Toy system for making a layered structure of moldable material

Abstract

A toy device comprising a base portion having an open area, an end wall in the base portion, an openable mould inside the base portion, the openable mould comprising a first mould portion having a first inner side and a second mould portion configured to rotate relative to the first mould portion, the second mould portion comprising a second inner side. The first mould portion, the second mould portion and the end wall define a recess in the base portion, the recess opening towards the open area. The toy device further comprises a pressurising device comprising a first side configured to be attached to a force transfer device and a second side. The pressurising device is configured to be inserted into the recess with the second side facing the end wall, and the pressurising device is configured to move towards the end wall in response to a force exerted on the force transfer device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 572,541, filed April 1, 2024, entitled “Toy System for Making Layered Structures of Moldable Materials,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a toy system for manufacturing layered structures of moldable materials. Background Technology

[0004] People of all ages enjoy playing with toys. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the toy system includes: a base portion comprising: an outer surface; an opening in the outer surface; and an end wall in the base portion, the end wall comprising a solid plate parallel to the opening; a mold comprising: a first mold portion comprising: a first flat portion and a first curved portion at a first end of the first flat portion; and a second mold portion comprising: a second flat portion and a second curved portion at a first end of the second flat portion. The inner sides of the first flat portion, the second flat portion, the first curved portion, the second curved portion, and the end wall define a recess extending from the opening to the base portion. The toy system further includes: a plunger assembly attached to the base portion, the plunger assembly comprising: a force transmission device; and a pressure member comprising: a first side attached to the force transmission device; and a second side opposite to the first side. The second side and the recess have the same cross-sectional shape; the area of ​​the cross-section of the recess is larger than the area of ​​the second side of the pressure member.

[0006] The implementation scheme may include one or more of the following features.

[0007] The pressurizing member may include one or more features configured to relieve pressure.

[0008] The one or more features used for decompression may include one or more holes passing through the pressure member.

[0009] The second side may include a surface surrounded by a raised periphery. The surface may be a flat surface. The raised periphery may extend substantially perpendicular to the flat surface. The raised periphery may include a curved portion.

[0010] The mold can have a closed position and an open position. In these embodiments, in the closed position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion contact each other, and the second ends of the first flat portion and the second flat portion extend from a single point; and in the open position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion do not contact each other. The cross-section of the recess in a plane parallel to the end wall can be a circular sector. The sector can be one-eighth of a circle. The cross-section of the recess in a plane parallel to the end wall can be a generally triangular wedge.

[0011] The toy system may also include a pivot connector, one or more of the second ends of the first flat portion and the second ends of the second flat portion being rotatable about the pivot connector along an arc in a plane parallel to the end wall. The pivot connector may include a post in the base portion, to which the second ends of the first flat portion and the second ends of the second flat portion are mounted.

[0012] The outer surface may include a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface, the opening may be in the top surface of the base portion, and the recess may extend toward the bottom of the base portion.

[0013] The outer surface may include a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface, the opening may be in the side surface of the base portion, and the recess may extend substantially parallel to the bottom surface.

[0014] The toy system may also include a second mold configured to produce a ball of moldable material that, when placed in a recess and pressed with a second side, fills a portion of the recess. Alternatively, the second mold may be configured to produce a ball of moldable material that, when placed in a recess and pressed with a second side, fills less than half of the recess.

[0015] The toy system also includes: a second opening in the base portion; a first roller in the base portion and accessible from the second opening; and a second roller in the base portion and accessible from the second opening, the second roller being spaced apart from the first roller by an open space, wherein the first roller and the second roller are configured to shape moldable material placed in the open space.

[0016] The first mold portion may include a first chamfer extending from the first mold portion into the recess; the second mold portion may include a second chamfer extending from the second mold portion into the recess.

[0017] The second side may include a flat surface surrounded by a raised periphery, and one or more holes may pass through the pressure member.

[0018] In another aspect, a toy device includes: a base portion including an open area; an end wall within the base portion; and an openable mold within the base portion, the openable mold including: a first mold portion including a first inner side; and a second mold portion configured to rotate relative to the first mold portion, the second mold portion including a second inner side. The first mold portion, the second mold portion, and the end wall define a recess in the base portion that opens to the open area. The toy device also includes a pressurizing device including: a first side surface configured to attach to a force transmission device; and a second side surface including a surface. The pressurizing device is configured to be inserted into the recess with the second side surface facing the end wall, and the pressurizing device is configured to move toward the end wall in response to a force applied to the force transmission device.

