattern 145, which may allow ink filling etching pattern 145 to transfer to pad 140. At step 115, process 100 may comprise removing pad 140 from plate 150. Ink from etching pattern 145 may now be transferred to pad 140. The ink surface contacting pad 140 may be tacky and adhesive, while the ink surface facing away from pad 140 may be more fluid. At step 120, process 100 may comprise positioning golf ball 155 beneath pad 140. Golf ball 155 may be aligned beneath pad 140 such that the ink on pad 140 is directly above the portion of the surface of golf ball 155 to be stamped. In some embodiments, positioning golf ball 155 beneath pad 140 may comprise moving pad 140 above a stationary golf ball 155. In other embodiments, positioning golf ball 155 may comprise moving golf ball 155 beneath a stationary pad 140. At step 125, process 100 may comprise moving pad 140 to contact golf ball 155. Moving pad 140 to contact golf ball 155 may allow the ink from etching pattern 145 on pad 140 to transfer to golf ball 155. The ink on pad 140 may adhere to the surface of golf ball 155 as pad 140 contacts golf ball 155. At step 130, process 100 may comprise removing pad 140 from golf ball 155. When pad 140 is removed from golf ball 155, the surface of golf ball 155 may have printed marking 160. Printed marking 160 may correspond to etching pattern 145.

FIG. 1B depicts exemplary clamps for holding golf ball 155 during the pad printing process. Golf ball 155 may be held in place by top clamp 165A and bottom clamp 165B. Top clamp 165A may comprise a rounded bottom section for encompassing a top pole of golf ball 155. Bottom clamp 165B may comprise a rounded top section for encompassing a bottom pole of golf ball 155. The rounded bottom section of top clamp 165A and the rounded top section of bottom clamp 165B may be of a diameter the same as or similar to golf ball 155. The width of top clamp 165A and bottom clamp 165B may be less than the diameter of golf ball 155, such that the sides of golf ball 155 extend past the edges of top clamp 165A and bottom clamp 165B to allow pads 140 to print markings on golf ball 155.

FIG. 1C depicts a side view of exemplary top clamp 165A and bottom clamp 165B during the pad printing process. The pad printing process may include two pads 140 for simultaneously printing first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B on golf ball 155. Top clamp 165A and bottom clamp 165B may hold golf ball 155 in place while pads 140 press first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B onto golf ball 155 simultaneously.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary golf ball 155 having first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. Golf ball 155 is depicted in a two-dimensional view that approximates a view of the surface of golf ball 155 as seen by an observer standing over golf ball 155. In an exemplary embodiment, the X-direction as shown is a proximal-distal direction that extends away from centerline plane 210. The Y-direction as shown is a side-to-side lateral direction that may be parallel to a target line for a golfer-observer. The Z-direction is directed into and out of the page of the drawing and represents the direction from which the observer views the ball. Centerline plane 210 passes through a center of the golf ball in the Y-Z plane. As is common practice in golf, a golfer may position the golf ball (for example on a putting green or on a tee) such that centerline plane 210 is parallel to or coincident with a target line in the direction in which the golfer intends to hit the golf ball. First circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may assist a golfer with aligning or hitting golf ball 155 in the direction of a target line.

FIGS. 2B-2D depict an exemplary golf ball 155 having first circular marking 205A, second circular marking 205B, and first centerline marking 225A. FIGS. 2B-2D are a view of golf ball 155 in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward first centerline marking 225A. First centerline marking 225A may represent an intended appearance of a printed marking on golf ball 155. First centerline marking 225A may be printed on the highest point of golf ball 155 when viewed in the plan view as viewed in a direction toward first centerline marking 225A. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 2B, first centerline marking 225A may be printed parallel to centerline plane 210 on golf ball 155. First centerline marking 225A may be a linear pad-printed marking printed coincident with centerline plane 210. As depicted in FIG. 2C, first centerline marking 225A may be a linear pad-printed marking printed perpendicular to centerline plane 210. First centerline marking 225A may include a normal that is colinear with centerline plane 210. As depicted in FIG. 2D, first centerline marking 225A may be printed perpendicular to centerline plane 210 and contacting first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. As depicted in FIG. 2D, first centerline marking 225A may comprise a design of letters, words, or symbols printed within a solid background. As used herein, the term “design” means an arrangement of pad-printed ink in a specified pattern or a plurality of pad-printed patterns. First centerline marking 225A may include a normal that is colinear with centerline plane 210 and may contact first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. First centerline marking 225A may comprise shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, words, symbols, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball.

