EP2522524B1 - Marking device for marking balls, use of such a marking device and method for producing such a marking device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to marking devices having a housing, an ink pad, and an ink reservoir, wherein the ink reservoir is in fluid communication with the ink pad.

Tennis players typically mark their tennis balls to avoid confusion with other players' balls. The markers are often applied with felt pens. It turns out that the mark is often not permanent, or that the mark is difficult to distinguish from the markers on balls other players.

Also with other balls markings are attached. This is done on the one hand to avoid confusion of the balls and on the other hand, for example, to mark balls that should be used only in a hall.

So far, there is no satisfactory solution that allows easy and permanent marking of balls by the user or player. A first good solution is from the international patent application with the publication number WO09087011 A2 known. From the document US2318465 A For example, another stamping solution is known which, however, does not specifically refer to a stamp for marking a ball. The stamp element, which is in US2318465A includes an ink pad and a compliant pressure matrix with individual capillary pores. One end of each capillary pore is in contact with the ink pad and the other end is freely accessible on the stamp side. This document serves as the closest prior art.

The object of the invention is to provide a solution that allows a simple and permanent marking of balls by the user or player. In particular, it is important to make improvements to the prior art marking device, on the one hand to make it more reliable to improve the stamp or print image and to improve the tightness of the ink reservoir.

According to the invention, a marking device is provided whose features can be found in the patent claim 1. Claim 12 discloses the use of a marking device and in claim 13 is a method for providing a marking device.

Preferably, in all embodiments, an ink reservoir serves as an ink cartridge and as a fluid mediator or fluid bridge to an ink pad. The ink reservoir is specifically designed to store ink and deliver it to the ink pad by capillary action through capillary channels only in small but constant amounts.

Preferably, the capillary channels in all embodiments have a uniform distribution over the total area of the stamp pad.

According to the invention, a balanced balance is sought, which is achieved in a geometric way, by using on the one hand as large a volume of ink reservoir and on the other hand exploits the dynamics of capillarity. These two concepts work differently depending on the spatial orientation and can be combined to a suitable assembly.

The invention is characterized by a modularity of the assembly and by the optional integration of the assembly in a suitable housing. However, the module can also be delivered and / or used without housing.

The described and claimed approach makes it easy, fast and durable to mark balls, bodies and other objects.

The invention also achieves the goal of achieving a high-quality stamp or print image, and of enabling a correct and permanently consistent metering of the ink in order to improve the reproducibility of the stamp or print image.

In some of the embodiments, replacement of an ink reservoir assembly and / or an optional template allows different markings to be applied.

It is also possible with the invention, ink reservoir assemblies that are refillable.

In other embodiments can be achieved by replacing a template that different markings can be applied.

In all embodiments, the quality of the markers is consistent and visually appealing.

In all embodiments, more than one capillary channel can be provided per outlet hole.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einer Seitenansicht im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Schnittansicht der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Explosionszeichnung der ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 4A

zeigt eine perspektivische Draufsicht eines Tintenreservoirs, gemäss Erfindung;

Fig. 4B

zeigt eine perspektivische Unteransicht des Tintenreservoirs nach Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C

zeigt eine Schnittansicht des Tintenreservoirs nach Fig. 4A;

Fig. 5

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 1 im geöffneten Zustand während ein Tennisball auf das Unterteil der Markierungsvorrichtung gepresst wird;

Fig. 6A

zeigt eine perspektivische Draufsicht eines weiteren Tintenreservoirs, gemäss Erfindung;

Fig. 6B

zeigt eine perspektivische Unteransicht des Tintenreservoirs nach Fig. 6A;

Fig. 6C

zeigt eine weitere perspektivische Unteransicht des Tintenreservoirs nach Fig. 6A;

Fig. 7A

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform im geöffneten Zustand;

Fig. 7B

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der weiteren Ausführungsform nach Fig. 7A im geschlossenen Zustand.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be described below with reference to embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows a first embodiment of the invention in a side view in the closed state;

Fig. 2

shows a sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4A

shows a top perspective view of an ink reservoir, according to the invention;

Fig. 4B

shows a bottom perspective view of the ink reservoir Fig. 4A ;

Fig. 4C

shows a sectional view of the ink reservoir after Fig. 4A ;