[0019] The implementation scheme may include one or more of the following features.

[0020] The protrusion may surround the surface; and the pressurizing device may also include one or more depressurizing devices. Each of the one or more depressurizing devices may include an opening through the pressurizing device. The protrusion may extend perpendicularly from the surface.

[0021] The surface may be surrounded by a raised periphery, and the raised periphery may include a curved portion.

[0022] Force transmission devices may include plungers.

[0023] The second side can be part of a circle, and the concave part can be a wedge shape with a curved side.

[0024] The concave portion can have a cross-section that is essentially triangular.

[0025] In another aspect, a method includes: inserting a first amount of moldable material into a recess in a base portion, the recess being defined by a mold and an end wall; inserting a pressure device into the recess, wherein the surface of the pressure device faces the end wall; applying force to the pressure device to compress the first amount of moldable material until the first amount of moldable material forms a first layer filling the space between the surface of the pressure device and the end wall; removing the pressure device from the recess; inserting a second amount of moldable material onto the first layer in the recess; inserting the pressure device into the recess, wherein the surface of the pressure device faces the first layer; applying force to the pressure device to compress the second amount of moldable material until the second amount of moldable material forms a second layer filling the space between the flat side of the pressure device and the first layer; and opening the mold to expose the layered structure of the moldable material.

[0026] The techniques discussed in this article can be implemented as systems, devices, equipment, or methods. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side exterior view of the toy system, including the base portion.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the interior of the base section.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top external view of the base section.

[0030] Figure 4 It is the second side of the pressurization device.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top view of the mold and end wall.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Front view of the mold and end wall.

[0033] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A pressurizing device with an attachment to the base portion is shown. Figure 1 Toy system.

[0034] Figures 8A-8C Another mold is shown.

[0035] Figure 8D This is an example of an internal organization.

[0036] Figure 9A This is a top view of another toy system.

[0037] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A partial interior top view of the toy system.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for manufacturing layered structures of moldable materials using a toy system.

[0039] Figure 11 It is Figure 10 A three-dimensional diagram of an example of a layered structure made using this process.

[0040] Figure 12A This is a side view of another example of a plunger device that includes a pressurizing mechanism.

[0041] Figure 12B It shows Figure 12A The second side of the pressurizing device.

[0042] Figure 12C It shows Figure 12A The cutting of the pressurized device.

[0043] Figure 13A The second side of another pressurizing device is shown.

[0044] Figure 13B It shows Figure 13A The cutting of the pressurized device. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 This is a side exterior view of the toy system 100. The toy system 100 produces a layered structure of moldable material. The layered structure can resemble slices of a round layered cake. The toy system 100 can be used to create more than one layered structure. For example, the toy system 100 can be used to produce more than one slice, and these slices can be assembled into an entire round layered cake.

[0046] The toy system 100 includes a housing or base portion 110, a plunger device 120, a book mold 130, and moldable materials 140 and 142. The base portion 110 includes a door 111 on a first side 112. The base portion 110 may resemble a stove or kitchen stove. The door 111 is shown closed. (Reference) Figure 2 This is a side view of the interior 105 of the base portion 110, which is accessible when the door 111 is open. See also Figure 3 This is a top external view of the base portion 110, which also includes a top side surface 113 and an opening 115 through the top side surface 113.

[0047] Moldable materials 140 and 142 can be any type of material capable of being shaped and maintaining its shape. For example, moldable materials 140 and 142 can be putty, clay, starch-based dough, and / or child-safe dough-like substances (e.g., PLAY-DOHTM available from Hasbro, Inc. of Pawtucket, Rhode Island). Moldable materials 140 and 142 can be slightly sticky and have a tendency to adhere to each other and to other objects. However, the adhesive properties of moldable materials 140 and 142 are relatively weak, and moldable materials 140 and 142 can be separated by applying a relatively weak force (e.g., a force that a child can apply). The moldable material is extrudable.

[0048] Moldable materials 140 and 142 can be the same type of moldable material. For example, moldable materials 140 and 142 can be PLAY-DOH. In these embodiments, moldable material 140 can be a first color PLAY-DOH, while moldable material 142 can be a second color PLAY-DOH, which is visually distinguishable from the first color. In other embodiments, moldable materials 140 and 142 can be a first and a second piece separate from a larger PLAY-DOH block. In these embodiments, moldable materials 140 and 142 are the same color. Other embodiments are possible. For example, moldable material 140 can be a different type of moldable material than moldable material 142. Toy set 100 may include additional moldable materials.

