Abstract: Devices and kits for organizing, storing, and dispensing crayons are described herein. The crayon storing and dispensing device(s) described herein allow a user to access a crayon located at any retaining/dispensing holder by rotation of one or more components of the crayon storing and dispensing device(s). In accordance to aspects herein, the retaining/dispensing holders of the crayon storing and dispensing device(s) are arranged in one or more concentric rows of retaining/dispensing holders such that rotation of the crayon storing and dispensing device gives access to different crayons located at different positions.

Abstract: A marking system includes a composition having at least one color precursor, a moldable substrate having a color developer, and a marking instrument for applying the composition to the moldable substrate to form at least one mark on the moldable substrate. A method of producing a colored three-dimensional molded object includes the steps of manipulating a moldable substrate having a color developer into a molded shape having an outer surface; and applying, on the outer surface of the molded shape, a first composition having at least one color precursor to a first portion of the molded shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a marker pixel wicking apparatus that allows a user to create dimensional pixelated art using a method of applying a colored ink marker directly onto the top white surface of a specifically designed substrate. The substrate has been molded specifically with an array of small vertical flat-topped cylinders covering nearly the entire surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit, and methods for forming a bead between bead-forming blocks having internal bead-forming channels are provided. The bead-forming channels of adjacent bead-forming blocks are slidably engaged to manipulate a measured amount of modeling compound between the bead-forming blocks and within an internal space between the opposing channels. In one embodiment, the bead-forming blocks maintain orientation with respect to an axis of travel based on a block guide. Further, the measured amount of modeling compound is determined using an integrated measuring feature coupled to at least one of the pair of bead-forming blocks. The internal volume of an integrated measuring feature corresponds to a threshold amount of modeling compound for manipulating between the pair of blocks and forming a bead while contacting at least a portion of the mated bead-forming channels. In further aspects, a molded bead may be coated with a multicomponent bead-coating mixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a marker opening device comprising at least one plug remover, at least one nib remover, and/or at least one cartridge remover. Also provided herein is a method of disassembling a marker using the marker opening device, the disassembly of the marker allowing for separation of the recyclable and non-recyclable components thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a multi-component nib structure and marking device for selectively generating primary marks and a secondary marks for lettering and shading. The marking device includes a multi-component nib structure, an ink source. The multi-component nib structure generally includes a first nib component, a second nib component, and optionally, a transfer component between the first nib component and the second nib component. In other aspects, the multi-component nib structure may allow lettering with different tones creating, for example, an ombre effect.

Abstract: Writing compositions capable of undergoing a color development when brought into contact with a specific substrate including a color change-inducing compound are provided. Writing instruments comprising such writing compositions are also provided. Application of the writing compositions to surfaces other than the intended substrate will avoid color development and prevent staining of the unintended surfaces. The writing compositions include at least one filler; at least one leuco dye; at least one lipid including at least one wax, at least one fatty acid, at least one fatty acid ester; an antioxidant; and optionally at least one additive.

Abstract: Writing compositions capable of undergoing a color development when brought into contact with a specific substrate including a color change-inducing compound are provided. Writing instruments comprising such writing compositions are also provided. Application of the writing compositions to surfaces other than the intended substrate will avoid color development and prevent staining of the unintended surfaces. The writing compositions include at least one mineral filler, at least one leuco dye, one or more lipids including one or more waxes, one or more fatty acids, or one or more fatty acid esters or fatty amides, titanium dioxide, and optionally at least one additive.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to a system and device for saturating an absorbent wicking nib with at least two inks transferred from at least two ink donor structures, to provide a multicolor marker nib. In aspects, a wicking nib device is configured to orient the saturated marking nibs of two different-colored, saturated marker nibs directly adjacent opposing side portions of a porous wicking nib, such that the porous wicking nib simultaneously wicks ink from both contacted marker nibs to create a dual-color marking nib. The wicking nib device may include an aperture for viewing the wicking action.

Abstract: Devices and kits for making crafts are disclosed herein. The crafts disclosed herein are able to be personalized by coloring them with desired colors using a color-transfer wicking art kits. Further, the kits and devices disclosed herein demonstrate physical phenomena, such as capillary action, to spark artistic play and scientific curiosity.

Abstract: The present invention provides moldable compositions that are capable of resisting slumping and cracking when allowed to dry and harden. Embodiments of the moldable composition comprise water, fillers including arrowroot and kaolin clay, at least one polar polymeric resin (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol), at least one thickening agent (e.g., ammonium pentaborate tetrahydrate), one or more pH adjusters (e.g., triethanolamine, sodium bicarbonate), a humectant (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin), optionally at least one releasing agent (e.g., mineral oil), and optionally at least one additive.

Abstract: An integrated highlighting marker includes a multi-component marker ink comprising a base colorant and a tinting colorant. The marking system also includes a highlighting component configured to transform the base colorant from a first colored state to a second colored state based on the tinting colorant. The highlighting component may be configured to transform the primary base colorant from a colored state to a transparent state to reveal the tinting colorant.

Abstract: A thermoplastic writing composition includes at least one particulate filler including one or more of days, silicates, or carbonates, at least one thermoplastic binder material including one or more of high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and styrene, one or more waxes chosen from soy wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax, at least one colorant, and optionally, at least one surfactant.

Abstract: A writing utensil container formed from a single plastic mold, including a container front panel, a front bottom component, a container back panel, a back bottom component, and a container lid component. A bottom integral hinge component may pivotally couple the back bottom component and the front bottom component, allowing the container front and back panels to pivot toward and away from each other. A lid integral hinge component may pivotally couple to the container back panel with the container lid component for opening and closing thereof. The container front and back panels may have coupling mechanisms that selectively engage with each other to prevent pivoting about the bottom integral hinge component to retain crayon boxes between the container front and back panels. A front closure feature of the front panel may selectively engage with a lid closure feature for selectively retaining the container lid component in a closed position.

Abstract: A non- or low-boron putty base includes a crosslinked reaction product of at least one polydiorganosiloxane that has at least two reactive functional groups and at least one crosslinker capable of reacting with the reactive functional groups to form the crosslinked reaction product. The putty base is dilatant and comprises 0 to 0.1 weight percent of a boron-containing compound. Dilatant putties made from the putty base and fillers are also provided. A method of making a dilatant putty includes: providing at least one polydiorganosiloxane comprising at least two reactive functional groups; providing an additive; providing at least one crosslinker capable of reacting with the reactive functional groups; and combining the polydiorganosiloxane, the filler, and the crosslinker to form the dilatant putty having less than 0.1 wt % boron.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a nesting storage container comprising: a plurality of upright walls surrounding an internal cavity; at least one de-nesting feature in the internal cavity, said de-nesting feature comprising an offset height with respect to a bottom surface of the internal cavity; and at least one handle having a concave handle offset oriented along a vertical axis of at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of upright walls.