Fig. 5

shows a perspective view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in the open state while a tennis ball is pressed onto the lower part of the marking device;

Fig. 6A

shows a perspective top view of another ink reservoir, according to the invention;

Fig. 6B

shows a bottom perspective view of the ink reservoir Fig. 6A ;

Fig. 6C

shows another perspective bottom view of the ink reservoir after Fig. 6A ;

Fig. 7A

shows a perspective view of another embodiment in the open state;

Fig. 7B

shows a perspective view of the further embodiment according to Fig. 7A in the closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described, which is designed specifically for marking tennis balls 20. However, the invention can also be used to mark other balls (footballs, hand or volley balls, golf balls, etc.), bodies or objects. In each case, the dimensions of the marking device 10 are preferably selected accordingly.

The marking device 10 according to the invention preferably has a two-part housing with a lower part 11.1 and an upper part 11.2. In the simplest embodiment, the marking device 10 has only one lower part 11.1, which receives a so-called ink reservoir assembly 30.

In the lower part 11.1 is in all embodiments, the ink reservoir assembly 30, which includes a kind of ink pad 13 and an ink reservoir 15. The ink pad 13 and the ink reservoir 15 are in the in Fig. 3 order shown in the lower part 11.1 of the housing. The ink reservoir 15 is in fluid communication with the ink pad 13, so that always sufficient ink liquid, which is stored in a lower reservoir region 15.5 of the ink reservoir 15, in the direction of the ink pad 13 passes.

Based on FIGS. 4A to 4C is more clearly seen how the ink reservoir 15 is constructed in a preferred embodiment. The ink reservoir 15 comprises the mentioned underlying reservoir area 15.1 for receiving the ink. In addition, it has a zone 15.2 in the upper area, which is designed to receive the ink pad 13. This zone 15.2 includes a plurality of exit holes 15.4, as in FIG Fig. 4A can be seen. The zone 15.2 could be flat, curved or fully rounded. Preferably, in all embodiments, the zone 15.2 has a 3-dimensional, curved shape that matches the shape of the stamp pad 13, such as in FIGS FIGS. 4A-4C shown.

There is a multiplicity of capillary channels 15.3 which extend between an outer, laterally seated or lower reservoir region 15.1 and zone 15.2. The FIGS. 4A-4C show a preferred embodiment with the lower reservoir region 15.1. The capillary channels 15.3 are in the sectional view in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4C to recognize. Each capillary channel 15.3 leads to one of the exit holes 15.4 to provide fluid communication between the ink reservoir 15 and the ink pad 13.

Embodiments are also possible according to the invention in which the capillary channels 15.3 also serve as a reservoir for ink. In this case, the total capacity (ink volume) results from the volume of the actual reservoir area 15.1 and from a partial volume of the capillary channels 15.3.

Embodiments according to the invention are also possible in which the reservoir region 15.1 is arranged laterally on the ink reservoir 15, or in which the reservoir region 15.1 encloses the ink reservoir 15.

In the Figures 6A-6C a further embodiment is shown which has several advantages. Among other things, this embodiment of the reservoir 15 has a larger absorption capacity for ink, since reservoir region 15.1 not only extends below the capillary channels 15.3, but also encloses the reservoir 15 in the outer region. The bottom of the reservoir 15, the in Fig. 6B is clearly visible, has several channels or areas 15.12 to selectively supply ink and, if necessary, the individual capillary channels 15.3 can. By a special 3-dimensional shaping and design of the channels or areas 15.12, such as in Fig. 6B it is ensured that a sufficient amount of ink is always present at each of the capillary channels 15.3. Even if the reservoir 15 is held obliquely, there is sufficient ink on the capillary channels 15.3. In addition, it ensures that there is not too much ink, which could lead to leakage of the ink in unfavorable situations.

In other words, the reservoir 15 may have channels or regions 15.12 around the lower region, which ensure a controlled supply of ink. This principle can be applied to all embodiments.

According to the invention, a balanced balance is sought, which is achieved in a geometric way by ensuring the largest possible volume of ink of the reservoir 15 on the one hand and by exploiting the dynamics of capillarity on the other hand. These two concepts function differently depending on the orientation and can be combined to a suitable assembly 30.

