WO1999067000A1 - Procedes et kits contenant des unites preformees pour activites recreatives - Google Patents
Procedes et kits contenant des unites preformees pour activites recreatives Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999067000A1 WO1999067000A1 PCT/US1999/014533 US9914533W WO9967000A1 WO 1999067000 A1 WO1999067000 A1 WO 1999067000A1 US 9914533 W US9914533 W US 9914533W WO 9967000 A1 WO9967000 A1 WO 9967000A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- preformed units
- preformed
- units
- kit
- starch
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 93
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 70
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 37
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 claims description 36
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 claims description 36
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001515 polyalkylene glycol Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004020 luminiscence type Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 240000005979 Hordeum vulgare Species 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000007340 Hordeum vulgare Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000881 Modified starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000019426 modified starch Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001059 synthetic polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 240000003183 Manihot esculenta Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000016735 Manihot esculenta subsp esculenta Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000209056 Secale Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000007238 Secale cereale Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 244000061456 Solanum tuberosum Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000002595 Solanum tuberosum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000016383 Zea mays subsp huehuetenangensis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000009973 maize Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000747 poly(lactic acid) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001225 polyester resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004645 polyester resin Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004368 Modified starch Substances 0.000 claims 3
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 244000098338 Triticum aestivum Species 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004035 construction material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 231100000252 nontoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 4
- 230000003000 nontoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 4
- -1 painted surfaces Substances 0.000 description 3
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 3
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000007319 Avena orientalis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000075850 Avena orientalis Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920002261 Corn starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002907 Guar gum Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 240000004668 Valerianella locusta Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000003560 Valerianella locusta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 150000002170 ethers Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000576 food coloring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001061 forehead Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000010417 guar gum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229960002154 guar gum Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000665 guar gum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002667 nucleating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003296 saliva Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/14—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts specially adapted to be assembled by adhesive or cement
Definitions
- the present invention relates to amusement activities which include toys, games, decorating projects, and arts and crafts projects. Specifically, the present invention relates to preformed units that are made from a light weight, water dispersible composition that are adhesive to a heterologous surface when the contacting surfaces of the preformed units are wet with water and are made from a starch or similar composition.
- Arts and crafts and decorating projects usually use or require materials with properties that are inherently messy, difficult to use, or are toxic to the person using them, especially to children. These inherent properties suggest that children should only use these arts and crafts materials under the supervision of an adult.
- materials used in arts and crafts projects and decorating are modeling clays, paper mache, wood, paints, cloth, crayons, and markers. All of these materials suffer from the disadvantage of being either toxic, messy, or difficult to use. Certain clays, paints, crayons, and markers can be toxic, and when applied to surfaces such as walls, floors, carpeting, and furniture are difficult to remove.
- all of these materials require a level of skill and care in use that is not usually inherent in children, especially very young children. Accordingly, use of these materials requires the supervision of an adult.
- a popular activity of children is decorating articles or themselves to enhance the appearance of the article or to make the appearance of the article or themselves amusing.
- Such a material should be light weight, nontoxic, biodegradable, and noninjurious to children.
- the material should enable construction of a wide variety of projects without the use of paints, adhesives, or markers.
- Such a product should be versatile enough to allow very young children the latitude to create a wide variety of imaginative projects without the constant supervision of an adult, while allowing older children to use the product to create challenging projects according to the child's skill level.
- U. S. Patent No. 5,447,584 to Shakespeare et al describes an edible, water soluble composition of low density for use in toys, games, and arts and crafts projects.
- the invention uses sheets of the composition from which shapes can be cut out. The shapes are adhered to each other by wetting the shapes and pressing the shapes together.
- the advantage of the invention is that the composition is biodegradable and nontoxic.
- composition of Shakespeare et al. utilizes a starch-based composition for forming biodegradable packing material as was disclosed in U.S. Patents No. 5,185,382 and No. 5,208,267 both to Neumann et al.
- Another starched-based composition for forming biodegradable packing material was disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,186,990 to Starcevich.
- the present invention provides a method for forming amusement activities which includes toys, games, 9/67000
- the present invention further provides for a kit comprising the preformed units for amusement activities.
- the present invention is useful both as a toy and as a construction material for decorations, games, and arts and crafts projects which are safe for children of all ages.
- Figure 1 is a front view illustrating an arts and crafts project wherein preformed units are used to decorate an article of clothing, and a person's face for amusement.
