US3183108A

US3183108A - Plastic type modeling compound

Info

Publication number: US3183108A
Application number: US214851A
Authority: US
Inventors: William C Rhodenbaugh; Liu Tien
Original assignee: Rainbow Crafts Inc
Current assignee: Rainbow Crafts Inc
Priority date: 1962-08-06
Filing date: 1962-08-06
Publication date: 1965-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 1982-05-11

Description

United States Patent 3,183,108 PLASTIC TYPE MODELING COMPOUND William C. Rhodenhaugh and Tien Lin, Cincinnati, Ghio, assignors to Rainbow Crafts, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio No Drawing. Continuation of application Ser. No. 799,085, Mar. 13, 1959. This application Aug. 6, 1962, Ser. No. 214,851

2 Claims. (Cl. 106-453) This is a continuing application of co-pending application 799,085, filed March 13, 1959, and now abandoned.

This invention relates generally to plastic type modeling compounds and more particularly to modeling compositions of soft pliable, working consistency for being molded manually or mechanically into any desired shape or form.

Another object of this invention is to provide plastic type modeling compositions which are slow drying and which may be repeatedly reworked and molded into different shapes and forms While being retained in a workable moldable condition for repeated use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modeling composition which has a very smooth surface when dry, and one which will not saltout or form a frosty film or covering thereon when dried.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a modeling composition which will not oxidize when dried, thus eliminating discoloration and assuring retention of the original'color;

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modeling composition which, if exposed to the atmosphere over an extended period, will permanently harden into any desired shape or form. 7

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modeling composition which when permitted to harden produces a finished product which has the appearance of real wood. The finished product is capable of being filed, sanded, painted, lacquered or finished in any other desired maner, to produce different and unusual effects.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modeling compound which has a grain or surface effect similar to that of real wood. A color and grain effect which can be varied by the use of non-toxic dyes.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a modeling compound which will harden into'a finished product which appears similar to real wood and when allowed to dry becomes extremely hard, strong and rigid and possesses a high resistance to breaking.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modeling compound of an extremely pliable consistency which can be more easily shaped and formed than any other existing modeling compound and therefore particularly lends itself to childrens play.

Another object of the present invention is to provide modeling compositions for childrens play which are clean, non-sticky, non-toxic, non-staining and which are completely safe for childrens use since they are inflamable in both their pliable and dry state.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modelingcompound which when shaped or formed into a desired object and permitted to dry will form a permanent finishedobject which has a uniformly smooth and relastic wood grain-like appearance which has no tendency to crack, shrink or fall part.

Still a further object is to provide a modeling compound which prior to drying has a .homogenous consisteney and that can be used directly as produced without requiring the additional step of adding materials such as water, oil, powder etc., thereby, eliminating the mess of mixing and preparing the compound as'is required with 3,l83,l08 Patented May 11,1985

ice

other anhydrous materials now on the market which requires a liquid to be added thereto prior to use.

Further objects, and objects relating to details of construction and composition, will readily appear from the detailed description to follow. We have accomplished the objects of the invention by means set forth in the following specification. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the appended claims, and a composition constituting two pereferred embodiments of the invention is set forth for carrying out the invention. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology herein used are for purposes of description and not of limitation, as the scope of the invention is denoted by the appended claims.

Modeling compositions presently on the market have a tendency to lose their original colors when dried. This is a result of a process known in the trade as salting out which occurs when a portion of the salt content of the modeling compound comes to the surface of the compound, when the compound is dried, thereby, leaving a white salty film. The film is believed to be formed by the process of oxidation which occurs when the salt reaches the surface of the compound. The salty film or coating causes the modeling compound to discolor. In other words, the original colors tend to fade and discolor and produce objects whose colors are not nearly so brilliant as the original coloring of the compound, in its plastic state. Thus, for example, the modeling composition, in its plastic state, may be a brilliant red and when dried it would be a light pink or a bright blue would fade and discolor into a pale blue. Such discoloration and fading out naturally proves a disappointment to the modeler. This is particularly pertinent since the modeling compounds of this type are very popular among children.

An additional disadvantage of modeling compounds presently on the market is that when dried the surface tends to crack and become crystalline and rough so that the finished article loses much of the detail which the modeler incorporated in the modeled object while the composition was still plastic. This effect produces further disappointment to the modeler when the composition is dried.