FIG. 2E depicts an exemplary golf ball with first circular marking 205A, second circular marking 205B, and second centerline marking 225B. FIG. 2E is a view of golf ball 155 in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward second centerline marking 225B, wherein second centerline marking 225B is on an opposite pole of golf ball 155 from first centerline marking 225A. Second centerline marking 225B may be printed on the highest point of golf ball 155 when viewed in the plan view as viewed in a direction toward second centerline marking 225B. Second centerline marking 225B may include a pad-printed marking that is centered on centerline plane 210. Second centerline marking 225B may comprise shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, words, symbols, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball. In some embodiments, first centerline marking 225A and second centerline marking 225B may comprise the same marking. In other embodiments, first centerline marking 225A and second centerline marking 225B may comprise different markings. Golf ball 155 may be printed with first centerline marking 225A and second centerline marking 225B, either first centerline marking 225A or second centerline marking 225B, or neither first centerline marking 225A nor second centerline marking 225B.

FIG. 2F depicts an exemplary coordinate system for identifying first circular marking 205A on golf ball 155. FIG. 2F is a view of golf ball 155 in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward first reference position 220A. Golf ball 155 may include centerline plane 210 that entirely passes through a center of golf ball 155 and falls within the X-Y plane at the Z=0 position. For example, centerline plane 210 may bisect golf ball 155 and may include a normal that is collinear with the Z-axis. Golf ball 155 may also include a perpendicular centerline plane 215 that may be perpendicular to centerline plane 210. Perpendicular centerline plane 215 may also bisect golf ball 155 and may include a normal that is collinear with the Y-axis. Golf ball 155 may further include first reference position 220A. First reference position 220A may be at a point of intersection between centerline plane 210 and perpendicular centerline plane 215. For example, as shown in FIG. 2F, first reference position 220A may be at the Y=0, Z=0 position of the coordinate system. First reference position 220A may be located at a first center point of a first pole of golf ball 155 when viewed in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward first reference position 220A of golf ball 155. The first center point of the first pole of golf ball 155 may correspond to the highest point of golf ball 155 when viewed in the plan view as viewed in a direction toward first reference position 220A. The first center point of the first pole of golf ball 155 may correspond to first reference position 220A.

First circular marking 205A may represent an intended appearance of a printed marking on golf ball 155. For example, first circular marking 205A may be a first pad-printed circular marking with a center point at first reference position 220A, when viewed in the plan view. First circular marking 205A may have a diameter 225. In some embodiments, diameter 225 may be at least 30 millimeters (mm). A line width of first circular marking 205A may correspond to the thickness of the first pad-printed circular marking. In some embodiments, the line width of first circular marking 205A may be between 0.1 mm to 3 mm.

FIG. 2G depicts an exemplary coordinate system for identifying second circular marking 205B on golf ball 155. FIG. 2G is a view of golf ball 155 in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward second reference position 220B. Golf ball 155 may include centerline plane 120 and perpendicular centerline plane 215 as described above with respect to FIG. 2F. Golf ball 155 may also include second reference position 220B. Second reference position 220B may be at a point of intersection between centerline plane 210 and perpendicular centerline plane 215. For example, as shown in FIG. 2G, second reference position 220B may be at the Y=0, Z=0 position of the coordinate system. Second reference position 220B may be located at a second center point of a second pole of golf ball 155 when viewed in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward second reference position 220B of golf ball 155. The second center point of the second pole of golf ball 155 may correspond to the highest point of golf ball 155 when viewed in the plan view as viewed in a direction toward second reference position 220B. The second pole of golf ball 155 may be located 180° from the first pole of the golf ball when viewed in a plan view. The second center point of the second pole of golf ball 155 may correspond to second reference position 220B.

