Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an outdoor paint sprayer having an air pump chamber separate from a refillable and/or replaceable paint chamber. In some aspects, the outdoor paint sprayer is configured to dispense a liquid paint with minimal dilution, such that a paint having an original concentration may be aspirated and dispersed by the outdoor paint sprayer without requiring additional manipulation of the paint outside of the sprayer. In some aspects, the outdoor paint sprayer includes one or more nozzle features and/or tips that produce a desired spraying application. In further aspects, additional features for emulating a particular marking effect may be incorporated with and/or coupled to the sprayer for application.

Abstract: A marker-making kit for assembling a marking device having a user-determined mixture of marking solution is provided. The kit includes a base unit coupled to a marker positioning mechanism and a press mechanism. A mixing tube holder secures a mixing tube used for collecting a desired amount of one or more marker fluids. A mixed marker solution is combined, including any number of different colors of marker fluid, and used to saturate a marker reservoir. The saturated reservoir may then be transferred to a maker barrel positioned near the press mechanism. By applying an amount of force with a marker compression arm, a completed marker is secured, enclosing the marker reservoir inside a marker barrel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for creating folded multi-dimensional shapes from pliable substrates. An apparatus having a handle connected to one or more plungers that are configured to move along a longitudinal axis is used to form folds in a flat substrate by pressing dies attached to the plungers into a die area to shape the flat substrate. The handle is depressed multiple times to achieve the desired number of folds in the substrate. The apparatus may include one or more plunger adjustment mechanisms to switch use of the one or more plungers to create different sets of folds in the substrate with each depression.

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: A marker airbrush device for transferring marking solution from a marking device onto a writing surface using air is provided. The airbrush device includes a housing with an air outlet, a dual-action trigger for controlling an amount of air travelling through the air outlet, and a marker positioner coupled to the housing. The dual-action trigger may be either pushed down or pulled back to control air flow through the air outlet. The marker positioner positions a marking device relative to the air outlet such that air traveling through the air outlet contacts at least one surface of the marking device to transfer marking solution onto a writing surface. The marker positioner may include a rotatable collar that couples the marking device within the marker position and creates a seal around the marking device to prevent pressurized air from escaping around the marking device.

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. 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 particulate filler including a clay, at least one leuco dye, one or more waxes chosen from a group consisting of polyethylene wax, soy wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax, at least one thermoplastic binder material including a polyethylene, titanium dioxide, and optionally at least one additive.

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: The present invention provides moldable compositions that are capable of drying and hardening if left in open air at room temperature for a period of time. Embodiments of the moldable compositions comprise water, at least one polar polymeric resin (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol), at least one thickening agent (e.g., boric acid, borate salt, or hydrate of a borate salt), at least one humectant (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), at least one filler (e.g., corn starch, tapioca, or arrowroot), optionally at least one releasing agent (e.g., mineral oil) and optionally at least one additive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for creating pixelated artwork composed of coloring element pixels. In some embodiments, a system converts the millions of pixels and colors of a digital image to a simplified color template with numbers assigned to particular colors. In one embodiment, a plastic grid is configured to cover the color template and receives crayons whose arrangement is determined by the numbers/colors of the color template.

Abstract: A marker airbrush device for transferring marking solution from a marking device onto a writing surface using air is provided. The airbrush device includes a housing with an air outlet, a trigger for controlling an amount of air travelling through the air outlet, and a marker positioner coupled to the housing. The marker positioner positions a marking device relative to the air outlet such that air traveling through the air outlet contacts at least one surface of the marking device to transfer marking solution onto a writing surface. In embodiments, rotation of a portion of the marker positioner advances and/or retracts the marking device with respect to the flow of air through the air outlet, thereby altering the angle and/or amount of air that contacts the marking device during spraying.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a roller ball marking instrument for use with paint, a method for assembling the roller ball marking instrument, and a system for delivering paint. The body of the marking instrument includes a reservoir for storing paint. The body is coupled to a fibrous roller ball via a retaining ring. The roller balls sits within a partially-enclosed cavity in the center of the retaining ring. A least part of the roller ball protrudes through an opening in the retaining ring. Paint in the reservoir moves first through an opening at one end of the body and then through an open center of the retaining ring. The paint is transferred to the roller ball. The roller ball rotates freely within the cavity of the retaining ring and transfers the paint to a writing surface.

Abstract: A breakaway clasp having two clasp components that can be releasably coupled together to provide a quick release closure mechanism. A first clasp component having a coupling portion and an attachment portion, and an identical second clasp component having a coupling portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portions may be configured to be coupled to a portion of an article, such as a necklace or bracelet, and the coupling portions are configured to releasably couple to each other, thereby forming a closure. Each coupling portion comprising two, identical hemisphere elements and a connecting section that connects the two hemisphere elements. The hemisphere elements and connecting section may define a receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the hemisphere elements of the other clasp component.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for creating a molded crayon body are provided. In embodiments, the device includes a receiving and positioning device having a channel for receiving a wax stick. The channel may be configured to receive and position a wax stick for melting by a melting component. The device may further include a positioning and/or adjustment component that raises and lowers a mold plate with respect to a front surface of the melting component. In some embodiments, the melting component includes a nozzle having a nozzle tip configured to transfer melted portions of the wax stick from the nozzle of the melting component to a mold on a mold plate. The mold component may also include a chilling mechanism for cooling a completed, molded crayon body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for chemically embossing and debossing fabric. A composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol is applied to fabric in the shape of a design, and the fabric is dried. Upon the fabric drying, the surface of the fabric is embossed and/or debossed in the shape of the design. In particular embodiments, the composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol that is at least about 90% hydrolyzed. A kit for embossing and/or debossing fabric includes a composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol inside of a container, and one or more applicators.

Abstract: A digital template animation kit is provided for generating a three-dimensional animation corresponding to a captured two-dimensional template. In embodiments, a template animation kit includes a template portfolio having template designs for coloring in by a user. A computing device executing a template animation kit application, such as a digital fashion portfolio kit application, may then capture an image of the user-completed drawings on each template design. In some embodiments, capturing an image of a template design includes identifying a coloring figure identifier, an upper page guide identifier, and a lower page guide identifier. In further embodiments, the captured images of two-dimensional template designs are applied to three dimensional digital templates for animation within a digital template animation environment.

Abstract: A package for containing items having a flip-open package closure is provided. In some embodiments, the package includes a rigid package body and a flexible closure flap. The flexible closure flap is coupled to a hangtab portion of the package body such that the flexible closure flap moves from a closed position to an open position with respect to the package body based on a position of the hangtab portion. An upper edge of a front side of the package body engages the lower portion of the closure flap when the package is closed, while the lower edge of the closure flap is released from the upper edge upon pivoting backward of the hangtab portion. Such pivoting of the hangtab portion, and corresponding manipulation of the closure flap, may occur without directly contacting the closure flap.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for making a carved crayon are provided. In one aspect, a crayon carving device includes a base, a pantograph armature coupled to the base, a crayon positioner, and at least one guide template parallel to the crayon positioner. The pantograph armature includes a motorized drive shaft with a drill tip for carving an outside surface of a crayon body, as well as a guide tip for tracing along a guide template that directs where the drill tip carves. In some embodiments, the guide template includes a stationary bridge support and a plurality of removable carving bucks that insert into one of multiple openings on the bridge support. The surface features of each of the carving bucks may be traced by the guide tip to generate a corresponding carving on the surface of a crayon body.