Abstract: A method to transform a thermoplastic novelty toothbrush into a costume jewelry piece, such as a bracelet, or a toy after it is no longer employed in service as a toothbrush. The thermoplastic material allows a user to easily remove the bristles and form the toothbrush into a costume jewelry piece or toy.

Abstract: A fully contoured three dimensional toy figure made of at least two figure parts, and a toy apparatus and a method for molding the toy figure are disclosed. The figure parts are molded in respective mold cavities with receptacles, e.g., holes, in a side thereof and selected parts are joined together with simple connectors inserted into aligned receptacles of adjacently positioned parts. The receptacles may simply be blind holes in one side of the figure parts, and the connectors may be simple rods, bars or tubes which may have structure that assists in engaging the walls of the holes. The invention allows small children to make fully-contoured toy figures easily without having to use adhesives or typical fasteners to attach the figure parts together. Child-safe plastic materials such as Plasti-Goop.RTM. may be used as the plastic molding material.

Abstract: A decorative holiday figurine convertible by the consumer to a snow mold for molding snow into shapes conforming to the interior of the figurine. The figurine is manufactured so the consumer can remove portions of the figurine for loading snow and separating the figurine into hinged halves so the mold can be removed after snow molding is complete. The figurine has an associated colorant system that allows the snow molder to inject colorant in selected areas through the mold.

Abstract: A snow mold including a pair of mold halves interconnected along a common edge by a hinge. Each mold half includes a mold cavity which cooperate to mold an object when closed together. Each mold cavity further includes a stencil pattern extending through the walls of the mold to receive an externally applied coloring agent to highlight features of the molded object.

Abstract: An ice sculpture mold having a bottom die half forming a cavity configured to produce a first half portion of a three-dimensional ice sculpture and a top die half with a cavity to produce the second half portion of the ice sculpture. In one embodiment straps are employed to hold the two die halves together during freezing. In another embodiment, a unique leak proof hinge is employed on one side and a latch on the opposite side.

Abstract: A snowman mold having a snowman mold cavity defined within a base member, a torso member, and a head member that are integral relative to one another, with each of the members having doors opened for access to the mold cavity permitting ease of removal of the mold structure relative to snow deposited within the mold cavity.

Abstract: Toy mold systems usable by a child to form highly detailed, rigid molded toy figures are disclosed. The systems include at least three preformed mold sections each having a configuration such that, in an assembled condition of the toy mold system, they define a mold cavity having at least one undercut. The mold system includes structure for releasably engaging the at least three mold sections in the assembled condition of the toy mold system. In the preferred embodiments, the mold system includes a base, top, and four wall mold sections. One, and preferably all, of the wall sections have a cavity portion with undercuts which provide the detailing on the sides, front and back of the molded toy figure. One of the mold sections functions as a base section into which the other mold section nest and with which they are releasably engaged.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soap forming toy including a shaving mechanism for removing thin leafs or small pieces from an existing piece of solid soap. The thin leafs of solid soap are then mixed with water to produce a paste-like soap material. The paste-like soap material is then molded into a variety of appealing shapes to produce new bars of soap of interest to the child. The cavity of each of the molds is made from a soft resin which includes a mold release oil to simplify removing the new bar of soap.

Abstract: A device for melting matter by immersion in a heated vat which includes a basket articulated with respect to a base containing the vat. The basket is resiliently urged upwardly from the vat as a lid covering the basket is raised and members are provided for retaining the basket in its raised position, wherein the basket obstructs access to the vat.

Abstract: A toy igloo construction for children consisting of a shell that is designed to collect falling snow. The shell serves as a support for the snow igloo and in addition may serve as a toy igloo in the absence of snow.

Abstract: In the present invention, a Collector's Model Disintegrator Pistol (CMDP) is formed from a pair of fight side and left side metal castings according to the investment or "lost wax" casting process. Preferably the left and right hand pistol sections are formed of suitable ornamental bronze, with a wide variety of possible bronze compositions being usable, depending upon cost and desirability of a particular finish. The bronze left and right sections are held together with counter sunk-screws instead of the crimped projections according to the construction made of U.S. Pat. No. 2,077,763. Additionally the U-shaped guide assembly of the '763 patent is eliminated and a trigger guide assembly is contoured into the cast left and right sections of the pistol to make construction simpler and less expensive.

Abstract: A toy apparatus and method for making vacuum formed articles wherein a thin sheet of plastic is secured on a mold in a first position the mold is moved to a second position adjacent a heater for heating and softening the plastic sheet and a vacuum is applied to the mold and heated sheet either while it is in the second position or after it is moved back to its original first position. The apparatus includes a transparent safety cover and a shuttle lever which in combination reduce the possibility of a child operator of this toy from burning his or her fingers. The safety cover, if open, bars movement of the mold to the heater and bars entry of fingers toward the heater, and if closed, bars touching the mold, plastic sheet or heater. Following closure of the safety cover a first lever may be moved to drive the mold to the heater and a second lever may be moved to actuate the vacuum pump. The safety cover cannot be re-opened until the shuttle lever is returned to its start position.

Abstract: A plastic-model kit having a plurality of components containing at least one die sheet for molding having cavities therein and at least one thermoplastic resin having a low softening temperature, the die sheet and the thermoplastic resin being packed together in a unitary package. The thermoplastic resin can be softened, by dipping in hot water, for example, at about 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and the softened resin can be cast by hand or by a simple tool into the cavities on or through the molding die sheet and then cooled at ordinary temperature (that is, 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.) to form various shaped and sized pieces for the plastic-model kit. Ornaments or decorations having a three-dimensional or roughly three-dimensional visuality such as for dolls, human models, animal models, building models, ship models, car models, airplane models, and the like can be assembled from the plastic-model kit.

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 plastic-model kit having a plurality of components containing at least one die sheet for molding having cavities therein and at least one thermoplastic resin having a low softening temperature, the die sheet and the thermoplastic resin being packed together in a unitary package. The thermoplastic resin can be softened, by dipping in hot water, for example, at about 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and the softened resin can be cast by hand or by a simple tool into the cavities on or through the molding die sheet and then cooled at ordinary temperature (that is, 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.) to form various shaped and sized pieces for the plastic-model kit. Ornaments or decorations having a three-dimensional or roughly three-dimensional visuality such as for dolls, human models, animal models, building models, ship models, car models, airplane models, and the like can be assembled from the plastic-model kit.

Abstract: A snow ball making device is provided which includes a pair of elongated arms each of which has a first handle end and a second working end. These arms are pivotally secured to each other at a location intermediate their first and second ends, preferably within angled portions which connect longitudinally spaced parallel portions of the respective arms. The working end of each arm is provided with an open semi-spherical cup portion, such that the handle ends of the elongated arms are manipulable to move the semi-spherical cup portions between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the open semi-spherical cup portions are in flush engagement so as to insure the formation of a substantially spherical snow ball.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy molder/extruder which is used for cold molding and/or cold extruding of clay dough with the use of toy molds and toy dies. This toy has a main housing with a base, an upright middle section and a top. A pinion gear is rotatably located at the top of the housing and a crank wheel and handle is connected to the pinion gear to enable the user to rotate the pinion gear. A ram piston with a rack gear is attached to the main housing with the ram piston being connected to the top of the housing in a vertically movable fashion, so as to engage the rack gear and the pinion gear with on another. The toy also has a compression chamber with an open top which is connected to the housing and located below the ram piston. It has a cross-sectional dimension adequate to allow ram insertion of the ram piston and has a tapered bottom with an outlet orifice substantially smaller than the compression chamber's open top.

Abstract: A multifunctional assembly for use in various plastic forming processes includes a housing conformed for selective partition to receive an incandescent light assembly as a source of heat and selectively positioned pneumatic cylinders for compressing heated plastic into forms and extrusion dies. An air pump selectively connected by manifolds may then be used for generating vacuum and pneumatic pressure both for the forming processes and for the pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: A toy (10) for forming modeling compound includes a base (12), a turntable (16) rotatable on the base, a receptacle (22) on the turntable for receiving the modeling compound, a ram member (34), and a rotary actuator (44) for driving a peripheral drive gear (20) of the turntable to provide screw actuated movement of the ram member for forcing modeling compound from the receptacle (22) through a forming component (32) for forming. In one embodiment, the rotary actuator (44) includes a hand operated crank (74) and in another embodiment is power operated and includes an electric motor (102) and gear drivetrain (108) for providing the screw operated movement of the ram member for the forming. The forming component (32) may be embodied by an extruder (162) or a mold (170) to provide either extrusion or mold forming of the modeling compound.

Abstract: A method for rotationally molding synthetic resin dolls using an automatic control mechanism, a mold holding mechanism, a robot mechanism having a mold cover opening and closing means, a mold releasing means for releasing a molded product from the mold, mold release detecting and cleaning means; a raw material charging means, and a heating and cooling means. The method includes detecting the mold release of the molds opened by the mold holding mechanism and cleaning the molds. Quantitatively charging a raw material of thermoplastic synthetic resin into the mold in a solid state and closing the cover. Inserting the mold into a heating furnace of a heating mechanism and rotating the mold to form a synthetic resin molten skin layer on the inner wall of the mold. Once the layer is formed the mold is moved into a cooling chamber of a cooling mechanism and the skin layer is solidified while continuing to rotate the mold. When the layer is solidified the mold is moved to the mold releasing unit.

Abstract: An activity toy with a body including a hollow cylindrical portions supported on a base and having pivotally mounted arms has a hollow upper member including a skull with extrusion openings. The bottom of the upper member has a loading opening for a plastic amorphous solid substance. Attachable about and spaced from the skull is a clear plastic mask formed of separable halves clamped together at the bottom by the engagement of hooks and tabs and at the top by a detachable hairpiece. Near the bottom, the mask is maintained in a relatively tight relation to a flange on the hollow upper member. The upper member with the mask attached is secured to the body by a bayonet lock. Within the body is a piston with diametrically opposed gear racks that are engaged by gear segments on arms pivotally mounted to the body.

Abstract: An activity toy including a hollow skull extending from a hollow, tubular neck and having eye, nose, and mouth openings. Attachable about and spaced from the skull in relatively tight relation to the neck is a clear face and head mask formed of separable halves secured together by clamps. A plastic amorphous solid substance is loaded into the skull through the neck and extruded out of openings to fill the space between the skull and the mask. Removal of the mask permits further hand working of the plastic substance to modify the appearance of the formed face. Suitable appendages and a hooded cloak are provided to obscure the plastic substance extrusion mechanism and provide a figure that may be placed in combination with the face and head extruding feature.

Abstract: A unitary molding insert (24) and pin (27) of the prior art are replaced by an improved molding insert (30) which is provided with a plurality of collapsible pin assemblies (56), each including a unitary hollow, cylindrical boss (58), and a separate piston (60) having a unitary valve (62) and pin (64). Each piston (60) may be inserted in its boss (58) with its valve (62) being seated on the upper edge of the boss (58) and with its pin (64) engaging the inner surface of a mold (84) to maintain the insert (30) in a stable position during the encasing of the insert (30) with a suitable molding material. When the mold is substantially filled to capacity, the pressure created by the molding material will force the piston (60), valve (62) and pin (64) to a recessed position within the boss (58).

Abstract: A toy casting machine including a base which has mounted thereon a crucible into which plastic materials may be placed for melting. The crucible is rotatably mounted to a sidewall and may be duped by an actuating mechanism which also moves a predesigned mold into position below the crucible. The crucible and machinery are entirely covered by transparent material to allow viewing the operation and to protect a child operating the machine. An isolating loading apparatus is provided to allow the machine to be loaded with raw material and molds without endangering the operator.