[0049] The plunger device 120 includes a force application device 121 and a pressurizing device 122. The pressurizing device 122 includes a first side 123 and a second side 124 opposite to the first side 123. The force application device 121 is attached to the first side 123. See also... Figure 4 The second side 124 includes a flat surface 125 surrounded by a raised periphery 126 extending perpendicularly (in the -Z direction) from the flat surface 125. The raised periphery 126 may be a lip or a wall extending 1 mm to 3 mm from the flat surface 125. The raised periphery 126 forms a defined area on the second side 124 of the pressurizing device 122 and helps prevent moldable material 140 and / or 142 from leaking into the vicinity of the pressurizing device 122 during layer formation. Furthermore, at least one opening 127 extends through the pressurizing device 122. The one or more openings 127 also help prevent moldable material from leaking into the vicinity of the pressurizing device 122 during layer formation. Other embodiments of the pressurizing device 122 are also possible. An additional embodiment of the pressurizing device is illustrated.

[0050] The plunger device 120 is shown separate from the base portion 110. However, in some embodiments, the plunger device 120 is attached to the base portion 110. For example, the plunger device 120 may be attached to the top side 113. Figure 7A and Figure 7B An embodiment of an attached plunger device is shown.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a top view of mold 150 and end wall 170. Figure 6 This is a front view of mold 150 and end wall 170. End wall 170 is a solid material part mounted inside 105 of base portion 110. For example, end wall 170 can be a solid plastic disc or plate. Moldable materials 140 and 142 cannot pass through end wall 170.

[0052] Mold 150 is an openable mold. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A mold 150 in its closed position is shown. The mold 150 includes a first mold portion 151a and a second mold portion 151b. Mold portions 151a and 151b are solid wall-like structures without openings or weak points. Moldable materials 140 and 142 cannot pass through mold portions 151a and 151b.

[0053] The first mold portion 151a has an inner wall 165a, and the second mold portion 151b has an inner wall 165b. The inner walls 165a and 165b are smooth surfaces extending along the Z-direction. The first mold portion 151a includes a first flat portion 152a and a first curved portion 153a, the first curved portion 153a being located at a first end 154a of the first flat portion 152a. The second mold portion 151b includes a second flat portion 152b and a second curved portion 153b, the second curved portion 153b being located at a first end 154b of the second flat portion 152b.

[0054] In the closed position (e.g.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 (As shown), the curved portions 153a and 153b are held together by a releasable fastener 157, and the flat portions 152a and 152b extend away from the point region 155 at an angle 158. Point 155 can be a hinge connection point or a pivot post, about which the mold portions 151a and / or 151b rotate in the XY plane. An example of a pivot post is shown in... Figure 8A As shown in the image.

[0055] Inner walls 165a and 165b define a recess 156. The recess 156 extends along the Z-direction and is defined on its sides by the inner walls 165a and 165b, and at one end by an end wall 170. The cross-section of the recess 170 in the XY plane defines the shape of the layered structure. Figure 5 In the example shown, the cross-section is a sector shape of a circle. A sector of a circle is a portion of a circle, consisting of an arc of the circle and its two radii. In the closed mold 150, the radii are the flat portions 152a, 152b, while the arcs are formed by the joined curved portions 153a, 153b. The recess 156 is a three-dimensional volume having the shape of a wedge or a slice of a round cake. The cross-section of the recess 156 in the XY plane can be, for example, one-eighth, one-sixth, one-quarter, or less than half a circle. In an embodiment where the cross-section of the recess 156 is one-eighth of a circle, the angle 158 is 45 degrees (°).

[0056] Other implementations are possible. For example, the cross-section of the recess 156 can be circular and is not necessarily a sector-shaped portion. In another example, the cross-section of the recess 156 can be a portion of a rectangle, an ellipse, or a square. Furthermore, the cross-section of the recess 156 can be formed into a circular, rectangular, or free-form closed shape.

[0057] Each mold portion 151a, 151b may include a chamfer that extends into the recess 156 and slopes toward the end wall 170. Figure 8A and Figure 8B An example of a mold section including a chamfered section inclined toward the end wall 170 is shown.

