Abstract:
An improved transparent template and positioning device for aligning material to be stitched, marked or cut, the template including two overlapping lines with one or more being translucent and one or more using fluorescent pigment that will overlap their colors to create a third color forming an outline or “halo” effect of enhanced visibility, enabling the darker more precise opaque lines on the ruler to be easily seen or found on light and dark materials. The translucent lines will allow the user to see through the template to the actual material that he or she is working with in order to provide improved viewing and more accurate alignment.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to positioning devices to be used in aligning material to be stitched, marked or cut and, more particularly, to a transparent template that includes two overlapping lines with one or more being translucent and one or more using fluorescent pigment that when overlapped with the translucent lines will combine to create a third color forming an outline or “halo” effect, of enhanced visibility. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Transparent rulers and templates having grid lines formed thereon are known for use in aligning, measuring, and marking material, such as fabric, paper, plastic, and the like. These rulers and templates are also used to guide a tool, such as a razor, knife, or rotary cutter, in cutting the material to desired sizes and shapes or to guide a tool such as a long arm quilting machine to stitch materials. 
         [0005]    Most templates and positioning devices use etching or single color opaque markings, such as lines, to aid in aligning underlying material to be stitched, marked or cut. If the lines are etched, they will only be visible to the naked eye when positioned over dark materials, making the positioning of the template less versatile. If the markings are a single color, they will only be visually useful when the template is placed on working material that is of contrasting light or dark colors. This does not allow the user to visually align the material accurately with the markings, resulting in misalignment and unsatisfactory work product. Two contrasting superimposed lines have also been used to form a composite two-color line. This helps in most cases, depending on the colors used on the template and the color of the fabric. In some cases the composite lines can still be difficult to see, such as in low-light conditions. 
         [0006]    Previous attempts to solve this problem include:
       Superimposing contrasting opaque lines of different widths.   Using a wide transparent line superimposed over an opaque line.   Adding fluorescent pigment to the ink to enhance a wide transparent line.   Creating a window opening in the opaque line to allow the user to see the material.       
 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present disclosure is directed to an improved transparent template and positioning device for aligning of material to be stitched, marked or cut. The template includes two overlapping lines with one or more being translucent and one or more using fluorescent pigment. Where the lines overlap, the colors will combine to create a third color forming an outline or “halo” effect enabling the darker, more precise opaque lines on the ruler to be easily seen or found on light and dark materials. The translucent lines will allow the user to see through to the actual material that he or she is working with in order to provide for improved viewing and alignment. 
         [0012]    In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure a device is provided that includes a substrate having first and second opposing sides and formed of a material that enables viewing through the substrate, a composite line on one of the first and second opposing sides, the composite line including: an opaque line, a first translucent line of a first color and at least partially surrounding without overlapping or touching the opaque line, and forming a space between the opaque line and the first translucent line, and a second translucent line of a frosted white color that at least partially overlaps the first translucent line to create a visually perceptible third translucent line that has enhanced visibility. 
         [0013]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a tool is provided that includes a substrate formed of a transparent material and including opposing first and second sides, a first translucent line on the first or second side of the substrate and having a fluorescent effect or color, and a second translucent line on the first or second side of the substrate and overlapping a portion of the first translucent line, the second translucent line having a white color that combines with the overlapped portion of the fluorescent color of the first translucent line to form a visually perceptible third translucent line that has enhanced visibility. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided that includes a substrate having first and second opposing sides and formed of a material that enables viewing through the substrate, a composite line on one of the first and second opposing sides, the composite line including: an opaque line, a first translucent line of a first color at least partially surrounding without touching the opaque line to leave a space around the opaque line, and a second translucent line of a white color at least partially overlapping the first translucent line that combines with the at least partially overlapped first translucent line to create a visually perceptible third translucent line that has enhanced visibility, particularly with respect to the opaque line, first translucent line and second translucent line. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure a tool is provided that includes a substrate formed of a transparent or translucent material and including opposing first and second sides, a first translucent line on the first or second side of the substrate and having a fluorescent color, and a second translucent line on the first or second side of the substrate and overlapping a portion of the first translucent line, the second translucent line having a white color that combines with the fluorescent color of the first translucent line to form a visually perceptible third translucent line that has enhanced visibility in combination with the opaque line, first translucent line and second translucent line. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing implementation, the tool includes an opaque line on the first or second side of the substrate that is at least partially overlapped by the first translucent line. 
