U.S. patent application number 10/260671 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for pictorial rendering of a concept.
Invention is credited to Vaillancourt, Richard R..
Application Number | 20040061287 10/260671 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32029747 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040061287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vaillancourt, Richard R. |
April 1, 2004 |
Pictorial rendering of a concept
Abstract
A technique is provided for producing a pictorial rendering of a
concept using only components obtained from a printed title of the
concept as designated in the vernacular language: The concept may
alternatively be a concrete object or an abstract notion. The
technique includes steps of displaying on a first surface the
entire printed title designating the concept to be depicted in the
pictorial rendering such that the printed title is comprised of a
plurality of individual distinctly contoured components and
applying onto a second surface distant from the first surface, a
representation of each of the individual distinctly contoured
components in a new relatively positioned relationship different
from that provided on the first surface such that, taken together,
the repositioned contoured components result in a pictorial
rendering of the concept designated by the printed title. The
individual distinctly contoured components variously include
letters or symbols of the alphabet.
Inventors: |
Vaillancourt, Richard R.;
(Westerly, RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Albert W. Hilburger
3 Laurel Hill Drive, South
Niantic
CT
06357
US
|
Family ID: |
32029747 |
Appl. No.: |
10/260671 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/157R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/157.00R |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of producing a pictorial rendering of a concept using
only components obtained from a printed title of the concept as
designated in the vernacular language comprising the steps of: (a)
displaying on a first surface the entire printed title designating
the concept to be depicted in the pictorial rendering such that the
printed title is comprised of a plurality of individual distinctly
contoured components; and (b) applying onto a second surface
distant from the first surface, a representation of each of the
individual distinctly contoured components in a new relatively
positioned relationship different from that provided on the first
surface such that, taken together, the repositioned contoured
components result in a pictorial rendering of the concept
designated by the printed title.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the concept is a
concrete object.
3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the concept is an
abstract notion.
4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the individual
distinctly contoured components include numbers or letters or
symbols of the alphabet of the vernacular language.
5. A method as set forth in claim 1 including the steps of: (c)
providing on a third surface removable representations of each of
the individual distinctly contoured components which comprise the
entire printed title of step (a); and (d) selectively removing from
the third surface the representation of each of the individual
distinctly contoured components for application to the second
surface according to step (b).
6. A method as set forth in claim 5 including the steps of: (e)
providing each of the removable representations of step (c) with an
adhesive backing; and (f) employing the adhesive backing, attaching
the removable representations to the second surface according to
step (b).
7. A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein the third surface
includes: an underlying support layer; and an adhesively-backed
overlying layer in contiguous contact with the support layer; and
including the step of: (e) scoring the overlying layer to outline
each of the representations of the individual distinctly contoured
components to enable their removal from the support layer according
to step (d).
8. A system for producing a pictorial rendering of a concept using
only components obtained from a printed title of the concept as
designated in the vernacular language comprising: a first surface;
an entire printed title designating the concept to be depicted in
the pictorial rendering displayed on the first surface comprised of
a plurality of individual distinctly contoured components; and a
second surface distant from the first surface onto which is applied
a representation of each of the individual distinctly contoured
components in a new relatively positioned relationship different
from that provided on the first surface such that, taken together,
the repositioned contoured components result in a pictorial
rendering of the concept designated by the printed title.
9. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein the concept is a
concrete object.
10. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein the concept is an
abstract notion.
11. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the individual
distinctly contoured components include numbers or letters or
symbols of the alphabet of the vernacular language.
12. A system as set forth in claim 8 including: a third surface on
which are provided selectively removable representations of each of
the individual distinctly contoured components which comprise the
entire printed title for application to the second surface such
that the repositioned contoured components result in a pictorial
rendering of the concept designated by the printed title.
13. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein each of the removable
representations is provided with an adhesive backing for attaching
the removable representations to the second surface.
14. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein the third surface
includes: an underlying support layer; and an adhesively-backed
overlying layer in contiguous contact with the support layer, the
overlying layer being scored to outline each of the representations
of the individual distinctly contoured components to enable their
removal from the support layer.
15. A system as set forth in claim 12 including: an instruction
manual for describing the creative process involved in producing
the pictorial rendering of a concept with components obtained from
a printed title of the concept as designated in the vernacular
language; a supply of sheets having the nature of the first surface
providing a plurality of printed titles of objects as designated in
the vernacular language; a supply of sheets having the nature of
the second surface for receiving the individual distinctly
contoured components; and a supply of sheets including the third
surface; all of the mentioned items together comprising a kit.
