An object can be perceived from multiple viewing angles such as top, bottom and front views. But a drawing can capture only one view at a time. That is why a patent application demands different views of an article demonstrated with the help of drawings. These views craft the physical appearance of the object to help inventors disclose their invention in patent application. Black and white drawings, as stipulated by patent offices, are an effective and easy mechanism to show every feature of the invention as laid out in claims. The following case study explains how Sagacious IP helped its client to effectively showcase different views of the invention and secure a patent grant.

The Crux of the Problem

Recently, a US-based client operating in the automobile sector approached Sagacious IP seeking help to fully disclose his invention via patent drawings. The client was unaware of the patent office guidelines and had little knowledge of the views required to disclose the invention. However, he knew that any patent office would require different views to visualize the appearance and functioning of his invention to avoid any kind of risk of rejection. Therefore, he approached Sagacious IP’s professional patent illustrators to make use of their expertise in patent drawings/patent illustration.

The main challenge while working on this project was to draw the views with precise shapes and sizes using the correct ratio and dimensions with the least deviance from the client’s requirements. Illustrators had to select the most appropriate views that would provide adequate information about the invention and yet be cost-effective. All this had to be done in accordance with the patent drawing guidelines of the respective patent and trademark office (PTO). Furthermore, the illustration team had to ensure that the drawings capture every feature of the invention as laid out in claims.

Different Views Required by Client

Many different views are required to disclose invention in patent application and here are some of the views that the client required. Each view had its set of challenges during the demonstration. The images accompanying every view description below are used for illustration purposes only and are not associated with the invention in question.

1. Perspective View

It demonstrates a three-dimensional appearance of the invention from an angle that portrays height, width, and depth for a more realistic approach. This view had to be presented in a way that could provide the best solution for understanding the drawings.

2. Alternate Position View 

It indicates the range of motion of an assembly component by showing it in different positions. Herein, illustrators overlaid one or more alternate position views on the original view in phantom lines. To demonstrate this view, Sagacious IP’s patent drawing experts had to show the moved position by a broken line which is superimposed upon a suitable view.

3. Exploded View

The patent application had to include the exploded view of the invention to show the relationship and parts order in an assembly. Exploded views with the separated parts embraced by a bracket, to point out the connection or order of assembly of varied parts, are acceptable. When an exploded view is shown during a figure that is on an equivalent sheet as another figure, it should be placed in brackets. If one is not using the projection lines that show the assembly path, then one should use a bracket to show that all parts are part of the exploded assembly.

4. Partial View

When necessary, a view of an outsized machine or device in its entirety can either be broken into partial views on one sheet or can be extended over several sheets. In such a case, views on two or more sheets must effectively form one complete view. Furthermore, the views on several sheets must be arranged in a way that the entire figure is assembled without secreting any part of any of the views on varied sheets. A very long view can also be divided into several parts by placing these partial views one above the other on one sheet. However, the connection between the various parts must be clear and meaningful.

5. Sectional View

To show the internal part and components, illustrators had to show the cross-sectional view of the part/assembly. The sectional view had to be indicated by a broken line on the view from which the section is cut. Similarly, it required hatching to show the section portions of an object. Hatching is regularly-spaced oblique and parallel lines which can be distinguished easily. Similarly, if it is impossible to put reference characters outside the hatched area, hatching can also be broken off wherever reference characters are inserted. Preferably, hatching must be at an angle, instead of being horizontal or vertical.

A cross-section must be drawn to point out all materials just as they are shown within the view from which the cross-section was taken. The various parts of a cross-section of an equivalent item should be hatched within the same manner and must accurately and graphically indicate the character of the material(s) illustrated in cross-section.

Different parts of the cross-sectioned views should have different hatch angles. Similarly, different types of hatching should have different conventional meanings with regards to their character or nature. The figure below illustrates the same.

6. Miscellaneous

Sometimes, an invention is required to be demonstrated by a process or method. In such cases, flow charts, block diagrams, and graphs can be used.

Sagacious IP Solution

The client was not aware of the illustrations and was in need of assistance. Sagacious IP’s patent illustrators first conducted the discussion with the client to talk about the above-mentioned views. After understanding his requirements, the team deployed a computer-aided design (CAD) program/software.

Illustrators used technical dimensioning techniques like stack up analysis in order to maintain the precision in size and shape of the product. Furthermore, sectioned views of product were used to make 2D shapes and measurements clearer.

Thereafter, the patent illustration team added labeling, text, reference numbers in the diagrams in adherence to PTO guidelines. Furthermore, the professional illustrators exercised due diligence in cross-verifying sheet size and margin, text size, line durability and quality of patent drawings. Finally, after conducting multiple quality checks, they delivered the drawings to the client for review as per the patent office guidelines.

Outcome

The client was satisfied with the quality drawings provided by Sagacious IP’s patent illustration team. He lauded the timely delivery of the project that was completely in line with the PTO guidelines. As a result, the client secured the patent grant from its respective patent office. The partnership between the client and Sagacious IP is still strong as the former continues to assign us new and challenging patent drawing projects.

Sagacious IP’s patent drawing/illustration services help applicants include clear and accurate patent drawings that enhance the chances of a successful patent grant. Our patent illustrators are experienced at making utility patent drawings keeping in mind the patent drawing rules of the PTO concerned.

• Sarvil Vikram Singh and Sudip Kar (Illustration) and the Editorial Team