[0058] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The invention relates to toy system 700. Toy system 700 is similar to toy system 100, except that toy system 700 includes a plunger device 720 attached to base portion 110. Toy system 700 may also include plunger device 120. Figure 7A The toy system 700 is shown with the pressure device 722 not in the recess 156 and after the pressure device 722 is used to form a layer 118 of moldable material in the recess 156. Figure 7B A toy system with a pressurizing device 722 located in a recess 156 is shown.

[0059] The plunger device 720 includes a lever portion 728. A first end 731 of the lever portion 728 is attached to a pivot point 730 on the top side 113 of the base portion 110. The pivot point 730 may be, for example, a hinge. The lever portion 728 extends from the first end 731 to a second end 732, which is attached to a pressurizing device 722 at a connection point 734. The connection point 734 is any type of connection that allows the pressurizing device 722 to rotate relative to the second end 732. For example, the connection point 734 may be a pin or a hinge.

[0060] The pressurizing device 722 is similar to the pressurizing device 122. The pressurizing device 722 includes a first side 723 attached to a force-applying device 721. The force-applying device 721 is a mechanical linkage between the first side 723 and a second end 732. The force-applying device 721 can be, for example, a rod or a handle. The pressurizing device 722 also includes a second side 724. The second side 724 includes a flat surface surrounded by a raised periphery. The flat surface and the raised periphery are not... Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is shown in the figure, but is similar to the flat surface 125 and the raised periphery 126.

[0061] To operate the pressurizing device 722, the pressurizing device 722 is placed in the recess 156 with the second side 124 facing the end wall 170. A force is applied to the lever portion 728, causing the pressurizing device 722 to move in the recess in the -Z direction, and the second side 724 compresses the moldable material 142 into a layer, which rests on the existing layer 118.

[0062] The plunger device 720 includes a gauge 735 that provides a user with an indication of the magnitude of the force applied to the moldable material in the recess 156. The gauge 735 may be a flexible portion that bends in response to a force applied to the pressurizing device 722 and activates an alarm when the portion bends by a predetermined amount. The flexible portion may be, for example, a plastic strip. The alarm may be, for example, a bell or other sound. In some embodiments, the flexible portion itself may emit an audible and / or user-perceived responsive force when it bends by a predetermined amount, thereby generating an indication that a certain amount of force has been applied to the moldable material. Other embodiments are possible. For example, the gauge 735 may be a pressure gauge, a strain gauge, or any type of force sensor. In another example, the alarm may be a visually perceptible alarm, such as a measurement visually presented on an electronic or mechanical display and generated from information from the gauge 735. Regardless of its form, the gauge 735 helps ensure that the force applied by the user is sufficient to compress the moldable material into a well-formed and uniform layer, while ensuring that the applied force is not so great that the layer is over-compressed.

[0063] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of another mold part 851a. Mold part 851a and the second mold part 851b ( Figure 8C Used together to form mold 850 ( Figure 8C The mold portion 851a includes a first flat portion 859a, a second flat portion 852a, and a curved portion 853a. The curved portion 853a is located at the end 854a of the second flat portion 852a. The second flat portion 852a extends from the first flat portion 859a at an angle.

[0064] When the mold 850 is closed, the first mold portion 751a connects to the second mold portion 851a, and the inner sides 865a and 865b of the mold portion 851a and mold portion 851b form a wedge-shaped recess 856. The wedge-shaped recess 856 is an example of a mold recess, and its cross-section need not be a circular sector. The inner side of the first flat portion 852a does not define a portion of the wedge-shaped recess 856. In other words, the first flat portion 852a does not face the recess 856.

[0065] The bent portion 853a includes a fastening tab 857a. The fastening tab 857a interacts with a corresponding fastening tab 857b on the second mold portion 851b to hold the first and second mold portions 851a, 851b together. The fastening tabs 857a, 857b can be any type of mechanical fastening mechanism. For example, the fastening tabs 857a, 857b can be snap-fit ​​tabs and corresponding recesses, or fasteners connected via an interference fit or press fit. In some embodiments, the fastening tabs 857a, 857b are held together by corresponding slots on the inside of the door 111. In these embodiments, the mold 850 opens when the door 111 is opened.

[0066] The first flat portion 859a has a pivot post 869 at one end. The pivot post 869 is received in a corresponding support retainer in the base portion 110. Figure 8D Examples include support retainers. The first mold section 851a is rotatable about the pivot post 869 to open or close the mold 850.

