Patent drawings or patent illustrations are one of the most important elements of patent documents that are submitted to respective patent offices like the United States Patent Office or EPO. Though it is not mandatory to include a drawing in your documents still it is prudent. Since our main goal here is to get our patent approved; a well-drafted patent illustration or patent drawing can help in achieving the same in many ways.
Not only does it help others know every functionality of the invention, but can also expedite the patent granting process by letting examiners take minimum time to review it. Right from the inception of the patent regimen, people have been using drawings to support their inventions and ideas, however, the methods of creating a patent drawing are becoming more and more sophisticated, refined, and advanced. This article is an attempt to outline those methods and their elements to make our drawings worthy and appealing.
There are mainly two methods of creating patent drawings and we will learn about them in the further article.
Traditional Method of Patent Drawings
Drawing with Pen, Ruler, and Instruments
This is the traditional method of creating a patent drawing that has been used by people down the ages. Though with the advancement of technology it is losing its importance still if you enjoy drawing in the traditional method it will be fun.
Tools Needed for Patent Drawing in Traditional Method
Some of the important tools that we will need while creating patent drawings are:
- Pencils for Preliminary Sketches
- Ink drafting pens for drawing ink lines
- Rulers for making straight lines
- Triangles for making angled lines
- Templates for making certain standard shapes
- Compasses
- Curve rules for drawing curve
- An optional drafting table
- High-quality ink drawing paper
Techniques Used in Pen and Ruler Drawing
Some of the important techniques we can use to create a patent drawing are described below.
Drawing from scratch
Drawing from scratch requires some basic drawing skills and if you enjoy drawing then it can be an awesome experience. With this, we make a drawing by visualizing the object in mind, carefully sketching that visualized image on the paper with a pencil, correcting it unless it looks about right, and finally inking in the lines.
Tracing
Tracing is another important traditional patent drawing technique that we use to make patent drawings for inventions. With this technique, we trace a photograph of an object that we want to draw with tracing paper. In case we are interested in making an exact three-dimensional image of an object the same can be achieved by using ‘Camera Lucida’ that can be purchased through various vendors.
Digital Method of Patent Drawings
Drawing with a Computer
Drawing with a computer is another method we usually employ these days to create stunning and accurate scientific illustrations. Compared to the traditional method of drawing, it’s easier and can take less time. Popularly known as Computer-Aided Designing, this drawing technique is being used by inventors, architects, and other design professionals to create patent illustrations that can appeal to patent offices and associated individuals. Another important benefit of CAD is that it allows people to produce accurate drawings even if they consider themselves to have little or no artistic ability.
Tools needed for creating patent illustrations in CAD Method
Some of the important tools that we need to create patent drawings with CAD are:
- A computer
- A laser or inkjet printer
- A CAD program
- A scanner (optional)
- A digital camera (optional)
Methods of creating patent drawings with CAD
In case, you have a scanner you can scan the object load it to your CAD software, and trace it easily. In case you are using a digital camera you can transfer your object from there only to your CAD software through a cable and trace it accordingly. The rest is all about how efficient you are in Computer Aided Designing as it is important to understand the interface and use it accordingly.
Also Read: Need of Patent Drawings in Patent Application
Overview
The two methods are used to create patent drawings, traditional and modern. But patent drawings are drafted to serve the same purpose that is, to get the patent grant. Patent drawings make the applications more presentable and improve the chances of getting a patent grant.
Patsketch for Professional Services
Our services at PatSketch include patent drawings and trademark drawings, patentability searches, design patent searches, engineering drawings, and 3D Modelling. We strive to provide patent drawing services at the lowest prices. Our services are provided by experts who have worked in the field for years. We offer the most flexible output formats and ample expertise. Contact us to hire experts who will deliver the best results.
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