Color Application (e.g., Painting, Etc.) Patents (Class 434/84)
  • Publication number: 20080026347
    Abstract: A self-contained paint color system and method is described comprising a handled carrying box, at least one container of a base color paint, a plurality of containers containing colored tints, and a “matchbook” styled booklet that incorporates coordinated and matching sheets and self-adhesive stickers. When utilizing this paint color selection system and method, a designer can create and select numerous colors utilizing a single kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Kari Whitman
  • Patent number: 7204655
    Abstract: A hand-held sound-emitting writing instrument comprising a writing portion and a sound-producing portion for attachment to the writing portion. The writing portion comprising a marking end for marking a surface and a first connector located opposite the marking end, the first connector comprising an identifying termination. The sound-producing portion comprising a second connector releasably connectable to the first connector and a sound-producing unit for playing a sound recording associated with the writing portion. Wherein the connection of the first and second connectors enables the sound-producing unit to communicate with the identifying termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Henry Tsang, Loretana Verrelli
  • Patent number: 7182667
    Abstract: A coloring sheet, coloring book, coloring roll, and coloring desk and roll assembly having a coloring sheet with a printed coloring image outline on one surface is substantially visually imperceptible under normal viewing conditions, such as when viewed at a non-coloring distance using a standard incandescent light source, and a method of coloring the sheet. The image may be printed with ink extender, ultraviolet, or infrared ink, or printed opposite the coloring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cardinal Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Wittmeyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7056121
    Abstract: A kit for decorating a panel bearing holographic areas. The kit includes the panel and plural marker pens. Each of the marker pens is arranged to provide a respective colored ink. The panel includes a decorative area made up of plural blank areas and plural hologram areas which together form a decorative image. Each of the hologram areas is resistant to the absorption of the ink thereon, whereupon ink from the pens can be applied to the blank areas to produce a neatly colored decorative image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Accessory Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Koeppel
  • Patent number: 7029192
    Abstract: A set of crayons each having at least one characterizing physical property which differs from other crayons in the set such as color, size, shape, or fragrance have identifying terminations corresponding to the physical property. A universal decoder is provided in a sound emitting device which is adapted to produce an audible tone or message that corresponds to a physical property. Preferably the sound emitting device will include an integrated circuit, microprocessor and speaker components. The sound emitting device may be integral with the crayon. Preferably, the sound emitting device is separable from the crayons and may be physically or electrically coupled to a crayon by the user when a crayon is selected. Alternatively, a sound emitting device is provided which is operational when remote from a selected crayon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Henry H. T. Tsang
  • Patent number: 6926527
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit. The kit provides the ability to transfer a drawing to an object and to provide color and/or shading in the transferred drawing. A first sheet is provided having a first side and a second side, the first side including a drawing which is comprised of a plurality of regions. The kit also typically includes a second sheet comprised of a means for transferring a drawing. The kit further includes a tangible medium on which information indicative of the color or shading of the regions is fixed. The means for transferring a drawing is typically comprised of carbon. A instrument is preferably provided for rubbing over the first side of the first sheet to cause a portion of the drawing to transfer to the surface of an object. The first sheet and second sheets are preferably mural length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Theodore David Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6857875
    Abstract: An artist's color device includes: (a) a board portion having a paintable upper surface; (b) a flexible, removable, disposable, peel-off upper sheet portion with an adhesive on its lower face, which is removably attachable to the board portion's upper surface; and (c) a number of similarly shaped apertures arranged in spaced apart rows and columns in the upper sheet portion. Also included herein is a method of using an artist's color chart device, including the steps of: (a) painting in the outlined shapes on the board portion, which are exposed by the apertures, with a related series of graduated color values within each column, with a different color series in each of the columns; (b) detaching the upper sheet portion from the board portion and disposing of it; and (c) allowing the painted board portion to dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Randal G. McClure
  • Patent number: 6846361
    Abstract: A wall mural painting kit for painting a mural on a wall or other flat surface. The kit has multiple pattern transfer sheets. Each pattern transfer sheet has first and second opposite faces. A layer of transfer material is on the first face and a pattern of a mural is on the second face. One or more alignment markings is provided on the second face for use in placing said sheet in correct position on said wall or other flat surface. The kit may include a supply of adhesive tape having a non-aggressive adhesive. The tape is marked at regular intervals along the length of the tape so that the tape may be torn or cut from said supply in appropriately-sized segments to allow each pattern transfer sheet to be affixed to a wall or other flat surface with a desired number of said segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Home Design Alternatives, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Ketterer
  • Publication number: 20040229193
    Abstract: A coloring book and coloring roll having a coloring sheet with a printed image on one surface and an adhesive, such as a repositionable pressure sensitive, on an opposing or same surface is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Larry Wittmeyer, Lance M. Sparks
  • Patent number: 6802715
    Abstract: A paint activity tray has a first section with a workspace at least partly surrounded by a channel for holding excess water and a second section with recesses holding containers for water and watercolor paint blocks. A container with a handle holding paint brushes to drip dry is provided in one embodiment. The paint activity tray protects surrounding area from spills and drips since all of the components for making a watercolor painting are contiguous, and the containers for water and paint are securely held in recesses of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Polyconcept USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wotton
  • Patent number: 6799972
    Abstract: A method of producing abstract artwork comprises the steps of mounting a substrate to be painted upon a frame, placing the frame with the substrate thereon in an airstream, passing an airstream through a defined tunnel, defining a venturi adjacent one end of the tunnel, disposing a plurality of discharge ports across a venturi passage of the tunnel in a low pressure zone thereof, selectively allowing a medium from at least one of the discharge ports to be picked up by the airstream whereby the airstream carries the medium from the discharge port to the substrate wherein the substrate receives the medium thereupon thus creating abstract artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Michael A. Summar
  • Patent number: 6786728
    Abstract: A blank intended to be first customized by allowing an intended user to color feature sections and outlines thereof and then to be used as a decorating article providing a decorative design. The blank includes a generally rigid panel defining a pair of opposed panel surfaces. Grooves are formed in one of the panel surfaces for outlining the feature sections. The grooves are configured and sized for sufficiently separating adjacent feature sections so as to facilitate the application of a coloring material on the feature sections with reduced risks of overlapping. The grooves are also designed so as to guide a coloring implement during the application of coloring material to the groove bottom surface. The blank is made out of a material that allows sanding away of unintentionally colored areas. The blank may be used individually or combined with other complementary blanks for forming a composite decoration assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Donald Leblanc, Luc Desmarais
  • Publication number: 20040067468
    Abstract: A coloring/painting system has a picture material with a picture outline thereon. The picture outline has a plurality of picture areas where each picture area is outlined with a color indicative of the color to be applied thereto. A plurality of coloring media for applying to the plurality of picture areas is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: John Davy
  • Patent number: 6702580
    Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating painting and/or mural-coating techniques comprising a cabinet (1) from which there projects an implement for application (paintbrush, roller, spatula, glove, pad, or the like) (4), which can be displaced with respect to a branch (7a) of a mat (7) set in a position corresponding to a front opening (6) of the cabinet (1), according to oblique, horizontal, vertical or circular passes in alternatingly opposite directions during horizontal alternating strokes, and subsequent stepwise vertical displacements at the end of each horizontal stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Candis S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Gilli
  • Publication number: 20030215772
    Abstract: A blank intended to be first customized by allowing an intended user to color feature sections and outlines thereof and then to be used as a decorating article providing a decorative design. The blank includes a generally rigid panel defining a pair of opposed panel surfaces. Grooves are formed in one of the panel surfaces for outlining the feature sections. The grooves are configured and sized for sufficiently separating adjacent feature sections so as to facilitate the application of a coloring material on the feature sections with reduced risks of overlapping. The grooves are also designed so as to guide a coloring implement during the application of coloring material to the groove bottom surface. The blank is made out of a material that allows sanding away of unintentionally colored areas. The blank may be used individually or combined with other complementary blanks for forming a composite decoration assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Donald Leblanc, Luc Desmarais
