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(11) | EP 2 255 975 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | An improved embossing board |
| (57) The present invention relates to embossing board (1) which assists a user in producing
an embossed design on a material for particular use in crafting and greeting card
design. The embossing board (1) has a surface design (3) that is raised from, or sunken
into, the surface of the board (2) and said design will guide an embossing tool. A
number of holes (4) extend through the embossing board (1), either along or parallel
to the surface design, which allow light to shine through to act as a visual guide
to a user.
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[0001] The present invention relates to an embossing board which assists a user in producing an embossed design on a material, in particular for use in crafting and greeting card design.
[0002] Embossing is the process of creating a 3-dimensional image or design on paper, card or other ductile material. The process is used in many industries, however it is becoming increasingly popular in the arts and craft market to produce greeting cards, envelopes and boxes etc.
[0003] The term "impressing" is often used to distinguish an image lowered into the surface of a material from an image raised out of the surface of a material, however creating a relief image in either manner falls under the term "embossing".
[0004] Traditional embossing uses a die (female part), usually made of metal, and a counter die (male part) that fit together and squeeze the fibres of the paper or material. The pressure raises the level of the image higher than the substrate and can be combined with heat to effectively "iron in" an image. Whilst useful in industry, e.g. to provide printing presses, these types of embossing tools do not lend themselves to the home crafting market.
[0005] Often, in the home arts and crafts field, embossing is carried out using metal stencils which are in the form of cut out shapes and which are taped or otherwise affixed to a light box. A light box aims to provide light diffusion and a uniform background against which to place a piece of paper or card. A piece of paper or card is placed over the stencil and a stylus is used to trace around the edge of the stencil shape. Whilst this is useful for many basic shapes it does not allow for the production of complex patterns and designs.
[0006] More recently, embossing boards have been produced which have a guide channel which marks out the design. In use, a piece of paper or card is placed over the embossing board and a stylus is pressed through the paper or card into the guide channel. A user then follows the guide channel with the stylus to produce the embossed design. Problems arise when using this type of embossing board as the pattern must be traced by feel alone as the material being embossed will cover the image. An example of this type of embossing board can be seen in UK Patent GB2410006. In this case, the problem of how to accurately follow the guide when you cannot see it has been partially addresses by providing part of the guide channel extending beyond where the paper or card would be overlaid. This assists with the problem of where to start embossing if you can't see the pattern as the extended portion can be seen, however once embossing has been started it can still be difficult to follow a pattern, especially if the pattern or design is more complex.
[0007] Whilst the products described above do enable a user to produce embossed designs, their use can often be difficult, especially for a novice home user.
[0008] According to first aspect of the present invention there is provided an embossing board which defines a planar surface, having a surface relief design adapted to guide a means for embossing a sheet of ductile material, wherein the board is provided with a visual guide which is adapted to allow light through the board and said visual guide is provided along or parallel to the surface relief design.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment the visual guide area comprises a one or more of apertures, each of which extends through the embossing board.
[0011] Alternatively, the visual guide area is one or more transparent or translucent sections of the board.
[0013] The visual guide area which preferably comprises apertures, which in a specific embodiment are small holes, allows the embossing board to be positioned with a light source to the rear such that when a piece of paper or card is laid over the surface relief design, light shines through the visual guide holes from the rear and then through the overlaid paper or card. This means that a user can trace the surface relief design (present on the opposite side of the plate to where the light source is coming from) using a stylus type tool to apply pressure but has a visual aid to show an indication of the underlying design making it easier to follow the surface relief design without accidentally deviating.
[0014] In order to function correctly, the area on the board surrounding the visual guide area or visual guide means will be substantially opaque or at least able to limit the amount of light that can travel through to provide a contrast with the visual guide means.
[0015] Specifically, the surface relief design may be a recessed channel in the planar surface of the embossing board.
[0016] Providing the design as a channel recessed into the planar surface of the embossing board allows a user to press down with a stylus through an overlaid paper or card material into the recessed channel. The channel will then provide support to the end of the stylus.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the surface relief design may be a raised ridge on the planar surface of the embossing board.
[0018] Providing the design as a ridge which is raised up from the planar surface of the embossing board allows a user to press down with a stylus adapted to have a receiving notch on its lower surface, such that the paper or card material is pressed into the receiving notch to create the embossed design. It also allows a standard stylus to score along one or both side(s) of the ridge to create the embossed design.
[0019] It is possible to provide an embossing board where the surface relief design is made up of both recessed grooves and raised ridges.
[0021] Designs can be of varying complexity ranging from simple lines and geometric shapes to more complex figures and designs such as humanistic figures, flowers, birds etc.