         [0017]    As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the present disclosure avoids the disadvantages of prior methods and achieves a ruler that enhances the ability to view the markings against underlying material. The halo effect of the overlapping lines allow the user to see through the template to the actual material that he or she is working with in order to provide improved alignment and increased measurement and cutting accuracy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The foregoing features and advantages of the disclosed implementations will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a tool for measuring material utilizing unique halo effect markings in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are enlarged plan views of a portion of a transparent measuring device showing the steps of forming a halo effect line in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with transparent measuring devices, rulers, templates, cutting guides and the inks used thereon as well as manufacturing processes for the same have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the representative implementations. 
         [0022]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.” 
         [0023]    Reference throughout this description to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one implementation” or “in an implementation” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations. 
         [0024]    It is to be understood that “device” and “tool” are intended to embrace rulers, templates, and devices for manually aligning, marking, measuring, stitching, or cutting underlying material, such as cloth fabric, or for performing combinations of the foregoing operations. 
         [0025]    In one implementation a device is provided that includes a substrate having first and second opposing sides and is formed of a material that enables viewing through the substrate. A composite line is formed on one of the first and second opposing sides. The composite line includes an opaque line, a first translucent line of a first color and at least partially surrounding without overlapping or touching the opaque line, and forming a space between the opaque line and the first translucent line, and a second translucent line of a frosted white color at least partially overlapping the first translucent line and to create a visually perceptible third translucent line that has enhanced visibility. 
         [0026]    In another implementation, a tool is provided that includes a substrate formed of a transparent material with opposing first and second sides. A first translucent line is formed on the first or second side of the substrate and has a fluorescent color, and a second translucent line is formed on the first or second side of the substrate and overlaps a portion of the first translucent line, the second translucent line having a white color that combines with the overlapped portion of the fluorescent color of the first translucent line to form a visually perceptible third translucent line that has enhanced visibility. 
         [0027]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a portion of a transparent measuring device  10  having a transparent substrate with opposing first and second sides  12 ,  14 , each side having respective surfaces that are substantially planar. On one or the other of the sides  12 ,  14 , or on both of the sides  12 ,  14 , a plurality of lines  16  are formed on the respective surface. Preferably the lines are formed on a single surface of each side  12 ,  14  by screen printing as is known in the art. 
         [0028]    Ideally the device  10  is constructed of clear acrylic, ⅛″ to ¼″ thick for durability and rigidity. The acrylic is laser cut to size for accuracy, and the edges are polished. The acrylic surface on one side  12  or  14  is preferably screen printed with the desired markings, which can include without limitation lines, circles, indicia such as letters and numbers, as well as curved lines, composite lines, and it can include inscribed lines. It is to be understood that other methods of applying or forming markings on the surfaces  12 ,  14  of the device can be used as known in the art. The markings may also be directly printed on the acrylic using a large format digital printer. 
         [0029]    The preferred method is the screen printing process because it permits the application of a heavy deposit of ink. Alternatively, present methods do permit the direct transfer of an electronic or computer image to a print screen, bypassing the step of using an ortho film, although this is much more expensive. In addition, a lithograph press, an engraving process, thermal (hot) stamping of foil, or a photographic process may also be used, as well as any combination of graphics and manufacturing. Finally, high-speed laser printers that print a computerized image directly to a plastic sheet are also available. Virtually any pigment transfer method may be used to generate the markings of the present disclosure on the transparent sheet. Another method takes advantage of precision cutting equipment to cut out pre-printed adhesive plastic that can be applied as a layered substrate to the transparent sheet, particularly for non-transparent and non-translucent lines and markings. 
         [0030]    With respect to forming halo effect markings in accordance with this disclosure, the following description will be with respect to forming a linear line as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C . It is to be understood that the following method and process can be used for almost any indicia or marking, including without limitation linear or curved, where the halo effect is desired. 
