Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for activating thermochromatic ink. The device may include a drawing tip, a heating element, which may include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element, communicably coupled to the drawing tip and configure to heat the drawing tip, and a power source configured to provide power to the heating element. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. The battery may be rechargeable, and the device may have a charging port to recharge the battery from a power source coupled to the charging port. The device may have a regulator for regulating power from the power source to the heating element. The device may have a controller for directing power from the power source to the heating element. Further the heating element may be configured to heat the drawing tip to a temperature between 30-70 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A mess-free coloring system comprising a coloring medium and optionally one or more coloring utensils is disclosed. The coloring medium can include a substrate with or without decorative effects and one or more coating layers on a surface of the substrate. In various examples, the one or more coating layers include a color-triggering developer, e.g., in the form of a substantially clear resin, and an opaque pigment. Decorative effects integrated with or disposed on the substrate, while initially obscured by the one or more coating layers, can be revealed when the coating layers are mixed with at least one color precursor stored and dispensed from a coloring utensil. The opaque pigment is selected and configured such that, upon receipt of at least one color precursor by the one or more coating layers, a change in the pigment's reflective index occurs as the pigment dissolves into the clear resin developer.

Abstract: A mess-free coloring system comprising a coloring medium and optionally one or more coloring utensils is disclosed. The coloring medium can include a substrate with or without decorative effects and one or more coating layers on a surface of the substrate. In various examples, the one or more coating layers include a color-triggering developer, e.g., in the form of a substantially clear resin, and an opaque pigment. Decorative effects integrated with or disposed on the substrate, while initially obscured by the one or more coating layers, can be revealed when the coating layers are mixed with at least one color precursor stored and dispensed from a coloring utensil. The opaque pigment is selected and configured such that, upon receipt of at least one color precursor by the one or more coating layers, a change in the pigment's reflective index occurs as the pigment dissolves into the clear resin developer.

Abstract: Image transfer articles, sheets and methods are disclosed. The image transfer articles and sheets can include or be configured to receive an image. The image can be capture on one or more ink or other marking receptive layers of the image transfer articles or sheets. In various examples, the image transfer articles provide decorative features in addition to the image. Such decorative features can include article portions bearing elements such as, but not limited to, metallic flakes, metallic-like flakes, glitter materials, sparkle materials, luminescent materials (e.g., having a glow-in-the-dark effect), pearlescent materials, reflective materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the image transfer articles include a vanishing layer configured to hold or sustain the image on a receptor element until the receptor element is washed a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: Image transfer articles, sheets and methods are disclosed. The image transfer articles and sheets can include or be configured to receive an image. The image can be capture on one or more ink or other marking receptive layers of the image transfer articles or sheets. In various examples, the image transfer articles provide decorative features in addition to the image. Such decorative features can include article portions bearing elements such as, but not limited to, metallic flakes, metallic-like flakes, glitter materials, sparkle materials, luminescent materials (e.g., having a glow-in-the-dark effect), pearlescent materials, reflective materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the image transfer articles include a vanishing layer configured to hold or sustain the image on a receptor element until the receptor element is washed a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermochromatic inks. The present invention provides a toy, wherein the toy includes at least one thermochromatic ink. The present invention provides a pre-printed item, wherein when the temperature of the pre-printed item is changed to particular temperatures, the color of a marking, the color of a drawing, or both, change. The present invention provides an interactive item, wherein the visual appearance of the item is changed by changing the color of at least one of a first or second inks. The present invention provides a drawing device, wherein the position of a substrate and a temperature element are such that a thermochromatic ink does not change color unless sufficient pressure is applied to the substrate effective to deflect the surface of the substrate and bring it temporarily sufficiently more proximate to the temperature element. The present invention provides a smart wand for drawing on a substrate that includes thermochromatic ink.

Abstract: Various drawable and moldable gel-based articles, methods and kits are disclosed in this patent document. In some examples, the gel-based article includes a gel-clinging article, which is configured to adhere to smooth, rigid surfaces such as glass windows upon curing, without the use of adhesives or fasteners. In some examples, the gel-based article includes a molded article, such as a bouncy ball (commonly known as a “super-ball”), a fishing lure or other small figurine-type toys. In some examples, the gel-based article includes an edible gel-based article, such as a gummy worm or gummy bear. In various examples, the gel-based article is simple to use and capable of prompt curing. Advantageously, the present gel-based articles, methods and kits allow for stimulation of one's creativity and imagination, and subsequent display, use or consumption of a created product.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes apparatus and methods for a heat shrinkable water resistant image medium. The method can include providing a shrinkable coating comprising a polyurethane dispersion and applying the coating to a shrinkable substrate. The shrinkable substrate and the shrinkable coating are configured to accept ink, shrink when exposed to heat and, after shrinking, retain the ink when the substrate and coating are exposed to moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermochromatic inks. The present invention provides a toy, wherein the toy includes at least one thermochromatic ink. The present invention provides a pre-printed item, wherein when the temperature of the pre-printed item is changed to particular temperatures, the color of a marking, the color of a drawing, or both, change. The present invention provides an interactive item, wherein the visual appearance of the item is changed by changing the color of at least one of a first or second inks. The present invention provides a drawing device, wherein the position of a substrate and a temperature element are such that a thermochromatic ink does not change color unless sufficient pressure is applied to the substrate effective to deflect the surface of the substrate and bring it temporarily sufficiently more proximate to the temperature element. The present invention provides a smart wand for drawing on a substrate that includes thermochromatic ink.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an identification document that can contain both common information and unique information describing the specific document holder. The information is in the form of indicia applied by digital imaging means. The document itself is in the form of a laminated article having the information affixed to one or more internal layers. Attempt to gain access to these internally imaged layers causes the image to be sufficiently disrupted as to prevent modifying such images.