[0022] The embossing board may be provided with reference means to assist with positioning of the paper.
[0023] Reference means may be provided as marks on the surface of the board or as raised surfaces against with the edges of a piece of paper or card could abut.
[0025] The embossing board may be provided with attachment means to facilitate attachment to a light box.
[0026] Attachment means in the form of clips, adhesive elements or male or female protrusions or ingresses can be included to help a user position the board securely on a light box or similar light source.
[0027] In a specific embodiment the visual guides, which may be in the form of apertures, are positioned at regular intervals along or parallel to the surface relief design.
[0028] Regular positioning of the visual guides, which can be apertures, (which allow light to shine through from a rear positioned light source) assists a user to follow the design when a sheet of paper or card material is placed over the embossing board.
[0029] Other embodiments have irregularly positioned apertures where the apertures are closer together at angled, curved or complex portions of the design.
[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an embossing kit comprising the embossing board of the first aspect and a means for embossing a sheet of ductile material.
[0031] The means for embossing a sheet of ductile material (which may also be referred to as embossing tool) will generally be in the form of a stylus. The stylus may be a ball ended stylus (or similar single point ended stylus) for use where the surface relief design is a recessed channel or a notched stylus where the surface relief design is a raised ridge.
[0033] The light source may be a light box which can be integral with the embossing board such that light shines through the apertures on the embossing board from a light source provided at the rear of the embossing board. It may also be a separate light box.
[0034] A yet further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of embossing comprising the steps;
providing a user with the embossing board of the first aspect of the invention; and
positioning the board such that a light source is present on the opposing side to that which will be viewed by the user in use; and
placing a sheet material over the embossing board; and
using an embossing tool or stylus to trace the surface relief design present on the surface of the board.
[0035] In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following figures;
Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an embossing board according to the present invention; and
Figure 1B shows a cross-section view of a part of an embossing board which shows the design according to the present invention; and
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embossing board according to the present invention; and
Figure 2B shows a cross-section view of a part of an embossing board which shows the design according to the present invention; and
Figure 3 shows a stylus for use with the embossing board depicted in figure 1A; and
Figure 4 shows a stylus for use with the embossing board of figure 2A; and
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an embossing board and associated tools as they would be used to emboss a sheet of paper; and
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the embossing plate of figure 1 overlaid with a sheet of paper ready for use.
[0036] Hereinafter various embodiments of the invention will be described. The features of the embodiments now described may be features of any of the other aspects of the present invention i.e. where feasible any feature described in relation to one embodiment may be provided in another embodiment.
[0037] An embossing board 1 according to a specific preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally depicted in figure 1A. The embossing board 1 has a planar upper surface 2 over which a piece of paper or card (not shown) can be laid. A recessed groove 3 is present on the upper surface 2 of the embossing board 1 in the form of a shape or design (a cross section view of which is shown in Fig 1B). Within the groove there are a number of small holes 4 at regular intervals which extend all of the way through the embossing board 1.
[0038] Generally the holes 4 will extend through the depth of the embossing board 1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 2, such that light can travel through the holes 4 from one side of the embossing board 1 to the other side.
[0039] In Figure 1 the design is shown as a simple geometric shape however it will be appreciated that the design could be significantly more complex. Figure 3 shows a ball end stylus which can be used along with the embossing board to emboss a sheet of paper.
[0040] In use, a sheet of paper 6, or other appropriate ductile material, is placed over the upper surface of the embossing board 1 such that the shape or design formed by the recessed groove 3 is covered (as can be seen most clearly in Figures 5 and 6). The embossing board is positioned with a light source 7 on the opposite side of the board to the paper. Light from the light source 6 shines through the holes 4 and also through the sheet of paper 6 that has been laid over the embossing board 1 to produce a pattern of light spots 8 which correspond to the shape formed by the recessed groove 3. This allows a user to easily see where on the paper to press the stylus 5 such that it will mate with or be pushed into the recessed groove 3 present on the embossing board. The light spots also provide a visual guide for tracing the groove 3 such that the user does not need to rely only on feeling for the groove 3 with the stylus 5.
[0041] In this specific embodiment the holes 4 are of smaller diameter or width than the width of the groove 3. This ensures that if a stylus 5 is used which fits snugly into the groove 3 along with the sheet of material to be embossed, the stylus 5 will not fit into or fall through the holes 4. This is useful as the holes 4 are simply being used to allow light through as a visual guide.
[0042] Although the holes are shown as circular apertures in this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the apertures may be provided as different shapes. Alternatively, the holes may be replaced with translucent or transparent sections of the board. In some instances the board itself can be translucent or transparent base material which is overlaid, painted or otherwise covered with more opaque material such that the uncovered areas form the visual guide means.
