INVISIBLE INK REVEAL OBJECTS AND METHOD OF USING SAME
Invisible ink reveal objects and methods of making and using same are described. In some embodiments, the objects are three-dimensional objects (e.g., animals, figurines or toy models) that are assembled by the user from a variety of pieces. The pieces may be comprised of multiple layers, such as a base layer, a film that includes one or more designs covering the base layer and an invisible ink-reactive ink application that hides the one or more designs when the coating is dry and reveals the one or more designs when the user brushes invisible ink reveal formula on the invisible ink reactive ink application. The coating and film may be on one or multiple sides of the pieces. The pieces may be provided to the user in a sheet that is partially precut to facilitate removal of the pieces. In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a sheet or roll of stickers.
The present invention relates to arts and crafts.
Background of the InventionInvisible ink reveal technology has been applied to coloring books, including those sold under the trade name COLOR WONDER by Crayola.
Examples of patents describing invisible ink technology are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,464,185, 9,790,383, and 5,338,066, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Typically, invisible ink technology is achieved via chemical changes between two reactive chemical ink compositions.
One method is to use a single invisible ink reveal formula where the color is achieved/revealed based on the paper being treated with specific inks and the color reveal is therefore pre-determined.
Another method is to use specific color reveal markers where the marker only reveals that single color as determined by the formula in that marker. The marker reacts with a specially treated paper.
The INKREDIBLES Magic Ink is an invisible ink product, meaning that when the ink comes into contact with a treated paper substrate, the chemical composition changes causing the invisible ink to go from a clear to a pre-determined color. The chemical composition change to the pre-determined color is permanent. In this example only a single invisible magic ink pen containing a suitable formula is required to bring about the color change, the actual color changes are determined by additional specific chemical inks printed on specific areas of the paper substrate.
Another example, the COLOUR BURST mess free invisible ink marker and coloring booklet is an invisible ink product where specific colors are determined by individual marker pens containing a specific single color formula. The specific color is chosen by the end user as indicated on the outside of the marker, upon contact with the treated paper substrate that specific color is revealed and is not pre-determined.
Applying such technology to other substances creates challenges.
For example, it could be advantageous to use invisible ink technology with three dimensional objects, such as models of animals, figurines or other objects (such as toy vehicles such as toy planes), however, such models are typically made from plastic or wood, which is problematic because plastic and wood are not suitable as printed substrates.
Thus, there is a need for processes and kits that use invisible ink technology with a suitably printed substrate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure provides invisible ink objects and methods of making and using same.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an invisible ink reveal kit that may comprise a sheet that may comprise a sheet top, a sheet bottom, a sheet thickness extending from the sheet top to the sheet bottom, a base layer that may comprise a base layer top, a base layer bottom and a base layer thickness extending from the base layer top to the base layer bottom; a film that may cover at least one of the base layer top or the base layer bottom, the film optionally comprising one or more designs; and an invisible ink-reactive ink application determining the one or more designs. Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink application is configured to hide the one or more designs when the invisible ink-reactive ink application is dry, and optionally the invisible ink-reactive ink application is configured to reveal the one or more designs if the invisible ink-reactive ink application comes into contact with invisible ink reveal formula. Preferably, the invisible ink-reactive ink application is permanent.
Optionally, the sheet comprises a plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces that are connected. Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces comprises pieces that are configured to pop out of the sheet without tearing. Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces were created by laser or die cutting through a portion of the thickness of the sheet. Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are configured to connect to form a three dimensional object. Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are shapes that are configured to interlock via mating features on the removable pieces to form a three dimensional object. Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are shapes that are configured to interlock via slots on the removable pieces to form a three dimensional shape. Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are rigid. Optionally, the sheet further comprises an adhesive attaching the film to the base layer. Optionally, the base layer is comprised of cardboard, wood, fibreboard, paperboard, mat board, plastic or metal. Optionally, the base layer is comprised of wood, fibreboard, cardboard, paperboard, or mat board and the film protects the base layer from moisture. Optionally, the film comprises a top film covering the base layer top and a bottom film covering the base layer bottom. Optionally, each of the top film and bottom film comprise one or more designs. Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink application comprises a top coating covering the top film and a bottom coating covering the bottom film. Optionally, the film is a paper film. Optionally, the one or more designs are printed on the film. Optionally, the one or more designs are screen printed on the film. Optionally, the one or more designs are applied to the film using an invisible ink colored ink or paint. Optionally, the one or more designs are applied to the film using a using an oil-based ink or paint. Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink comprises an invisible ink formula. Optionally, the film is in the form of a varnish cured by drying and/or ultraviolet light. Optionally, the kit further comprises an applicator comprising a reservoir configured to hold invisible ink reveal formula and an applicator head in fluid communication with the reservoir. Optionally, the applicator head comprises bristles. Optionally, the applicator further comprises a valve configured to regulate the flow of invisible ink reveal formula from the reservoir to the bristles.
