Abstract: The writing instrument includes a cap and a barrel. The cap includes threads which engage the threads on the barrel. In addition, the cap includes protrusions which engage protrusions on the barrel. The threads are designed so that the cap will engage the stop surface in approximately one third of a revolution. When the protrusions move past each other, the user perceives a tactile and/or audible indication. This indication advises the user that the cap has been fully attached to the barrel. In addition, the cap includes ribs on the exterior surface to assist the user in grasping the cap and in rotating the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for making crayons is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.

Abstract: The marker may include a body, a cap, an end plug and an eraser. In one of the embodiments, the eraser is molded onto the end plug. The end plug may include an attachment portion and the eraser may have an attachment portion. The attachment portion on the end plug corresponds to the attachment portion on the eraser. The attachment portions may have different shapes and/or cross sections. In other embodiments the eraser may be attached to the end of the marker, to the barrel, or to the cap.

Abstract: The crayon assembly includes a crayon and an eraser. The crayon is made of a material which can make a mark on paper and which is capable of being erased from paper. The crayon assembly may also include a label. The crayon may include an attachment portion which may be a pocket. The eraser may include an attachment portion which may be a post. The post corresponds to the pocket. The attachment portions may have different shapes and/or cross sections. The crayon may be connected to the eraser by molding. In other embodiments the eraser may be connected to the crayon by an adhesive, by a ferrule or by other configurations.

Abstract: An eraser composition comprising 22-41 wt % styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, 5-15 wt % ethylene/propylene copolymer, 30-50 wt % calcium carbonate, 10-25 wt % factice; and 0.1-7 wt % pumice is provided. The eraser composition optionally contains up to 1 wt % titanium dioxide. The eraser composition preferably has a hardness of from 70 to 85 Shore A.

Abstract: A set of combined construction toy and marker bodies. Each marker (50) includes ball portions (58, 60) and socket portions (62, 64) that receive the ball portions (58, 60). The construction facilitates a pivoting, rotatable interconnection between markers. All of the markers (50) may also consist of an identical shape. Each marker (50) may further include a separable cap (54) that incorporates a ventilated end (132) to allow fluid passage therethrough, so as to provide an air passageway (130) through the cap (54).

Abstract: An ink jet marker includes a writing instrument body with a cartridge disposed therein. A printing nozzle is coupled with said reservoir and receives control signals from an electrical control circuit to dispense ink droplets according to user input.

Abstract: An ink jet marker includes a writing instrument body with a cartridge disposed therein. A printing nozzle is coupled with said reservoir and receives control signals from an electrical control circuit to dispense ink droplets according to user input.

Abstract: An ink jet marker includes a writing instrument body with a cartridge disposed therein. A printing nozzle is coupled with said reservoir and receives control signals from an electrical control circuit to dispense ink droplets according to user input.

Abstract: A moldable composition comprising a polar polymeric resin, present in an amount ranging from 0.5-15% by weight, a filler, present in an amount up to 50% by weight, a thickening agent, present in an amount ranging from 0.1-3% by weight, a humectant, present in an amount up to 30% by weight, and water, present in an amount ranging from 20-70% by weight. Also provided is a method of making the composition as described.

Abstract: A water-based, erasable marking composition comprising 1-86% by weight water, 0.3-38% by weight pigment, 13-45% by weight polyurethane, and 0-85% by weight glycerin. The present invention also includes an application instrument comprising an outer body having a first end, an applicator at the first end of the outer body, a reservoir included within the outer body and in fluid communication with the applicator, and a water-based, erasable marking composition within the reservoir. The water-based, erasable marking composition comprises the composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an erasable colored pencil lead composition comprising a colorant, one or more binder resins, a fibrillatable or fibrillated material, and a filler. The colored pencil lead of the present invention produces marks on paper, which are easily erased by ordinary pencil eraser. The mark made using the composition has a cohesive nature that assists in the removal from paper in sheet or film like sections by the use of an ordinary eraser without smearing or leaving a residue. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is free or substantially free of low melting waxes or wax like materials. Examples of suitable binder resins include high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and high melting waxes. Examples of fibrillated or fibrillatable materials include fibrillatable or fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The colored pencil lead composition may further include a lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an erasable colored pencil lead composition comprising a colorant, one or more binder resins, a fibrillatable or fibrillated material, and a filler. The colored pencil lead of the present invention produces marks on paper which are easily erased by ordinary pencil eraser. The mark made using the composition has a cohesive nature which assists in the removal from paper in sheet or film like sections by the use of an ordinary eraser without smearing or leaving a residue. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is free or substantially free of low melting waxes or wax like materials. Examples of suitable binder resins include high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and high melting waxes. Examples of fibrillated or fibrillatable materials include fibrillatable or fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The colored pencil lead composition may further include a lubricant.

Abstract: A marking composition suitable for marking colored substrates, especially dark substrates, is disclosed. The marking composition comprises a wax, a fatty acid, a reflecting filler, and a colorant selected from an oil soluble dye, an oil dispersable dye, or an oil dispersable pigment. A defoamer and a non-reflecting filler can be optionally included in the marking composition. For example, the marking composition can be provided in the form of crayons, colored pencils, and the like. A method of providing a mark on a colored substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-based coloring composition suitable for use in children's markers comprising a carrier, submicron polymeric particles, and a neutral buoyancy additive. The coloring compositions produce unique opaque images on a wide variety of writing surfaces. Additionally, the invention includes a water-based dry erase coloring composition suitable for use in children's markers comprising a carrier, submicron polymeric particles, a neutral buoyancy additive, and a release agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-bleed coloring composition incorporating a film-forming agent, an alkali-soluble resin, an aqueous carrier, and a colorant. The coloring composition can optionally include one or more of a humectant, a surfactant, a preservative, a drying agent, a pH regulant, a bittering agent or a fragrance. The present invention further provides a mark upon the surface of a substrate. The present invention furter provides a writing instrument comprising the coloring composition.

Abstract: A marking composition suitable for marking colored substrates, especially dark substrates, is disclosed. The marking composition comprises a wax, a fatty acid, a reflecting filler, and a colorant selected from an oil soluble dye, an oil dispersable dye, or an oil dispersable pigment. A defoamer and a non-reflecting filler can be optionally included in the marking composition. For example, the marking composition can be provided in the form of crayons, colored pencils, and the like. A method of providing a mark on a colored substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A marking system that advantageously minimizes messiness during use is disclosed. The marking system comprises a marking composition comprising at least one color precursor in the form of a leuco dye. A marking instrument can be utilized to store the marking composition and/or apply the marking composition to a desired substrate. The substrate is provided with a coating comprising at least one color-triggering developer. Upon application of the leuco dye to the substrate, a chromophore, and hence, color, is formed. If, however, color is inadvertently triggered on an unintended surface, thereby resulting in an unwanted stain, the stain can be readily removed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose easel is provided for use by children, artists, and the like. The inventive easel includes a lower housing portion, an upper housing portion hingedly attached to the lower housing portion for movement between a multiplicity of operating positions including a closed position and an inclined position, a stand hingedly attached to the upper housing portion for supporting the upper housing portion in the inclined position, and at least one drawer slidably installed within the lower housing portion for selective inward and outward movement with respect thereto. In the closed position, a panel section of the upper housing portion is substantially parallel to an interior surface of the lower housing portion, and the upper and lower housing portions form a portable carrying case in which supplies may be stored and transported.