This patent application is directed to containers used as decorations, and more specifically, to methods for decorating translucent items such as containers.
Containers such as bottles and vases have long been used as decorations as well as vessels for storing and carrying liquids, for example. Traditionally, these containers are marked with labels or silk screen in order to indicate the contents of the container and/or add decoration.
The methods and decorative containers described herein may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements:
The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to unnecessarily limit the embodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all suitable modifications, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure.
The disclosed technology includes methods for decorating a translucent container. In some embodiments, a method can include cleaning an exterior surface of a container, applying a silver layer to the exterior surface, and applying a black layer over the silver layer. Portions of the silver and black layers can be selectively removed to form one or more shapes. In some embodiments, a translucent protective layer can be applied over the entire container. In some embodiments, the method can further include applying a color layer over the black layer subsequent to applying the black layer. In some embodiments, removing portions of the silver and black layers is performed with a laser. In some embodiments, the method can further include positioning an illumination device inside the container. In some embodiments, the laser is directed to remove the portions of the silver and black layers by a graphics file representing a hand written message.
The disclosed technology includes decorations comprising a translucent container having an interior region and an exterior surface with a silver layer on the exterior surface and a black layer on top of the silver layer. One or more shapes are formed in the silver and black layers and a translucent protective layer covers the container. In some embodiments, an illumination device is positioned in the interior region. In some embodiments, the decoration further comprises a color layer disposed between the black layer and the translucent protective layer. In other embodiments, the illumination device comprises a removable lighted cork. In further embodiments, the translucent container comprises glass.
In another embodiment according to the disclosed technology, a method for decorating a translucent container can include cleaning an exterior surface of the container, applying a reflective layer to the exterior surface, and applying an opaque layer over the reflective layer. Portions of the reflective and opaque layers can be selectively removed to form one or more shapes. In some embodiments, a translucent protective layer can be applied over the entire container. In some embodiments, the reflective layer comprises silver paint. In some embodiments, the opaque layer comprises black paint. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying a color layer over the black paint subsequent to applying the black paint. In some embodiments, removing portions of the reflective and opaque layers is performed with a laser. In some embodiments, the laser is directed to remove the portions of the reflective and opaque layers by a graphics file representing a hand written message. In some embodiments, the method further comprises positioning an illumination device inside the container. In some embodiments, the opaque layer comprises paint having a color other than black.
Various examples of the methods and articles introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques and technology discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.
The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of some specific examples of the embodiments. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this section.
In some embodiments, a smart pen can be used to digitally create (in .pdf format) custom hand written messages, sketches, and signatures, to name a few. Typical laser engraving systems can use .pdf, .jpg, and most graphics formats (e.g., graphics files) to guide the laser. Thus, the layer(s) can be selectively removed by the laser according to any of these formats. The Neo Smartpen available from Neolab USA of Los Angeles, Calif. is a suitable smart pen to create laser engraving file formats.
In some embodiments, the decoration 100 can include a lighted cork 108 which provides illumination inside the container 102. As explained more fully below with respect to
With reference to
As shown in
It should be understood that although the embodiments have been described with respect to containers e.g., glass bottles, the technology can be applied to other translucent or transparent articles, such as for example and without limitation, windows, mugs, pitchers, and glass ornaments. In some embodiments, other materials besides glass such as plastic can be used. Also, the container does not necessarily have to be clear and can be any suitable color including green or amber, for example.
As presented in this application, “transparent” has the meaning of allowing the specular transmission of light allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen with minimal distortion. And, “translucent” means that the material, or layers of material, allows light, but not necessarily detailed images, to pass through; also known as semi-transparent. Any references to translucent are meant to apply to either transparent or semi-transparent embodiments. “Opaque” has the meaning of appearing to block all light from passing through the material or layers of material. “Opacity” refers to the degree to which a material or paint is opaque. In other words, opacity refers to a material's transmittance or ability to pass light therethrough.
The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/213,022, filed Mar. 25, 2021, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/002,838, filed Mar. 31, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63002838 | Mar 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17213022 | Mar 2021 | US |
Child | 17891672 | US |