Second circular marking 205B may represent an intended appearance of a printed marking on golf ball 155. For example, second circular marking 205B may be a pad-printed circular marking with a center point at second reference position 220B, when viewed in the plan view. Second circular marking 205B may have a diameter 225. In some embodiments, diameter 225 may be at least 30 mm. The diameter of first circular marking 205A may be equal to the diameter of second circular marking 205B. A line width of second circular marking 205B may correspond to the thickness of the second pad-printed circular marking. In some embodiments, the line width of second circular marking 205B may be between 0.1 mm to 3 mm. The line width of first circular marking 205A may be equal to the line width of second circular marking 205B.

FIG. 2H depicts an exemplary embodiment of golf ball 155 with a printed first reference position 220A. In some embodiments, as disclosed above with respect to FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G, first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B may be a representative point on golf ball 155. In other embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 2H, first reference position 220A may be a physical marking that is printed on golf ball 155 within first circular marking 205A. In such embodiments, first reference position 220A may comprise shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball. First reference position 220A may be included in etching pattern 145 within first circular marking 205A, such that first reference position 220A and first circular marking 205A may be printed on golf ball 155. Second reference position 220B may also comprise a physical marking, such as shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp, that is printed on golf ball 155 within second circular marking 205B.

FIGS. 2I-2L depict additional embodiments of an exemplary golf ball with first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. FIG. 2I-2L are views of golf ball 155 in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward first reference position 220A. As depicted in FIG. 2I, first circular marking 205A may comprise two concentric circles. The two concentric circles may have the same line width or different line widths. As depicted in FIG. 2J, first circular marking 205A may comprise a design of letters or words. As depicted in FIG. 2K, first circular marking 205A may comprise a design of letters or words printed within a solid, colored background. As depicted in FIG. 2L, first circular marking 205A may comprise a design of symbols. In other embodiments, first circular marking 205A may be a pad-printed circular marking with inconsistent line thickness and other shapes, such as shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball. Second circular marking 205B may also comprise two concentric circles of the same or different line widths, a design of letters or words, a design of letters or words printed within a solid, colored background, or a design of symbols as shown in FIG. 2I, FIG. 2J, FIG. 2K, and Fig. L. Second circular marking 205B may also be a pad-printed circular marking with inconsistent line thickness and other shapes, such as shapes associated with logos, side stamps, letting, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball.

FIG. 3A depicts a schematic diagram of a golf ball printing system 300 for producing a finished golf ball with a stamped marking. Golf ball printing system 300 may include a design system 305, a production system 310, and an action system 315. An intended design may be input into design system 305. For example, an intended design may be created using design software in design system 305. The intended design may indicate a desired position of first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B on golf ball 155. Design system 305 may analyze the intended design and identify measured variables. The measured variables may be one or more parameters that identify a position of a marking on golf ball 155. For example, measured variables may include first reference position 220A, second reference position 220B, and diameter 225. Design system 310 may be further configured to generate adjusted variables based on the measured variables. Adjusted variables may account for the curvature of golf ball 155 when printing the marking design on a spherical object.

Adjusted variables may be delivered to production system 310. Production system 310 may be configured to convert the adjusted variables into an adjusted design. The adjusted design may be a representation of the intended design that may compensate for the curvature of golf ball 155. More particularly, the adjusted design may be a design for an etching on a printing plate. The etching may include shapes that produce the intended design when printed on golf ball 155. Production system 310 may be configured to produce a printing plate have an etching. In some embodiments, production system 310 may include an etching system for producing the printing plate. In other embodiments, production system 310 may deliver the adjusted design to a separate machine for etching the printing plate. The printing plate may be delivered to action system 315 for producing a finished golf ball 155. For example, the printing plate may be delivered to a pad printing system for printing a marking on golf ball 155 using the etched printing plate in a manner the same as or similar to the process described herein with respect to FIG. 1. The resulting marking on the finished golf ball may include a marking that matches the intended design as a result of printing using an etching of an adjusted design that compensates for the curvature of golf ball 155.