In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using an invisible ink reveal kit having any of the features described above comprising the steps of: a) providing the sheet; and b) applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink to reveal the one or more designs. In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using an invisible ink reveal kit comprising the steps of: a) providing the sheet; and b) applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink to reveal the one or more designs by changing the color of the invisible ink-reactive ink from clear to color. Optionally, the sheet comprises a plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces and optionally, the method further comprises, before or after step b) removing the removable invisible ink reveal pieces from the sheet and re-connecting the pieces to, for example, assemble an animal, figurine, shape, object or toy model.
In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an invisible ink reveal kit that may comprise the steps of: a) provide a substrate; b) adding one or more designs to the substrate; c) applying an invisible ink-reactive ink to determine the one or more designs so that the invisible ink-reactive ink conceals the one or more designs when the invisible ink-reactive ink is dry and the invisible ink-reactive ink is configured to reveal the one or more designs if the invisible ink-reactive ink comes into contact with the invisible ink reveal formula; d) providing a sheet that may comprise a base layer, the base layer optionally comprising a top and a bottom; and e) using an adhesive to attach the substrate to at least one of the top or the bottom of the base layer. Optionally, the substrate is comprised of paper. Optionally, step b) comprises printing one or more designs on the substrate. Optionally, step b) comprises offset printing one or more designs on the substrate. Optionally, step c) comprises applying the invisible ink-reactive ink via screen printing. Optionally, the method further comprises applying an even and consistent pressure to the sheet after step e). Optionally, the method further comprises using a heat source to dry the sheet after step e). Optionally, said drying comprises placing the sheet in a kiln after step e). Optionally, said drying improves the bond between one or all of the components and/or improves the water-resistance of one or all of the components. Optionally, the method comprises the step of f) using a laser or die cut to partially (but not fully) cut the sheet so as to form a plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces after step e).
In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a sticker roll or sticker sheet that may comprise an adhesive layer that may comprise an adhesive, a middle layer that may cover the adhesive layer and may comprise a film that may comprise one or more designs, and a top layer that may comprise an invisible ink-reactive ink determining the one or more designs. Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink is configured to hide the one or more designs when the invisible ink-reactive ink is dry, and further wherein the invisible ink-reactive ink is configured to reveal the one or more designs if the invisible ink-reactive ink comes into contact with the invisible ink reveal formula. Optionally, the sticker roll or sticker sheet comprises a plurality of designs and a tear line located between at least some of the designs. Optionally, the sticker roll or sticker sheet comprises a plurality of designs and a perforated tear line located between at least some of the designs. Optionally, the sticker roll or sticker sheet further comprises a backing covering the adhesive layer and optionally, the adhesive layer is located between the film and the backing. In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using a sticker roll or sticker sheet comprising the steps of: a) providing the sticker roll or sticker sheet; b) separating a segment of the sticker roll or sticker sheet from the remainder of the sticker roll or sticker sheet (e.g., by tearing or cutting); c) removing the backing to expose the adhesive; and d) using the adhesive to attach the adhesive layer of the segment to a base material. Optionally, the method further comprises e) applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink to reveal the one or more designs.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a plurality of invisible ink pieces 12 that are assembled into a three-dimensional object 14 such as an animal, figurine or model vehicle such as a model airplane for example. The pieces 12 may be removable from a sheet 16, which has been partially precut, as described below, to facilitate removal without tearing. The user may apply invisible ink to the pieces 12, before or after, assembling the pieces 12 into the three-dimensional object 14 to reveal the underlying designs 18. Optionally, the pieces 12 include designs 18 and the invisible ink reveal coating 20 on two opposite sides (front and back or top and bottom) so that the three-dimensional object 14 has designs 18 on opposite sides.
