Method for curing reactive ink on game balls
AssigneeAcushnet Company
InventorMitchell E. Lutz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention is directed to a method for forming an inked image on game balls, golf balls, and the like, through the use of novel curable inks that are low energy curable and require minimal curing through multiple source radiation curing processes, such as UV radiation, visible radiation, and electron beam radiation. Production inks, logo inks, and methods for forming production prints and logos on golf balls, game balls, and the like are disclosed.
Claims27
A method for forming an inked image on a golf ball comprising the steps of:
- placing at least one ink layer on at least a portion of the curved surface of a golf ball;
- subjecting the at least one ink layer to a first irradiation thereupon in an amount sufficient to at least partially cure a portion thereof;
- and
- subjecting the at least one ink layer to a second irradiation thereupon in an amount sufficient to further cure the at least one ink layer,
- wherein the first irradiation comprises electron beam radiation, and
- wherein the second irradiation comprises ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation, or a combination thereof.
A method for forming an inked image on a golf ball comprising the steps of:
- placing at least one ink layer on at least a portion of the curved surface of a golf ball;
- subjecting the at least one ink layer to a first irradiation thereupon in an amount sufficient to at least partially cure a portion thereof, and
- subjecting the at least one ink layer to a second irradiation thereupon in an amount sufficient to further cure the at least one ink layer,
- wherein the first irradiation comprises ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation, or a combination thereof, and
- wherein the second irradiation comprises electron beam radiation.
A method for printing on a golf ball, comprising the steps of:
- placing a first layer of radiation curable layer on at least a portion of the ball;
- irradiating the first layer with visible light, ultraviolet light, or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to partially cure the ink;
- and
- irradiating the first layer with an electron beam in an amount sufficient to further cure the ink.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.