FIG. 3B is another diagram of the exemplary golf ball printing system 300. Golf ball printing system 300 may include design system 305, production system 310, and action system 315. Design system 305 may include or may be configured to interface with a computing system. The computing system may be configured to modify an intended design to create an adjusted design, as described herein. For example, design system 305 may include central processing unit (CPU) 330, input/output (I/O) unit 325, and plate design unit 335. In some embodiments, design system 305 may include or interface with mark design unit 320. Design system 305 may be configured to receive an intended design and output an adjusted design. For example, plate design unit 335 may be configured to receive an intended design, determine measured variables that depend on the position of the marking on the golf ball, and used the measured variables to determine adjusted variables for an adjusted design. Design system 305 may be configured to send the adjusted variables to production system 310.

Production system 310 may include one or more computing systems and/or plate production device 340 (e.g., a laser etching machine) configured to produce a printing plate 345 having an etching pattern 350. Etching pattern 350 may correspond to the adjusted design. For example, production system 310 may produce the pattern etched printing plate 345 based on the adjusted variables received from design system 305.

Action system 315 may include printer 355 configured to print marking 160 on golf ball 155 by transferring ink from printing plate 345 to golf ball 155. For example, printer 355 may be a pad printing system the same as or similar to FIG. 1. Printer 355 may be configured to transfer ink from printing plate 345 to golf ball 155 to produce marking 160. Marking 160 may correspond to the intended design input to design system 305 when golf ball 155 is viewed from a standard golfing position.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary printing plate 150 with etching pattern 145. Printing plate 150 may include plate centerline 410. Plate centerline 410 may correspond to centerline plane 210 of golf ball 155 as described herein with respect to FIG. 2B. Printing plate 150 may also include a plate horizontal centerline 415 that is perpendicular to plate centerline 410. Plate horizontal centerline 415 may correspond to perpendicular centerline plane 215 of golf ball 155 as described herein with respect to FIG. 2B. Plate reference position 420 may be located at an intersection between plate centerline 410 and plate horizontal centerline 415. Plate reference position 420 may correspond to first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B of golf ball 155 as described herein with respect to FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G. Plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be locations for matching a position on golf ball 155 to a position on printing plate 150. Plate centerline 410 and plate reference position 420 may server as useful references because distortion of a marking is least along centerline plane 210 of golf ball 155. In an exemplary embodiment, production system 310 may be configured to produce printing plate 150 by etching an adjusted design using one or more of plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, or plate reference position 420 as an orienting reference. While the term “centerline” is used for plate centerline 410 and plate horizontal centerline 420, it should be understood that such lines are not necessarily center or bisecting lines of printing plate 150. In producing printing plate 150, production system 310 may be configured to map first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B to plate reference position 420 and align centerline plane 210 and perpendicular centerline plane 215 to plate centerline 410 and horizontal centerline 415, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, etching pattern 145 may include a circular etch centered on plate reference position 420. The etch may be circular in shape to produce first circular marking 205A around first reference position 220A and second circular marking 205B around second reference position 220B. The etching pattern may be based on diameter 225 of first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. Plate reference position 420 may be matched to first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B on golf ball 155 such that the etch produces first circular marking 205A centered on reference position 220A and second circular marking 205B centered on second reference position 220B of golf ball 155.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process 500 for simultaneously printing first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B on golf ball 155. At step 505, process 500 may include arranging ink in etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150, wherein etching pattern 145 may correspond to first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. Arranging ink in etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150 may comprise spreading ink across the surface of printing plate 150 using a spatula and scraping the ink back into an ink reservoir using a doctor blade to leave ink in etching pattern 145 of printing plate 150. Etching pattern 145 may correspond to first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B, as disclosed above with respect to FIG. 4.

