THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGE WITH PICTURE COVERING AND FORMING SYSTEM

Abstract: Three dimensional pictures and objects (1) and a method of producing three dimensional pictures and objects (1) involving sculpturing of a mass of pliable material (2) to which has been affixed, directly or by a transfer process, a picture (1), preferably a photograph (1), which serves as a guide to the sculpturing process. Optional steps include use of a "Vacu-form" machine, and use of pliable mass containing sacks (4), stuffing materials (6) and stitching (5). The sacks (4) can be comprised of a multiplicity of photographic films (1).

Description: Description Three Dimensional Image With Picture Covering and Forming System Technical Field This invention relates to three dimensional pictures and objects and more particularly to a method for producing very "real" appearing combinations of photographic pictures and sculptures. Processes involving use of "vacu-form" machines, "injec- tion" and "blow" moulding machines and pour moulding are also included. Use of computer aided image production is also mentioned. Background Art Over the years the creative nature of the human spirit has expressed itself through the arts. Numerous methods and processes have been developed and evolved, the practice of which allow production of physical items which communicate the concept and message intended by their creator to others. Commonplace examples of such methods and processes are pictures and sculptures. Existing art provides examples of efforts directed toward combining various modes of expression, relevant evi¬ dence of which is found in a patent to Greneker, issued in 1943, number 2,309,447, titled "Display Device and Method of Making the Same". Greneker disclosed a method for produc¬ tion of manikin sculpture to the face of which was affixed cut up portions of photographs. The purpose of the method was to produce a "real" appearing end result. A problem with the Greneker process, however, was that placing pieces of a two dimensional photo onto a presculptured manikin face resulted in a distorted result, with gaps existing between the various pieces of photograph. Arguably the Greneker process produced results which were inferior to that achieved by simply painting the manikin face. Another attempt to produce combinations of pictures and sculpture involves placing a picture on a thin sheet of copper, or other suitable pliable material, then impressing into the copper depressions and elevations from behind the picture. The sculpturing causes three dimensional effects and makes the picture seem more real, however, the end result remains relatively flat. A need exists for a method by which pictures, prefer- rably photographs, can be combined with sculptures to produce a "real" appearing three dimensional result. A typical application for such a method is in the production of dolls with human faces thereon. The method necessarily must allow for producing sculpture which is guided by the picture. The subject matter of this application has been the subject of U.S. Patent Application No. 620,696 filed on June 14, 1984 title "Three Dimensional Image With Picture Cover¬ ing and Forming System", and of a U.S. Continuation-lri-Part Application submitted on April 5, 1985, No. 720,527. This application is a further Continuation-In-Part and priority- is based upon the indicated co-pending applications. Disclosure of the Invention A method for producing "real" appearing three dimen¬ sional pictures and objects, which combines pictures, preferrably photographs, and sculptures, is the subject of this disclosure. The method is based in the fact that pictures can be contained in very thin pliable films. An excellent example of such a film is the result provided by removing the paper-cardboard from the back of a photograph. The method herein involves placing such a picture-containing- film onto a pliable mass of material which can be, but is not necessarily, clay. The method involves sculpturing of the pliable mass through the picture, using the picture as a guide. If the picture is of a human face, for example, the pliable material will be sculptured so as to provide elevated nose and depressed eye areas. In U.S. Patent Applications 620,696 & 720,527 this was stated as "...it is possible...to shape the molding material...by pressing on the flexible picture-front module...as guided by the face on the picture-front module", and it was stated in the indi¬ cated applications that the process is not limited to production of faces. The method, basically disclosed above, can be augmented by placing the pliable mass into a flexible sack which has a picture image impressed thereon and using said image as the guide to sculpturing. Later an actual picture can be attached to the sack by means of adhesives, and/or needle and thread, etc. Stuffing materials can be used to add to the three dimensional effect created during this process. In U.S. Patent Applications 620,696 & 720,527 this was disclosed as "...what hasn't been known is...using as an outermost layer a photographically printed material so that as the stitching is done, the face takes on the form of the photograph." It is possible to form the sack from photo¬ graph films directly. The method can also be augmented by the use of a "Vacu-Form" machine process. After the pliable mass is manipulated into a sculpture it can be hardened. In the case where the pliable mass is clay a heat treatment might be used. The hardened result can then be placed upon a "Vacu-Form" machine stage. A copy of the picture can be placed into plastic laminations and the