  • Publication number: 20030165798
    Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating painting and/or mural-coating techniques comprising a cabinet (1) from which there projects an implement for application (paintbrush, roller, spatula, glove, pad, or the like) (4), which can be displaced with respect to a branch (7a) of a mat (7) set in a position corresponding to a front opening (6) of the cabinet (1), according to oblique, horizontal, vertical or circular passes in alternatingly opposite directions during horizontal alternating strokes, and subsequent stepwise vertical displacements at the end of each horizontal stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: CANDIS S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Gilli
  • Patent number: 6595777
    Abstract: A method of producing abstract artwork comprises the steps of mounting a substrate to be painted upon a frame, placing the frame with the substrate thereon in an airstream, passing an airstream through a defined tunnel, defining a venturi adjacent one end of the tunnel, disposing a plurality of discharge ports across a venturi passage of the tunnel in a low pressure zone thereof, selectively allowing a medium from at least one of the discharge ports to be picked up by the airstream whereby the airstream carries the medium from the discharge port to the substrate wherein the substrate receives the medium thereupon thus creating abstract artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Summar
  • Publication number: 20030091962
    Abstract: Color card structure including a substrate and at least one block display section with predetermined color arranged on one face of the substrate. The display section is divided into an original color area showing the original predetermined color and at least one processed area showing a brightness of the predetermined color after specifically processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Chuan Hung
  • Patent number: 6531009
    Abstract: An adhesive or glue, preferably regular white glue, is applied to a first surface of a transparent glass article. A water based paint is then applied sporadically to the glue so that the water based paint bleeds through the glue. A first side of a piece of tissue wrapping paper is then placed over the water based paint and glue to keep the water based paint and glue in place. The white glue and water based paint is then allowed to dry. A second side of the tissue wrapping paper is then painted with a metallic color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Nancy C. Prior
  • Publication number: 20020123026
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit. The kit provides the ability to transfer a drawing to an object and to provide color and/or shading in the transferred drawing. A first sheet is provided having a first side and a second side, the first side including a drawing which is comprised of a plurality of regions. The kit also typically includes a second sheet comprised of a means for transferring a drawing. The kit further includes a tangible medium on which information indicative of the color or shading of the regions is fixed. The means for transferring a drawing is typically comprised of carbon. A instrument is preferably provided for rubbing over the first side of the first sheet to cause a portion of the drawing to transfer to the surface of an object. The first sheet and second sheets are preferably mural length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore David Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020061496
    Abstract: A method is provided of placing pigmented material onto a screen mesh sheet made up of screen wires having forward surfaces and defining mesh openings between the screen mesh wires and having a screen mesh sheet forward face and a screen mesh sheet rearward face, using a foam sheet formed of yieldable material and having a foam sheet forward face and a foam sheet rearward face, and using a substantially planar support surface, comprising the steps of: placing the foam sheet rearward face against the substantially planar support surface; placing the screen mesh sheet rearward face against the foam sheet forward face; applying force against at least a region of the screen mesh sheet to receive the pigmented material, in the direction of the support surface, thereby pressing the region of the screen mesh sheet into the foam sheet forward face such that foam sheet material bulges into mesh openings in the screen mesh sheet; and spraying the pigmented material onto forward surfaces of the screen wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Randall L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6343934
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit. The kit provides the ability to transfer a drawing to an object and to provide color and/or shading in the transferred drawing. A first sheet is provided having a first side and a second side, the first side including a drawing which is comprised of a plurality of regions. The kit also typically includes a second sheet comprised of a means for transferring a drawing. The kit further includes a tangible medium on which information indicative of the color or shading of the regions is fixed. The means for transferring a drawing is typically comprised of carbon. A instrument is preferably provided for rubbing over the first side of the first sheet to cause a portion of the drawing to transfer to the surface of an object. The first sheet and second sheets are preferably mural length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore David Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6293799