At step 510, process 500 may include matching reference position 420 on printing plate 150 to first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B on golf ball 155, wherein first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B are on opposite poles of golf ball 155. Plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be locations for matching a position on golf ball 155 to a position on printing plate 150. For example, plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be used as an orienting reference when production system 310 produces printing plate 150 with etching pattern 145. Plate reference position 420 may be matched to first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B such that etching pattern 145 produces first circular marking 205A centered around first reference position 220A and second circular marking 205B centered around second reference position 220B on golf ball 155. In some embodiments, first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B may be on opposite poles of golf ball 155 as disclosed herein with respect to FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G.

At steps 515 and 520, process 500 may include transferring a first ink press from printing plate 150 to a first pad and transferring a second ink press from printing plate 150 to a second pad. Transferring a first ink press to a first pad may comprise contacting the first pad to etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150. When the first pad contacts etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150, ink filling etching pattern 145 may transfer to the first pad. When the first pad is removed from contacting printing plate 150, ink from etching pattern 145 may be transferred to the first pad. Transferring a second ink press to a second pad may comprise contacting the second pad to etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150. When the second pad contacts etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150, ink filling etching pattern 145 may transfer to the second pad. When the second pad is removed from contacting printing plate 150, ink from etching pattern 145 may be transferred to the second pad. The first pad and the second pad may correspond to pad 140 as disclosed herein with respect to FIG. 1A.

At step 525, process 500 may include simultaneously transferring the first ink press from the first pad to first reference position 220A of golf ball 155 and the second ink press from the second pad to second reference position 220B of golf ball 155 such that the golf ball 155 includes first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B, wherein first circular marking 205A is a complete circle having a constant diameter 225 about first reference position 220A of golf ball 155 and second circular marking 205B is a complete circle having a constant diameter 225 about second reference position 220B of golf ball 155. Transferring the first ink press from the first pad to first reference position 220A of the golf ball 155 may comprise moving the first pad to contact golf ball 155 at first reference position 220A. Contacting golf ball 155 at first reference position 220A may allow ink from the first ink press to adhere to the surface of golf ball 155. The first pad may then be removed from contacting golf ball 155 such that first circular marking 205A is printed around first reference position 220A on the surface of golf ball 155. At the same time, the second ink press may be transferred from the second pad to the second reference position 220B. Transferring the second ink press from the second pad to second reference position 220B of golf ball 155 may comprise moving the second pad to contact golf ball 155 at second reference position 220B. Contacting golf ball 155 at second reference position 220B may allow ink from the second ink press to adhere to the surface of golf ball 155. The second pad may then be removed from contacting golf ball 155 such that second circular marking 205B is printed around second reference position 220B on the surface of golf ball 155. The steps for transferring the first ink press and the second ink press to golf ball 155 may be done simultaneously. After the first ink press is transferred from the first pad to first reference position 220A and the second ink press is transferred from the second pad to second reference position 220B, golf ball 155 may include first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B around opposite poles. First circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may each be complete circles having constant diameters around first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B, respectively.

In some embodiments, the diameter of first circular marking 205A may be equal to the diameter of second circular marking 205B. The diameter of the first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may be at least 30 mm. The designs depicted in FIGS. 2A-2H have a constant line width. In some embodiments, the line width of first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may be between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. It should also be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be applicable to markings with inconsistent line thickness and other shapes, such as shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, dashes, symbols, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball. In some embodiments, first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may each comprise two concentric circles.