- Figure 1 shows a person from the waist up wearing a t-shirt 30 with a circular design 32 and a word 34 spelled out below the design, both made from preformed units 14.
- the face of the person is decorated as well with a round preformed unit 18 adhered to the person's nose and "devil's horns" made from preformed units 14 adhered to the person's forehead.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating several examples of preformed units.
- Figure 2A shows a conical preformed unit 10
- figure 2B shows a preformed unit 12 in the shape of a nose
- figure 2C is a perspective view of an elongated preformed unit 14
- figure 2D shows a preformed unit 16 in the shape of an ear
- figure 2E shows a preformed unit 18 in the shape of a round ball.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a kit for holding a plurality of preformed units.
- the kit 20 comprises a transparent flexible bag 22 containing preformed units such as preformed units 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 and an instruction booklet 24 on how to use the preformed units.
- the bag has at one end a hang tab 26 for displaying the brand-name and other information and with an eyelet 28 for hanging.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an arts and crafts project wherein a design in a coloring book is "colored" with preformed units.
- the illustration is of a page 42 from a coloring book 40 with a line drawing 44 of a butterfly wherein the user has adhered variously colored preformed units 14 within the areas defined by the line drawing.
- Figure 5 is a front view illustrating an arts and crafts project whereby preformed units are used to decorate an object.
- the illustration is of a window 50 having a flower design 52 and a word 54 spelled out on separate window panes 56, each made from preformed units 14.
- Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view of a first dispenser or applicator device 60 for applying moisture to a building unit.
- the device consists of a container 61 for holding water with a bottom 62 and sides 64 extending upward therefrom defining the container.
- the container is filled with water and a wicking material 66 is placed therein.
- Figure 7 is a plan view of the applicator device 60 of figure 6 showing the sides 64 of the container 61 and the wicking material 66 therein.
- FIG 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a second dispenser or applicator device 70 for applying moisture to a building unit.
- the device 70 consists of a container 71 for holding water with a bottom 72 and sides 74 extending upward therefrom defining the container.
- the container is fitted with a roller 76 rotatably mounted on an axle 78 in the container.
- the container 70 is filled water and as the roller is rotated on shaft 78, a film of water adheres to the roller 76 and is available for wetting a building unit.
- Figure 9 is a plan view of the second dispenser 70 of figure 8 showing the sides 74, the roller 76 mounted on the axis 78 in the container 71.
- Figure 10 is a side view of an apparatus 80 for producing preformed units by extrusion.
- the apparatus 80 comprises a mixing chamber 82 wherein the mixture 84 is placed.
- the mixture 84 is positioned within the extrusion chamber 86 wherein it is extruded through flow plate 88 and cut by cutter 90 to produce preformed unit 14.
- Figure 11 is a frontal perspective view of flow plate 88 having orifice 87 therethrough for producing preformed unit 14.
- the present invention provides a method for use in activities which are for amusement which can include but are not limited to games, constructing arts and crafts projects, and decorating projects.
- the method comprises providing a plurality of preformed units which comprise an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient composition wherein the preformed units are adhesive to a heterologous surface when the contacting surfaces of the preformed units are wet with water and are made from a water dispersible starch or similar composition.
- the amusement activity is formed by wetting the surfaces of the preformed units to be adhered to the heterologous surface with water, and pressing the wetted preformed units to the heterologous surface while the preformed unit bonds to the heterologous surface.
- the activity for amusement or arts and crafts or decorating project can be a design, words, amusing display, a target for a water gun, or any other project imagined by the user.
- the preformed units may also be molded into the shape of letters or figures. Preformed units molded into other shapes for use in specific decorating projects are also encompassed by the present invention.
- the preformed units can be adhered to a plurality of heterologous surfaces, including but not limited to glass, metal, stone, wood, paper, plastic, cloth, clothing, human skin and hair.
- the composition comprising the preformed units includes a coloring agent in an amount effective to color the preformed units.
- the coloring agent may be a food coloring or other nontoxic dye, preferably a coloring agent approved for use in food items.
- the coloring agent may also be a luminescence agent or a phosphorescence agent that glow in the dark or a fluorescence agent that fluoresces when exposed to light.
- the present invention also provides for a kit for use in activities for amusement such as games and for forming an arts and crafts or decorating project comprising a plurality of preformed units which are comprised of an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient composition that are adhesive to a heterologous surface when the contacting surfaces of the preformed units are wet with water and are made from a water dispersible starch composition, a container for the preformed units, and instructions for use.