combination placed into the "Vacu-Form" machine as well, where it is heated. The heat softened picture-lamination combination can then be suction pulled over the hardened pliable mass. This allows for mass production of "pulled" three dimensional pictures, but the approach can be used when a single picture is desired as well. The "Vacu-Form" pulling process provides a very "real" appearing result. Injection, blow or poured moulding machines and processes can be used to produce mounting structures for the results. A further addition to the basic process involves the production of a number of sculptured pictures, each being of one side of, or the top, front, back or bottom of a fully three dimensional object. The combining of said sculptured pictures then results in a true replication of a fully three dimensional object. An additional step can be to optimize the result with paints or other cosmetic materials. In the case where the process is used to produce a human face, a doll can be produced which includes a tape recorder therein. The person whose face is on the doll can add his or her voice to the result. The method herein can be practiced by individual human effort, or by machine, which includes computer aided devices. The later are useful in image production as well as in sculpture formation. Accordingly, it is a general object of this invention to provide a new art form. It is another general object of this invention to pro¬ vide a-method for production of three dimensional pictures. It is a specific object of this invention to provide a method by which photographs can be transformed into three dimensional pictures and objects. It is yet another specific object of this invention to provide a method by which photographs of human faces can be converted into very "real" appearing three dimensional faces for mounting in dolls' heads. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a picture mounted on a pliable mass prior to manipulation of the pliable mass into a sculpture. Fig. 2 is a side view of a picture mounted on a pliable mass after manipulation of the pliable mass into a sculpture, using the picture as a guide. Fig. 3 is a side view of a picture stitched to a sack which contains a pliable mass which has been manipulated into a sculpture. The sack is comprised of a multiplicity of pieces connected to one another. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring now to Fig. 1, the starting point for the method is a photograph or other picture (1), embodied in a flexible pliable film. A photograph from which the backing has been removed is an excellent example. The picture is placed in contact with a pliable mass of material (2) which can be, but is not limited to, clay. An alternate embodi¬ ment provides for transferring a picture to a flexible material which forms a sack, which in turn contains the pliable mass of material. Note that a sack can be formed by combining photographs directly. Next the pliable mass is manipulated through the picture(s) in a manner which adds a third dimension by causing there to be elevations and depressions at locations directed by the picture, (See Fig. 2 ) . Next the pliable mass, in its sculptured form, is hardened, perhaps by a heating process, but not limited to such. The hardening process can be accomplished with the picture attached to the pliable mass, or with the picture removed. If the picture was removed during the hardening process it is then remounted and held in place by adhesives or other means which do not detract from the appearance. If the pliable mass was manipulated while in a flexible sack, it can be replaced back into the sack prior to mounting the picture (See Fig. 3). If the hardened pliable mass (2) is replaced into a sack (4) the picture (1), or a replica of same, can be attached the sack by use of needle and thread (5). Stuffing materials (6) can be placed at appropriate locations under the picture during this step to further enhance the three dimensional effect. Once the picture is mounted the article of manufacture can be placed in a display unit, which in the case where the picture was that of a human face, can be a doll head. Injection, blow or poured moulding machines and processes can be used to form the display unit. Further, the hardened sculptured pliable mass can be used in conjunction with a "Vacu-Form" machine process. The additional steps required are the placing of the hardened sculpture onto the stage of a "Vacu-Form" machine, the placing of a corresponding picture in clear laminated plastic, the alligning and mounting of the picture-laminated clear plastic composite into the "Vacu-Form" machine, the heating of the picture- laminated plastic composite, and the suction pulling of the heated picture-laminated plastic composite over the hardened sculpture. This procedure is especially well suited to mass production of many units of a single picture. A further extension of the process involves the produc¬ tion of numerous hardened sculptured pliable masses with pictures attached, each being shaped so as to fit together with the other parts to form a fully three dimensional object. The pictures on each part being taken from an angle so that they represent accurately the part of the object they portray, and the number of pieces being great enough so that no picture is unrealistically distorted by the sculptur¬ ing process. Having hereby disclosed the ** * subject matter of this invention, it should be obvious that many modifications, substitutions and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described and should be limited in breadth and scope only by the appended claims.