In some embodiments, process 500 may further include arranging ink on a centerline marking etching pattern on a centerline marking printing plate, wherein the centerline marking etching pattern corresponds to first centerline marking 225A, matching a centerline on the centerline marking printing plate to centerline plane 210 on golf ball 155, transferring a third ink press from the centerline marking printing plate to a third pad, and simultaneously with the first ink press and the second ink press, transferring the third ink press from the third pad to centerline plane 210 of golf ball 155 such that golf ball 155 includes first centerline marking 225A. Arranging ink on a centerline marking etching pattern on a centerline marking printing plate may correspond to step 505 for arranging ink in an etching pattern, as disclosed herein. Centerline marking etching pattern may correspond to first centerline marking 225A. First centerline marking 225A may comprise shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, words, symbols, dashes, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on golf ball 155. Matching a centerline on the centerline marking printing plate to centerline plane 210 on golf ball 155 may correspond to step 510 for matching reference position 420 on printing plate 150 to first reference position 220A and second reference position 220B, as disclosed herein. A centerline on the centerline marking printing plate may correspond to centerline 410 as disclosed herein with respect to FIG. 4. Transferring a third ink press from the centerline marking printing plate to a third pad may correspond to step 515 for transferring a first ink press from printing plate 150 to a first pad, as disclosed herein. Transferring the third ink press from the third pad to the centerline plane of the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the first centerline marking may correspond to step 525 for transferring the first ink press from the first pad to the first reference position 220A of golf ball 155, as disclosed herein. Golf ball 155 may then include first centerline marking 225A printed between first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process 600 for printing first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B on golf ball 155. At step 605, process 600 may include arranging ink in etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150, wherein etching pattern 145 may correspond to first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. Step 605 may correspond to step 505 for arranging ink in etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150, as described above with respect to FIG. 5.

At step, 610, process 600 may include matching reference position 420 on printing plate 150 to first reference position 220A. Plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be locations for matching a position on golf ball 155 to a position on printing plate 150. For example, plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be used as orienting references when production system 310 produces printing plate 150 with etching pattern 145. Plate reference position 420 may be matched to first reference position 220A such that etching pattern 145 produces first circular marking 205A centered around first reference position 220A on golf ball 155.

At step 615, process 600 may include transferring a first ink press from printing plate 150 to a pad. Step 615 may correspond to step 515 for transferring a first ink press as described above with respect to FIG. 5.

At step 620, process 600 may include transferring the first ink press from the pad to golf ball 155 such that golf ball 155 includes first circular marking 205A, wherein first circular marking 205A is a complete circle having a constant diameter around first reference position 220A of golf ball 155. Transferring the first ink press from the first pad to first reference position 220A of the golf ball 155 may comprise moving the first pad to contact golf ball 155 at first reference position 220A. Contacting golf ball 155 at first reference position 220A may allow the first ink press to adhere to the surface of golf ball 155. The first pad may then be removed from contacting golf ball 155 such that first circular marking 205A is printed around first reference position 220A on the surface of golf ball 155. First circular marking 205A may be a complete circle with a constant diameter around first reference position 220A.

At step 625, process 600 may include rotating golf ball 155 180° to second reference position 220B on golf ball 155, wherein second reference position 220B is on an opposite pole of golf ball 155 from first reference position 220A. Rotating golf ball 155 180° may include rotating golf ball 155 180° about the Z-axis or the Y-axis, as defined in FIG. 2C. Rotating golf ball 155 180° may comprise rotating golf ball to second reference position 220B which may be on the opposite pole of golf ball 155 from first reference position 220A.

At step 630, process 600 may include matching reference position 420 on printing plate 150 to second reference position 220B. Plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be locations for matching a position on golf ball 155 to a position on printing plate 150. For example, plate centerline 410, plate horizontal centerline 415, and plate reference position 420 may be used as orienting references when production system 310 produces printing plate 150 with etching pattern 145. Plate reference position 420 may be matched to second reference position 220B such that etching pattern 145 produces second circular marking 205B centered around second reference position 220B on golf ball 155.

At step 635, process 600 may include transferring a second ink press from printing plate 150 to a pad. Step 635 may correspond to step 520 for transferring a second ink press as described above with respect to FIG. 5.

At step 640, process 600 may include transferring the second ink press from the pad to golf ball 155 such that golf ball 155 includes second circular marking 205B, wherein second circular marking 205B is a complete circle having a constant diameter around second reference position 220B of golf ball 155. Transferring the second ink press from the second pad to second reference position 220B of the golf ball 155 may comprise moving the second pad to contact golf ball 155 at second reference position 220B. Contacting golf ball 155 at second reference position 220B may allow the second ink press to adhere to the surface of golf ball 155. The second pad may then be removed from contacting golf ball 155 such that second circular marking 205B is printed around second reference position 220B on the surface of golf ball 155. Second circular marking 205B may be a complete circle with a constant diameter around second reference position 220B.