    Abstract: A method is provided of placing pigmented material onto a screen mesh sheet made up of screen wires having forward surfaces and defining mesh openings between the screen mesh wires and having a screen mesh sheet forward face and a screen mesh sheet rearward face, using a foam sheet formed of yieldable material and having a foam sheet forward face and a foam sheet rearward face, and using a substantially planar support surface, comprising the steps of: placing the foam sheet rearward face against the substantially planar support surface; placing the screen mesh sheet rearward face against the foam sheet forward face; applying force against at least a region of the screen mesh sheet to receive the pigmented material, in the direction of the support surface, thereby pressing the region of the screen mesh sheet into the foam sheet forward face such that foam sheet material bulges into mesh openings in the screen mesh sheet; and spraying the pigmented material onto forward surfaces of the screen wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Randall L. Walker, II
  • Patent number: 6270123
    Abstract: A color identification and selection display for use in connection with the retail sale of custom-tinted architectural coatings and paints is based on lightness values or levels and is assembled from a plurality of take-home cards in the form of elongated strips that are placed with their longer axis in horizontal rows, each strip containing a plurality of color fields arranged in stripes separated by narrow neutral bands. Adjacent color stripes in a given row are of closely related hues that preferably decrease in wave length when moving from left to right along any given horizontal row. Since each strip contains a plurality of closely related colors, only one, or perhaps two, take-home cards need be removed to assist in the final selection of the desired color. Each horizontal row includes a family of colors formulated from a single type of base, i.e., a tint base, a pastel base, a deep base or an accent base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Creanova Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Spangler
  • Patent number: 6238217
    Abstract: A video coloring book includes a processor, a display device and a selecting device. The processor displays a coloring picture on the display device. The coloring picture has a plurality of selectable coloring regions. The processor further displays a plurality of selectable colors on the display device. The processor receives a first selection of one of the colors and a second selection of one of the coloring regions from the selecting device. The processor then fills the selected region with the selected color. Additional colors and/or regions can be selected. When a predetermined time expires, the processor animates the coloring picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: CEC Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Sal Mirando, Lenny Dean
  • Patent number: 6217336
    Abstract: The invention provides exemplary painting kits and methods for their use. In one exemplary method, a surface is painted by first physically transferring a pattern from a sheet to a surface to be painted. The pattern defines regions that are to be painted with paint. The surface having the pattern is then painted, with each region being painted with a pre-defined color of paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Camp Kazoo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6217337
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a tabulation to display a range of colors which can be reproduced with accuracy is described; which is obtained through the application of a color volume calculated based on the following expression: T=(10V)½   (I) wherein: T=the color shade in percentage (%); V=the color volume in volumetric units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Roberto Olvera-Camacho
  • Patent number: 6213778
    Abstract: A unique painting process and an associated kit including the materials required for practicing the method. The method includes the acts of providing a background media providing a paint source, dipping the posterior of the infant in the paint, and stamping the posterior on the background media to create stamping prints. The kit of the present invention includes a flat, flexible backing piece, at least one paint bottle attached to the backing piece, at least one reservoir attached to the backing piece, at least one painting tool attached to the backing piece, and a plastic cover having a periphery, the plastic cover positioned over the protective cover, plurality of paint bottles, plurality of reservoirs, and plurality of paint brushes, and attached around its peripheral edge to the backing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Elise Cohen
  • Patent number: 6168438
    Abstract: A method of creating vivid life-like paintings using a clear or translucent canvas is provided. The method includes placing the canvas atop an image to be reproduced and tracing outline and highlight colors from the image onto the front side of the canvas. The canvas is then turned over and field colors and background colors are applied to the back side of the canvas. As a final step, a clear coating can be applied to the front side of the canvas. The result is a surprisingly vivid and life-like rendering of the image when the canvas is viewed from its front side. The rendering results from the combination of outlines and highlights on the front of the canvas and field and background colors visible through the canvas from the back side thereof, all enhanced by the clear coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: Suzanne A. Leonard, Wendy Dyer