Preferably, the channels or regions 15.12 are finger-shaped, with each of the channels or regions 15.12 providing two or more than two capillary channels 15.3 with ink. The capillary channels 15.3 are thus supplied in groups by the channels or areas 15.12 with ink. This principle can be applied to all embodiments.

Preferably, the cross sections of the channels or regions 15.12 are selected so that ink is metered by the flow rate. This principle can be applied to all embodiments.

Preferably, each capillary channel 15.3 in all embodiments has a cross section tapering in the direction of zone 15.2, i. the capillary channels 15.3 are preferably wider at the bottom than at the top.

Particularly preferred embodiments are characterized in that each capillary channel 15.3 has a maximum diameter which is smaller than 3 mm. Preferably, the maximum diameter is less than 1.5 mm. The minimum diameter of the capillary channels 15.3 is preferably between 0.3mm and 1mm. The length of the capillary channels 15.3 is between 0.5mm and 20mm, preferably between 8mm and 15mm. These compositions are particularly advantageous since, due to capillary action, they allow transport of the ink from the reservoir region 15.1 into the zone 15.2, thus providing a consistent and attractive stamp or print image.

The previous paragraph speaks of a maximum diameter. It is obvious that the capillary channels 15.3 do not necessarily have to have a round cross-section. If a non-circular cross-section is used, the maximum cross-sectional area QF is defined as follows: QF = π r ² . From the millimeter data given above, one can calculate the corresponding surface area.

In the pictures of the FIGS. 1 to 5 In a particularly preferred embodiment of the marking device 10 is shown, in which the ink reservoir 15 has a curved shape which forms a concave shape on the side of the zone 15.2. The curved shape is in the Figures 2 . 3 . 4A, 4B and 4C to recognize. The curved 3-dimensional shape allows stamping or printing on 3-dimensional objects, such as a ball 20. The printed or stamped symbol may partially surround the ball 20 along the circumference. The curved shape is preferably adapted to the shell shape of the ball 20 in all embodiments. Thus, for example, longer geometric shapes or multiple alphanumeric characters can be sequentially applied to a ball 20 in a stamping or printing operation.

Particularly preferred embodiments are those in which the ink reservoir 15 has at least one filling channel 15.7 with an upper filling opening 15.8 and a lower outlet opening 15.9. The filling channel 15.7 allows a filling (and later refilling) of the ink in the reservoir area 15.1.

Preferably, the filling channel 15.7 tapers in all embodiments of the filling opening 15.8 in the direction of the outlet opening 15.9. It should be noted that in this case the shape of the filling channel 15.7 is reversed to the shape of the capillary channels 15.3. The capillary channels 15.3 taper towards the top and the filling channel 15.7 downwards. This particular embodiment has the advantage that ink is automatically released by capillary action, i. without external pumping or suction, passes from the reservoir area 15.1 through the exit holes 15.4 through to the ink pad 13. When moving the marking device 10, however, no ink can unintentionally emerge upward through the filling channel 15.7. This is effected by the downwardly tapering shape of the filling channel 15.7.

Preferably, all embodiments have two such filling channels 15.7.

In addition, the outlet opening 15.9 of the filling channel 15.7 in all embodiments is preferably above the liquid level in the reservoir region 15.1. In Fig. 4C is the area in which the filling channel ends 15.7, marked by a circle with the name C. This measure also prevents ink from escaping during shaking or transport.

But the filling channel (s) 15.7 can also have a different shape and / or be arranged differently.

The filling channel (s) 15, 7 may also be protected, for example, by a membrane skin which is pierced when filling with a thin needle or cannula in order to be able to (refill) ink into the reservoir 15. In this case, the mentioned membrane skin is formed so elastic that the small opening resulting from the piercing, closes automatically after filling, to prevent accidental leakage of the ink. Such a variant with membrane skin can be applied to all embodiments.

Alternatively or additionally, the filling channel (s) 15.7 may be protected with a flap, in the style of a valve. Such a variant with flap can be applied to all embodiments.

However, embodiments are also possible that completely manage without filling channel (s) 15.7. Such embodiments are then filled through one or more capillary channels 15.3.

Of course, embodiments that are not refillable do not need any of the refill options mentioned above.

Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the ink reservoir 15 in the region of the zone 15.2 comprises a circumferential collar 15.10, which is designed for placing or pressing a sealing lip 17.1 of a pressing element 18. The circumferential collar 15.10 is in Fig. 4A to detect. An exemplary contact pressure element 18 with sealing lip 17.1 is in the Figures 2 . 3 and 5 shown. This pressing element 18 is optional.

Embodiments are also possible in which a type of sealing lip is arranged on the reservoir 15, preferably in the region of the zone 15.2 for receiving the stamp pad. But there may also be sealing lips on the reservoir 15 and the contact pressure element 18. It is also possible to achieve the tightness only by interaction of the pressing member 18 with the zone 15.2 for receiving the ink pad.

Embodiments are also possible in which a part of the housing, e.g. a circumferential wall, which encloses the reservoir 15, interacts with a pressure element 18, so as to provide the required tightness.

Embodiments are also possible which include a separate lid which must be manually removed to expose the ink pad.

Embodiments with an upper part 11.2 and such a contact pressure element 18 are preferred since they press the ink pad 13 and ink reservoir 15 into the lower part 11.1 and in the closed state of the marking device 10 seal the ink pad 13. In this state, in which the pressing member 18 preferably has a complementary to the shape of the stamp pad 13 formed and provided with a sealing lip 17.1 pressure plate 17.2 and pressed against the top of the ink reservoir 15 together with ink pad 13, the marking device 10 can be easily stored and transported. It can not leak ink in this state.

In all embodiments, the upper part 11.2 and the lower part 11.1 preferably have bayonet closure elements 19.1, 19.2, wherein upper part 11.2 and lower part 11.1 can be connected to one another or separated from one another by a rotational movement. Corresponding details are in the Figures 3 and 5 to recognize. A bayonet lock is not mandatory.

Preferably, the upper part 11.2 and the lower part 11.1 are executed in all embodiments as hemispheres. But the upper part 11.2 and the lower part 11.1 can also have the form of half-shells and other shapes, which can be preferably add together to form an overall housing. Since the variety of shapes is large, the terms first part 11.1 and second part 11.2 are used here instead of the terms upper part 11.2 and lower part 11.1.

An example of an embodiment in which the first housing part 11.1 and the second housing part 11.2 are in the form of interlocking half shells is shown in FIG Figs. 7A and 7B shown.

Preferably, the first housing part 11.1 and the second housing part 11.2 are made of injection molding material in all embodiments and designed identically. That You can inject both housing parts 11.1, 11.2 with the same injection mold.

Due to the special construction of the ink reservoir 15 with lateral, enclosing, or lower reservoir region 15.1 and with capillary channels 15.3, ink can always flow into the ink pad or be sucked in again. The arrangement and design of these elements has been specifically designed to prevent the leakage of the ink reservoir 15 even with wrong storage or handling.

Towards the top, the ink pad 13 can be delimited by an exchangeable stencil 12, which is arranged in the lower part 11.1 of the housing or on the ink reservoir assembly 30 such that a part of the ink pad 13 is opened by a (here circular) opening 12.1 of the stencil 12 is accessible through. For example, if a ball 20 is pressed against the ink pad 13 together with the stencil 12, then the ink will transfer to the ball 20 in the area of the opening 12.1. In the example shown a full circle on the ball 20 stamped. The mentioned template 12 is optional.

It is also possible to make the ink pad 13 so that it directly dictates the shape to be stamped. You can work here with a negative or positive stamping method. In a positive stamping process, the stamp pad has e.g. a circular section is raised. In this example, a full-color circle would be stamped on the ball 20. In a negative stamping method, the stamp pad has e.g. a circular section that is offset back. In this example, a larger total area would be stamped on the ball 20 enclosing a colorless circle. However, other symbols (geometric shapes, alphanumeric characters and the like) may also be used.

Depending on the embodiment, the optional template 12 can be fastened manually or mechanically in the lower part 11.1 of the housing. Preferably, template 12 is factory-supplied as a permanent part of marker 10 or ink reservoir assembly 30. However, embodiments without template 12 are possible as described.

• ein Reservoir 15 nach einer der beschriebenen und in den Abbildungen gezeigten Ausführungsform,
• einen Reservoirboden 16 zum Abdichten/Verschliessen des Reservoir 15, wobei der Reservoirboden 16 ein fester Bestandteil des Reservoirs 15 oder ein separates Element sein kann.