16. A game of producing a pictorial rendering of a concept using
only components obtained from a printed title of the concept as
designated in the vernacular language comprising: a reception
surface; and a plurality of individual distinctly contoured
components taken from the printed title of the concept as
designated in the vernacular language and relatively positioned
such that, taken together, the repositioned contoured components
result in a pictorial rendering of the concept designated by the
printed title.
17. A method as set forth in claim 16 wherein the concept is a
concrete object.
18. A method as set forth in claim 16 wherein the concept is an
abstract notion.
19. A game as set forth in claim 16 wherein the individual
distinctly contoured components include numbers or letters or
symbols of the alphabet of the vernacular language.
20. A game as set forth in claim 16 including: a source surface on
which are provided selectively removable representations of each of
the individual distinctly contoured components which comprise the
entire printed title for application to the reception surface such
that the repositioned contoured components result in a pictorial
rendering of the concept designated by the printed title.
21. A game as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of the removable
representations is provided with an adhesive backing for attaching
the removable representations to the second surface.
22. A game as set forth in claim 20 wherein the source surface
includes: an underlying support layer; and an adhesively-backed
overlying layer in contiguous contact with the support layer, the
overlying layer being scored to outline each of the representations
of the individual distinctly contoured components to enable their
removal from the support layer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a technique for
producing a pictorial rendering of a concept, either an abstract
notion, or a concrete object with components obtained from a
printed title of the concept as designated in the vernacular
language and also to a system, including a kit, for achieving such
a desirable result.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to
construct words from letters. Indeed, numerous word games have been
developed for play by groups of individuals. These games, such as
Scrabble.RTM., are both educational and informative insofar as they
require the players to compose words formed with a limited number
of letter tiles and board space. For example, in the Scrabble.RTM.
game, words are formed using single-letter tiles selectively placed
in spaces on a two-dimensional matrix printed on a playing board.
Scoring is determined by point values assigned to the letter tiles
as well as bonuses assigned to some of the letter spaces, that is,
double and triple letter spaces. The point value assigned to a
letter depends upon the frequency of use of the letter in the
language. For example, an "x" has a higher assigned value than does
an "e". While the Scrabble.RTM. game has enjoyed substantial
commercial success, word formation is relatively simple because
each tile contains only one letter. Furthermore, scoring is
primarily based on letter usage, rather than on word length.
[0005] An early instance of physically connecting physical objects
with their alphanumeric representations can be seen in U.S. Pat.
No. 257,630 which issued May 9, 1882 to Whitney. In this instance,
the invention comprises making the various blocks of a set of
alphabet or toy blocks of such shape and relative proportion as to
represent various proportional subdivisions of a straight line of
given length, and of a circle whose diameter bears a certain
proportion to the given straight line, and so that they are capable
of representing by combination with each other the different
letters of the alphabet, the various numerals, and other figures or
characters commonly used in print in regular proportion and on a
uniform scale. The child or learner using the blocks, instead of
selecting a block representing in itself a completed letter or
character; as with the alphabet-blocks then in common use, may be
furnished with or may select the blocks of this set which together
represent the desired letter or character, and may then construct
it for himself or herself.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 1,541,004 which issued Jun. 9, 1925 to Taylor
discloses an alphabetical toy particularly adapted for young
children, with the stated two-fold object of providing instruction
and entertainment. It is a device composed of a plurality of
sections, in the form of straight flat bars, pivotally joined
together and so arranged that by proper manipulation may be made to
form the letters of the alphabet and numerals from one to nine. Its
use is said to be particularly efficacious in kindergarten work
wherein the entertaining feature of individual manipulation of the
bars to form letters and numerals is a great aid to instruction.
Also, formation of the letters by the individual child in thus
manner is conducive to more rapid learning, by compelling
concentration, and affords an opportunity to visualize the manner
of forming each letter and numeral.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,491,164 issued Dec. 13, 1949 to Direkx
discloses an educational device in which any one of several
different pictures or subjects may be interchangeably formed by
selectively folding over suitably designated marginal segments or
tabs which project from a suitable support.
[0008] A sheet of paper, cardboard, or the like, which has a series
of marginal segments or tabs formed integral with the main body.