  • Patent number: 6045592
    Abstract: A process and novelty kit for permanently affixing a decorative color or color pattern to an aliphatic nylon plastic material, wherein the nylon is selectively preconditioned to maximize dye transfer and uptake, thereby providing a permanently decorated keepsake, such as, e.g., a decorated Easter egg. The process preferably includes selected molding and cooling conditions for the nylon, as well as preferably conditioning the nylon in heated aqueous media prior to the step of color decoration. Optionally, the dye itself can be pre-heated, and the dye can be applied to the nylon, while the nylon and dye are in contact with one another and are heated in a microwave or standard convection type oven. Alternatively, the nylon and dye can be left in contact with one another overnight, to produce the desired decorative color or color pattern on the nylon plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Leanne Paquin
    Inventor: Leanne Paquin
  • Patent number: 6022219
    Abstract: A unique painting process and an associated kit including the materials required for practicing the method. The method includes the acts of preparing a protective covering on a work surface, preparing a background media by placing it on the protective covering on the work surface, placing a reservoir on the protective covering, filling the reservoir with a paint, dipping the posterior of the infant in the paint, and stamping the posterior on the background media to create stamping prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Elise Cohen
  • Patent number: 6017218
    Abstract: A method for authenticating a subject painting as to a particular artist by comparing brush marks between one or more known works of the artist and the subject painting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas J. Bright
  • Patent number: 6010338
    Abstract: A coloring kit project for children producing magnetic frames for photographs and art work. The frame is composed of a flexible magnetic material suitable having designs for coloring or decoration which will adhere to a ferrous surface such as the door of a refrigerator. The invention focus is in particular on a magnetic frame kit composed of a plurality of printed outlines of frames with designs on a single sheet of flexible magnetic material and a plurality of decorative elements on a single sheet of flexible magnetic material which will magnetically adhere to either a magnetic frame or to a ferrous surface. Children will cut the magnetic frames and the decorative elements from the respective magnetic frame kit material sheets, will color the respective designs and use the resulting frame to display art work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kelly H. Watson
  • Patent number: 5958525
    Abstract: There are described devices for creating artistic designs which are simple in approach and execution, and which enable the user to create a unique work of art without the user coming into direct contact with the medium used to create the design.The subject devices comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, the sheets being in superposed relation, sealed around their periphery and defining a first area and a second area, a plurality of rupturable containers containing a spreadable medium, arranged in the first area and adapted to discharge the spreadable medium into the second area, provided that at least one of the sheets permits the viewing of the discharged spreadable medium.A kit is also provided which includes the subject device and additional materials, such as, for example, decorative materials for application to the device and materials with which to attach the device to various surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah E. Green, John A. Marciello, Leonard Polizzotto
  • Patent number: 5951296
    Abstract: An optical spray painting practice gun emits a shaped optical beam onto a practice surface to simulate an actual paint spray on the surface. The gun preferably uses a class 2 diode laser to generate a laser beam which is reshaped by a collimating lens into a diverging beam that illuminates the practice surface. The collimating lens creates an elongated image on the practice surface having a length corresponding linearly to the distance of the practice gun nozzle to the practice surface as with a conventional spray gun. The illuminated image distorts when the practice gun is not perpendicular to the practice surface. The collimating lens is located in a rotatable collar so that the orientation of the elongated image on the practice surface can be adjusted. In other respects, the structure of the practice gun is preferably the same as a conventional spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: University of Northern Iowa Foundation (UNIF)
    Inventor: Richard J. Klein
  • Patent number: 5897322
    Abstract: A painting support comprised of a three-dimensional transparent plastic body that is a molded replica of an object. The interior surface of the mold contains a variety of areas with different surface textures that represent different colors. The different textures are designed to accept different colors of paints. A key code directs a person to paint the areas in specified steps and in certain colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Victory Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Shteyngarts
  • Patent number: 5865892
