Abstract: The present invention provides a colored pencil lead composition comprising a colorant, one or more binder resins, a fibrillatable or fibrillated material, a non-fibrillatable particulate lubricant, and a filler. An example of a suitable binder resin is high density polyethylene, and an example of a fibrillated or fibrillatable material is fibrillatable polytetrafluoroethylene. An example of a non-fibrillatable particulate lubricant is micronized polytetrafluoroethylene. The colored pencil lead of the present invention produces marks on paper which are easily erased by ordinary pencil eraser. The present invention further provides a process for preparing the colored pencil lead of the present invention comprising compounding the colorant, the binder resin or resins, the fibrillatable or fibrillated material, the non-fibrillatable particulate lubricant, and the filler to obtain a blend and forming the pencil lead from the blend.

Abstract: A washable dry erase coloring composition comprising an acid dye or polymeric dye colorant, a dye vehicle, a release agent, and a dyeblocker additive. The dyeblocker additive is either a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product or a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product. The dry erase coloring composition is suitable for use in marking on a whiteboard and enhances fugitivity from skin and fabrics. The dry erase coloring composition may optionally contain a film forming resin. More specifically, the invention is, in one preferred embodiment, a washable erasable whiteboard marker ink comprising an acid dye or polymeric dye, water, a film forming resin, a release agent and a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product.

Abstract: A coloring composition comprising a polymeric dye, a dye vehicle, and an anionic dyeblocker. The coloring compositions enhance fugitivity from skin, fabrics and other household surfaces. More specifically, the invention is, in one preferred embodiment, a marker ink comprising a polymeric dye, water, and an aromatic organic sulfonate dyeblocker.

Abstract: A washable dry erase coloring composition comprising an acid dye or polymeric dye colorant, a dye vehicle, a release agent, and a dyeblocker additive. The dyeblocker additive is either a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product or a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product. The dry erase coloring composition is suitable for use in marking on a whiteboard and enhances fugitivity from skin and fabrics. The dry erase coloring composition may optionally contain a film forming resin. More specifically, the invention is, in one preferred embodiment, a washable erasable whiteboard marker ink comprising an acid dye or polymeric dye, water, a film forming resin, a release agent and a sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde condensation product. In addition, the invention also includes a method of transferring an image from a whiteboard or non-porous surface to paper.

Abstract: A children's portable table top easel having a removable activity surface is disclosed. The easel includes at least one activity surface, a housing having a working surface, and a structure for selectively securing the activity surface adjacent the working surface to adapt the easel for different uses or activities. In one embodiment the activity surface is a chalk board.

Abstract: A stamping device is provided for imprinting inked images onto an external object. The stamping device includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a passageway therebetween. An image nib is attached to the second end of the housing and has an outwardly projecting face portion with at least one raised image formed thereon. An absorbent transfer medium or insert member is disposed within the passageway of the housing in adjacent relationship with respect to the image nib. In use, the passageway is adapted to receive a marking nib of a writing instrument, such as a marker, at the first end of the housing. When the marking nib of the writing instrument is inserted into the passageway, ink flows from the writing instrument to the absorbent insert member and then to the image nib.

Abstract: A nib for dispensing fluid comprising an elastomeric valve including a relatively rigid internal resistor. The nib is suitable for dispensing highly viscous fluids, such as paint, and for dispensing fluid containing particulate matter, such as glitter paint. Preferably, the nib includes a first sealing lip and a second sealing lip which meet to form a dispensing slit. Preferably, the nib has an exterior surface including first and second opposing faces, wherein each face includes an external resistor. The nib may also include one or more protrusions on the bottom of the nib. A instrument for dispensing fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coloring device for transferring coloring materials from a writing or drawing instrument to a surface is disclosed. The coloring device includes a housing having a holder to hold a writing instrument, and, a roller connected to the housing for rotation about an axis. The roller is position to contact a writing instrument disposed in the holder to obtain coloring material therefrom and is further positioned to contact a surface to transfer the coloring material obtained from the writing instrument thereto as the roller rotates about the axis. In accordance with one optional aspect of the invention, the coloring device can be further provided with means for rotating the roller. These means may comprise a motor, a hand crank, or any other equivalent structure that can impart rotational motion to the roller. If the means for rotating is excluded, the roller is rotated by moving the coloring device such that the roller rolls against the surface to be marked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtually spill-proof container for use with paint or liquids of comparable viscosity. In particular, the container of the present invention comprises a receptacle having a base portion and a top portion, an insert member with a generally central aperture attached to the top portion of the receptacle, and a barrier member having a hole formed therethrough operatively connected to the insert member. The hole in the barrier member permits a user to access the liquid within the container with a brush or like instrument, while the barrier member functions like an obstruction which prevents, or minimizes, spillage should the container be tipped over or inverted. The barrier member may alternatively be constructed of an absorbent sponge or solid plastic material. A lid is also provided so that the user may conveniently open and reseal the container.

Abstract: A caddy for storing and transporting art supplies is disclosed. The caddy includes at least two pivotably coupled trays disposed in substantially parallel, vertically displaced, planes. Access to the contents of the lower tray or trays is obtained by pivoting one or more of the trays.