[0067] The mold portion 851a also includes a chamfer 861a extending from the bottom of the second flat portion 852a and the bottom of the curved portion 853a. Figure 8B A more detailed view of chamfer 861a is shown. Chamfer 861a includes an angled surface 862a extending away from the inner wall 865a. Figure 8C A partial top perspective view of the mold 850 is shown. When the mold 850 is placed inside the interior 105 of the base portion 110, chamfers 861a, 861b extend to the wedge-shaped recess 856 of the mold. Figure 8C In the middle, there is an angled surface 862 inclined toward the end wall 170. Chamfers 861a and 861b help prevent moldable material from traveling around the pressurized portion during layer formation.

[0068] Figure 8D This is an example of internal mechanism 836. Internal mechanism 836 is placed on the inner wall 116 of base portion 110 (also shown in...). Figure 2 The internal mechanism 836 is located below the end wall 170. It includes mold holding members 837a and 837b. Each mold holding member 837a and 837b includes a receiving pivot post 869. Figure 8A The mold retaining member 837a receives the end of the pivot post 869 of the first mold portion 851a. The mold retaining member 837b receives the end of the pivot post 869 of the second mold portion 851b. The mold retaining members 837a and 837b are attached to the inner wall 116 and are rotatable relative to the inner wall 116 in the XY plane.

[0069] Each mold retaining component 837a, 837b is attached to a sliding link 838. The sliding link 838 slides in the + / -Y direction. The internal mechanism 836 also includes a door opening bell 839, a bell hammer 843, and a bell drive mechanism 844. The bell hammer 843 and the bell drive mechanism 844 are attached to the sliding link 838.

[0070] In operation, when the user opens the door 111 of the base portion, the sliding linkage 838 (which connects to the door 111 at connection point 848) is pulled along the -Y direction together with the door 111. Lateral movement of the sliding linkage 838 causes the mold holding components 837a and 837b to rotate outward, pushing the mold 850 and end wall 170 into the door cavity and out of the base portion 110. The sliding linkage 838 also moves the bell hammer 843, causing the bell 839 to ring. In the example shown, the internal mechanism 836 also includes a spring 845, a rack 846, and a locking feature 847. The locking feature 847 releases the end portion 170. The spring 845 drives the end wall 170 away from the base portion 110. The rack rotates the end wall 170 in the XY plane.

[0071] Figure 9A This is a top view of another base portion 910. Base portion 910 is similar to base portion 110, except that base portion 910 also includes a moldable material roller system 980, which is mounted directly below an opening 987 in the top side surface 913 of base portion 910. Figure 9B A roller system 980 is shown, wherein the top side 913 of the base portion 910 is removed. The roller system 980 includes a first roller 981 and a second roller 982 separated from the first roller 91 in the -Y direction. When moldable material 140 and / or 142 is located between rollers 981 and 982 and the user rotates rollers 981 and 982 with a handle 984, the moldable material is flattened into a sheet and a design is imprinted on the flattened sheet (e.g., ...). Figure 11 The decorative sheet shown is 1194.

[0072] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a process 1000 for creating a layered structure of moldable material using toy system 100. Figure 11 It is a perspective view of an example of a cake slice 1190 including a layered structure 1192 made using process 1000.

[0073] A first amount of moldable material is placed in the recess 156 (1005). For example, the first amount of moldable material can be inserted into the recess 156 through the opening 115. The first amount of moldable material can be a block of moldable material 140 and / or moldable material 142. In some embodiments, the first amount of moldable material is a sphere of a predetermined size comprising a predetermined amount of moldable material. The sphere can be formed by placing a block of moldable material 140 and / or 142 into the book mold 130. Using a predetermined amount of moldable material ensures that a layer of a specific height or thickness will be produced.

[0074] A plunger device 120 is inserted into an opening 115, wherein the second side 124 of the pressurizing device 122 faces the first amount of moldable material and the end wall 170 (1010). Force is applied to the pressurizing device 122 (1015). For example, force can be applied by pushing the force applying device 121 against the end wall 170. Figures 1 to 3 In the configuration of the base portion 110 shown, a force is applied to the force application device 121 along the -Z direction. The second side 124 has a surface area that is slightly smaller than the cross-section of the recess 156 in the XY plane. Therefore, the pressure device 122 can move in the recess 156 along the + / -Z direction while preventing the moldable material from leaking around the pressure device 122 during layer formation. In some embodiments, the raised periphery 126 is approximately 0.5 mm away from the wall of the recess 156.