    Abstract: An expandable stamp pad comprising a plurality of ink pads arranged in a line and suitable for use with a multitude of different aqueous dye-based inks, and methods of using the same. Typically, the line is straight, although, if desired, the line may be curved. The plurality of ink pads are retained on an extension member that permits adjacent ink pads to contact one another when the extension member is retracted, (e.g., in use) while maintaining the plurality of ink pads in separation when the extension member is extended (e.g., in storage). Also, a multi-color stamp pad suitable for use with aqueous dye-based inks wherein a plurality of ink pads each impregnated with a different ink have disposed therebetween a thin, aqueous-impermeable film, such as a thin plastic film. Preferably, the stamp pad comprises more than two ink pads, further preferably five or more ink pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Tsukineko, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryo Yasoshima
  • Patent number: 5788501
    Abstract: A support material for a painting comprises a substrate, e.g. of paper or card, having on regions thereof a removable masking material to provide pictorial content and to define non-masked regions of substrate which provide a surface for receiving and retaining paint, wherein the masking material is provided on the substrate in the form of a printed layer, applied for instance by screen printing. The preferred masking material is applied as a latex-based fluid and is removable from the substrate by an eraser after application of a water-based paint wash to the entire substrate surface. Optionally the subsequently unmasked regions can be painted to provide additional pictorial detail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: JW Spear & Sons, PLC
    Inventor: John Graham Hassall
  • Patent number: 5785528
    Abstract: An educational device having a housing with a flat surface to which a mirror is removable attached. A transparent or translucent sheet removable positioned over the mirror. A marking implement enables a user to apply marks to his or her own reflection in the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Invicta Toys & Games Limited
    Inventors: Leigh Melaine Jones-Fenleigh, Shelley Louise Jones-Fenleigh, James Dorian Gibson
  • Patent number: 5775914
    Abstract: A drawing apparatus including a frame portion. A liquid membrane is positionable within the frame portion. A planar portion is positionable within the frame portion below the liquid membrane. A drawing implement is used to press down on the liquid membrane to move a black pliable liquid around to expose images on the planar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Peter McCormack Smith
  • Patent number: 5772247
    Abstract: A kit for creating artwork such as sand painting is provided having a front cover, a back cover, and an interposed spine. The spine spaces the front and back cover when folded into a book form. The back cover extends outwardly beyond the front cover when folded and has a container mounted thereon which retains a series of dispensers therein. A booklet is mounted to the inside of one of the covers and an envelope is mounted to the inside of the other cover. A plurality of drawing sheets are provided having a base and a cover sheet. The base has a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive which is removably covered by the cover sheet. The cover sheet has perforations to define a plurality of removable portions. Each dispenser has a plurality of small color particles of a pre-selected color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: International Book Marketing Ltd.
    Inventor: Christian Legrand
  • Patent number: 5730293
    Abstract: A product for use in creating sculpted shapes and features comprises a dry quantity of granular sand which is treated to retain its cohesiveness when submerged in water. A compressible receptacle contains the granular sand in a hollow interior thereof, and this receptacle includes a longitudinally extending sidewall surrounding the interior, a closure forming an upstream end of the receptacle and a dispensing nozzle disposed at a downstream end. The nozzle has a mouth sized to be larger than the granular size of the sand and in fluid communication with the interior. The sidewall is fabricated from a material having sufficient flexibility to allow the receptacle to be squeezed with enough force to cause a cohesive mass of the sand to be forcibly extruded out of the mouth when the nozzle is immersed within a volume of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Michael J. Kelly, Brynda L. Kelly, Kari M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5727979
    Abstract: A craft kit for children having minimal craft skills, making it possible for a child to create a toy figure, such as a miniature dinosaur, and to decorate this figure. Included in the kit is a collapsible cloth casing which when erected then assumes the shape of the desired figure, and a rubber balloon which is inserted in a deflated state into the casing through an opening therein. The cloth casing is impregnated with a curable resin and the balloon inflated to erect the casing so that it assumes the shape of the figure whereby when the resin cures, the casing is then rigidified to create the toy figure. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn from the figure which may then be painted or otherwise decorated by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5676549