Each tab is provided on its front face with one or more letters of
the alphabet which are printed in various styles of letters and on
the opposite side of each of the tabs there is provided a fragment
of a picture of an object such as a cat, cow, dog, bird, or the
like. The arrangement of the fragmentary pictures appearing on the
backs of the segments is such that if the segments bearing the
similar styled letters "C," "O" and "W," for example, are folded
over onto the face of the main body or support, a composite picture
of a cow is formed from the fragmentary pictures of the
drawings.
[0009] In a preferred arrangement, the letters which are to be
matched together in the spelling of one of the objects pictured on
the reverse thereof are all made similar both as to the style of
type and as to color. By using a different color and style of type
for each word to be spelled, some of the letters of the alphabet
may appear on more than one of the tabs, but if it does, it is
printed in a manner distinctively different in each instance. Thus,
the letters forming the word "cow" may be made in the form of
rather light weight letters, whereas the letters used in spelling
the word "dog" are made in the form of rather heavy letters and the
letters used to designate "bird" are made in the form of
script.
[0010] In still another instance indicative of the prior art, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,365,198 issued Jan. 23, 1968 to Hay discloses a game and
puzzle for young children to familiarize them with the alphabet and
to associate various animate and inanimate objects with the letters
of the alphabet. Geometrically shaped members are provided to form
the various appendages of certain animated objects which can be
applied to the various letters of the alphabet, and in which the
starting letter of the name of the object or character depicts the
object from which the starting letter is formed.
[0011] It was with knowledge of the foregoing state of the
technology that the present invention has been conceived and is now
reduced to practice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to a technique for producing a
pictorial rendering of a concept using only components obtained
from a printed title of the concept as designated in the vernacular
language. The concept may alternatively be a concrete object or an
abstract notion. The technique includes steps of displaying on a
first surface the entire printed title designating the concept to
be depicted in the pictorial rendering such that the printed title
is comprised of a plurality of individual distinctly contoured
components and applying onto a second surface distant from the
first surface, a representation of each of the individual
distinctly contoured components in a new relatively positioned
relationship different from that provided on the first surface such
that, taken together, the repositioned contoured components result
in a pictorial rendering of the concept designated by the printed
title. The individual distinctly contoured components variously
include letters of the alphabet or other symbols, for example, but
not limited to, those provided on a computer keyboard.
[0013] A primary feature, then, of the present invention is the
provision of a technique for producing a pictorial rendering of a
concept with components obtained from a printed title of the
concept as designated in the vernacular language.
[0014] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of
such a technique in which the concept to be depicted is either an
abstract notion or a concrete object.
[0015] Still another feature of the present invention is the
provision of such a technique which employs a kit for achieving
such a desirable result.
[0016] Still a further feature of the present invention is the
provision of such a technique which includes the steps of
displaying on a first surface the entire printed title designating
the concept to be depicted in the pictorial rendering such that the
printed title is comprised of a plurality of individual distinctly
contoured components and applying onto a second surface distant
from the first surface, a representation of each of the individual
distinctly contoured components in a new relatively positioned
relationship different from that provided on the first surface such
that, taken together, the repositioned contoured components result
in a pictorial rendering of the concept designated by the printed
title.
[0017] Yet another feature of the present invention is the
provision of such a technique according to which the individual
distinctly contoured components include letters or symbols of the
alphabet of the vernacular language.
[0018] Yet a further feature of the present invention is the
provision of such a technique which includes the further steps of
providing on a third surface removable representations of each of
the individual distinctly contoured components which comprise the
entire printed title and selectively removing from the third
surface the representation of each of the individual distinctly
contoured components for application to the second surface.
[0019] Still another feature of the present invention is the
provision of such a technique according to which each of the
removable representations has an adhesive backing which is used to
attach them to the second surface.
[0020] Still a further feature of the present invention is the
provision of such a technique according to which the third surface
includes an underlying support layer and an adhesively-backed
overlying layer in contiguous contact with the support layer, the
overlying layer being scored to outline each of the representations
of the individual distinctly contoured components to enable their
removal from the support layer.
