Mini ceramic throwing machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a mini ceramic throwing machine which is used for shaping argil or other suitable materials into expected shapes. During shaping, the argil is held on the rotatable platform by a strut member that cooperatively engages with the argil or other suitable material by a centering tool assembly to ensure that the material remains centrally positioned on the rotatable platform. It can be understood that the invention provides a user with an interesting and convenient way to form various final products.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 064,706, filed on December 12, 2022. The entire disclosure of the above - mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] For tens of thousands of years, art and crafts have been an important part of cultures across all social strata for children and adults of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. A particular area of art and crafts is pottery, which archaeologists estimate has been around for thousands of years. For example, the earliest pottery wheels are estimated to have been in use as early as five thousand years ago.

[0003] Over the millennia, the use of pottery wheels has been continuously improved to enhance performance and expand the variety of pottery products.

[0004] However, known pottery wheels are generally relatively large in size and very heavy, which of course means that dedicated space is required for use, especially when considering cleaning. The size of known pottery wheels also makes it difficult for children to enjoy the experience of expressing their creativity through shaped products.

[0005] Another common problem is keeping the clay to be processed centered on the pottery wheel. Off - center clay can result in sub - standard final products, if any. Another drawback regarding the use of existing pottery wheels is the relative degree of mess involved. This problem persists when using pottery wheels that operate at various speeds. This mess significantly increases the usage time and requires a lot of time to clean everything up in preparation for reuse.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, the present invention addresses the above - mentioned problems associated with currently known pottery wheels. Of course, other advantages will become apparent when reviewing the abstract, detailed description, and claims in conjunction with the various figures provided. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a mini pottery wheel that is easy to set up and use and has a small amount of cleaning work after use. By "mini" it is meant that the device can be used in most environments, including but not limited to most desktops or countertops. The mini pottery wheel generally includes: a centering tool assembly for setting and positioning the clay during use; a base structure including a motor for driving a rotatable clay - platform turntable; and an alignment structure for ensuring that the clay to be shaped remains centered on the platform.

[0008] The centering tool assembly in its most basic form includes: a removable outer shell into which clay is filled in preparation for use; and a strut that remains within the clay during shaping of the clay. The base includes: a decorative body that houses the motor and associated electronics; and a top plate for receiving a lid after the clay is ready for shaping. The alignment structure is typically in the form of a lid that is at least partially transparent and generally includes one or more slots for receiving shaping tools during use. The lid also includes pins that extend downward in the direction of the clay. The pins are placed within the struts of the centering tool to ensure that the clay remains centered on the rotatable platform during processing. The mini pottery wheel described herein is easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to clean in preparation for reuse. Thus, not only can both children and adults enjoy the opportunity to express their creativity by using the present invention, but also a useful final product can be obtained even without prior experience in clay processing. The device is particularly suitable for making relatively small items, which gives the user an enhanced sense of control and accomplishment. Many other features and advantages will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of the invention presented below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the mini pottery wheel of the present invention in a state ready for processing;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembled unit;

[0012] Figure 3 is a side view of the assembled unit;

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the entire mini pottery wheel assembly;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the base assembly;

[0015] Figures 6a to 6i depicts the clay centering tool assembly of the present invention in the order of use;

[0016] Figure 7 is a side view of the mini pottery wheel depicting various shaping templates;

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a shaping tool depicting selectable interchangeable tips.

[0018] In the various figures of the drawings, like reference numerals denote like components. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0019] Exemplary embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure comprehensive and fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Specific details such as specific components, devices, and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms without the use of specific details and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In certain exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0020] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and are not restrictive terms. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of required performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", etc. and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence when used herein, unless the context clearly states otherwise. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Spatial relative terms such as "inner", "outer", "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as illustrated in the figures. Spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation, and not just the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , a key component of a mini pottery wheel in a ready-for-use state according to the present invention is shown in an exploded perspective view. The so-called "ready-for-use state" means that only the components of the centering tool assembly that remain during use are depicted.

[0025] Specifically referring to Figure 4 , the main components used to set up the mini pottery wheel before use according to the teachings of the present invention are shown.