According to the invention, different assemblies can be created as needed, which are adapted to the particular conditions. In this way, for example, ink reservoir assemblies 30 can be optimized on customer request. Such assemblies, which are preferably supplied as ink reservoir assemblies 30, include at least

• a reservoir 15 according to one of the described and shown in the figures embodiment,
• a reservoir bottom 16 for sealing / closing the reservoir 15, wherein the reservoir bottom 16 may be an integral part of the reservoir 15 or a separate element.

Preferably, such an assembly, which is preferably supplied as an ink reservoir assembly 30, additionally comprises an ink pad 13, that can be structured or unstructured (ie whole-surface). Optionally, a stencil 12 can be supplied with an unstructured ink pad 13. The ink pad 13 and / or the stencil 12 may be an integral part of the reservoir 15, or they may be implemented as separate elements.

• Form und Gestalt des Reservoirs 15;
• Form und Anzahl der Kapillarkanäle 15.3;
• Form und Gestalt des Bodenbereichs des Reservoirs 15 (z.B. mit oder ohne Kanäle oder Bereiche 15.12);
• Form und Gestalt des Stempelkissens 13;
• Form und Gestalt der Schablone 12, falls vorhanden.

A customization can lead to changes at various points. The following elements may or may not be adjusted:

• Shape and shape of the reservoir 15;
• Shape and number of capillary channels 15.3;
• Shape and shape of the bottom area of the reservoir 15 (eg with or without channels or areas 15.12);
• Shape and shape of the stamp pad 13;
• Shape and shape of the template 12, if any.

The housing, as described, preferably comprises a second housing part 11.2, which can be manually separated from the first housing part 11.1, to give access to the ink pad 13 free. After the second housing part 11.2 has been removed, the first housing part 11.1 of the marking device 10 can be pressed with the ink pad 13 against a ball 20, or a ball 20 can be pressed against the ink pad 13. This condition is in Fig. 5 shown on the left.

The marking device 10 can also be used for other stamping or marking purposes.

The dimensions of the housing with the housing parts 11.1 and 11.2, as well as the size and placement of the ink pad 13 are chosen so that the ball 20 or another object with his coat or its shell penetrates a small distance into the housing part 11.1, so as to the ink pad 13 and the ink, which is in the ink pad 13 to come into contact.

Preferably, the lower part 11.1 of the housing and the upper part 11.2 of the housing each have the shape of a hollow hemisphere, as already mentioned. This resembles the housing, especially if it is composed, as in Fig. 1 shown a tennis ball 20.

The housing parts 11.1 and 11.2 preferably have bayonet closure elements 19.1, 19.2, as already mentioned and as in the FIGS. 1 to 3 can be seen. The second housing part 11.2 and the first housing part 11.1 can then be connected to each other by a manual rotational movement or separated from each other. The bayonet connection by means of bayonet closure elements 19.1, 19.2 has the advantage that both parts 11.1, 11.2 of the housing can be securely and simply fastened together. Leakage of the ink or soiling of pockets in which the marking device 10 is stored can thus be prevented.

Preferably, all of the aforementioned measures, which have been described so far, prevent the ink from bleeding.

For marking or printing of balls 20 is preferably waterproof ink is used. The ink reservoir 15 is therefore designed specifically for receiving water-resistant ink.

The diameter of a tennis ball is between 6,35 cm and 6,67 cm. The stamp 10 is characterized in that each of the hemispheres or housing parts 11.1, 11.2 has a diameter which is greater than 6 cm and smaller than 10 cm. These dimensions are at least applicable to embodiments designed for marking tennis balls 20.

Generally applies that the diameter of the punch housing of the first housing part 11.1 and second housing part 11.2 is preferably about 10 to 20% larger than the diameter of the ball to be marked 20. This information is valid for small balls 20. For footballs and other big balls can Marking device be significantly smaller than the ball itself.

The marking device may comprise a housing part, two housing parts and also more than two housing parts in all embodiments.

In addition to replacing / replacing the stencil 12 and / or the entire ink reservoir assembly 30, the stamp ink can also be changed as needed. As a result, numerous combination options are given. It is also possible to offer entire assemblies on request, as described above.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the two tennis ball stamp halves (i.e., the first housing part 11.1 and the second housing part 11.2) of the marking device 10 are constructed identically. In this case, both parts 11.1, 11.2 contain at least one ink reservoir assembly 30. Thus, two stamping possibilities (one per "housing part" 11.1, 11.2) are available per marking device 10.

