Laser marking of golf balls

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 CO2 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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.