    Abstract: Toy painting apparatuses which provide means for finger painting a substrate without the user coming into direct contact with the paint. The painting apparatus has paint dispensing means and also provides a relatively thin, flexible, transparent, protective barrier between liquid paints that are dispensed onto the surface of a substrate and a user's fingers. The apparatus allows a user to apply paint to a substrate, such as paper, and manipulate the paint by smearing it with fingers, trowels, rollers and other similar implements which are moved across the surface of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Toy Biz, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham A. Arad, Anne Pitrone, Barry Morgan
  • Patent number: 5672057
    Abstract: A device for creating spin art is provided having inflatable components to facilitate packaging and storage thereof. An inflatable disk-shaped platen is coupled for rotation with the upstanding shaft of an electrical motor. The platen includes a broad upper surface for supporting and removably retaining thereon a workpiece. An inflatable splash container partially encloses the motor and platen to prevent splashing of paint from the rapidly rotating workpiece onto nearby objects while allowing the user to pour paint onto the workpiece through the open top. The device optionally comprises as an additional safeguard against splashing an inflatable annular cover which engages the upper rim of the splash container sidewall and which includes a central opening through which the user may access the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Robert W. Engel
  • Patent number: 5664947
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking a surface with colored bubbles is disclosed. According to the method, bubbles carrying one or more colorants are generated and are applied to a surface to create designs. The disclosed apparatus for marking a surface in this manner can be optionally equipped with a shield defining a volume to maintain the colorant carrying bubbles within a confined area. The apparatus can be further provided with a template having one or more apertures to provide access to predetermined areas of the surface to be marked such that the colored bubbles create predetermined shapes when they burst or are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dietterich, Kalvin K. Klundt, Gordon R. Perry, Jude C. Tan
  • Patent number: 5654016
    Abstract: A kit and method for making artwork in wax. The kit includes a plurality of thermally conductive containers; at least one substantially solid wax compound; a heating unit for heating each of the containers, having a separate temperature control for each container; an applicator for applying a heated wax compound to an article; and wherein each of the containers selectively slidably engages with the heating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Robert S. Shell
  • Patent number: 5643341
    Abstract: A system and method for the on-site formulation of a personalized hair color maintenance shampoo product. The system and method are used to produce on-site of the salon a hair color maintenance shampoo product which is appropriately tailored to the color and tone of each individual's hair. A database information chart containing formulations of stock colored shampoos is correlated to a pair of sequential axes representative of hair colors and tones. A mixing bottle is provided which is calibrated to the formulations on the chart to obtain a shampoo product tailored to the individual's hair tone and color. The system and method yield a hair color maintenance shampoo personalized to the hair of the individual; eliminates the need to maintain an inordinate stock of pre-mixed hair colored maintenance shampoos and colors; and eliminates the necessity for an individual user to experiment with various stock shampoos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Artec Systems Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland Hirsch, Michael Mazzei
  • Patent number: 5612397
    Abstract: The composition having wet state clarity includes an aqueous latex binder combination of polymer particles with a diameter of less than 80 nanometers and a thickener. When glitter flakes are dispersed in these novel compositions in their wet state, they glitter more than conventional glitter compositions. Thus, they are more appealing to a consumer or an artist than conventional glitter compositions that tend to be cloudy or dull in their wet state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Matthew S. Gebhard, William E. deVry, Caren A. Puschak, Anne M. Bacho, Gary R. Larson
  • Patent number: 5562451
    Abstract: A novel craft art form product, system and method including patterns, paint, and applicators enables craft paint to form three-dimensional color bead matrix patterns having high degree of visual resolution and color saturation. Precisely located and closely spaced geometric shapes associated with a set of color symbols are used to form matrix designs in patterns. Each symbol represents an artistic expression which is assigned to a particular color. Each color symbol has a color darkness value which may also correspond to the darkness value of the assigned color. The craft paint material has the characteristics of forming a discrete substantially uniform and homogeneous, three-dimensional bead to overlay the color symbol associated with each geometric shape. The craft paint material can form discrete beads placed closely together without running together, yet retain sufficient fluidity to settle into smooth, substantially uniform beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Polymerics, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed N. Wilcox, Richard L. George, William K. Thiess, John T. Loftus, Jr., Timothy F. O'Meara, William H. Lichfield