- the kit comprises a container to hold the preformed units that is transparent.
- the container may be of a material and form as to provide a support to which the preformed units can be adhered.
- the container is a transparent flexible bag.
- the kit can also include an applicator for dispensing the water to wet the preformed units. Examples of applicators that can be included in the kit are a sponge (not shown) , applicator 60 or applicator 70.
- the preformed units of the present invention comprise a starch or grain flour supplemented with a water dispersible binding agent 000
- the binding agent is polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof.
- the starch or grain flour can be produced from corn, waxy maize, tapioca, potato, wheat, barley, rice, rye or a mixture thereof.
- the preformed units comprise a vegetable flour or water dispersible synthetic polymer and a water dispersible binding agent.
- the preformed units further include a coloring agent in an amount effective to color the preformed units produced.
- the present invention also provides a method for producing preformed units of an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient water dispersible composition for amusement activities and constructing arts and crafts or decorating projects which comprises the steps of providing a mixture comprising a starch and a binding agent, extruding the mixture under pressure and high temperature to form a continuous expanded length of the composition.
- the preformed units are made by cutting the continuous length of the composition into a plurality of preformed units.
- the preformed units are packaged for sale for amusement activities which include games and arts and crafts projects.
- the present invention further provides a method for producing preformed units of an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient water dispersible composition for amusement activities and arts and crafts and decorating projects wherein the steps comprise providing a mixture comprising a starch base and a polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof, extruding the composition under pressure and high temperature to form a continuous length of the composition.
- the preformed units are made by cutting the continuous length of the composition into a plurality of preformed units.
- the preformed units are packaged for sale for amusement activities which include games and arts and crafts projects. 7000
- the present invention further provides for an apparatus 80 for producing preformed units.
- the apparatus 80 comprises a mixing chamber 82 wherein the mixture 84 is placed.
- the mixture 84 is mixed under heat and pressure and then positioned within extrusion chamber 86 wherein it is extruded through orifice 87 of flow plate 88 and cut by cutter 90 to produce preformed unit 14.
- the present invention further provides for an article which is an arts and crafts or decorating project which comprises preformed units of an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient composition that have been adhered to heterologous surfaces by wetting with water and made from a water dispersible starch composition.
- articles encompassed by the present invention are designs, words, patterns, two- dimensional models, use in a coloring book wherein the preformed units are adhered to various portions of a pre-drawn design or picture, or any other use imagined by the user.
- the article can also comprise preformed units molded into a plurality of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.
- the article can further be a target for use in water gun games or activities.
- compositions that may be used to manufacture the preformed units are disclosed in U. S. Patent Nos. 5,185,382 and 5,208,267 to Neumann et al and U.S. Patent No. 5,186,990 to Starcevi ⁇ h.
- the composition described by Neumann et al is a starch product adapted for use as a packaging filler.
- the composition is an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient material having a matrix made principally from starch and a binding agent such as polyalkylene glycol or derivative thereof.
- the starch base can comprise a variety of corn or wheat starches, and can further include a bubble nucleating agent to enhance the bulk resiliency properties of the composition.
- the composition is water soluble and biodegradable. The compositipn is formed by extruding the mixture under high temperature and pressure which is then allowed to expand into the final product.
- the composition described by Starcevich is also water soluble and biodegradable.
- the composition is also an expanded, cellular, compressible and resilient material having a matrix made principally from starch and a binding agent such as guar gum.
- a plurality of grains can serve as the source for the starch, such grains being any of the grains defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Official U.S. Standards for grain, Subpart A, ⁇ 810.101 et segr. , pages A-1 to A-5 which include barley, corn, oats, and wheat among other grains.
- the composition is formed by extruding the mixture under high temperature and pressure which is then allowed to expand into the final product.
- compositions or any other related composition can be formed into shapes suitable for preformed units by extrusion or injection molding.
- related compositions suitable for the preformed units of the present invention are compositions made from starch, starch polymers, starch ethers, starch esters, and mixtures thereof.
- the starch or starch derivative may be produced from a crop selected from the group consisting of corn, waxy maize, tapioca, potato, wheat, barley, rice, rye, and mixtures thereof.
- the composition may include a binder selected from the group consisting of polyester resin, polylactic acid resin and mixtures thereof, or from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol and derivatives thereof.