More particularly, in some embodiments, the kit 10 may include a sheet 16. The sheet 16 may comprise, for example, a sheet top 24; a sheet bottom 26; a sheet thickness 28 extending from the sheet top to the sheet bottom; a base layer 30 that may comprise a base layer top 32, a base layer bottom 34 and a base layer thickness 36 extending from the base layer top 32 to the base layer bottom 34; a film 38 that may cover at least one of the base layer top 32 or the base layer bottom 34, and that may include one or more designs 18; and/or an invisible ink coating 40 that may cover the one or more designs 18. As used herein, the term “cover” means that a component either partially or completely covers another component.
Optionally, the invisible ink coating 40 is configured to hide the one or more designs 18 when the invisible ink coating 40 is dry, and the invisible ink coating 40 is configured to reveal the one or more designs 18 if the invisible ink coating 40 comes into contact with the invisible ink reactive ink. Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink application is permanent.
Optionally, the sheet 16 comprises a plurality of removable invisible ink pieces 12 that are connected to one another but may be easily removed by the end user without damaging the pieces 12. For example, in some embodiments, to create the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12, the manufacturer laser or die cuts through a portion of the thickness of the sheet 28 so that the pieces 12 remain connected in the sheet 16 but are easily removed by tearing along the partial die cuts or applying pressure to the pieces 12 to pop them out. Optionally, after removing the invisible ink reveal pieces 12 from the sheet 16, the user reconnects the pieces 12 to form a three-dimensional object 14 such as an animal, figurine or toy model. For example, the removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12 may interlock using mating features to form a sturdy three-dimensional object 14. For example, the removal invisible ink reveal pieces 12 may include slots 22 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Optionally, the removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12 are rigid to add to the sturdiness of the three-dimensional object 14. Optionally, the sheet 16 (and removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12) have a thickness of from about 3 millimeters (mm) to about 20 millimeters (mm).
Optionally, the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12 are regular or irregular shapes that assemble/connect to form the three-dimensional object 14 such as an animal, figurine or toy vehicle. In non-limiting examples, the removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12 are parts of the animal, figurine (e.g., head, legs, body, etc.) or vehicle (e.g., the tires, wings, etc).
Optionally, the sheet 16 further comprises an adhesive 46 attaching the film 38 to the base layer 30.
Optionally, the film 38 is a paper film comprised of paper having a gsm (grams per square meter) of at least 200 to 350 gsm that is attached to the base material 30 via an adhesive 46.
In other embodiments, the film 38 is in the form of a varnish, paint or another material, which may or may not be water-based. This film 38 may be cured by ultraviolet light, or drying (e.g., heat or air drying).
Optionally, the combined thickness of the film 38 (including design 18) and the invisible ink-reactive application 40 is from about 0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm.
Optionally, the base layer 30 is comprised of wood, cardboard, fibreboard, paperboard, mat board, plastic or metal. More preferably, the base layer 30 is comprised of wood, fibreboard, paperboard, or mat board and the film 38 protects the base layer 30 from moisture.
Optionally, as seen in
Optionally, the one or more designs 18 are printed on the film 38. Optionally, the one or more designs 18 are screen printed on the film 38. Optionally, the one or more designs 18 are screen printed on the film 38 with offset printing.
In other embodiments, the one or more designs 18 are applied to the film 38 using a water-based colored ink or paint. In still other embodiments, the one or more designs 18 are applied to the film 38 using an oil-based ink or paint.
Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 is invisible when dry.
Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink 40 comprises visible reactive ink application.
Optionally, the kit 10 further comprises an applicator 62 that allows a user to apply invisible ink reveal formula to reveal the one or more designs 18. For example, the applicator 62 may comprise a reservoir 64 configured to hold invisible ink reveal formula and an applicator head 66 in fluid communication with the reservoir 64. Optionally, the applicator head 66 is a brush. Optionally, the applicator head 66 is comprised of semi-porous material (e.g., foam, polyester fibre, and/or cotton fibre).