         [0031]    Initially, a dark opaque line  18  is formed on either surface of the first or second side  12 ,  14  of the device  10  using one of the methods described above, although screen printing with ink is preferred. Because the screen printing method of applying the lines to the substrate or transparent sheet is well known, it will not be described in further detail. In another implementation the opaque line  18  is optional or is only used with some but not all of the lines on the device  10 . 
         [0032]    Next, a first translucent line  20  is formed on the same surface of the first or second side  12 ,  14 . Preferably the first translucent line  20  is formed of a fluorescent pigment material or fluorescent effect color or paint. The word “translucent” is intended to mean semitransparent so that it permits light to pass through without a user being able to see clearly through the line. This line  20  ideally has fluorescent pigment in the material that enhances the visual effect and visibility of the line  20  formed therefrom. 
         [0033]    The line  20  is preferably sized and shaped to surround but not touch the first opaque line  18 , leaving a space  22  between the two lines  18 ,  20 . In other words, the first translucent line  20  is located around the outside of the opaque line  18  to encircle or surround the opaque line without touching the opaque line  18 . Alternatively, the first translucent line  20  can be applied over the opaque line  18  and to extend beyond the opaque line, preferably to assume a shape similar to the opaque line  18 . The space  22  is thus the portion of the first translucent line  20  that does not overlap the opaque line. 
         [0034]    In the preferred construction, the space  22  between the opaque line  18  and the fluorescent color line  20  is where a third color line  24  is formed. The third color line  24  is now preferably formed behind the opaque line  18  and sized and shaped to fill the space  22  between the opaque line  18  and the fluorescent color line  20 . While it is not necessary that this third color line  24  be formed behind or on top of the opaque line  18  or that it completely fill the space  22 , it is preferred that it do so to ensure the “halo” effect is achieved. This third line  24  will be approximately three times the width of the opaque line  18  and, in most applications, will partially overlap the fluorescent color line  22 . Ideally, it overlaps the fluorescent color line  20  by about 0.015 inches so that it has enhanced visibility in combination with the fluorescent color line  20  and with the opaque line  18  when it is formed behind or on top of the opaque line  18 . The range of overlap of the fluorescent line  20  and the third line  24  can be from 0.005 to 0.030 inches and more preferably in the range of 0.010 to 0.020 inches. 
         [0035]    The color of the third line  24  will ideally be a translucent frosted white color and formed of a material or paint that is readily commercially available. The translucent frosted white line  24  overlaps behind, meaning on top of, the translucent fluorescent color line  22  in a manner that will brighten the overlapped portion  26  of the fluorescent color line  22 , and thus forming an outline or “halo” effect line  26  around the dark opaque line  18 . Ideally the shape of the third line  24  follows the shape of the opaque line  18 . 
         [0036]    The first line, i.e., the opaque line  18 , is preferably formed of black solvent ink, although other materials may be used, including without limitation UV ink and digital printing. The second line, the fluorescent line  20 , is preferably translucent and is formed of yellow material or ink. The third line  24  is the one that combines with the fluorescent line  20  to create the halo effect line  26  in the area where it overlaps the second fluorescent line  20 , and it is preferably formed of translucent frosted white ink or material. Ideally all of the lines are formed on a back surface of the device, in this case the surface of second side  14 , so that it bears against the material being viewed through the transparent substrate or device, thus reducing the chance for parallax error. 
         [0037]    The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations. In the alternative implementation where the fluorescent line  20  overlaps and extends beyond the opaque line  18 , the space  22  is at least partially overlapped with the third line  24  of the frosted white color to create the “halo effect” line  26 . Preferably the third line  24  has a similar shape to that of the opaque line  18 . Alternatively, the first translucent line  20  and the translucent third line  24  can be combined without using the opaque line  18  to form an enhanced translucent line. 
         [0038]    Aspects of the implementations can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further implementations. For example, thinner, less rigid acrylic or other materials could be used with less desirable results. Different methods for cutting the material could be used which would produce less desirable results. The tool could also be produced without the opaque line and using only the two translucent lines to create the “halo” or outline effect. Other colors could also be used with similar results although the use of the frosted white color for the third line  24  has been found to yield the most visible “halo effect” line to date. 
         [0039]    These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible implementations along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.