- the composition of the present invention may comprise a vegetable flour and any one of the aforementioned binders.
- the composition may also comprise a synthetic polymer and may include any one of the aforementioned binders.
- a typical food extruder apparatus comprises a mixing chamber positioned forward at one end of an extrusion chamber which has a flow plate at the other end.
- Examples of food extruders are known and include food extruders such as the Maddox MX 626, Madox Metal Works, Incorporated, Dallas, TX; Werner & Pfleiderer single and twin screws, Werner & Pfleiderer Corporation, Ramsey, NJ; Anderson single screw, V.D. Anderson, Strongville, OH; and Richheim Baked type, etc., Richheim Company, Lakeville, IN.
- the starch mixture is placed in a mixing chamber 82 of apparatus 80, where it is mixed under heat and pressure. When the mixture reaches the flow plate 88 it exits through the orifice 87 of flow plate 88. As the mixture exits 88, the composition is cut by cutter 90 into appropriate length units and allowed to expand to its final shape.
- the transverse cross-section of the preformed units can be varied by adjusting the size of the orifice of flow plate 88 the mixture is extruded through.
- a large orifice will produce preformed units with a large transverse cross-section whereas a smaller orifice will produce preformed units with a smaller transverse cross- section.
- the preformed units can be formed in various lengths by varying the speed of the cutter 90. A rapid rate of cutting will produce short preformed units whereas a slower rate of cutting will produce longer preformed units.
- the preformed units can be formed in various densities by adjusting the temperature the mixture is heated.
- the preformed units At low extrusion temperatures of about 345° F.or less, the preformed units will be less than optimally expanded and therefore dense, and at high extrusion temperatures of about 351° F or greater the preformed units will be very light, but of reduced strength and resilience.
- the preferred extrusion temperature for forming preformed units is between the range of 345° F and 351° F. Therefore, by varying the temperature of the mixture in the extruder preformed units of many different densities and textures can be manufactured.
- the shape of the preformed units is varied by modifying the shape of the orifice 87 of the flow plate 88.
- an orifice in the shape of a star will cause the preformed units to be formed in the shape of stars after cutting
- a square shaped orifice will cause the preformed units to be formed in the shape of cubes after cutting
- a triangular shaped orifice will cause the preformed units to be formed in the shape of triangles after cutting.
- a preformed unit is produced having a central opening by extruding the mixture through an orifice defined as an opening surrounding a central region. Accordingly, other shapes can be envisioned by modifying the size, shape or structure of the orifice.
- Figure 2C is a drawing illustrating an elongated preformed unit 14 which is an example of one of the many shapes preformed units made by apparatus 80.
- preformed units are formed by injection molding wherein the starch mixture is injected into a mold whereby under heat and pressure the mixture expands and takes the shape of the mold.
- Injection molds are used to form odd-shaped preformed units or preformed units in the shape of a ball 18, a cone 10, a nose 12 or an ear 16 which are illustrated in figures 2A, 2B, 2D, and 2E, respectively.
- preformed units are preformed either by extrusion or by injection molding
- the preformed units can be further modified by the user by cutting the preformed units with either a knife, scissors, or other sharp instrument.
- the surface of the preformed units may be further altered in order to change the texture, appearance, aroma, color, shape or some combination thereof.
- An example of changing the shape of a preformed unit is wetting the preformed unit with water and molding the preformed unit into a desired shape.
- dyes or other coloring agents are added to the mixture to produce preformed units with various colors. Colored preformed units are more interesting to children than uncolored preformed units. Multi-colored or striped preformed units are made by adding the color to the composition as it is extruded from the extruder by positioning color applicators at various positions surrounding the orifice.
- the preformed units may be colored with luminescence producing agents which after exposure to light will cause the preformed units to glow in the dark.
- the preformed units may also be colored with fluorescence or phosphorescence producing agents which luminesce when excited by light.
- Dyes used to color the preformed units are preferably colorings approved for use iri foods. Colors approved for use in foods provide the least risk to children who may ingest the preformed units.
- Aroma producing agents can also be added to the mixture to form preformed units with specific scents.
- the preformed units are used to form a plurality of decorative designs and words which are adhered to a variety of non-similar or heterogeneous surfaces.
- the variety of decorative designs being limited only by the imagination of the user.
- the preformed units have the property of bonding to each other when the contacting surfaces are wet with water. This property allows three-dimensional designs to be constructed.