[0026] The key components of a mini pottery wheel 10 for processing clay or other suitable materials (referred to herein as "A") include a base assembly 12, a centering tool assembly 14, an alignment structure 16, and a shaping tool 18.

[0027] The base assembly 12 generally includes a thermoplastic decorative body 22, a motor 40, and a top plate 36. The body has a bottom plate 24 which optionally includes one or more anti-slip pads 26 on its lower side, and the body has a circumferential wall 28 extending upwardly which defines an open area 30 therein that can be used as a storage space for supplies (such as clay) for the mini pottery wheel during non-use. A centrally located end-open tube 32 also extends upwardly from the bottom plate 24. The top plate 36 is placed along the upper edge 34 of the body 22. A motor housing 42 is fixedly attached to the lower side 38 of the top plate, and a motor 40 for driving a clay platform 126 (such as a turntable), as will be described in more detail below, is contained within the motor housing. The lower end 44 of the motor housing 42 is placed within the tube 32 of the body 22. The upper end 46 of the motor housing includes a plurality of radially extending legs 46 attached to the lower side of the top plate.

[0028] The motor housing 42 also includes a pocket 48 which contains electronics 50 that cooperate with one or more switches 52 for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of the platform and the clay. It should be understood that a single switch as shown can be used to control the direction and speed of rotation, or two separate switches can be used. The upper side 54 of the top plate 36 includes a central portion 56 which has an opening 58 through which the drive shaft 60 of the motor extends. A coupling mechanism 62 in the form of a disk extends from the drive shaft 60 and extends into the lower end of the processing space 74 and has at least one of a convex member 64 or a concave member 66 along its periphery for carrying the clay platform 126 in a mating relationship. The coupling mechanism 62 is best shown in Figure 5 A circular groove 68 is arranged radially outwardly in the central portion of the top plate for receiving a lid, in the manner to be described below.

[0029] The lid 16 made of a substantially transparent thermoplastic material includes an outer annular wall 72 which defines an open area 74 that serves as a processing space for shaping the clay into a desired final product. A top plate 78 extends integrally inwardly along the top of the outer wall 72. A pin 84 extends from the underside 82 of the top plate 78 into the open area 74 and mates with a strut member 124 associated with the centering assembly. An inset 86 may be provided along a portion of the outer wall 72 which defines a slot 88 for receiving a shaping template 96. During use of the mini pottery wheel, the lower end 94 of the lid is disposed in the slot such that it rests against the slot walls to prevent lateral movement. The slot includes a lower end 90 and an upper end 92. The shaping template includes a tab 100 disposed along its lower end 98 and a flexible clip 104 extending from its upper end 102. To attach the shaping template to the lid, the tab 100 is first inserted into a hole 106 provided along the lower end of the slot. Then, the flexible clip 104 is pressed into the upper end of the slot until the flexible clip is coupled to the housing in a press-fit manner. To remove and replace the shaping template, the flexible clip is pressed until it disengages at the upper end and the template is pulled out of the slot. As Figure 8 shown, by way of non-limiting example, different templates 96 with different guide shape patterns (108a, 108b, and 108c) can be envisioned to perform different shaping techniques on the clay, and these guide shape patterns extend outwardly from the template to define an opening 106 for receiving a shaping tool.

[0030] Reference Figures 6a to 6i , the centering tool assembly 14 is shown in a series to best illustrate the structure and the sequence of using its components to prepare the clay for shaping. It should be understood that the present invention can use various types of clay. For example, semi-natural clay (with a kaolin content greater than 40% of the total composition and a total moisture content (including water) less than 25%) can be used, which has proven to be effective and commercially available clays such as silica, DAS clay, Sculpey air-dry clay.

[0031] The components of the centering tool assembly 14 include a packing shell 120, an end cap 122, a strut member 124, and a clay platform 126. Optionally, the assembly further includes a support sleeve 128 and a removable plastic sheet 130 which helps ensure that the clay does not adhere to the inner side of the packing shell when the clay is filled. It should be understood that in order to obtain a high-quality final product, it is crucial to ensure high-quality loading and filling of the clay to be processed.

