DRAWING IMPLEMENTS

Abstract: A drawing implement, for example a wax crayon (10), has a laminated structure of coloured layers (1) to (6). The wax crayon is produced by forming wax layers one above the other to provide a laminated slab, by pouring successive quantities of coloured wax over a flat bottomed surface of a tank or trough and allowing each quantity of coloured wax to set, at least partially, to form a layer, before pouring the next quantity. The laminated slab so formed is cut into strips, which are in tum cut into lengths to form the implements.

Description: "VRAΨmG TMFUEME-NTS" The present invention relates to drawing implements. Generally, one drawing implement provides only one colour, and if more than one colour has been desired or needed a plurality of implements, for example pencils, providing respective different colours have been required. According to the present invention there is provided a drawing implement, having a laminated structure comprising a plurality of layers of colouring or colour-bearing material Drawing implements embodying the present invention can each provide more than one drawing colour. The colours can be used together, with a single stroke of the implement leaving a track composed of different colours, or by using the implement appropriately a single stroke of the implement can provide a track of only one of the colours offered by the implement. A drawing implement embodying the present invention may be used simply for the attractive and.varied designs, of varied colour, which can be created using only one implement. However, the fact that each colour offered by the implement can be used individually can provide the artist with various advantages. He needs only one implement to provide a number of colours, offering a saving in cost and avoiding theueed to change implements when the working colour is to be changed. _——=— Drawing implements in accordance with embodi¬ ments of the present invention may be, for example, wax crayons, chalk crayons or pastels, pencils, or felt-tip or marker pen implements. In the case of each different kind of implement, since a plurality of colours are provided by the implement, manufacturing cost can be reduced insofar as it is not necessary to provide separate packaging, wrapping, presentation or binding for each different colour. According to the- present invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a drawing implement, comprising forming successive layers of colouring or colour-bearing material, one over the other, to form a laminated structure. Methods of manufacturing drawing implements in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can provide for the manufacture of large volumes of implements at a favourable cost. The user can benefit through the availability of an implement offering a plurality of colours at a reasonable price, e.g. the artist is provided in one implement with materials which, previously, could have been obtained only through the purchase of several implements. Reference is made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a wax crayon embodying the present invention, Figure 2 is a top plan view of the wax crayon of Figure 1, partly sectioned along the line A-A' in Figure 1, Figures 3 and 4 are respective schematic representations of colour patterns which can be produced by the drawing implement of Figure 1 , Figures 5 A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating the manner in which the drawing implement of Figure 1 is used to produce the pattern of Figure 4 , Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a pencil embodying the present invention, and Figure 7 is a schematic partial sectional view of a felt-tip pen embodying the present invention. Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a wax crayon 10 embodying the present invention. Figure 2 is a view of the crayon 10 from above, partly sectioned along the line A-A' in Figure 1. As seen from Figures 1 and 2, the crayon 10 has a laminated structure comprising a plurality of layers of wax 1 to 6. One end of the crayon is shaped as shown to form a tip 7 and the other end 8 of the crayon is flat. for example, the crayon may be 3 3/4" to 4" long, and 3/4" deep, each of the layers 1 to 6 being 1/8" thick, to give a convenient size implement. The crayon is shown comprising six layers only by way of example, two or more layers may be provided. The above-mentioned layer thickness is given only by way of example. Each layer may be thicker, or thinner, than 1/8". Very thin layers only 1/64" thick may be produced. Generally the layers will be of equal thickness¬ es, as shown in Figure 1. However, different layer thicknesses may be provided. For example, one side of the crayon may have relatively thicker layers, to facilitate selection of individual colours by the artist, whilst the other side of the crayon has relatively thinner layers for providing vari-coloured tracks in a single stroke of the implement, as explained later. The layers may each be of a different colour or shade, or more than one layer of the same colour or shade may be provided. For example, two colours may alternate layer by layer. The different layers may be of different primary colours or of pronouncedly different colours. Alternatively, each layer may be of the same " colour of a different shade or tone of that colour. For example, the layers may be progressively darker in shade. The different configurations of the two ends 7 and 8 of the crayon can provide the artist with a variety of drawing effects. Figure 3 shows a "stripe"-,e ect which can be achieved using the flat end 8 of the crayon, with the artist moving the flat end 8 of the crayon