- the preformed units are provided as a kit 20 ( Figure 3) .
- the kit 20 includes a manual 24 with instructions on how to use the preformed units and several examples of projects that can be undertaken with the preformed units.
- the kit 20 is in the form of a transparent container 22 such as a transparent flexible bag wherein the colored preformed units (such as preformed units 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18) are visible to the viewer.
- Other embodiments can be a paper bag, a box or solid enclosure.
- the kit 20 may also contain a dispenser or applicator such as a sponge (not shown in figure 3) for applying the water to the preformed units.
- An eyelet 28 is provided for hanging the kit 20 in the store.
- the units to be adhered to a non-similar surface are wetted with water.
- the wetted surface is pressed to the non-similar surface to effect a bond between the preformed unit and the non- similar surface.
- decorative designs comprising a plurality of preformed units are constructed.
- Figure 1 shows a tee shirt 30 decorated with the preformed units 14 and a person's face decorated with the preformed units 14 and 18.
- Any preformed unit or special preformed units preformed in the shape of a nose 12 or ears 16 ( Figure 2) or other body parts can be also be adhered to the skin for amusement.
- Figure 4 shows the use of the preformed units to "color" a printed line drawing.
- a coloring book 40 containing pages 42 of printed line drawings 44 is decorated by adhering various colored preformed units 14 to various parts of the line drawing.
- the coloring book may also be in a "paint-by-number" format.
- the coloring book may also have blank pages to allow the user to create a "free-form" design.
- the coloring book may be made of paper, cloth or plastic pages, which may be removed if desired. Alternatively, plastic, cloth or paper either having a printed line drawing or having no drawing may be used.
- Figure 5 shows a window frame 50 with one pane 56 decorated with preformed units 18 in a design 52 and another pane decorated with preformed units 18 to create a word 54.
- the preformed units can be adhered to surfaces comprised of wood, glass, plastic, paper, painted surfaces, metal, pottery, cloth, clothing, or human skin or hair. It is recognized that other surfaces not enumerated herein may be suitable for adhering preformed units. Any of the abovementioned examples may further serve as targets in water gun games or activities. Articles constructed with the preformed units when hit with a stream of water emitted from a water gun disperse. Targets comprising the present invention can be constructed adhered to any surface or be freestanding structures.
- the targets can further comprise a heterologous, water nondispersible article such as a prize that has been encased with the preformed units.
- a heterologous, water nondispersible article such as a prize that has been encased with the preformed units.
- the user may use water, which may be applied to the preformed units using an applicator such as a damp cloth or a brush, or fingers wet with water or saliva.
- an applicator such as a damp cloth or a brush
- fingers wet with water or saliva.
- water is made available to the user to bond the preformed units to a heterologous surface or to each other.
- An important aspect of the present invention is to provide an applicator or dispenser for providing the water to moisten the preformed units.
- the applicator can be a sponge or a roller.
- An applicator enables the amount of water applied to a preformed unit to be controlled. Water is applied by the applicator only in an amount sufficient to moisten the surface of the preformed units which are then pressed to a heterologous surface or together to produce a bond.
- a first applicator 60 is illustrated in figures 6 and 7 including a container 61 for containing water and a wicking material 66 therein such as a paper towel or sponge which brings water to its surface. Contacting the preformed unit to the wicking material sufficiently moistens the preformed unit to effect a bond.
- a second applicator 70 is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 including a container 71 with a roller 76 rotatably mounted on an axle 78 in the container. Rotating the roller about the shaft 78 draws forth a controlled amount of water sufficient to moisten the preformed unit. Suitable materials for the roller may are plastic, porclein, wood, or a sponge.
- the preformed units and the articles made with the preformed units are safe to the user and are environmentally friendly. Disposal of the preformed units and articles constructed is achieved simply by dissolving the article in water and pouring the dissolved article down the drain. Alternatively, the article is deposited in the trash for disposal at a waste site. In either case, the disposed article poses little threat to the environment. Since the preformed units are made of starch and the binding agents are nontoxic, the preformed units are safe for most children and pose little threat if ingested. Finally, the soft consistency of the preformed units precludes the probability that children will inflict harm on themselves or others if the preformed units or articles made from the preformed units are thrown at each other or used to hit each other.
