Shading in patent drawings is one of the most indispensable parts as it helps to understand an invention by defining the shapes, visually. Let’s learn various tips and tricks to create impressive patent drawings.
Let us first understand the two types of shading techniques, i.e., Linear and Stippled.
| Linear Shading | Stippling Shading |
| Lines are used to create shades | Small dots are used to create shades |
| Less time consuming as it can also be applied using computer software | Time-consuming and expensive as they are created using hands. It even produces a better result as they are made using hands. |
| Preferred more | Preferred less |
Linear shading can be further categorized into the following three forms:
In the case of shading spherical and cylindrical surface objects, the gap between the lines increases. In this shading form, closer lines show a dark or shaded side whereas more extensive spaced lines show the object’s light side.
Surface Shading lines are thinnest of all and are used for surface shading.
| Names | Description |
| Bold Lines | It is used for highlighting the edge or side of an object which is in shade. |
| Thin Lines | It is used for creating object side or edge which faces light. |
Impressive Patent Drawings: Tips & Tricks
Tips to create proper shading:
To obtain deep, and useful shades, one must follow the rules of lights while drawing. Few of them are below:
- While shading, the light coming from the upper left-hand must fall at a 45-degree angle at the object surface.
- Also, the lines must not be much closer. If lines don’t appear clear and sharp then, it would not be effective.
In the case of design patent applications, surface shading is all about clarity. For example, you can consider the shape of a complex curvature wherein proper shading, and boundary outlines make it more artistic and clear. In case of avoidance of shading, the drawing will appear unclear and will be very difficult to understand.
Tips to create impressive patent drawings:
- Draw everything to scale
- Try to put several drawings on one page
- Folds, crease, etc. must not be there on the paper
Benefits of creating proper shading:
Creating an impressive patent drawing is not an easy task. The drawing must be so well such that it does not face any objection from the examiner and meets all the requirements. The two significant benefits of applying proper shading are:
- Supports examiner understanding and helps in patent approval
- Makes invention clear and unambiguous
Tricks to improve shading in complicated patent drawings:
It is very tough to show every bit of specification when it comes to a more technical and complicated patent drawing. In that case, to make it more precise, the trick is to give more attention towards the following two components of shading:
1# Tangencies: It may be a line, curve or surface which touches another surface or curve without intersecting or crossing it. Moreover, it is the area where shading makes a huge difference. Formation of tangent edges takes place when two different surfaces meet with each other. In another way, the structure is also when an object’s surface changes its character. In drawings, it is not visible that they have definite edges and exist as a part of the surface shading in line drawing. Tangential edges help an examiner better understand an item’s shape.
2# Bold Lines: The bold line plays a significant role in surface shading as they highlight esential attributes such as openings, raised areas, shadow sides, and indentations of an object. Without shading, it is challenging to know if the space is hollow, indent, or with raise. There is no permission for patent drawings shading in all countries. One of those countries is China. However, proper outlines need to be there for clarity.
The use of tangencies and bold lines will surely improve every bit-detail of your patent drawings.
Also Read: Ways to Improve Quality of Patent Drawings
Conclusion
All patent drawings do not need surface shading, but in case of requirement, it will help to illuminate the item’s shape. No matter, where you will be using patent drawings, but they provide good defense for a useful application.
So, if you want to avail vital patent drawings services without burning a hole in your pocket then, “PatSketch” is your one-stop destination. We, at PatSketch, strive to cater 100% compliance to office patent rules with unusual flexible output formats for our customers. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and visit our service page for utility patent drawings, design patent drawings, patentability searches, and many more.
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