across the paper with the layers of the crayon parallel to the direction of movement of the crayon. The track left by the crayon on the paper comprises parallel stripes 51 to 56 of respective colours. Figure 4 shows an effect which can be achieved using the shaped tip 7 of the crayon 10. Figures 5A and 5B indicate h-ow the artist should manipulate the crayon 10 to produce the effect of Figure 4. As indicated in Figure ' 5A, the artist commences with the crayon 10 inclined at an angle with its tip 7 in contact with paper lOO. The artist then moves the crayon generally in the direction indicated by arrow A, at the same time rotating the crayon, around the tip 7 as indicated by arrow B. Figure 5B shows the final disposition of the crayon ' 10. As seen from Figure 4, as the crayon 10 is moved in a direction of arrow A, and rotated as indicated by arrow B in Figure 5A, first one layer of the crayon (e.g; layer 6), then another layer Ce. . layer 5), and so on come into contact with the paper 100. Thus, along the track left by the crayon a region 61 -of the colour of layer 6 " is provided, then a region 63 of the colour of layer 5, then a region 65 of the colour of layer 4, and so on. Regions62 and 64 are transitional regions where two layers are in contact with the paper at one time and their colours are mixed or blended together. It will be understood from Figure 4 how.the crayon 10 can be used to provide markings of only one colour. With the crayon appropriately inclined, for example as shown in Figure 5A, a single colour marking can be provided if the artist does not rotate the implement ' as indicated by arrow B in Figure 5A. The shape of the tip 7 of the crayon 10 may be selected so as to facilitate the use of colours individually, or alternatively so as to facilitate vari-coloured effects. Thus, one basic effect which can be provided by a drawing implement embodying the present invention is a band of colours which consist of parallel lines of different colours, with the lines of the same width, for example. ' Another basic effect which may be provided is the provision of a series of different colours along a band, or track. It will be readily appreciated that the basic effects described above can be combined or varied. The drawing implement can be ' rotated and twisted or turned and many and varied colour effects can be achieved. It will be understood that implements embodying the present invention can, of course, be used to draw on surfaces other than paper. • Implements may be designed • for marking particular surfaces. In an implement having layers each of a primary colour, the layers may be laminated in a sequence corresponding to the sequence of colours in the spectrum, e.g. purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. With such an 5 arrangement, rainbows can be drawn at a stroke. Of course, implements with different sequences of coloured layers can be sold in sets, or they may be sold singLy • so that the artist can collect, a set of implements offering all the different sequences. 10 Figures 1 " and 2 illustrate a wax crayon embodying the present invention. ■" A chalk or pastel embodying the presentjinvention can also be provided which has the same general appearance as the wax crayon of Figures 1 and 2 but with layers I5τ 1 to 6 comprising chalk instead of wax. Figure 6 is a sectional view of a pencil embodying the present-invention, the section taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the pencil. In Figure 6, layers 31 to 36 are layers of pencil lead of different colour 20 or shade. Veneer 37 is provided at opposite sidesof the pencil, and further veneers 38 are provided to form a casing to enclose the layers of lead completely. A "wax" pencil may be made in which layers 31 to 36 are layers of different coloured wax, in a casing of 2 veneers 37 and 38. Figure 7 is a sectional view of a felt tip pen or marker in accordance with the present invention. Individual layers of felt, 41 to 46, are impregnated with different coloured inks. Between adjacent layers of 0 felt some material or substance 48 -is provided to prevent the ink of the individual layers intermixing. It will be understood that colour combinations as explained above with reference to the wax crayon can be provided in the chalk or pastel, pencil and felt-tip implement. Moreover, in the chalk'or pastel, pencil and felt-tip implements the number of layers can be varied as explained with reference to the wax crayon. Methods of manufacturing drawing implements embodying the present invention will now be described. Briefly, the manufacture of a wax crayon embodying the present invention is effected as follows. Successive quantities of pigmented solutions (molten so. s to set upon cooling, or self-hardening e.g. through catalytic action) are poured in stages one upon the other into a level bottomed trough or tank. As a first quantity of pigmented solution, carrying a pigment of a first colour, becomes. solid (through cooling or self- hardening • ) to form a first layer, a second quantity of pigmented solution is poured on top of the first layer. When the second laye becomes solid, a third quantity of pigmented solution is poured, ' and so on. Thus, successive layers of solidified wax are formed one upon another, each layer of uniform thickness throughout the trough or tank and with the layers bonded to one another (eg. by fusion, catalysis or thermal effects). A large laminated slab is formed in this way. Individual crayons are formed by cutting the slab into strips; then cutting the strips into appropriate lengths. One end of each length may be cut to shape to provide a tip 7 as shown in Figure 1. The laminating together