Claims: Claims 1) A method of producing three dimensional pictures comprising: Providing a picture contained in a pliable film; Mounting the picture onto a pliable mass of material; Manipulating the pliable mass of material through the picture to form it into a sculpture, using the picture as a guide as to where to place the elevations and depres- sions. 2) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 1 which further comprises: Subjecting the sculptured pliable mass to a harden¬ ing process; Placing a replica of the picture used as a guide to manipulating the pliable mass into a sculpture into clear plastic by a lamination process; Mounting the plastic contained picture into a vacu-form machine; Placing the hardened sculptured pliable mass on the vacu-form machine stage aligned directly with the plastic contained picture; Heating the plastic contained picture-plastic combination by means inherent in the vacu-form machine; Suction pulling the heat softened plastic contained picture-plastic combination over the hardened sculptured pliable mass by means inherent in the vacu-form machine so that the picture takes on the shape of said hardened sculptured pliable mass; Trimming the plastic. 3) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 1 in which the picture is a photograph. 4) A method of producing three dimensional pictures comprising: Providing a picture contained in a pliable film. Transferring the picture onto a portion of a flexible sack; Placing a pliable mass of material into the sack; Manipulating the pliable mass of material to form it into a sculpture, using the transferred picture as a guide as to where to place the elevations and depressions. 5) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 4 which further comprises: Removing the sculptured pliable mass from the sack and subjecting it to a hardening process; Placing the hardened sculptured pliable mass back into the sack. 6) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 4 in which the flexible sack is comprised of a multiplicity of pieces of material attached to one another so as to form a sack. 7) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 4 in which the picture is a photograph. 8) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 4 which further comprises: Attaching a replica of the picture transferred to the sack in a fashion such that it is aligned with said transferred picture; Causing the replica to take on the shape of the hardened sculptured mass by use of adhesives, needle and thread and other means. 9) A method of producing three dimensional pictures as in Claim 8 which further comprises: Introduction of stuffing material under the attached replica of the picture to enhance elevations. 10) A method of producing real appearing three dimen- sional objects which comprises: Providing a multiplicity of pictures, each being of a limited portion of a three dimensional object and each being contained in a pliable film. Mounting each picture onto a pliable mass of material; Manipulating each pliable mass of material to form it into a sculpture using the picture as a guide as to where to place the elevations and depressions. Shaping the sculptured pliable masses so that they fit together to form a three dimensional object. 11) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 10 which further comprises: Subjecting each sculptured and shaped pliable mass to a hardening process; Placing each hardened sculptured fitted pliable mass onto a vacu-form machine stage; Placing a replica of each picture used as a guide to manipulating the pliable mass into a sculpture, into clear plastic by a lamination process; Placing each picture-plastic combination into a vacu-form machine and aligning the plastic contained pictures directly with the hardened, sculptured, fitted pliable masses; Heating the plastic contained picture-plastic combinations by means inherent in the vacu-form machine; Suction pulling each heated picture-plastic - combination over each hardened, sculptured, fitted pliable mass by means inherent in the vacu-form machine, so that each picture takes on the shape of each said hardened sculptured fitted pliable mass; Trimming the plastic; Fitting and securing the hardened picture supporting sculptured fitted pliable masses together to form a three dimensional object, which appears real. 12) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects which comprises: Providing a multiplicity of pictures, each being of a limited portion of a three dimensional object and each being contained in a pliable film; Transferring each picture to a portion of a flexible sack, which portion corresponds to the picture location were the sack caused to take on a three dimensional shape; Placing a pliable mass of material into the sack; Manipulating the pliable mass of material to form it into a sculpture, using the transferred pictures as a guide as to where to place the elevations and depressions. 13) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 12 which further comprises: Removing the sculptured pliable mass from the sack and subjecting it to a hardening process; Placing the hardened sculptured pliable mass back into the sack. 14) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 12 in which the flexible sack is comprised of a multiplicity of pieces attached to one another so as to form a sack: 15) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 12 in which the pictures are photographs. 16) A method of producing real appearing three dimen- sional objects as in Claim 12 which further comprises: Attaching a replica of each picture transferred to the sack in a fashion such that it is aligned with said transferred picture; Causing the replica to .take on the shape of the hardened sculptured mass by use of adhesives, needle and thread and other means. 17) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 16 which further comprises: Introduction of stuffing material under the attached replica to enhance elevations. 18) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 10 in which the pictures are photographs. 19) A method of producing real appearing three dimen- sional pictures as in Claim 4 in which the flexible sack is comprised of a photograph film at its forward most location. 20) A method of producing real appearing three dimen¬ sional objects as in Claim 12 in which the flexible sack is comprised of a-multiplicity of connected photograph films. 21) A three dimensional picture comprising a photograph, said photograph having been subjected to a process which causes it to assume depressions and elevations which correspond to the depressions and elevations of the physical item the photograph represents. 22) A three dimensional picture as in Claim 21 in which the picture is a photograph of a human face.

Inventors: BLAIR JUNE L, BLAIR, JUNE, L.
Applicants: BLAIR JUNE L, BLAIR, JUNE, L.
Application year: 1985
Main classification: G09F1
IPC codes: A47G1, B29C51, B44C3, G09F1