The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 08, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 18, 2000
Stanley W. Brown, North Attleboro, MA (US);
Acushnet Company, Fairhaven, MA (US);
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for forming indicia on golf balls. More specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of a low-power CO laser beam to machine alphanumeric characters, three-dimensional figures, machine-readable coded markings and the like into golf ball covers, without significant discoloration of the exposed cover layer. In the present method, surface material is physically removed, or ablated, from the golf ball cover, leaving an image engraved or machined within the cover layer. The present method, which employs a deflected-beam, computer-controlled laser source, is flexible and readily and easily adapted to the formation of various indicia on the surface of golf balls. Covers machined using this process may be coated with one or more layers of opaque paint, and may be further sealed, as necessary or desired, with one or more transparent layers.