Method for custom printing and forming three-dimensional structures
US6117061A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09F1/06
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Generally speaking, a method for forming custom-printed, three dimensional structures using a computer and a computer-controlled printer, has several steps. A flexible rectangular sheet is perforated to form a removable portion. Lines of weakness are formed on the removable portion, to serve as fold lines that ultimately folding the two-dimensional removable portion into a three-dimensional structure. A user instructs a computer program to command a computer-controlled printer to print particular information onto the printing surface of said removable portion. After printing, the user removes the removable portion from the sheet along the perforations and then folds the removable portion along the lines of weakness and secures the folded sheet into a three dimensional structure. The removable portion may be provided with a pressure-sensitive, water-activated, cohesive or other type of adhesive for adhering securing the folded sheet into the three-dimensional structure. The computer program enables the user to design the custom-printing for the structure, and optionally to preview the ultimate appearance of the three-dimensional structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.