- the present invention discloses a new use for the composition that comprises the preformed units which is to bond the preformed units made from the composition to a plurality of heterologous surfaces when the contacting surface of the preformed unit is moistened 000
- the present invention provides a method for amusement which includes but is not limited to decorating a plurality of objects in arts and crafts projects. While the composition comprising the present invention is known in the non-analogous art of packaging fillers and the analogous art of arts and crafts and toys, the method of using the composition to produce preformed units for amusement by the method of the present invention is new. Neither the non-analogous art nor the analogous arts disclose that articles comprising the composition can be bonded to a heterologous surface. Furthermore, in the most closely related example in the analogous art, U. S. Patent No. 5,447,584 to Shakespeare et al.
- the composition therein is provided to the user in sheets that are cut with a sharp instrument into shapes, the shapes of which can be bonded to each other.
- the method of the present invention provides the composition in a plurality of preformed shapes that can be bonded to a plurality of heterologous surfaces. While the composition comprising the preformed units of the present invention can be bonded to each other, the novel use of the preformed units is bonding the preformed units to a heterologous surface.
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- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
Abstract
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU48368/99A AU4836899A (en) | 1998-06-24 | 1999-06-24 | Method and kits containing preformed units for use in amusement activities |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10425998A | 1998-06-24 | 1998-06-24 | |
US09/104,259 | 1998-06-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999067000A1 true WO1999067000A1 (fr) | 1999-12-29 |
Family
ID=22299483
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/014533 WO1999067000A1 (fr) | 1998-06-24 | 1999-06-24 | Procedes et kits contenant des unites preformees pour activites recreatives |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU4836899A (fr) |
WO (1) | WO1999067000A1 (fr) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010144284A1 (fr) * | 2009-06-08 | 2010-12-16 | Monosol, Llc | Blocs d'activité ludique comprenant des surfaces à adhérence latente |
ITTO20121115A1 (it) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-21 | Maip S R L | Alfabeto modulare, biodegradabile, riciclabile e da fonti rinnovabili |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009026654A1 (fr) * | 2007-08-29 | 2009-03-05 | Moose Enterprise Pty Ltd | Ensemble figurine-jouet fusible dans l'eau |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2460221A (en) * | 1944-06-09 | 1949-01-25 | Raymond T Moloney | Luminescent amusement device |
US5185382A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-02-09 | Kansas State University Research Foundation | Starch-based, biodegradable packing filler and method of preparing same |
US5186990A (en) * | 1991-04-05 | 1993-02-16 | Eagle Scientific Co. | Biodegradable and water soluble packaging material |
US5208267A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-05-04 | Univ Kansas State | Starch-based, biodegradable packing filler and method of preparing same |
US5447584A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1995-09-05 | Creative Capers Entertainment, Inc. | Articles made from an edible, water soluble composition of low density for use in toys, games and arts and craft projects |
US5562927A (en) * | 1994-07-11 | 1996-10-08 | Tomy Company Ltd. | Soap forming toy |
US5573438A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1996-11-12 | D'andrea; Deborah | Book including candy as a part of the pages |
-
1999
- 1999-06-24 AU AU48368/99A patent/AU4836899A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-24 WO PCT/US1999/014533 patent/WO1999067000A1/fr active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2460221A (en) * | 1944-06-09 | 1949-01-25 | Raymond T Moloney | Luminescent amusement device |
US5186990A (en) * | 1991-04-05 | 1993-02-16 | Eagle Scientific Co. | Biodegradable and water soluble packaging material |
US5185382A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-02-09 | Kansas State University Research Foundation | Starch-based, biodegradable packing filler and method of preparing same |
US5208267A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-05-04 | Univ Kansas State | Starch-based, biodegradable packing filler and method of preparing same |
US5447584A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1995-09-05 | Creative Capers Entertainment, Inc. | Articles made from an edible, water soluble composition of low density for use in toys, games and arts and craft projects |
US5562927A (en) * | 1994-07-11 | 1996-10-08 | Tomy Company Ltd. | Soap forming toy |
US5573438A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1996-11-12 | D'andrea; Deborah | Book including candy as a part of the pages |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010144284A1 (fr) * | 2009-06-08 | 2010-12-16 | Monosol, Llc | Blocs d'activité ludique comprenant des surfaces à adhérence latente |
ITTO20121115A1 (it) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-21 | Maip S R L | Alfabeto modulare, biodegradabile, riciclabile e da fonti rinnovabili |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU4836899A (en) | 2000-01-10 |
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