EP3612283B1

EP3612283B1 - Apparatus and a method for the preparation of a play, craft and/or toy compound

Info

Publication number: EP3612283B1
Application number: EP18727047.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ross Alber; Jeff OSNATO
Original assignee: Wecool Toys Inc
Current assignee: Wecool Toys Inc
Priority date: 2017-04-18
Filing date: 2018-04-18
Publication date: 2024-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-18
Also published as: AU2018253991A1; WO2018193301A1; EP4386045A2; CA3060387A1; AU2021203050A1; EP4386045A3; EP4386045B1; EP3612283A1; AU2021203050B2; EP3612283C0

Description

The invention to which this application relates is apparatus and a method for the manufacture and preparation of a compound which can subsequently be used in a play and/or craft environment and as a toy and used independently or in conjunction with other toys and/or apparatus.
In particular, although not necessarily exclusively, the compound to which the application relates is a material of the type for use in play and/or crafts, and is hereonin referred to in a non-limiting manner as a play compound. The play compounds of this type conventionally include a cross-linked polymer, such as an adhesive, such as white glue, and which is manufactured under factory conditions by combining polyvinyl alcohol solutions with borate ions. The compound can be odourless or a particular odour can be added to the same and the compound, which is liquid or at least semi fluid, can be formed of a particular colour and is cold and slimy to the touch. The compound can also be referred to as a non-Newtonian fluid in that the viscosity of the fluid can be affected by factors other than temperature, such as, for example, by the application of a shear stress caused by any of squeezing, stirring, agitating or applying mechanical pressure to the compound. One form of this compound is sold under the registered Trade Mark Slime owned by Viacom.
While it is known to be able to form other similar types of compound in the home rather than the factory environment, these compounds can be difficult to make, can require a relatively long list of ingredients and/or ingredients such as Borate which are difficult to obtain, at least in certain countries and, most often, do not lead to the production of a compound which acts in the same manner as the factory made versions of the compound and, as such, it is found that the compound, once made, is generally unsatisfactory in terms of its performance in comparison with the factory made versions.
Furthermore, while the use of borates is legally allowed there are, at least in certain countries and regions, such as the European Union, concerns about the long term impact of the same on humans, animals and soil. Various studies have shown that excess boron in the soil can have an adverse effect on rootstocks for various crops of fruit and other studies show that boron deficiency is also a problem. Having considered the existing evidence from different animal species which showed that borates have an adverse effect on fertility (rat, mouse and dog) and development (rat, mouse and rabbit) the European Commission Specialised Experts in the field of Reprotoxicity have advised that the compounds should be classified. Furthermore, in certain areas of the world Local Authorities are restricting the discharge of Boron into solid and liquid waste. As such there is a need to reduce or remove borate from the play compounds of the type of interest in this application. It is known to be able to make play compounds which do not include borates and one known form includes the use of a PVA glue, a detergent which are mixed together and bicarbonate of soda which is mixed with a liquid and then added and mixed with the glue detergent mixture to form the play compound. However it is found that in practice the formation of this play compound can be difficult to achieve in a consistent and reliable manner as the use of the incorrect ratios of the three ingredient components can result in significantly different, and in many cases, unusable play compounds.
Furthermore, despite the advantages of using factory made compositions, there are problems with the same in terms of the expense of purchasing the same and the feeling of detachment of the child in that they have not been able to take part in the making of the compound.
US 2017/058109 discloses moldable compositions that are capable of drying and hardening if left in open air at room temperature for a period of time.
US 2003/235662 discloses toys and balls having a skin and a core of somewhat dissimilar materials.
US 6348534 discloses a toy including at least one insert suspended in a transparent play material matrix, especially a play gel, and also discloses a play material composition that includes water, polyvinyl alcohol, a surfactant, and a salt.
JP 2005154414 discloses a skin care material for external use having an adhesive surface prepared by applying, spreading, coating, or impregnating a water-containing adhesive on a base fabric prepared by knitting multifilament yarns of a thermoplastic synthetic resin in two or more steps of double-sided stockinette.
US 5498645 discloses a modelling dough comprising a polar polymeric resin, water, a gellant, and a filler to provide a dough.
An aim is therefore to provide apparatus and a method for making a play compound according to the invention of a type which, once formed, has similar qualities of use as an equivalent type of compound which is made under factory conditions, whilst the apparatus allows the compound to be made by a person in their home environment. A further aim is to provide the ingredients required to make the compound according to the invention in a manner which allows the same to be used in the manufacture of the compound in a manner which can be used by children and in a safe manner. A further aim is to provide the ingredients in a form which allows a play compound according to the invention to be formed in a factory or home environment and have predetermined characteristics. It is a yet further aim to provide a play compound according to the invention which has the characteristics of a "Slime" type of compound whilst removing the need to use borates as one of the ingredients.