[0021] Other and further features, advantages, and benefits of the
invention will become apparent in the following description taken
in conjunction with the following drawings. It is to be understood
that the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory but are not to be
restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings which are
incorporated in and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate
one of the embodiments of the invention, and together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in
general terms. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a surface imprinted with pictorial
renderings of concepts using only distinctly contoured components
obtained from printed titles of the concepts as designated in the
vernacular language;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a surface imprinted with the
printed titles from which the pictorial renderings of FIG. 1 are
obtained;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a surface imprinted with
selectively removable representations of the distinctly contoured
components, scored for removal and placement onto another surface
in a new relatively positioned relationship such that, taken
together, the repositioned contoured components result in a
pictorial rendering of the concept designated by the printed
title;
[0025] FIG. 3A is a cross section view taken generally along line
3A--3A in FIG. 3; and
[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a kit
incorporating parts of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Turn now to the drawings and, initially, to FIGS. 1, 2, and
3 which generally illustrate the important elements of the present
invention. Although the invention will be described with reference
to the embodiments to be described and shown in the drawings, it
should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in
many alternate forms or embodiments. In addition, any suitable
size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
[0028] In one manner of description, as depicted in FIG. 1, the
invention relates to a system for producing a pictorial rendering
20, for example, of a concept (FIG. 2) using only components 22,
24, 26 obtained from a printed title 28 of the concept as
designated in the vernacular language. In this instance, the
printed title 28 of the concept is the English word "cup". Indeed,
throughout this disclosure, English has been chosen to be the
vernacular language for ease of explanation, but the invention has
application to any written language.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a first surface 30 on which the entire
printed title 28 designating the concept to be depicted in the
pictorial rendering is displayed. The first surface 30 may be on a
sheet of paper or on a sheet of vinyl, for example, or on any other
suitable surface. The only requirement is that the printed title be
capable of being viewed by an observer. As seen in FIG. 2, the
entire printed title 28 is comprised of a plurality of individual
distinctly contoured components, namely the components 22, 24, and
26 mentioned earlier. The component 22 is a uniquely and
distinctively shaped letter "c". The component 24 is a uniquely and
distinctively shaped letter "u". The component 26 is a uniquely and
distinctively shaped letter "p".
[0030] In a general sense, the individual distinctly contoured
components include, variously, numbers or letters or symbols of the
alphabet of the vernacular language. Typical of such symbols, but
not limiting of them, are the keys of a computer keyboard.
[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, a second surface 32 is depicted
distant, or distinct, from the first surface 30 onto which is
applied a representation of each of the individual distinctly
contoured components 22, 24, 26 in a new relatively positioned
relationship different from that provided on the first surface 30
such that, taken together, the repositioned contoured components
result in the pictorial rendering 20 of the concept designated by
the printed title 28, namely a cup. More specifically, component 22
forms the major body of the cup while component 24 forms the upper
rim of the cup and component 26 forms the handle of the cup and
completes a side wall of the cup. As with the first surface 30, the
second surface 32 may be on a sheet of paper or on a sheet of
vinyl, for example, or on any other suitable surface.
[0032] Turn now to FIG. 3 for the showing of a third surface 34 on
which are provided selectively removable representations 22a, 24a,
26a, respectively, of each of the individual distinctly contoured
components 22, 24, 26 which comprise the entire printed title 28
for application to the second surface 32 such that the repositioned
contoured components result in a pictorial rendering 20 of the
concept designated by the printed title. As more clearly
illustrated in FIG. 3A, the third surface 34 includes an underlying
support layer 36 and an overlying layer 38 in contiguous contact
with the support layer. As with the first and second surfaces, the
third surface 34 may be on a sheet of paper or on a sheet of vinyl,
for example, or on any other suitable surface.
[0033] The overlying layer 38 is adhesively-backed, that is, has an
adhesive layer 40 intermediate itself and the underlying layer 36.
Of importance, however, is the fact that the adhesive layer must be
more strongly bonded to the overlying layer 38 than to the
underlying layer 36. As seen both in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the overlying
layer 38 may be scored, as at 42, to outline each of the
representations of the individual distinctly contoured components
to enable their removal from the support layer. By reason of the
fact that the adhesive layer 40 is more strongly bonded to the
overlying layer 38 than to the underlying layer 36, the removable
representations 22a, 24a, 26a can be easily removed from the
support layer 36 and reapplied to the representations 22a, 22b, 22c
on the second surface 32 to produce the pictorial rendering 20. It
may also be possible to provide each of the distinctly contoured
components in such a manner that scoring is not necessary.
[0034] In the instance of the pictorial rendering 20, being a cup,
the concept is a concrete object. However, for purposes of the
invention, the concept need not be restricted to a concrete object
but may be an abstract notion. Take, for instance, a pictorial
rendering 44 as seen in FIG. 1. In this instance, an entire printed
title 46 designating the concept to be depicted in the pictorial
rendering 44 is displayed on the first surface 30 and is comprised
of a plurality of individual distinctly contoured components 48,
50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60.