[0043] An alternative embodiment will now be described with specific reference to figures 2A, 2B and 4. For ease, reference numerals corresponding to those features present in the previous embodiment have been increase by a factor of 10 compared to the previous reference numerals.
[0044] In the alternative embodiment the embossing board 11, as generally depicted in figure 2A, again has a planar upper surface 12 over which a sheet of paper, card or other appropriate material can be laid. A design is provided on the upper surface 12 as a raised ridge 9 (with a cross section view through the ridge being shown in Fig 2Bi and and alternative option in 2Bii). Along the length of the raised ridge 9 are provided a number of holes 14 which extend all of the way through the embossing board 11.
[0045] In use, the embossing board 11 is positioned with a light source behind it which in a particular embodiment can be achieved by placing the board 11 on a light box. A sheet of paper is placed over the embossing board and a stylus 15 with a notched lower surface (as shown in figure 4) is pressed over the paper such that the notched surface of the stylus 15 is over the raised ridge 9 on the embossing board 11. The user can then draw the stylus 15 across the ridge 9 whilst applying some downward pressure to form an embossed ridge on the paper. Alternatively a single point stylus such as a ball end stylus could be pressed against one side of the raised ridge 9.
[0046] In another embodiment (not shown) the embossing board 1, 11 is provided as a kit. The embossing board 1, 11 is provided with along with a stylus 5, 15 and a light box. The embossing board is provided with clips which allow it to be attached to the light box. In other embodiments the clips could be replaced with other means for attaching the board to the surface of the light box such at male sections on the board which can mate with female sections on the light box and vice versa.
[0047] It can also be envisaged that the light box could be integral with the board. A preferred version of this would have the planar surface of the board angled toward the user in use. The planar surface could also be tiltable. Ideally the light box contains multiple sources of light e.g. an array of bulbs or LEDs such that it is able to provide even light distribution across the surface of the box.
[0048] Although the above embodiments are indicative of the invention, they should not be considered as limiting. In particular whilst the above description covers specific embodiments in which there are holes provided at regular intervals within the recessed groove, the holes could be provided as slits.
[0049] Furthermore, although providing the holes at regular intervals has the benefit of being easy for a user to view and obtain an overall impression of the underlying shape the holes could be irregularly positioned. Irregular positioning of the holes may be useful if the holes were to be provided closer together at more complex parts of the design such as where there are angled sections and further apart where the design is simpler such as sections with straight lines.
[0050] Yet further, it could be envisaged that the holes are positioned parallel to the surface relief design. This could be done regardless of whether the surface relief design is provided as a channel or a ridge on the surface of the embossing plate. Whilst potentially not as easy to follow as when the holes are provided along the channel or ridge this would still provide a visual guide for a user to follow albeit that they would be running the stylus or embossing tool slight above or below the visual guide.
1. An embossing board which defines a planar surface, having a surface relief design
adapted to guide a means for embossing a sheet of ductile material, wherein the board
is provided with one or more visual guide means which is adapted to allow light through
the board and said one or more visual guide means are provided along or parallel to
the surface relief design.
2. An embossing board according to Claim 1 wherein the one or more visual guide means
comprise apertures which extend through the embossing board.
3. An embossing board according to Claim 1 wherein the one or more visual guide means
are transparent or translucent sections of the board.
4. An embossing board as in any of the previous Claims wherein the surface relief design
comprises a recessed channel in the planar surface of the embossing board.
5. An embossing board as in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the surface relief design comprises
a raised ridge on the planar surface of the embossing board.
6. An embossing board as in any of the previous Claims which is provided with reference
means to assist with positioning of the paper.
7. An embossing board as in any of the previous Claims which further comprises an integral
light source.
8. An embossing board as in any of Claims 1 to 6 further comprising attachment means
to facilitate attachment to a light box.
9. An embossing board as in Claim 8 wherein the attachment means are in the form of clips,
adhesive elements or male or female protrusions or ingresses.
10. An embossing board as in any of the previous Claims wherein the visual guide means
are positioned at regular intervals along or parallel to the surface relief design.
11. An embossing board as in any of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the visual guide means are closer
together at angled portions of the design.
12. An embossing kit comprising the embossing board as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11
and a means for embossing a sheet of ductile material.
13. An embossing kit as in Claim 12 further comprising a light source.
14. An embossing kit as in claim 18 wherein light source is a light box.
15. A method of embossing comprising the steps;
- providing a user with an embossing board as Claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12; and
- positioning the board such that a light source is present on the opposing side to that which will be viewed by the user in use; and
- placing a sheet material over the embossing board; and
- using an embossing tool or stylus to trace the surface relief design present on the surface of the board.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description