Method of providing indicia on golf balls

Abstract

A method and configuration of forming markings, indicia, or other design features on golf balls is disclosed herein. The present disclosure uses any one or more of various material removal processes or techniques, such as laser engraving, or similar processes, to remove portions of layers or components of a golf ball, such as a paint layer, coating layer, cover, casing, or any other intermediate layers. Removal of material can either: (i) expose an underlying differently colored portion, layer, or component of the golf ball, or (ii) create for a void or pocket that is configured to subsequently receive ink. Based on this arrangement, markings, indicia, or other design features can be provided on golf balls without using traditional printing techniques.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of providing at least one marking or visual effect on a golf ball, the method comprising:
 (i) providing a golf ball comprising at least a first coating layer or component layer and a second coating layer,
 wherein the first coating layer or component layer has a first color, and the second coating layer has a second color that is different than the first color, and 
 the second coating layer is arranged radially outward relative to the first coating layer or component layer; and 
   (ii) removing at least a portion of the second coating layer to at least partially expose the first coating layer or component layer, and to define at least one marking or visual effect on the golf ball.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (ii) comprises laser engraving. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first coating layer or component layer and the second coating layer are both paint layers. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first coating layer or component layer is a casing layer, and the second coating layer is a paint layer on the casing layer, the golf ball further comprising a cover layer disposed over the casing layer, wherein the cover layer is transparent. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first coating layer or component layer is a cover layer, and the second coating layer is a paint layer. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the cover layer is comprised of at least one of: ionomer or urethane. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the golf ball further comprises at least one third coating layer arranged radially outward relative to the second coating layer, and the third coating layer has a third color that is different than the first and second colors, wherein the method further comprises:
 (iii) removing at least a portion of the third coating layer to at least partially expose the second coating layer.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein steps (ii) and (iii) include laser engraving to remove material at two different depths. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , the method further comprising applying a clear topcoat over the portion of the second coating layer that has been removed. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the golf ball is simultaneously moved or rotated during step (ii). 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (ii) comprises material removal at a variable intensity, such that the at least one marking or visual effect on the golf ball defines a color gradient between the first color and the second color. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one marking or visual effect extends for a circumferential extent of at least 180 degrees around the golf ball. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising a cooling treatment applied simultaneously during step (ii), or to the golf ball prior to step (ii). 
     
     
         14 . A method of providing a marking or visual effect on a golf ball, the method comprising:
 (i) providing a golf ball comprising at least a first coating layer or component layer and a second coating layer, wherein the first coating layer or component layer has a first color and the second coating layer has a second color that is different than the first color, and the second coating layer is arranged radially outward relative to the first coating layer or component layer; and   (ii) removing at least a portion of the second coating layer via laser engraving to at least partially expose the first coating layer or component layer and to define at least one marking or visual effect on the golf ball, wherein the golf ball is simultaneously moved, rotated, or re-positioned during removal of the portion of the second coating layer, and the at least one marking or visual effect circumferentially extends at least 180 degrees around the golf ball.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising applying a cooling treatment to the golf ball prior to step (ii). 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising applying a cooling treatment simultaneously during step (ii). 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the first coating layer or component layer is a casing layer, and the second coating layer is a paint layer on the casing layer, the golf ball further comprising a cover layer disposed over the casing layer, wherein the cover layer is transparent. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the first coating layer or component layer and the second coating layer are both paint layers. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein step (ii) comprises applying the laser engraving at a variable intensity, such that the at least one marking or visual effect on the golf ball defines a color gradient between the first color and the second color. 
     
     
         20 . A method of providing at least one marking or visual effect on a golf ball, the method comprising:
 (i) providing a golf ball comprising at least a first coating layer or component layer and a second coating layer, wherein the second coating layer is arranged radially outward relative to the first coating layer or component layer;   (ii) removing at least a portion of the second coating layer via laser engraving; and   (iii) at least partially filling the portion of the second coating layer that has been removed with ink to define the at least one marking or visual effect on the golf ball.