In some embodiments, the diameter of first circular marking 205A may be equal to the diameter of second circular marking 205B. The diameter of the first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may be at least 30 mm. The designs depicted in FIGS. 2A-2H have a constant line width. In some embodiments, the line width of first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may be between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. It should also be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be applicable to markings with inconsistent line thickness and other shapes, such as shapes associated with logos, side stamps, lettering, dashes, symbols, numbers, alignment markings, arrows, patterns, or any other stamp that may be printed on a golf ball. In some embodiments, first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B may each comprise two concentric circles.

In some embodiments, process 600 may further comprise rotating the golf ball 90°, to centerline plane 210 of golf ball 155, wherein centerline plane 210 is between first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B, arranging ink in a centerline marking etching pattern on a centerline marking printing plate, wherein the centerline marking etching pattern corresponds to first centerline marking 225A, matching a centerline on the centerline marking printing plate to centerline plane 210 on golf ball 155, transferring a third ink press from the centerline marking printing plate to a centerline marking pad, and transferring the third ink press from the centerline marking pad to golf ball 155 such that golf ball 155 includes first centerline marking 225A, wherein first centerline marking 225A is located at centerline plane 210 of golf ball 155. Rotating golf ball 155 90° to centerline plane 210 of golf ball 155 may correspond to step 625 for rotating golf ball 155 180° as disclosed herein. Centerline plane 210 may be located between first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B. Arranging ink in a centerline marking etching pattern on a centerline marking printing plate, wherein the centerline marking etching pattern corresponds to first centerline marking 225A may correspond to step 605 for arranging ink in etching pattern 145 on printing plate 150, as disclosed herein. The centerline marking etching pattern may correspond to first centerline marking 225A. Matching a centerline on the centerline marking printing plate to centerline plane 210 on golf ball 155 may correspond to step 610 for matching reference position 420 on printing plate 150 to first reference position 220A, as disclosed herein. Plate centerline 410 may be used for matching centerline plane 210 on golf ball 155 to a position on the centerline marking printing plate. Transferring a third ink press from the centerline marking printing plate to a centerline marking pad may correspond to step 615 for transferring a first ink press from printing plate 150 to a pad, as disclosed herein. Transferring the third ink press from the centerline marking pad to golf ball 155 such that golf ball 155 includes first centerline marking 225A may correspond to step 620 for transferring the first ink press from the pad to golf ball 155, as disclosed herein. Golf ball 155 may then include first circular marking 205A, second circular marking 205B, and first centerline marking 225A located between first circular marking 205A and second circular marking 205B.

The disclosed embodiments provide printing methods and golf balls produced by such methods. The disclosed golf balls include markings with an improved appearance by compensating for the curvature of the golf ball during printing. In particular, the design for the etching pattern on a printing plate is adjusted to compensate for a visual distortion that may otherwise occur depending on the position of a marking on the golf ball. The further from the centerline plane of the golf ball, the larger the necessary adjustment of the etching pattern. As a result, a printed appearance of a golf ball in a standard golfing position is visually appealing, more precisely aligns with a target line of the golfer, and eliminates apparent curvature of markings intended to be linear when viewed from the standard golfing position.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives stated above, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A golf ball, the golf ball comprising:

a first circular marking, wherein, in the plan view, the first circular marking has a center point at a first reference position that lies at a first center point of a first pole of the golf ball in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward the first reference position of the golf ball;

a second circular marking, wherein, in the plan view, the second circular marking has a center point at a second reference position that lies at a second center point of a second pole of the golf ball, wherein the second pole of the golf ball is 180 degrees from the first pole of the golf ball in the plan view;

a third marking located within the first circular marking comprising at least one of lettering or numbers;

a fourth marking located within the second circular marking comprising at least one of lettering or numbers;

a centerline marking, wherein the centerline marking is located at a centerline plane of the golf ball between the first circular marking and the second circular marking;

wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking each comprise two concentric circles,

wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking each have a diameter of at least 30 mm, and

wherein the golf ball is configured to be positioned such the first circular marking and the second circular marking both appear linear and parallel to the centerline plane when viewed from a position of standing over and looking down at the golf ball.

