Decorative bowling ball and method therefor
US6743109B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S428/914
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for transferring a decorative image to a bowling ball by sublimation from a transfer sheet. The method includes applying at least one transfer sheet containing sublimation inks representing a decoration, such as an image or graphic, to the outer surface of the bowling ball and transferring the decoration from the transfer sheet to the bowling ball by applying sufficient heat and pressure to sublimate the inks. A heat press apparatus is one exemplary apparatus that is contemplated for providing the heat and pressure. The heat and pressure may be maintained after sublimation to allow the inks to penetrate beneath the outer surface of the bowling ball. This allows decorating the bowling ball with a durable image or graphic that does not does not affect the performance of the bowling ball. The decoration may cover the entire bowling ball, or any portion thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.