of different coloured layers, thermally or catalytically bonded together, produces a strong drawing implement. Each layer of the implement supports its neighbour so that the layers will not! , collapse " if a heavy pressure is used whilst drawing. Sharp line and colour separation can be achieved with sharp and distinct borders between each colour sτrip when the implement is used as explained with reference to Figure 3. Examples of quantities which may be used in the manufacture of wax crayons in accordancewith the present invention are given below. A casting trough or tank providing a casting area 8ft. by 2ft in size may be used. A one gallon quantity of pigmented molten wax poured into the casting area will solidify to provide a layer approximately 1/8" in depth. When the first layer has solidified a second gallon of pigmented molten wax will provide a further layer 1/8" in depth. Thus, six one gallon quantities of pigmented wax will provide six successive layers each 1/8" in depth. After solidification a slab 8ft. by 8ft by 3/4" thick is formed. Cutting the slab into " strips and cutting the strips into 4" lengths will provide approximately ' 1000 crayons. It has been established that the whole process can be carried out in about 1 hours. The casting area can be increased and a greater number of crayons produced without any substantial increase in processing time. If a casting area 8ft. by 12ft. is used, about 6000 crayons can be produced in about 1 hours, and if a casting area 16ft by 16 ft is used about 16000 crayons can be produced. As casting area is increased, a greater quantity of molten wax is required to produce each 1/8" thick layer. Thin layers can be provided by using proportion¬ ately smaller quantities of wax. Layers as thin as 1/64" can be produced. The production of a wax crayon embodying the present __ invention can be effected using wax without relying upon the addition of bonding agent to the wax, if temperature is well controlled. However, to facilitate production and to admit of less stringent requirements for satisfactory bonding between layers, a bonding or binding agent can be added to each quantity of molten wax used. For example, Portuguese wood rosin is a suitable binding agent. using the binding agent, each quantity of molten wax is poured at a temperature of. about 10O°C. Each quantity is allowed to cool for about 7 minutes before the next quantity is poured. Thus, one layer is allowed to become solid before pouring of molten wax to form the next layer However, pouring of wax for the next layer should take place with the one layer still warm enough to be pliant. It is advisable, before pouring the molten wax to form the first layer, to pre-heat the surface in the casting area on which the first layer ' is to be formed. The surface on which the first layer is to be formed may be polythene, melamine, perspex, metal or formica, for example. The wax employed for forming a crayon embodying the present invention may be slab wax (which is the colour of candle wax). To provide each quantity of wax for pouring, a suitable .amount of the slab wax is melted, rosin or other bonding agent is blended in, and appropriate powder pigment is added to the wax and blended in a blender; progressively more pigment is added until the appropriate shade or hue is achieved. The laminated slab ultimately formed should be cut whilst the wax is still warm and plastic to a degree, and a relatively even temperatureexists in the slab. not to be completely separated, for example the strips may be joined together by one layer of wax. Thus, when the strips are cut into lengths, blocks of connected crayons are provided from which individual crayons can be snapped off. Chalk or pastel drawing implements embodying the present invention can be produced by a method similar to that used for producing wax crayons. A quantity of slurry of Plaster of Paris and pigment (or other self-hardening pigmented compound) is poured onto a level casting area. This quantity of slurry is allowed to set partly, to form a first layer, then a similar slurry (differently pigmented) is poured onto the partly set first layer, and so on, to form a laminated slab. The slab is cut into strips and lengths as for the wax crayons, to form individual chalk or pastels. For some pastels, heating or cooling may be used to effect hardening, rather than catalytic hardening as in the case of Plaster of Paris. For example, pigmented compounds may be poured hot and allowed to solidify by cooling, or a pigmented compound (for example a suitably infused clay slurry) may be mixed and poured and then heated to drive of ±- water to cause solidification. Slurry for one layer should be poured on a preceding layer before it is fully hardened, so as to ensure that a strong bond is formed between the layers (by bonding between molecules of the layers). On the other hand, slurry for one layer should not be poured onto the preceding layer too soon, or complete intermixing would take place. The preceding layer should be allowed to set to a creamy consistency before a further layer is poured. Kiln or oven drying may be used to drive off excess water vapour from the finished chalks or pastels. Instead of Plaster of Paris (or gypsum) with water -In¬ soluble pigment and water, pigment mixed with chalk with methyl cellulose or gum Tragacanth may be used to form the layers of the pastel or chalk drawing implement. A pencil embodying the present invention may be formed by a method as described below. Such a pencil comprises a wooden sleeve with a laminated core of pencil lead. The pencil is sharpened at one end to expose the laminated core. ■ -.