The housing parts 11.1 and 11.2 can be freely interchangeable and can therefore be assembled arbitrarily thanks to optional bayonet 19.1, 19.2.

Preferably, the first housing part 11.1 and the second housing part 11.2 and / or the other elements 12, 15, 18 are made of injection-molded plastic.

Preferably, all embodiments have grip recesses or gripping regions 14 in order to better grip the marking device 10, or to be able to better rotate the first housing part 11.1 and the second housing part 11.2 relative to one another. Corresponding grip areas 14 are in the FIGS. 1 . 3 and 5 to recognize.

Preferably, all embodiments have means which transmit a deformation of the housing or one of the housing parts 11.1, 11.2 to the assembly 30. In this way, by applying a Force on the housing, the assembly 30 are released from the housing, as explained below.

Preferably, all embodiments have a pressure point or pressure region on the lower part 11.1 in order to be able to engage or disengage the ink reservoir 15 or the ink reservoir assembly 30 in the lower part 11.1. For latching, the ink reservoir 15 is preferably provided with lateral tabs 15.11, as in Figs Figures 3 . 4A and 4B . 6A, 6B and 6C shown. In this case, corresponding depressions or receiving holes are provided in the interior of the housing part 11.1. Preferably, the mentioned grip areas 14 serve as a pressure point or pressure area.

Preferably, all embodiments on the housing part 11.1 and on the housing part 11.2 inner radial webs 11.3 (see, eg Fig. 3 ) in order to fix the ink reservoir assembly 30 and / or the pressing member 18 in the respective housing part 11.1 or 11.2 can.

Preferably, all embodiments in the housing part 11.2 a pressing member 18. Preferably, this pressure element 18 is designed to be resilient in order to exert a pressure on the ink pad 13 and / or the circumferential collar 15.10 of the ink reservoir assembly 30 when the housing part 11.1 is connected to the housing part 11.2. The bayonet closure elements 19.2, 19.2 may be slightly oblique, in order to obtain an advancing movement of the contact pressure element 18 in the direction of the stamp pad 13 and / or the circumferential collar 15.10 when joining together.

Preferably, the pressing member 18 may be provided in all embodiments with lateral lugs 18.1 (see Fig. 3 ). In this case, 11.2 corresponding recesses or receiving holes are provided in the interior of the upper part.

Preferably, the resilient action of the pressing member 18 is realized in all embodiments by a correspondingly shaped injection-molded element.

Preferably, all embodiments have a film or a lid 13.1, the / the ink pad 13 protects and / or seals. A corresponding foil or a corresponding cover 13.1 is in the Figures 3 . 4B and 4C . 6A shown. The film or the lid 13.1 may include a handle 13.2, which allows opening or peeling. Preferably, the ink reservoir assembly 30 is inherently sealed in all embodiments as long as the foil or lid 13.1 is present.

Preferably, in all embodiments, the ink reservoir 15 serves as an ink cartridge and as a fluid mediator or fluid bridge to the ink pad 13. The ink reservoir 15 is specifically designed to store ink and deliver it to the ink pad 13 only in small but constant amounts by capillary action through the capillary channels 15.3.

Preferably, the capillary channels 15.3 in all embodiments have a uniform distribution over the entire surface of the stamp pad.

Preferably, the ink reservoir 15 is made in one piece from injection molding material in all embodiments. However, the ink reservoir 15 can also be sprayed in two parts (at the height and on the length).

In all embodiments, the ink reservoir 15 is preferably delimited and sealed at the bottom by the reservoir bottom 16. This reservoir bottom 16 is preferably adhesively bonded, welded or vulcanized after injection molding of the ink reservoir 15 with the ink reservoir 15. Figures 4A to 4C show the ink reservoir 15 without reservoir bottom 16. The reservoir bottom 16 is in Fig. 2 and 3 to recognize.