[0032] Initially, as Figure 6aAs shown, the first half 132 and the second half 134 of the outer shell 120 are clamped together to capture the clay platform 126. Each shell half includes receiving portions 136a and 136b that form a receptacle 136 that covers the perimeter of the clay platform, leaving most of the platform surface 140 for holding the clay. The receptacle 136, shown as having a clam shell configuration, also preferably includes a press-fit convex member 138a and a press-fit concave member 138b to ensure that the platform is fully captured when the two halves are joined together. When the two halves are connected, a clay bin 142 extends upward from the receptacle, and the clay bin defines an open area 144 for receiving the clay, as Figure 6b shown. As shown, the receptacle generally has a substantially cylindrical shape. To ensure that the two halves 136a and 136b of the outer shell 120 remain locked together on the platform when filled, it may be beneficial to use a sleeve 128 that can be placed on the outer shell, as Figure 6b shown. Similarly, optionally but preferably, a non-stick thermoplastic sheet 130 can be installed in the open area of the outer shell to line its interior, as Figure 6c shown. Once the outer shell is set to this stage, the clay can be filled into the open area 144, as Figure 6d shown, until the clay reaches the top 146 of the outer shell, as Figure 6e shown. While it is generally easy to determine when the clay has been fully filled, it may be desirable to make the outer shell 120, as well as the sleeve 128 and the thermoplastic sheet 130 (if used), from a transparent material to allow a full visual inspection of the filled clay.

[0033] Referring to Figure 6e , once the clay is fully filled, an end cap 122 is assembled on top of the outer shell 120 and the sleeve 128 such that the downwardly projecting annular portion 152 of the end cap is placed within a ring portion 148 along the top 150 of the sleeve. The end cap may include fingers 154a and 154b that face each other, and the fingers help to place and remove the end cap after the strut member 124 is arranged within the clay. To help secure the strut member, the end cap is provided with an upwardly extending socket portion 160 that projects from its top wall 158. The socket portion may include one or more slots 162 for receiving one or more alignment tabs 168 that project outward from the tail end 174 of the strut member 124. As Figure 6f shown, the front end 172 of the strut is inserted through the socket portion 160 and into the filled clay contained within the outer shell. The strut is inserted until the alignment tabs extend into the slots 162. By inserting the strut member in this way, it will be ensured that the strut remains fixed about the central axis 180 of the filled clay during use. Once the strut member is properly set, the end cap 126 is removed, as Figure 6g shown, and subsequently the sleeve 128 and the outer shell 120 are removed, asFigure 6h as shown. Finally, as Figure 6i shown, the thermoplastic sheet 130 is removed. Thus, only the strut member extends upward from the clay along the central axis 180 after the clay is filled.

[0034] After the clay is ready for processing, the platform 126 is placed on the coupling mechanism 62 in the generally nested relationship described above so that the platform and the clay with the strut member embedded therein can rotate. However, before rotation, the lid 16 is positioned on the base assembly. The lid 16 is aligned such that when the lid is disposed on the top plate of the base assembly as described above, the pin 84 passes through the central hole 182 of the strut member. The pin extends sufficiently into the central hole to ensure that the clay remains centered on the platform during processing.

[0035] Finally, after the lid is in place, the shaping template is attached to the lid as described above. It should be understood that once the lid is securely attached to the base, the template can be replaced as needed without removing the lid. In this way, multiple templates can be conveniently used to perform different stages of clay shaping.

[0036] For processing the clay, once the user decides on the design of the final product, the motor can be started to rotate the clay in the desired direction and at a predetermined speed. The platform can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to accommodate right-handed or left-handed users. For example, right-handed carving (clay shaping) can be performed while the platform and the clay are rotating counterclockwise. Then, once the carving is complete, the direction can be changed to perform a finishing function, such as painting the final product. The opposite direction (clockwise) can be used for left-handed users. However, it should be understood that the rotation and speed can be user preferences, and one-way rotation and / or speed can be envisioned. Then, the shaping tool 18 is inserted into the template opening 106. As Figure 8 shown, for example, the shaping tool 18 preferably includes a handle 190 and one of a variety of selectable and interchangeable tips 192a, 192b, 192c, and 192d. Non-limitingly, for example, the tip 192a is suitable for carving and removing material from the clay, the tip 192b is suitable for adding a series of grooves, the tip 192c is suitable for hollowing out the clay to a certain extent, and the tip 192d is suitable for adding fine details. Of course, other uses and other tip designs can be envisioned.

