Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes – Mechanical shaping or molding to form or reform shaped article – To produce composite – plural part or multilayered article
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-20
2001-11-27
Davis, Robert (Department: 1722)
Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes
Mechanical shaping or molding to form or reform shaped article
To produce composite, plural part or multilayered article
C249S055000, C249S096000, C264S279000, C425S002000, C425S112000, C425S470000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322741
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a new and improved process and apparatus, particularly suited for children's crafts, for the creation of artificial petals, leaves and other objects which may be subsequently assembled to create attractive and long-lasting artificial floral-type arrangements, as well as novelty items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The creation of artificial flowers and leaves is well known. The prior art teaches, for example, the pressing of individual leaves and petals from sheet-like material, which petals and leaves are subsequently interconnected and joined as desired. It is also known to utilize a wire-like armature to provide the appearance of a vein within a leaf and to provide a stem-like armature. Various materials and compounds, including liquid plastic formulations, have been utilized for molding. Often, however, such compounds are flammable and/or hazardous, thus limiting their use, particularly for craft or hobby sets intended for home use.
It is accordingly a purpose of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for the creation of artificial petals and leaves which utilizes non-hazardous or flammable materials.
Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which is of simple, yet efficient means.
Still another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned purposes which is of simple, yet resilient construction.
A still further purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the foregoing type which can be presented in the form of a kit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the foregoing and other objects and purposes, the method of the present invention comprises the formation of a frame constituting the intended exterior shape of the leaf or petal to be modeled. In one embodiment, the frame is created by wrapping a flexible yet rigid material about a male form corresponding to the desired outline shape. The frame element is then removed from the form and placed upon a mold surface. The mold surface may preferably be in the form of a female mold similarly corresponding to the desired shape. The female mold retains the frame element therein. A liquid casting substance is then placed in the mold. The casting material sets to a thick film, adhering to the frame material. When set, the thus produced artificial petal or leaf element is removed. The casting material is a non-toxic water soluble formulation, able to be tinted or colored. Polyvinyl acetate is preferred.
The apparatus by which the process of the present invention may be carried out may include one or more male forms of various peripheral contours, constituting a desired leaf, petal or other shape, as well as one or more corresponding female molds to accept the corresponding frame. Casting material in a plurality of colors may be provided to give variety to the cast designs. Glitter may be mixed into the casting material.
The armature may be constructed to include both the desired outline as well as a matrix of internal elements, subdividing the interior of the frame into smaller areas or cells. The interior cells may be formed by interconnecting flexible elements after the peripheral frame is constructed. Alternatively, the frame may be punched from a sheet.
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patent: 4407766 (1983-10-01), Haardt et al.
patent: 4409768 (1983-10-01), Boden
patent: 5580507 (1996-12-01), Williamson et al.
patent: 174621 (1935-04-01), None
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Patent Abstract of Japenese reference 59-216909 dated Dec. 1984.
Patent Abstract of Japanese reference 6-99699 dated Apr. 1994.
Davis Robert
Natural Science Industries, Ltd.
Schweitzer Cornman Gross & Bondell LLP
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