22. The golf ball of claim 21, wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking have a line weight between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

23. The golf ball of claim 21, wherein the two concentric circles have different line widths.

24. A golf ball, the golf ball comprising:

a first circular marking, wherein, in the plan view, the first circular marking has a center point at a first reference position that lies at a first center point of a first pole of the golf ball in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward the first reference position of the golf ball;

a second circular marking, wherein, in the plan view, the second circular marking has a center point at a second reference position that lies at a second center point of a second pole of the golf ball, wherein the second pole of the golf ball is 180 degrees from the first pole of the golf ball in the plan view;

a third marking located within the first circular marking comprising at least one of lettering or numbers;

a fourth marking located within the second circular marking comprising at least one of lettering or numbers; and

a first centerline marking, wherein the first centerline marking is located at a centerline plane of the golf ball between the first circular marking and the second circular marking, wherein the first centerline marking is a linear marking coincident with the centerline plane;

wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking have a diameter of at least 30 mm, and

wherein the golf ball is configured to be positioned such the first circular marking and the second circular marking both appear linear and parallel to the centerline plane when viewed from a position of standing over and looking down at the golf ball.

25. The golf ball of claim 24, wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking have a line weight between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

26. The golf ball of claim 24, wherein the first centerline marking comprises letters, words, or symbols within a solid background.

27. The golf ball of claim 26, wherein the first centerline marking comprises arrows.

28. The golf ball of claim 24, further comprising a second centerline marking, wherein the second centerline marking is located at the centerline plane of the golf ball between the first circular marking and the second circular marking, wherein the first centerline marking and the second centerline marking comprise different markings.

29. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein the second centerline marking is a linear marking perpendicular to the centerline plane.

30. The golf ball of claim 29, wherein the second centerline marking contacts the first circular marking.

31. The golf ball of claim 30, wherein the second centerline marking contacts the second circular marking.

32. The golf ball of claim 31, wherein the second centerline marking comprises dashes.

33. A golf ball, the golf ball comprising:

a first circular marking, wherein, in the plan view, the first circular marking has a center point at a first reference position that lies at a first center point of a first pole of the golf ball in a plan view as viewed in a direction toward the first reference position of the golf ball;

a second circular marking, wherein, in the plan view, the second circular marking has a center point at a second reference position that lies at a second center point of a second pole of the golf ball, wherein the second pole of the golf ball is 180 degrees from the first pole of the golf ball in the plan view;

a third marking located within the first circular marking comprising at least one of lettering or numbers;

a fourth marking located within the second circular marking comprising at least one of lettering or numbers;

a first centerline marking, wherein the first centerline marking is located at a centerline plane of the golf ball between the first circular marking and the second circular marking, wherein the first centerline marking is a linear marking coincident with the centerline plane;

a second centerline marking, wherein the second centerline marking is located at the centerline plane of the golf ball between the first circular marking and the second circular marking, wherein the first centerline marking and the second centerline marking comprise different markings;

wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking each comprise two concentric circles that have different line widths,

wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking each have a diameter of at least 30 mm, and

wherein the golf ball is configured to be positioned such the first circular marking and the second circular marking both appear linear and parallel to the centerline plane when viewed from a position of standing over and looking down at the golf ball.

34. The golf ball of claim 33, wherein the first circular marking and the second circular marking have a line weight between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

35. The golf ball of claim 33, wherein the first centerline marking comprises letters, words, or symbols within a solid background.

36. The golf ball of claim 35, wherein the first centerline marking comprises arrows.

37. The golf ball of claim 33, wherein the second centerline marking is a linear marking perpendicular to the centerline plane.

38. The golf ball of claim 37, wherein the second centerline marking contacts the first circular marking.

39. The golf ball of claim 38, wherein the second centerline marking contacts the second circular marking.

40. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein the second centerline marking comprises dashes.