It is believed that the sodium chloride content of previous modeling compounds produced the salting out. However, since salt is one of the essential ingredients in such composition, it could not be entirely eliminated. It has been found that when calcium chloride is added to the compound, preferably Within certain limits hereinafter set forth, the process of salting out, cracking and crystallizing of the surface when the modeling composition is dried, is completely eliminated and a product having a very smooth surface is produced. Further, the composition retains its original color and no fading or discoloration occur. The calcium chloride is believed to maintain a balanced moisture content and keeps the product from salting out. The salty film formed by the crystals of salt on the surface of present modeling compounds, when dried, is completely eliminated.

The calcium chloride content is preferably 40 to 60% of the total salt and calcium chloride content of the present composition. It has been found that in the absence of sufficient calcium chloride the product has "a tendency to salt out and in the presence of too much calcium chloride the product acquires undesirable characteristics.

In general, the present modeling composition consists essentially of vegetable flour, such as grain flour Which is adapted to be gelatinized, a soluble saline extender, water, a hydrocarbon petroleum distillate oil which is preferably odorless, preservative, antiseptic and a hardener and astringent agent for binding the composition into a cohesive mass. Desirable but not essential eleanasnos 3 ments include perfume or coloring matter or both, which may be added if desired. Any grain flour may be used but wheat flour is preferred. Such grain flours may be used alone or in combination. Next to wheat flour, rye flour is preferred.

The water oluble saline extender is preferably made up of sodium chloride. A non-corrosive type of salt which will not injure the flour is preferably used, such as sodium hypochlorite or sodium chloride.

The antiseptic used is preferably sodium benzoate but it will be understood that other materials such as sorbic acid, salicylic acid, sodium and calcium propionate, acetic or methanecarboxylic acid, glacial acetic acid (pure compound) and vinegar may be used alone or in combination.

The preservative used is preferably borax. The borax used is a hydrous borate and is a commercial borax which under Federal specifications calls for not less than 95.5 hydrous sodium borate in three grade from large crystals to fine white powder. For the present invention the fine white powder is preferred over the large crystal form.

Alum such as potash or soda alum is preferably used as the hardener and. astringent agent. It will be understood that the term alum refers to hydrated double sulphates of aluminum and univalent or trivalent metals, such as sodium, potassium or ammonium, chromium and iron. The function of the alum is to 'bind the composition into a cohesive mass.

The odorless, hydrocarbon petroleum distillate or derivatives containing oxygen are typified by kerosene and particularly deodorized kerosene this being representa tive of any hydrocarbon petroleum distillate which is not so volatile as to be explosive and has a boiling range of from 150 to 350 F. The function and purpose of the hydro'cargon petroleum distillate is to form a thin film coating around the solid particles, of the composition. In the absence of the hydrocarbon petroleum distillate, the flour when expanded, coagula-ted and gelatinized will form undesirable lumps therein, however, when such flour particles and any other solid particles that may exist in the composition are coated with a thin film of hydrocarbon distillate a homogenous mass is produced which is entirely free of undesirable lumps. The thin film coating provided by the hydrocarbon distillate gives the present mixture a uniformly smooth property so that it will not be sticky when coming in contact with other objects, or the hands and will be maintained in a lump free condition throughout its useful life.

The perfume or aromatic oils used in the present composition are those comprising what are commonly referred to as essential oils or volatile oils and a relatively small quantity of perfume may be included in the composition if desired. The perfume material may be of any ordinary and non-toxic type.

The colored materials used in the present composition may be referred to generally as a class, preferably such as are certified to qualify under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and may consist of any dye which is non-toxic and used for coloring food. The coloring material may be included if desired and when used only a very small quantity is required, namely, approximately, A; to pounds for blues and reds in a batch within the ranges hereinafter described:

The preferred ranges of the components of the composition are as follows:

Pounds Flour 170 to 250 Water 250 to 320 Salt 2() to 50 Calcium chloride 20 to 5?) Hydrocrabon distillate 8 to 30 Preservative, and drying agent 1 /2 to 2 /2 Antiseptic agent /2 to 1 Pounds Hardening and astringent agent 3 to 5 Perfume 1 to 2 Coloring matter A5 to A 5 The preferred ranges of the components of the compositions by weight are as follows:

15 to 45% grain flour 30 to 65% water 10 1 to 10% water soluble salt 1 to 10% calcium chloride /2 to 5% hydrocarbon distillate having a boiling point between 150 to 350 F. At least A perservative and drying agent V of a percent antiseptic agent /2 hardening and astringent agent 2 to 30% wood particles 1 All of the components of the instant compound are placed in an ordinary bakery dough mixer. The water is then heated to at least 150 F. and immediately dumped into the mixer with the other materials previously contained therein and all of these components are mixed into a homogeneous mass until the flour cell is well expanded and properly gelatinized. When the protein content of the flour becomes heated in the presence of water, it forms a gluten formation through coagulation while the starch content of the flour when combined with water and heat gelatinizes. Such effect will take place within approximately 7 to minutes of mixing. So too, the 30 mixing sequence is not critical as the heated water could be first placed in the mixer and then the other ingredients of the batch added thereto. The water is preferably heated to 200 F. and then added to the other ingredients contained in the mixer and the mixing carried out for 30 approximately 15 minutes after which the modeling compound is released as a monogeneous plastic type modeling compound which forms one embodiment of the instant invention. The flour, water, salt, and calcium chloride components combined, comprise the bulk of the composition preferably about at least 15 to times as much in weight as the other combined components. The modeling compound made according to the teachings of the instant invention has the characteristics heretofore described. The compound can be used directly from the can in which it is packaged and may be returned to the container after use with no ill eficcts, since the compound when used in this manner will retain its pliability and working characteristics for periods up to three years. A specific example of the compound is as follows:

The present invention is further directed to the disclosure of a modeling compound which has very unusual characteristics and strength beyond those existing in present modeling compounds. It has been found that when wood particles are added to the modeling composition previously herein described, in accordance with the teachings hereinafter disclosed, a product is formed which when permitted to harden produces a finish which has the appearance of real wood. The finished product can be painted, filed, sanded, lacquered or finished in any other desirable manner, to produce different and unusual effects.

The compound is capableof producing greater detail in the objects modeled which may in part be due to a higher viscosity than other modeling compounds. Due .to the great stability of the product, more detail is possible in any given area, particularly minute detail. Thus, for example, if the product iscompressed within the hand of the modeler, the lines and creases of the modelers hand will be reproduced in the surface of the product and if the product is permitted to dry such contours remain a part of the dried object. Other modeling compounds have a tendency to lose some of their detail during the drying operation. The present compound also tends to support itself and retain its molded form to a greater degree than any modeling compound heretofore known. For example, ifthernodeler were forming the relatively thin legs of a-horse, in comparison to the body weight of the horse, the present modeling compound would support the'weight of the horses body without collapsing, whereas, previous modeling compounds would collapse partially or entirely due to the tendency of such compounds to flow.

In general, the composition of the instant compound is similar to that heretofore described with the exception of the addition of wood particles. Soft Wood particles are preferable to hard wood particles, however, the in vention is not to be limited to soft wood. Soft maple is preferred because of its color which is fairly neutral and because it has a high sap content. It is believed that the sap or gum content of the wood when heated combines with the flour so that the wood particles and the grain flour combine to give a modeling compound more capable of supporting itself when plastic and having greater strength when dry. Tupelo wood may be used to produce a uniform white color, if desired, in the modeling compound. It has been found that hard wood particles such as cherry, iron wood, oak, etc., do not produce a product as desirable as one produced from soft woods.

With regard to the size of the wood particles used in the present composition thep referred range would be that size which would pass through a standard 40 mesh U.S. screen and be retained on a 90 mesh standard U.S. screen, such screens being constructed in accordance with the standards set forth by the National Bureau of Standards.

The preferred ranges of the component of the composition are as follows:

Pounds Flour 170 to 250 Water 250 to 320 Salt to 50 Calcium chloride 20 to 50 Hydrocarbon distillate 8 to Preservative, drying agent 1%. to 2 /2 Antiseptic agent /2 to 1 Hardening and astringent agent 3 to 5 Wood particles 65 to 140 Perfume 1 to 2 Coloring matter Ms to All of the components of the instant compound with the exception of the water and wood particles, are placed in an ordinary bakery dough mixer. The water is then heated to at least 150 F. and immediately dumped into the mixer with the other materials previously contained therein and all of these components mixed into a homogenous mass until the flour is well expanded and gelatinized. The composition is treated to gelatinize the grain flour component and this is preferably effected by moist heat supplied by the heated water, such gelatination will take place within approximately 7 to 30 minutes of mixing. As previously set forth, it is believed that when the protein content of the flour becomes heated in the presence of water, it forms a gluten formation through coagulation while the starch content of the flour when combined with water and heat gelatinizes. At the point of gelatination the wood particles are then added until they are com- 1 to said mixture.

pletely distributed throughout the material in a homogenous manner. The resulting mixture is a monogeneous plastic type modeling compound that has the rigidity and general consistency and texture that it can be molded and formed into any given object and which is the subject of the instant invention. 1