The invention is defined by the claims.
The disclosure provides an apparatus to aid the formation of a play compound according to the invention, said apparatus including a base, a cavity and mixing means which, when operated, cause agitation and mixture of the play compound components and a liquid located in the cavity, to form the play compound.
The apparatus base may include the cavity or may receive an item in which the cavity is formed and the mixing means may include an arm which is movable with respect to the base. The arm may be rotatable.
The arm may include at least one, or a number of portions which are located with respect to the cavity so as to cause an agitating, and hence mixing, effect on the liquid and components which are located in the cavity at that time. The said components may be provided in a powder form which is premixed and a liquid is also present in the cavity to be mixed with the powder.
The said arm may include one or more ports through which the powder can be poured to introduce the same for mixing with the liquid in the base. The powder may be introduced as the arm is moved.
The apparatus may include one or more capsules into which the formed play compound can be placed and stored prior to subsequent use.
The powder may be provided in a predetermined quantity such that when the user adds the full quantity to a predetermined quantity of water then they can be confident that a play compound with predetermined characteristics will be formed.
The apparatus may include a plurality of different powder types which can be selectively used alone or in combination to form a particular play compound. The powders may differ in terms of any or any combination of colour, consistency, ingredients, additional components such as glitter, and the like.
The disclosure also provides an apparatus for use in the formation of a play compound according to the invention by mixing a powder and water, said apparatus including a base, a cavity included in, or received by, the base in which the powder and liquid are mixed and wherein a mixing means is provided in a form such that relative rotational movement of the base and at least an arm of the mixing means causes agitation and mixing of the powder and liquid together to form the play compound.
The said relative movement may be caused by the application of a manual movement force on a handle of the mixing means located externally of the cavity. Alternatively a powered movement means can be provided.
Typically the handle extends through an aperture in a lid and into the cavity to perform the mixing and the lid prevents spillage of the liquid and/or powder as the same are mixed to form the play compound.
Typically the lid is selectively removable from the cavity to allow access to be gained to introduce the liquid and powder and/or remove the formed play compound.
The movement means may be provided as an arm which is rotatably movable with respect to the base about a substantially central axis of the cavity.
The arm may include at least one portion which is located with respect to the base so as to cause an agitating, and hence mixing, effect on the liquid and ingredients which are located in the base at that time. The said ingredients may be provided in a powder form which is premixed.
The said arm may include one or more ports through which the powder can be poured to introduce the same for mixing with the liquid in the base. The powder may be introduced as the arm is moved and thereby allows the powder to be introduced to the liquid in a manner which reduces the risk of lumping.
The apparatus may include one or more capsules into which the formed play compound can be placed and stored prior to subsequent use.
The apparatus may include containers for a plurality of different powder types which can be selectively used, alone or in combination, to form a particular play compound. The powders may differ in terms of any, or any combination of colour, consistency, ingredients, additional components such as glitter, and the like.
In an aspect of the invention there is provided a play compound, said play compound formed by adding a powder with a liquid into a cavity of a container, said powder including a plurality of components required to form the play compound and mixing the powder and liquid for a period of time sufficient to cause the play compound to be formed; and the powder comprises: (i) a gum; (ii) a borax;(iii) a suitable colour pigment or combination of colour pigments; (iv) a starch; (v) a phosphate; (vi) an ethanol; and (vii) an acetate.
In one embodiment the mixing is performed by a person grasping and moving, typically by shaking, the container.
In another embodiment the mixing is performed by a person operating mixing means.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the manufacture of a play compound which is pliable in use, said method comprising the steps of adding a quantity of a powder composition to a liquid in a cavity, and applying an agitating force to cause the mixing of the powder and liquid for a period of time so as to cause the said play compound to be formed; and the powder comprises: (i) a gum; (ii) a borax;(iii) a suitable colour pigment or combination of colour pigments; (iv) a starch; (v) a phosphate; (vi) an ethanol; and (vii) an acetate.
In one embodiment the powder is formed under factory conditions to include the ingredients which are required in predefined percentages and the powder is then provided to a person to be used in conjunction with the liquid.
In one embodiment the liquid is water.
In one embodiment the user is provided with instructions relating to the ratio of the powder to water in the mixture. In one embodiment a range of ratios are provided and the person can select which ratio to use at the time of manufacture.
In one embodiment a specific mixing container is provided and the container has marked thereon one or more levels which indicate the quantity of liquid and/or powder which should be poured into the container in order to form a suitable play compound with specific characteristics.
In one embodiment each ratio is linked to a particular composition of the play compound which will be formed. For example, if there is a greater quantity of powder added to an amount of liquid, then the play compound will have greater viscosity and/ or other characteristic and if a smaller quantity of powder is added to the amount of liquid the play compound will have a lower viscosity and/ or other characteristic.
In one embodiment each of the compounds is linked to a particular identifiable type or characteristic of play compound such as, clay, dough, rubber, certain resins, sand, gel, slimy substance and/or other art/craft compound.
In one embodiment the specific ingredients contained within the compound are provided in a set percentage level under factory conditions and converted into a powder under factory conditions such that the user is only required at the time of making the compound to add the supplied powder to water in a ratio which is predetermined in order to make the play compound with the user selected characteristics.
In embodiments of the invention, the powder contains a combination of the following ingredients Gum, such as Guar gum, Borax, a suitable colour pigment or combination of colour pigments, starch, a phosphate such as Sodium Hydrogen phosphate, an ethanol, and an acetate such as Sodium dehydroacetate.
In one embodiment a borate is not included.
In one embodiment a further component includes one or more colour pigments and/ or other components to provide a visual or tactile effect.
There is also provided a play compound which is pliable in use wherein said play compound includes any or any combination of Silicon, starch, flour and / or talcum powder. Play compounds of the invention comprise starch and optionally include any or any combination of Silicon, flour and / or talcum powder.
In one embodiment the Silicon is provided as a Silicon Dioxide.
In one embodiment the play compound includes any, or any combination, of a homopolymer, latex, emulsion and/or one or more colour pigments.
Typically said silicon, starch, flour, talcum powder, homopolymer, latex and/or emulsion are, when provided, mixed together, and provided in a powder form.
In one embodiment there is provided a greater percentage of silicon dioxide in the said play compound powder than any of the other ingredients. In one embodiment there is a greater percentage of silicon dioxide in the play compound powder than the total of the other ingredients in the play compound powder.
Typically the powder is created under factory conditions.
In one embodiment the powder is added to a liquid, such as water, in a required ratio and the liquid and powder are mixed to form the play compound. In one embodiment the adding and mixing is performed under factory conditions and the play compound is then provided in a retail pack for purchase by consumers. Alternatively the powder is provided as part of a retail pack for purchase by consumers and the powder is then mixed with the liquid by the consumer to form the play compound.
Typically the mixing of the powder and liquid requires the application of an agitating force to cause the mixing of the powder and liquid for a period of time so as to cause the said play compound to be formed.
In one embodiment when the mixing is performed by the consumer instructions are provided which relate to the ratio of the powder to liquid to be used in the mixture. In one embodiment a range of ratios are provided and the consumer can select which ratio to use at the time of mixing.
The play compound may include no borates or boron.
In embodiments of the invention the play compound is formed by mixing a combination of ingredients with a liquid. In embodiments of the invention the combination of ingredients is provided in a powder form.
In one embodiment the play compound includes a gelling agent and/ or a cross linking agent.
In one embodiment the play compound formed is a Non-Newtonian fluid.
Typically the play compound viscosity varies depending on the amount of force put on it at that instant of time and the viscosity increases with the increase in force applied.
In one embodiment the play compound molecular structure includes tangled, long-chain polymer molecules.
In one embodiment a specific mixing container is provided and the container has marked thereon one or more levels which indicate the quantity of liquid and/or powder which should be poured into the container in order to form a suitable play compound with specific characteristics.
In one embodiment each ratio is linked to a particular composition of the play compound which will be formed. For example, if there is a greater quantity of powder added to an amount of liquid, then the play compound will have greater viscosity and/ or other characteristic and if a smaller quantity of powder is added to the amount of liquid the play compound will have a lower viscosity and/ or other characteristic.
In one embodiment each of the compounds is linked to a particular identifiable type or characteristic of play compound such as, clay, dough, rubber, certain resins, sand, gel, slimy substance and/or other art/craft compound.
Apparatus is provided to aid the formation of the play compound according to the invention by the consumer, said apparatus including a base and mixing means which, when operated, cause agitation and mixture of powder and liquid to form the play compound. The apparatus may include a base and an arm which is movable with respect to the base. The arm may be rotatable with respect to the base as hereinbefore described.
It should also be appreciated that although the method as herein described is particularly suited to allowing the play compound to be effectively formed by an end user, without the need of factory scale apparatus, the method can be used to advantage with all of the steps being performed under factory conditions for the large volume manufacture of the play compound.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with the reference to the accompanying diagrams; wherein

Figures la-c illustrate a play compound in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2a-c illustrate one embodiment of the method of formation of a play compound in accordance with the invention;
Figures 3a-d illustrate features of an apparatus for use in forming the play compound in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures la-c there is illustrated a play compound 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The play compound is shown being manipulated by a user's hands 4,6 to take selected forms such as a stretch form 8 shown in Figures la and c and a ball form 8 shown in Figure lb and it will be appreciated that the compound, once moved into a particular shape has tendency to stay in that shape until further manipulated by the user. It is found that this type of compound, and the manipulation of the same can provide entertainment for many hours to children and therefore is a popular plaything.
The play compound can be made using the ingredients described under factory conditions or at least partially formed by the end consumer. In either embodiment a powder can be first be formed and the powder and hence play compound is borate free. A number of different combinations of ingredients from those described herein can be used so as to provide specific forms of the play compound. Furthermore, the subsequent mixing of the powder with liquid in different ratios allows further variations of the type of play compound which is formed and the consistency of the same to be adjusted to suit particular consumer requirements.
In one embodiment when the play compound is made under factory conditions the mixing of the ingredients and mixing of the same with liquid may be done without the specific preparation of the powder prior to adding to the liquid. However when at least part of the formation is to be performed by the consumer the preferred steps are to mix and prepare the powder under factory conditions and then to supply the powder to the consumer for them to perform the steps of mixing the powder and liquid in a particular ration and agitating the same to form the play compound.
Figures 2a-c illustrate one embodiment of the method of forming the play compound 2 in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment a container in the form of a container 12 is provided and into the container is poured a quantity of water 14. Also poured into the container is a quantity of a premixed powder 16 which includes the ingredients required to form the compound in conjunction with the liquid, and in required percentages, in order to form the play compound 2 such as over 50% by weight Guar gum, in the range of 15 to 30% by weight, Starch such as starch potato, single figure percentages by weight of a phosphate, borax and colour pigment and smaller quantities of ethanol and dehydroacetate.
As shown in Figure 2a the powder initially lies on top of the water 14. When the powder and water are located in the container, the lid 18 is placed on the opening in the container to seal the same and the container is then grasped by the user with their hand and shaken as indicated by arrows 19 so as to cause the water and powder to mix. The shaking and mixing is performed for a period of time and after this the powder and liquid have mixed together as shown in Figure 2b. The jar may be provided with markings thereon at one or more levels which indicate the quantity of liquid and/or powder which should be poured into the container in order to form a suitable play compound with specific characteristics when the powder and liquid are mixed together in the jar.
In addition to the mixing, the mixture has also changed condition into the consistency of the play compound which is illustrated in Figure 2c being pulled out of the jar by the persons finger of their hand 6. Once in the consistency then the same is pliable, remains as a body of the play compound and can be manipulated as illustrated in Figures la-c.
Turning now to Figures 3a-d there is illustrated an alternative form of apparatus which can be used to form the play compound according to the invention. It is envisaged that the apparatus 20 will be provided along with one or more containers 22 of the powder as part of a retail pack 24, an example of which is shown in Figure 3a.
Figures 3b and d illustrate two forms of the apparatus 20 in greater detail. It will be seen that the apparatus includes a base 26 with a handle 28 which allows the same to be gripped by the hand 4 during use. The base is provided in the form of a bowl with a cavity in which the powder and water is added and subsequently the play compound 2 is formed. A mixing means in the form of an arm 30 which is provided with a handle 32 to be gripped by the user's other hand 6 is provided. The arm is provided to be rotatable as indicated by arrows 34, 36 about an axis 38 provided centrally of the base 26. The arm has depending downwardly from the same and towards the base, a series of mixing members 40 which depend into the powder and water and serve to mix the same together as the arm is rotated. A lid can be provided to enclose the cavity during mixing although not shown in the Figures 3a-d for clarity purposes.
The arm, in this embodiment, is also provided with one or more ports 42 which allow the pouring of the powder through the same and into the bowl and ports 44 which allow the pouring of the water through the same and into the bowl. These allow the powder and water to be introduced into the bowl in a measured and spread manner and thereby reduce the tendency of the powder and water to form lumps during the mixing process.
Once the arm has been rotated for a sufficient time as to cause the play compound to be created from the powder and water the same can be removed from the base, in one embodiment using a funnel 46 as shown in Figure 3c and poured into one or more capsules 48 which are typically formed of two parts 50, 52 and once the capsule has been filled with sufficient of the play compound the parts 50, 52 are sealed to thereby enclose the play compound 2 in the same and hence maintain the consistency of the play compound until it is desired to be used for play.
It should be appreciated that the apparatus can take any suitable form and may be shaped to match an animal, cartoon character or other format.
The disclosure therefore provides apparatus and a method for producing a play compound according to the invention which allows the play compound according to the invention to be made by a non-skilled person and outside of a factory environment whilst ensuring that the play compound according to the invention which is formed has the desired characteristics.

Claims

A play compound (2), characterised in that:
said play compound (2) is configured to be formed by adding a powder (16) with a liquid (14) in a cavity of a container (12), said powder (16) including a plurality of components required to form the play compound (2) and mixing the powder (16) and liquid (14) for a period of time sufficient to cause the play compound (2) to be formed; and the powder (16) comprises:
(i) a gum;

(ii) a borax;

(iii) a suitable colour pigment or combination of colour pigments;

(iv) a starch;

(v) a phosphate;

(vi) an ethanol; and

(vii) an acetate.
A play compound (2) according to claim 1 wherein the mixing can be performed by a person (4, 6) grasping and moving the container (12).
A play compound (2) according to claim 1 wherein the mixing can be performed by a person (4, 6) operating a mixing means (30).
A method for the manufacture of a play compound (2) which is pliable in use, characterized in that:
said method comprises the steps of adding a quantity of a powder composition (16) to a liquid (14) in a cavity, and applying an agitating force to cause the mixing of the powder (16) and liquid (14) for a period of time so as to cause the said play compound (2) to be formed; and the powder composition (16) comprises:
(i) a gum;

(ii) a borax;

(iii) a suitable colour pigment or combination of colour pigments;

(iv) a starch;

(v) a phosphate,

(vi) an ethanol; and

(vii) an acetate.
A method according to claim 4 wherein the powder composition (16) is formed under factory conditions to include the components which are required in predefined percentages.
A method according to claim 4 wherein the user (4, 6) is provided with a range of ratios for mixture of the liquid (14) and the powder (16) and the user (4, 6) selects which ratio to use at the time of mixing to thereby select the consistency of the play compound (2) which is formed.
A method according to claim 6 wherein the quantities of powder (16) and liquid (14) which are used are selected with respect to indicators marked on a mixing container into which the powder (16) and/or liquid (14) are added.
A method according to claim 4 wherein the gum is Guar gum, and/or the phosphate is sodium hydrogen phosphate and/or the acetate is sodium dehydroacetate.
A play compound (2) according to claim 1 which is pliable in use further comprising silicon, flour and/or talcum powder.
A play compound (2) according to claim 9 further comprising a homopolymer, latex, emulsion and/or any combination thereof.
A play compound (2) according to claim 10 wherein said silicon, flour, talcum powder, homopolymer, latex, and/or emulsion are included in the powder (16).
A play compound (2) according to claim 1 which is pliable in use and wherein the play compound (2) includes a gelling agent and/ or a cross linking agent.
A play compound (2) according to claim 1 which is pliable in use and wherein the play compound (2) exhibits the properties of a Non-Newtonian fluid.
A play compound (2) according to claim 1 which is pliable in use and wherein a molecular structure of the play compound (2) includes tangled, long-chain polymer molecules.