In all embodiments, the capillary channels 15.3 preferably have at least partially an inlet opening 15.5 in an associated lower material projection 15.6. This material projection 15.6 extends in the reservoir region 15.1 into the vicinity of a reservoir bottom 16. The material projections 15.6 are designed like stalactites which hang from above into the reservoir region 15.1 and do not touch the reservoir bottom 16. Preferred embodiments therefore have a rugged underside on the ink reservoir 15, as in FIG Fig. 4B can be seen. Each capillary channel 15.3 preferably begins in its own material projection 15.6, ie per material projection 15.6, a capillary 15.3 extends upwards.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

marking device

10

lower part

11.1

top

11.2

radial webs

11.3

optional template

12

stencil opening

12.1

inkpad

13

Foil or lid

13.1

Handle

13.2

Recessed grip or grip area

14

ink reservoir

15

reservoir area

15.1

Zone for receiving the stamp pad

15.2

capillary

15.3

exit holes

15.4

inlet opening

15.5

material advantage

15.6

filling channel

15.7

fill opening

15.8

outlet opening

15.9

collar

15:10

Nose (n)

15:11

Channels or areas

15:12

reservoir bottom

16

sealing lip

17.1

printing plate

17.2

presser

18

nose

18.1

Bayonet coupling elements

19.1, 19.2

Tennis ball

20

Ink reservoir assembly

30

Cross sectional area

QF

Area

C

Claims (16)

1. A marking device (10), comprising:

   - an ink reservoir (15),
   wherein the ink reservoir (15) comprises:

   - a reservoir region (15.1) for accommodating an ink, and

   - a plurality of capillary channels (15.3),
   characterized in that the marking device (10) comprises:

   - a zone (15.2) of the ink reservoir (15) for accommodating a stamp pad (13), wherein the zone (15.2) comprises a plurality of outlet holes (15.4),

   - a stamp pad (13), wherein the plurality of capillary channels (15.3) extend between the reservoir region (15.1) and the zone (15.2), wherein each outlet hole (15.4) can be supplied by at least one capillary channel (15.3), and wherein the plurality of capillary channels (15.3) provides a fluid connection between the ink reservoir (15) and the stamp pad (13).
2. The marking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the capillary channels (15.3) have an inlet opening (15.5) in an associated material projection (15.6), wherein the material projection (15.6) extends in the reservoir region (15.1) up close to a reservoir base (16).
3. The marking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two or more of the capillary channels (15.3) can be supplied with ink from the reservoir region (15.1) in groups by channels or regions (15.12).
4. The marking device (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that each capillary channel (15.3) has a cross-section tapering in the direction of the zone (15.2).
5. The marking device (10) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that each capillary channel (15.3) has a maximum diameter which is less than 3 mm.
6. The marking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ink reservoir (15) has a curved shape, which forms a concave shape on the side of the zone (15.2).
7. The marking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ink reservoir (15) has at least one filling channel (15.7) having a filling opening (15.8) and an outlet opening (15.9), which allows filling of the ink in the reservoir region (15.1), wherein the filling channel (15.7) preferably tapers from the filling opening (15.8) in the direction of the outlet opening (15.9).
8. The marking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ink reservoir (15) comprises a circumferential collar (15.10) in the region of the zone (15.2), which is designed for placing or pressing on a contact pressure element (18).
9. The marking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises the housing having a first housing part (11.1) and a second housing part (11.2), wherein the first housing part (11.1) and the second housing part (11.2) preferably have the shape of a hollow half-mold, preferably a hemisphere.
10. The marking device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that it has means which allow detachment of the stamp pad (13) and/or the ink reservoir (15) from a housing by applying a force to the housing.
11. The marking device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the second housing part (11.2) comprises an internal contact pressure element (18), which is designed such that when the second housing part (11.2) is connected to the first housing part (11.1), a contact pressure can be exerted on the ink reservoir (15) such to seal the ink reservoir (15).
12. A use of a marking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, for marking a ball (20) or another object.
13. A method for providing a marking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterized by comprising the steps of:

    - filling the reservoir region (15.1) with the ink,

    - bringing the ink reservoir (15) into fluid connection with the stamp pad (13), wherein the plurality of capillary channels (15.3) provides the fluid connection between the ink reservoir (15) and the stamp pad (13).
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized by comprising the step of:

    - inserting the ink reservoir (15) into a housing (11.1, 11.2).
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by comprising the step of:

    - removing a lid (13.1), which protects and/or seals the stamp pad (13).
16. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by comprising the step of:

    - inserting a template (12).

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