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 includes an article and method for transferring an image from one substrate to another. The method includes providing or obtaining an image transfer sheet that is comprised of a substrate layer, a release layer and an image-imparting layer that may comprise a low density polyethylene or other polymeric component having a melting temperature within a range of about 90 degrees C. to about 700 degrees C. An image is imparted to the low density polyethylene area with an image-imparting medium. A second image-receiving substrate can be provided. The second image-receiving substrate is contacted to the first image transfer sheet at the polymer, image-imparting layer. Heat is applied to the image transfer sheet so that the low density polyethylene encapsulates the image-imparting medium and transfers the encapsulates to the image-receiving substrate, thereby forming a mirror image on the image-receiving substrate.

Abstract: The present invention includes an article and method for transferring an image from one substrate to another. The method includes providing or obtaining an image transfer sheet that is comprised of a substrate layer, a release layer and an image-imparting layer that may comprise a low density polyethylene or other polymeric component having a melting temperature within a range of about 90 degrees C. to about 700 degrees C. An image is imparted to the low density polyethylene area with an image-imparting medium. A second image receiving substrate can be provided. The second image receiving substrate is contacted to the first image transfer sheet at the polymer, image-imparting layer. Heat is applied to the image transfer sheet so that the low density polyethylene encapsulates the image-imparting medium and transfers the encapsulates to the image receiving substrate, thereby forming a mirror image on the image receiving substrate.

Abstract: An image transfer article can include an image-imparting member and a removable substrate disposed adjacent to the image-imparting member. The image-imparting member can have a softening point temperature less than about 220° C. The image-imparting member can include at least one surface configured to receive and carry indicia to be transferred and at least one portion comprising a pigment providing an opaque background for received indicia. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a first polymer including the indicia and at least a second polymer including the pigment. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a polymer including the indicia and the pigment. The indicia and the opaque background can be arranged to concurrently transfer to a woven- or fabric-based article or paper in contact with the image-imparting member, upon application of iron pressing temperatures.

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 includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment.