Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes – With severing – removing material from preform mechanically,... – Flash or sprue removal type
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-07
2001-04-17
Silbaugh, Jan H. (Department: 1732)
Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes
With severing, removing material from preform mechanically,...
Flash or sprue removal type
C264S162000, C264S255000, C264S275000, C264S279100, C264S273000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217806
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an article of manufacture such as novelty items and, more particularly, to a method for making a transparent novelty item enclosing a three-dimensional object having a plurality of voids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the interest in collectible items has increased recently, there has been an associated interest in developing methods for displaying small collectibles. These collectible items include small scale models of automobiles and the like. This interest stems from the decreasing market share held by miniature model cars, and particularly models of various types of racing cars. Typically, these items have been displayed using wall mounted display boxes or shelves. These display methods do nothing to enhance the appearance of these items and are rather limited in their potential uses. It is believed that a method of simultaneously displaying and enhancing the appearance of miniature model cars would rejuvenate the sales of the cars and expand the market for the cars to include serious adult collectors of racing memorabilia.
It would be desirable to provide a method for protecting these items, enhancing their appearance and adapting them for practical, everyday uses beyond that of a mere display piece. The present invention addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to transparent novelty items having a spherical shape. It has been found that the appearance of three-dimensional objects may be greatly enhanced by a lens-like effect created by the transparent casting material used to create the novelty item. The transparent material magnifies and accentuates the appearance of the three-dimensional objects embedded in the material. Preferably, the novelty item is a 1:144 scale model race car.
The present invention includes an article of manufacture comprising a solid spherical member having a smooth, polished outside surface the sphere comprised of a hard transparent material. A three-dimensional object, preferably is a model race car from which the windows have been removed and containing a plurality of voids, is embedded in the transparent material wherein the object. Desirably, the voids are filled with the transparent material with substantially no trapped air in the voids. Preferred casting materials include transparent polyester, acrylic and polyurethane with polyester being preferred.
In an alternative embodiment, the novelty item may further comprise an internal cavity having an opening extending into the interior of the sphere. A cup-shaped insert is secured in the cavity. The insert may include internal threads for securing the novelty item to an automobile gear shift lever.
The invention further relates to an article of manufacture including a solid spherical member having a smooth, polished outside surface, the member comprised of a hard transparent material and a three-dimensional object embedded in the transparent material. Preferably, the object is a model race car from which the windows have been removed and which includes a plurality of voids. The voids are filled with the transparent material with substantially no trapped air in the voids. The member includes a cavity extending through the surface of the sphere and substantially radially thereinto and a cup-shaped insert secured in the cavity.
The present invention also relates to a method for making a transparent spherical novelty item. The method includes providing a two-part mold having a first upper portion and a second lower portion the mold having an internal substantially spherical cavity and a conduit in communication with the cavity and extending to the mold upper surface. Next, the lower portion of the mold spherical cavity is filled with a single layer of a liquid casting material capable of setting in a transparent condition. The first layer comprises between about 50 percent and about 60 percent of the volume of the cavity. The casting material is then permitted to harden to a gel-like consistency such that the casting material has just sufficient strength to support the weight of a small (about 1:144 to about 1:87 scale) model race car. A three-dimensional object, preferably a model race car, having a plurality of voids is then placed atop the casting material. The upper portion of the mold is then placed atop the second portion and the remaining volume of the cavity is filled with a second layer of liquid casting material so as to fill the voids in the novelty item with substantially no trapped air remaining in the voids. The casting material in the cavity is then permitted to cure to a rigid condition. Afterwards the mold is opened and the item is removed. Preferably, the casting material is one selected from the group consisting of liquid acrylic, polyester, and polyurethane.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1446941 (1923-02-01), Smith
patent: 3886248 (1975-05-01), Nicholson
patent: 4116439 (1978-09-01), Chavarria et al.
patent: 4214753 (1980-07-01), Haber et al.
patent: 5603176 (1997-02-01), Eddins et al.
patent: 5672089 (1997-09-01), Bermejo
Lee Edmund H.
Rhodes & Mason PLLC
Silbaugh Jan H.
LandOfFree
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