In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using an invisible ink reveal kit 22 comprising the steps of: a) providing the sheet 16 of having any of the features described above; and b) applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 to reveal the one or more designs 18. Optionally, step b) comprises applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 to reveal the one or more designs 18 by changing the color of the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 from clear to visible. Optionally, the method further comprises, before or after step b), removing the removable invisible ink reveal pieces 12 from the sheet 16 (optionally, without using scissors or any other tools) and assembling/re-connecting the pieces 12 (e.g., by using an adhesive 46 or interlocking the mating parts). Again, the sheet 16 and components may have one or more features described above.
In still further embodiments, as opposed to assembling pieces, the user may be provided with a kit 10 that includes a fully assembled three-dimensional object 14 (e.g., animal, figurine, shape, toy model or other three dimensional object) to which he or she applies invisible ink to reveal the one or more designs 18. For example, in such embodiments, the object 14 may include a base layer/core 30; a film 38 that may cover the base layer 30, and that may include one or more designs 18; and/or an invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 that may determine the one or more designs 18. In such embodiments, the components may have one or more features described above.
The aforementioned kits 10 may be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, optionally, the kits 10 are manufactured by a process that includes: a) providing a substrate (which later becomes the aforementioned film 38); b) adding one or more designs 18 to the substrate; c) applying an invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 to determine the one or more designs 18 so that the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 hides the one or more designs 18 when the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 is dry and the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 reveals the one or more designs 18 when the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 comes into contact with the invisible ink reveal formula; d) providing a base layer 30; and/or e) using an adhesive 46 to attach the substrate to the base layer 30 so that the substrate becomes the aforementioned film 38 on the base layer 30. In some embodiments, the substrate/film is paper, as noted above. In addition, the base layer 30 may be in the form of a sheet 16 (as described above) that has a top 24 and bottom 26 and the adhesive 46 may attach the substrates 70 to the top and/or bottom of the base layer 30). The components may have one or more features described above.
Optionally, step b) comprises printing one or more designs 18 on the substrate. For example, step b) may comprise offset printing one or more designs 18 on the substrate. Optionally, step c) comprises applying the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 via screen printing. Optionally, the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 has a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.15 mm. Optionally, the method further comprises applying an even and consistent pressure to the sheet 16 after step e). Optionally, the method further comprises using a heat source to dry the sheet 16 after step e). Optionally, drying comprises placing the sheet 16 in a kiln after step e). Optionally, said drying improves the bond between one or all of the components and/or improves the water-resistance of one or all of the components. Optionally, the method further comprises using a laser or die cut to partially (but not fully) separate/cut a plurality of regular or irregular shapes on the sheet 16 after step e).
In still further embodiments, the aforementioned film 38 is in the form of a varnish and the kit 10 is manufactured by a process that comprises a) providing a base layer 30; b) applying a varnish 38 to the base layer 30; c) allowing the varnish 38 to dry; d) adding one or more designs 18 to the base layer 30 to which the varnish 38 has been added; e) adding an invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 to determine the one or more designs 18. The components may have one or more features described above.
In still further embodiments, a user may apply the designs him or herself to the base material 30 using a sticker, which may be in the form of a sticker roll or sticker sheet 76. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a sticker comprising an adhesive layer comprising an adhesive 46, a middle layer covering the adhesive layer and comprising a film 38 comprising one or more designs 18, and a top layer comprising an invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 determining the one or more designs 18. The components of the aforementioned embodiment may have one or more features described above.
Optionally, the sticker is provided in the form of a sticker roll or sticker sheet 76, and the sticker roll or sticker sheet 76 comprises a plurality of designs 18 and a tear line 84 (e.g., a perforated tear line) located between at least some of the designs 18. Optionally, as with conventional sticker rolls and sticker sheets, the sticker roll or sticker sheet 76 further comprises a backing 86 covering the adhesive 46 and the adhesive 46 is located between the film 38 and backing 86. In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using a sticker roll or sticker sheet 76 comprising the steps of: a) providing the sticker roll or sticker sheet 76; b) separating a segment of the sticker roll or sticker sheet 76 from the remainder of the sticker roll or sticker sheet 76 (e.g., by tearing or cutting); c) removing the backing 86 to expose the adhesive 46; and/or d) using the adhesive 46 to attach the adhesive 46 of the segment to a base material. Optionally, the method further comprises applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink application 40 to reveal the one or more designs 18.