Abstract: A tool for molding damp sand or other capillarily held insoluble granular material is disclosed. The tool is capable of forming a channel in a mound of material or removing a block of material from the mound. The disclosed mold of the preferred embodiment has flexible walls which can be moved back and forth to prevent adhesion of the granular materials to the walls of the mold and to facilitate easy removal of the mold.

Abstract: A device for molding of toy structural elements of hardenable or polymerizable materials for constructional toys. Clamping rails are arranged on a base plate spaced apart but parallel to each other and secured to the base plate in an adjustable manner. Between the clamping rails, a plurality of end pieces or molding pieces are located; they are releasably secured to the base plate by means of the clamping rails.

Abstract: A toy molding apparatus having a housing or container with a heat source therein surrounded by a heat directing baffle member, at least a portion of the baffle member being configured for receiving a plastic squeeze bottle containing a gelatinous substance therein, the substance being generally solid at room temperature and approaching a liquid state at approximately 105.degree. Fahrenheit. The bottle is positioned within the receptacle for heating by the heat source and upon reaching a fluid state it is poured into a separate mold member to set upon cooling.

Abstract: An improved sectional mold for forming a large figure from snow, such as a snowman. Each section extends from the top of the mold assembly to its base and has flanges on the mold section periphery, each of which flanges is joined to the flange of an adjacent mold section by a U-shaped fastening clip. Large openings in one of the mold sections and at the top of the mold assembly admit snow for forming the desired figure.

Abstract: A mold for forming shotgun targets out of ice has a plurality of concave depressions in an upper section in the mold and mating frustrum shaped depressions in a lower section of the mold. The mold sections are hinged together along a center line of the mold and the mold sections can be held in a closed position using barbed studs engaging stud holding apertures in the opposite sides of the mold. The molds can be stacked together using female ferrules attached to one external side of the mold and engaging male ferrules to opposite sides of the adjacent mold.

Abstract: A toy extrusion device for use with moldable dough-like material includes an extruder housing, a container defining an extrusion chamber movably mounted in the housing for movement between loading and extruding positions. The container has opposed end portions respectively defining a filling or loading opening and an extrusion opening therein. A plunger is slidably mounted in the housing in position to enter the filling opening of the container in its first position to urge the play materials in the extrusion chamber through the extrusion opening. A manually operable lever is pivotally mounted on the housing for operating the plunger. The lever and the plunger have cooperating means formed thereon for converting pivotal movement of the lever into linear movement of the plunger whereby the plunger may be reciprocated into and out of the extrusion chamber.

Abstract: A machine having two extruders operable to move hot plastic materials of different colors through passages of a die. The die has a merging chamber where the plastic materials from the two extruders are fused in side-by-side positions and an outlet opening through which the fused materials are discharged to form a two-colored ribbon product. A rotatable mandrel located in a water tank winds the ribbon product into a helical coil spring shape. A separator plate surrounding the mandrel guides the ribbon in a helical direction as the ribbon is wound around the mandrel. The ribbon product is cooled and set as it is wound around the mandrel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a form to be filled with water which in turn is being frozen and when separated from the form represents an Ice Sled to be used by children on grassy hills during the summer. The form consists of a boat like bottom which is to be filled with water and a cover which has downward depressions which are submerged into the water level to thereby form foot rests and a seat after the water is frozen.

Abstract: A shaker molding assembly. The assembly includes mold halves which are urged together as they are pushed into a holder. A measuring cup can be held against the mold halves to urge them into the holder. Ribs on the mold halves cooperate with a frusto-conic wall of the holder to urge the mold halves together. A mixture of water and a molding powder are shaken together in the assembly to form a smooth mixture. The molding powder includes an alkali metal alginate, calcium sulfate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and a filler. The mixture sets to form a jelly-like object which dries to form a rigid object of smaller size which is a substantially exact miniature of the jelly-like object.