*. The pencil may be formed as follows. A level casting area is covered with a sheet of veneer or wood. Successive quantities of liquid pencil lead are poured and solidified to form a laminated layer structure and then the structure is covered over with a further veneer. The slab comprising the laminated layer structure of pencil lead sandwiched between the veneers is cut into strips which are then turned on their sides for further veneering to form a complete casing. The encased strips are then cut into lengths. A wax pencil may be made by combining veneers and a laminated layer structure of wax rather than of pencil lead. Alternatively, a laminated layer structure of pencil lead (or wax) may be cut into strips and a wood¬ en sleeve provided for each strip, the sleeve consisting of two mitred halves which fit around the strip and encase the layer structure. A felt-tip drawing implement embodying the present invention may be manufactured as follows. A level surface is provided. A sheet of felt with a waterproof backing is placed on a level surface and saturated with coloured ink. A second sheet of backed felt is bonded to the first sheet (for example, the backing of the second sheet is bonded to the first sheet using a waterproof adhesive or mastic). The second sheet is then saturated with (different) coloured ink. Successive sheets of ink bearing felt are provided in this way to form a laminated layer structure of bonded felt layers containing (different) coloured inks separated by waterproof layers. The layer structure is cut into strips and lengths which are then housed in pen sheaths. Alternatively, layers of felt (impregnated with ink) may alternate with layers of acetate which may be glued to the felt layers. Layers of acetate may be used to encase-the felt. ' .layer structure produced. A felt-tip implement embodying the present invention may also be provided in which a plurality of felt-tip units lie parallel to each other, insulated from one another. The tips of the units are flattened so that they touch but for a thin layer of insulation to prevent (different) coloured inks merging . A modified form of drawing implement embodying the present invention may provide for the sequence of colours in the implement to be variable. for example, individual colour units, e.g. slim felt-tip units or slim pencil units, may be held and contained in a case or sleeve in such a manner that the positions of themnits can be changed within the sleeve. Thus, the present invention provides drawing implements each comprising a plurality of layers of colouring- or colour -carrying material. The layers may all be of different colours or hues, or colours may alternate layer by layer. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing drawing implements having a laminated layer structure, suitable for batch production of large quantities of implements.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A drawing implement, having a laminated structure comprising a plurality of layers of colouring or colour-bearing material. 2. A drawing implement as claimed in claim 1, being a wax crayon or a chalk crayon or pastel, one end of the implement providing a flat surface perpendicular to the layers (of wax or chalk, as the case may be) of the laminated structure, and the other end of the implement being shaped to provide a profiled tip. 3. A drawing implement as claimed in claim 1, being a pencil, wherein the layers are of pencil lead, comprising a casing enclosing the laminated structure. 4. A drawing implement as claimed in claim 1, being a felt-tip or marking pen, wherein the layers are of felt impregnated with coloured ink, and are separated by insulating layer impervious to the ink. 5. A drawing implement as claimed in claim 2, comprising six layers each 1/87 thick. 6. A method of manufacturing a drawing implement, comprising forming successive layers of colouring or colour-bearing material one over the other, to form a laminated structure. 7. A method as claimed in claim 6, for manufactur¬ ing a wax crayon-, comprising pouring a quantity of molten pigmented wax onto a flat surface of a tank or trough, allowing that quantity of wax to set partially, in the form of a first layer , then pouring a further quantity of molten pigmented was onto the first layer, to form a second layer, to form the laminated structure. 8. A method as claimed in claim 6, for manufactur¬ ing a chalk or pastel, comprising pouring a quantity of pigment-bearing liquid slurry, for forming a layer of chalk or pastel colouring material, onto a flat surface of a tank or trough, allowing or causing the slurry to set partially, in the form of a first layer, then pouring a further quantit of pigment bearing liquid slurry onto the first layer, to form.a second layer, to form the laminated structure. 9. A method as claimed in claim 6, for manufacturing a pencil, comprising pouring a quantity of pigment-bearing liquid pencil lead onto a flat surface of a tank or trough, allowing or causing the liquid pencil lead to set partially, in the form of a first layer, then pouring a further quantity of pigment bearing liquid pencil lead onto the first layer to form a second layer. 10. A method as claimed in claim 6, fσrmanufactuing a felt-tip or marker pen implement, comprising placing a first layer of felt on a flat surface, impregnating the first layer of felt with ink, placing a layer of ink- impervious material over the first layer of felt, then placing a second layer of felt over the layer of ink- impervious material, and impregnating the second layer of felt with ink.

Inventors: CARRINGTON S
Applicants: CARRINGTON S
Application year: 1981
Main classification: B43K27
IPC codes: B43K27, C09D13