[0035] In FIG. 3 is illustrated, once again, the third surface 34
on which are provided selectively removable representations 48a,
50a, 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, and 60a, respectively, of each of the
individual distinctly contoured components 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58,
and 60 which comprise the entire printed title 46 for application
to the second surface 32 such that the repositioned contoured
components result in a pictorial rendering 44 of the concept
designated by the printed title. In this instance, it must be
explained that a person named Deborah is considered by someone to
have angelic qualities and, therefore, it is proper to depict that
person as an angel. As with the pictorial rendering 20, the
representations 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, and 60a of each of
the individual distinctly contoured components 48, 50, 52, 54, 56,
58, and 60 are now applied to the second surface 32 in a new
relatively positioned relationship different from that provided on
the first surface 30 such that, taken together, the repositioned
contoured components result in the pictorial rendering 44 of the
concept designated by the printed title 46, namely, an angel.
[0036] In another instance of a concrete object, an entire printed
title 62 designating the concept to be depleted in a pictorial
rendering 64 is displayed on the first surface 30 and is comprised
of a plurality of individual distinctly contoured components 66,
68, 70, 72, 74. In FIG. 3 is illustrated, once again, the third
surface 34 on which are provided selectively removable
representations 66a, 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, respectively, of each of
the individual distinctly contoured components 66, 68, 70, 72, and
74 which comprise the entire printed title 62 for application to
the second surface 32 such that the repositioned contoured
components result in the pictorial rendering 64 of the concept
designated by the printed title. As with the pictorial renderings
20 and 44, the representations 66a, 68a, 70a, 72a, and 74a of each
of the individual distinctly contoured components 66, 68, 70, 72,
and 74 are now applied to the second surface 32 in a new relatively
positioned relationship different from that provided on the first
surface 30 such that, taken together, the repositioned contoured
components result in the pictorial rendering 64 of the concept
designated by the printed title 62, namely, a stork.
[0037] In still another instance of a concrete object, an entire
printed title 76 designating the concept to be depicted in a
pictorial rendering 78 is displayed on the first surface 30 and is
comprised of a plurality of individual distinctly contoured
components 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98. In FIG. 3 is
illustrated, once again, the third surface 34 on which are provided
selectively removable representations 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a, 88a, 90a,
92a, 94a, 96a, and 98a, respectively, of each of the individual
distinctly contoured components 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96,
and 98 which comprise the entire printed title 76 for application
to the second surface 32 such that the repositioned contoured
components result in the pictorial rendering 78 of the concept
designated by the printed title 76. As with the pictorial
renderings 20, 44, and 64, the representations 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a,
88a, 90a, 92a, 94a, and 96a of each of the individual distinctly
contoured components 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 are
now applied to the second surface 32 in a new relatively positioned
relationship different from that provided on the first surface 30
such that, taken together, the repositioned contoured components
result in the pictorial rendering 78 of the concept designated by
the printed title 62, namely, a helicopter.
[0038] It will be appreciated that the invention can be employed in
many different venues, too many to be satisfactorily mentioned in
this disclosure. However, one form of particular interest may be a
kit 100 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The kit 100 may include, by way
of example but not intended to be limiting of the invention, an
instruction manual 102 for describing the creative process involved
in producing the pictorial rendering of a concept with components
obtained from a printed title of the concept as designated in the
vernacular language. Another desirable item for the kit 100 would
be a supply 104 of sheets having the nature of the first surface 30
illustrated in FIG. 2 providing a plurality of printed titles of
objects as designated in the vernacular language. Still a further
desirable item for the kit 100 would be a supply 106 of sheets
having the nature of the second surface 32 for receiving the
individual distinctly contoured components. For this purpose, the
surface 32 may be completely blank or may have lightened outlines
of the pictorial rendering to aid young or uninitiated users. Yet a
further desirable item for the kit 100 would be a supply 108 of
sheets having the nature of the third surface 34 on which would be
provided selectively removable representations of each of the
individual distinctly contoured components which comprise the
entire printed title for application to the second surface such
that the repositioned contoured components would result in a
pictorial rendering of the concept designated by the printed
title.
[0039] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed in detail, it should be understood by those skilled in
the art that various other modifications may be made to the
illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention as described in the specification and defined in the
appended claims. For example, the invention may take the form of a
company logo using the company's name, or an appealing framed
drawing for display, or a game employing the technique described
requiring multiple players to produce a pictorial rendering from a
given title of a concept, the winner being the person who finishes
first.
* * * * *