The flour, water, salt .(including calcium chloride) and Wood particle components combined comprise the bulk of the composition preferably about at least 20 to 40times as much in weight as the other combined components. The modeling compound made according to the teachings of this invention has the following characteristics; it is soft and pliable and may be easily shaped and formed, thus leading itself to manual use; it is nonsticky and may "be worked quickly and smoothly into any desired shape or form; it is non-staining and will not harm or mar furniture, furnishings, clothing or hands; it is non-toxic (not recommended for eating but no harm is done should it be accidently swallowed by a child); it is uniformly smooth and free of lumps; when permitted to dry it has an extremely smooth and realistic wood grain-like appearance, it has no tendency to crack, shrink or fall apart when dry, it is extremely strong, hard, rigid and resistant to breaking, it may be chiseled, chipped, cut, sawed or sanded, it may be painted, 1acquered with oil, water, or with poster paints and if left in the open air will dry hard within a few days; The compound as produced is a homogenous mass and can be used directly from the can without adding additional materials such as water, oil, powder, etc., such as are required by other anhydrous materials presently on the market which create and produce a mess, when the required liquid is added to them prior to their use. The instant modeling compound may be taken directly from an air tight container, played with for several hours and returned to the container with no ill effects, the compound when used in this way will'retain its pliability and working characteristics for periods up to three years. A specific example of the compound is as follows:

200 pounds of spring wheat flour, first clears 280 pounds of tap water 31 pounds of common salt 31 pounds calcium chloride 2 pounds borax /2 pound sodium benzoate 19 pounds light hydrocarbon distillate 4 pounds alum pounds wood particles 1 pound of bouquet type industrial perfume and /s pound of walnut brown food dye which is non-transferable and certified to be non-toxic and good quality with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

All of the above specific ingredients with the exception of the water and wood particles are first placed in a mixer, after which the water is heated and then added The wood particles are then added as heretofore described. The type of mixer is not critical and any heavy duty mixer which will produce a homogenous mass will suffice. Alternatively the heated water could be first placed in the mixer and then the other ingredients of the batch With the exception of the wood particles, added since this sequence with regard to the addition of the wood particles, is critical. The Water is preferably heated to 200 F. and then added to the ingredients and mixing carried out for at least 3 to 5 minutes until the flour is gelatinized after which the Wood particles are added and the compound is released as a monogenous modeling compound having all of the characteristics hereinbefore attributed to the product, and then immediately placed in air tight containers.

Example 2 The ingredients and methods as specified in Example 1 with the exception that pound of yellow pine food dye is used in place of the walnut brown.

Example 3 The ingredients and methods as specified in Example 1 with the exception that /8 pound of red-wood red food dye is used in place of the walnut brown.

Example 4 The ingredients and methods as specified in Example 1 with the exception that no coloring matter is employed.

It will be understood that other modifications may be effected in our invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. It will be further understood that although we have shown our invention as embodied in certain combinations of materials and in certain process steps, we do not intend to be limited to such materials and steps except insofar as they are specifically set forth in the subjoined claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and useful and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent, is:

1. A smooth and velvety composition of matter which is soft, pliable, non-sticky, non-toxic, substantially lumpfree, re-workable, and re-moldable, consisting essentially of a mixture by weight of 15 to 45 percent grain flour selected from the group consisting of wheat flour and rye flour, to percent water, 1 to 10 percent of a watersoluble *salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and sodium hypochlorite, 1 to 10 percent calcium chloride and 0.5 to 5 percent kerosene.

2. The composition of claim 1, containing from 0.18 to 0.47 percent preservative and drying agent, from 0.35 to 0.93 percent hardening and astringent agent, and from 0.06 to 0.18 percent of an antiseptic agent.

OTHER REFERENCES The Merck Index, Seventh Ed., 1960, page 192.

ALEXANDER H. BRODMERKEL, Primary Examiner.

MORRIS LIEBMAN, Examiner.

Claims

1. A SMOOTH AND VELVETY COMPOSITION OF MATTER WHICH IS SOFT, PLIABLE, NON-STICKY, NON-TOXIC, SUBSTANTIALLY LUMPFREE, RE-WORKABLE, AND RE-MOLDABLE, CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF A MIXTURE BY WEIGHT OF 15 TO 45 PERCENT GRAIN FLOUR SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF WHEAT FLOUR AND RYE FLOUR, 30 TO 55 PERCENT WATER, 1 TO 10 PERCENT OF A WATERSOLUBLE SALT SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF SODIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE, 1 TO 10 PERCENT CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND 0.5 TO 5 PERCENT KEROSENE.