[0037] The maximum rotational speed of the turntable pre-loaded with clay is approximately 1000 revolutions per minute. When shaping the clay (e.g., selectively carving), the user places the desired tip slowly and with limited pressure into contact with the clay to start the shaping. The tool can advance along a template to assist in controlling the shaping process. Although various shaping tools can be used to obtain a predetermined final product design according to a processing pattern (using one or more templates in sequence), it should be understood that free-form shaping designs are also possible. The user will develop tactile skills by using the device and will intuitively acquire expertise in developing high-quality final products in a relatively short period of time. Once the original final product is obtained, the lid can be removed and the final product can be decorated. If the final product is decorated on the turntable, the motor can be switched to a slower rotation setting and the object can be easily painted. Of course, other aspects of the present invention will become apparent by using the invention claimed below.

[0038] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected embodiment even if not specifically shown or described. It can also vary in many ways. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A mini pottery throwing machine, comprising: A base assembly including a motor for rotating a platform on which clay is disposed. A strut member partially embedded in the clay. And A support structure including a pin extending downwardly that engages the strut member, the pin and the strut member defining an axis of rotation of the clay on the platform.

2. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 1, wherein the strut member includes a central hole for receiving the pin.

3. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 2, wherein the support structure is at least partially transparent lid that can be selectively attached to the base assembly, the lid defining an open area for working the clay, the pin extending downwardly from the lid.

4. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 3, wherein the lid includes at least one groove for receiving a shaping tool for the clay.

5. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 3, wherein at least one shaping template is coupled to the lid along the groove.

6. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a centering tool assembly for positioning the strut member along a central axis within the clay.

7. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 6, wherein the centering tool assembly includes a removable housing into which the clay is filled, and the centering tool assembly includes a lid attachable to the housing, the lid including a socket portion through which the strut member is inserted into the clay.

8. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 7, wherein the housing includes a first adjacent member and a second adjacent member that define a receiving portion for capturing the platform along an outer periphery and a clay bin for filling the clay on the platform.

9. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 8, wherein the centering tool assembly further includes a sleeve disposed on the assembled housing to assist in keeping the housing as a single piece during the clay filling process.

10. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 5, wherein the shaping tool includes a handle and one or more selectively interchangeable tips.

11. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 1, wherein the motor is a multi-speed motor.

12. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 1, wherein the motor is capable of rotating the platform and the clay clockwise or counterclockwise.

13. A mini pottery throwing machine, comprising: A base assembly including a body and a motor disposed within the body for rotating a rotatable platform on which clay is disposed; A centering tool including a selectively removable clay-filled housing, a strut member insertable into the clay, and a lid for aligning the strut member for insertion into the clay, the strut member including an elongated hole; and A lid that can be attached to the base assembly, the lid including a downwardly extending pin that is inserted into the elongated hole of the strut member to assist in holding the clay on the rotatable platform during use.

14. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 13, wherein the base assembly body includes a bottom plate, a circumferentially extending wall that extends upwardly, and a tube that extends upwardly from the bottom plate for receiving the motor.

15. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 13, wherein the base assembly includes a top plate attached to the body, the upper side of the top plate having a centrally disposed opening for receiving the motor drive shaft and having an annular groove for carrying a portion of the lid.

16. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 15, wherein a coupling member is attached to the drive shaft, the coupling member receiving the rotatable platform in a mating relationship.

17. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 15, wherein the top plate includes a lower side that carries a motor housing that houses the motor and electronics for controlling the motor.

18. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 13, wherein the lid includes a socket portion for receiving the strut member that can be inserted into the clay.

19. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 18, wherein the outer shell includes a first adjacent member and a second adjacent member that define a receiving portion that captures the outer periphery of the platform and a clay bin for filling the clay on the platform.

20. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 19, wherein the centering tool assembly further includes a sleeve that is disposed on the outer shell to assist in holding the outer shell as a single piece during the clay filling process.

21. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 13, wherein the shaping tool includes a handle and one or more selectively interchangeable tips.

22. The mini pottery throwing machine according to claim 13, wherein the motor is a multi-speed motor capable of rotating the platform and the clay in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

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