Abstract: An airbrush apparatus for use in generating a design on a desired object is disclosed. The apparatus and method of use are disclosed wherein the airbrush apparatus comprises a housing, boom, and sprayer head. A fluid to be applied is contained in individual cartridges and is drawn out by a vacuum effect caused by air that is being pumped from the housing across a feed tube which is in fluid communication with the cartridge.

Abstract: An airbrush apparatus for use in generating a design on a desired object is disclosed. The apparatus and method of use are disclosed wherein the airbrush apparatus comprises a housing, boom, and sprayer head. A fluid to be applied is contained in individual cartridges and is drawn out by a vacuum effect caused by air that is being pumped from the housing across a feed tube which is in fluid communication with the cartridge.

Abstract: A writing utensil configurable between retracted and extended configurations. The writing utensil includes a body having an interior volume and an aperture. A reciprocally movable nib assembly is located in the body and includes a nib that, when in the extended configuration, traverses the aperture. To prevent the nib from drying when in the retracted configuration, a sealing element seals the aperture. In an embodiment, the sealing element is a resilient valve element that can be opened by a sleeve slidably engaging the nib assembly. After the sleeve opens the valve, the sleeve slides with respect to the nib assembly to expose the nib. In another embodiment, the sealing element can be a sliding door that is attached to the nib assembly and overlays the aperture. When the nib assembly is moved to the extended configuration, the sliding door slides in a manner that opens the aperture.

Abstract: A writing utensil configurable between retracted and extended configurations is provided. The writing utensil includes a body having an interior volume and an aperture. A reciprocally movable nib assembly is located in the body and includes a nib that, when in the extended configuration, traverses the aperture. To prevent the nib from drying when in the retracted configuration, a sealing element seals the aperture. In an embodiment, the sealing element is a resilient valve element that can be opened by a sleeve slidably engaging the nib assembly. After the sleeve opens the valve, the sleeve slides with respect to the nib assembly to expose the nib. In another embodiment, the sealing element can be a sliding door that is attached to the nib assembly and overlays the aperture. When the nib assembly is moved to the extended configuration, the sliding door slides in a manner that opens the aperture.

Abstract: A writing utensil configurable between retracted and extended configurations is provided. The writing utensil includes a body having an interior volume and an aperture. A reciprocally movable nib assembly is located in the body and includes a nib that, when in the extended configuration, traverses the aperture. To prevent the nib from drying when in the retracted configuration, a sealing element seals the aperture. In an embodiment, the sealing element is a resilient valve element that can be opened by a sleeve slidably engaging the nib assembly. After the sleeve opens the valve, the sleeve slides with respect to the nib assembly to expose the nib. In another embodiment, the sealing element can be a sliding door that is attached to the nib assembly and overlays the aperture. When the nib assembly is moved to the extended configuration, the sliding door slides in a manner that opens the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking a surface with colored bubbles is disclosed. According to the method, bubbles carrying one or more colorants are generated and are applied to a surface to create designs. The disclosed apparatus for marking a surface in this manner can be optionally equipped with a shield defining a volume to maintain the colorant carrying bubbles within a confined area. The apparatus can be further provided with a template having one or more apertures to provide access to predetermined areas of the surface to be marked such that the colored bubbles create predetermined shapes when they burst or are applied.

Abstract: A thermochromic drawing device is disclosed which can be marked and erased by selectively changing the temperature of its drawing surface. The drawing surface of the drawing device consists of a flexible substrate printed with thermochromic inks having at least two color states. The flexible substrate has low thermal mass thereby enabling it to readily assimilate temperatures induced by a user and, consequently, facilitating the transition of the thermochromic inks from one color state to another. The drawing surface is further provided with an insulating layer which isolates the flexible substrate from unwanted heat sinks and heat sources thereby preventing unwanted color transitions of the thermochromic inks. Thus, a user can selectively change the color state of portions of the drawing surface to create distinctive markings.

Abstract: A portable writing instrument container is disclosed for holding, transporting and storing writing instruments in the shape of a vehicle, such as a bus or locomotive. The container consists of a lower housing, an upper housing, a sharpener and a plurality of compartments for holding a plurality of writing instruments. The upper housing is removable to allow access to the compartments and the writing instruments. The container has functioning wheels to facilitate the playfulness of the container. In operation, the functioning wheels provide the ability to transport the container along a surface. In addition, a kit includes the writing instrument container and writing instruments which are packaged in an enclosure for shipment to the customer.

Abstract: A molding device to make molded items from molding compound is provided. The device includes a first mold insert which corresponds to a first portion of a molded item and a first mold insert holder removably holds the first mold insert. A second mold insert is provided which corresponds to a second portion of the molded item and a second mold insert holder is provided which removably holds the second mold insert. The first and second insert holders are connected at one end by a living hinge and a handle extends from the opposite of the first and second holders. In a preferred embodiment, a twist lock is provided for securing the inserts to the insert holders.

Abstract: A writing kit comprises a base, an external wall extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the base to define a compartment, one or more wings hingeably mounted to the base, one or more writing surfaces attached to the interior wing surface of at least one wing, wherein the wings may be adjusted between an open position, one or more partially open positions, and one or more closed positions. Preferably, the kit includes four wings and four writing surfaces, one attached to each wing. The kit provides for self-contained storage of the writing surfaces and writing implements, and is suitable for use by a child.