Typically, invisible ink reveal ink/formula 20 are applied by an applicator 62 with an applicator head/tip 66 that is similar to a marker. This creates a problem when working with three-dimensional objects 14 because the edges on such three-dimensional objects 14 may not receive all the invisible ink reveal ink/formula 20. Accordingly, as shown in
Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, the steps of any method described herein may be performed in any suitable order and steps may be performed simultaneously if needed. Use of the singular embraces the plural.
Terms of degree such as “generally”, “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
Claims
1. An invisible ink reveal kit comprising:
- a sheet comprising: a sheet top; a sheet bottom; a sheet thickness extending from the sheet top to the sheet bottom; a base layer comprising a base layer top, a base layer bottom and a base layer thickness extending from the base layer top to the base layer bottom; a film covering at least one of the base layer top or the base layer bottom, the film comprising one or more designs; and an invisible ink-reactive ink application determining the one or more designs, wherein the invisible ink-reactive ink application is configured to hide the one or more designs when the invisible ink-reactive ink application is dry, and further wherein the invisible ink-reactive ink application is configured to reveal the one or more designs if the invisible ink-reactive ink application comes into contact with invisible ink reveal formula.
2. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces that are connected.
3. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 2 wherein the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces comprises pieces that are configured to pop out of the sheet without tearing.
4. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 2 wherein the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces were created by laser or die cutting through a portion of the thickness of the sheet.
5. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 2 wherein the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are configured to connect to form a three dimensional object.
6. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 2 wherein the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are shapes that are configured to interlock via mating features on the removable pieces to form a three dimensional object.
7. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 6 wherein the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are shapes that are configured to interlock via slots on the removable pieces to form a three dimensional shape.
8. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 2 wherein the plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces are rigid.
9. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the sheet further comprises an adhesive attaching the film to the base layer.
10. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the base layer is comprised of cardboard, wood, fibreboard, paperboard, mat board, plastic or metal.
11. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the film comprises a top film covering the base layer top and a bottom film covering the base layer bottom, wherein each of the top film and bottom film comprise one or more designs, and further wherein the invisible ink-reactive ink application comprises a top coating covering the top film and a bottom coating covering the bottom film.
12. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the film is a paper film.
13. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the one or more designs are printed on the film.
14. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the one or more designs are screen printed on the film.
15. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the one or more designs are applied to the film using an invisible ink colored ink or paint.
16. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the invisible ink-reactive ink application comprises an invisible ink formula.
17. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the kit further comprises an applicator comprising a reservoir configured to hold invisible ink reveal formula and an applicator head in fluid communication with the reservoir.
18. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 17 wherein the applicator further comprises a valve configured to regulate the flow of invisible ink reveal formula from the reservoir to the bristles.
19. The invisible ink reveal kit of claim 1 wherein the ink-reactive ink application is permanent.
20. A method of using an invisible ink reveal kit comprising the steps of: a) providing the sheet of claim 1; and b) applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink to reveal the one or more designs.
21. A method of using an invisible ink reveal kit comprising the steps of: a) providing the sheet of claim 19; and b) applying invisible ink reveal formula to the invisible ink-reactive ink application to reveal the one or more designs by changing the color of the invisible ink-reactive ink application from clear to color.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces and further wherein the method further comprises, before or after step b), removing the removable invisible ink reveal pieces from the sheet and re-connecting the pieces.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of removable invisible ink reveal pieces and further wherein the method further comprises, before or after step, b) removing the removable invisible ink reveal pieces from the sheet without using any tools and re-connecting the pieces to assemble an animal, figurine, shape, toy model, or other three-dimensional object.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 6, 2024
Publication Date: Mar 13, 2025
Inventors: Andrew Martin Bedford (Melbourne), Scott Anderson (Wilmington, NC)
Application Number: 18/826,372