[0075] A force is applied along the -Z direction to the force application device 121, pushing a first amount of moldable material into the flat surface 125 of the end wall 170 and the pressure device 122. The first amount of moldable material uniformly fills the space between the flat surface 125 and the end wall 170 to form a first layer. The end wall 170 is opaque to the moldable material, and the raised periphery 126 helps to contain the first amount of moldable material beneath the flat surface 125. Additionally, some of the first amount of moldable material is extruded through the opening 127 and away from the end wall 170. The opening 127 also helps to prevent the moldable material from flowing around the periphery 126 by allowing some of the moldable material to escape from the space between the second side 124 and the end wall 170.

[0076] The plunger device 120 is removed from the recess 156 (1020). The first layer remains in the recess 156 and rests on the end wall 170. A second amount of moldable material is placed in the recess 156 on the first layer (1025). The second amount of moldable material may be a different color from the first amount of moldable material. The second amount of moldable material may be the same amount of moldable material as the first amount of moldable material.

[0077] The pressurizing device 122 is inserted into the recess 156, with the second side 124 facing the first layer, which is already located in the recess 156 (1030). Force is applied to the pressurizing device 122 by applying pressure to the force applying device 121 (1035). The second side 124 moves toward the second amount of moldable material. The flat surface 125 contacts the second amount of moldable material and presses it into the second layer between the flat surface 125 and the first layer. The raised periphery 126 and the opening 127 help prevent the second amount of moldable material from leaking around the second side 124. This allows the first and second layers to be clearly defined as separate layers, thereby increasing the overall visual appeal of the layered structure 1192.

[0078] The plunger device 120 is removed from the recess 156. Additional layers can be added to the structure by repeating (1020) to (1035). When all layers have been formed, the mold 150 is opened (1040) by releasing the fastener 157 and rotating one or more mold portions 151a, 151b along an arc in the XY plane. The mold is opened, exposing the layered structure 1192. The layered structure 1192 resembles a slice of cake. Due to the degree of stickiness of the moldable material constituting each layer, the openable mold 150 facilitates the preservation of the structural integrity of each layer and the rapid release of the layered structure 1192 compared to a system using a static mold that requires flipping to release the molded article. The layered structure 1192 may be decorated with decorative sheets 1194 and / or other decorations formed by the roller system 980.

[0079] These and other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. For example, the base portion 110 may be configured to have an opening 115 on one side of the portion 110, and the recess extends along the X or Y axis instead of the Z axis. In these embodiments, the plunger device 120 is actuated along the X or Y axis instead of the Z axis.

[0080] Furthermore, other embodiments of the pressurizing device 122 and pressurizing device 722 are also possible. For example, Figure 12A This is a side view of another example of the plunger device 1220. The plunger device 1220 can be used with the toy system 100, replacing or supplementing the plunger device 120. Furthermore, the plunger device 1220 can be used with the toy system 700, replacing or supplementing the plunger device 720.

[0081] The plunger device 1220 includes a force application device 1221 and a pressurization device 1222. The pressurization device 1222 includes a first side 1223 and a second side 1224 opposite to the first side 1223. The force application device 1221 is attached to the first side 1223. (See reference...) Figure 12BIt shows a second side 1224, which includes a surface 1225 and a periphery 1226 surrounding the surface 1225. Figure 12C It shows Figure 12B The cut-out of the perimeter 1226 between lines 1229' and 1229" is shown. Perimeter 1226 is a curved wall that bends away from surface 1225 at curved interface 1232 and extends in the -Z direction. Perimeter 1226 may extend, for example, 1 to 3 millimeters (mm) in the -Z direction. Surface 1225 may be flat or gently curved in the XY plane. Unlike pressurizing device 122, there is no opening through pressurizing device 1222. In other words, pressurizing device lacks an opening such as opening 127.

[0082] Surface 1225 and periphery 1226 form recesses that interact with moldable material (e.g., moldable material 140 and / or moldable material 142). The curvature of periphery 1226 incorporates moldable material and prevents or reduces the amount of moldable material escaping around the outer side 1233 of periphery 1226, even without an opening through the pressurizing device 1222.

[0083] Figure 13A The second side 1324 of another pressurizing device 1322 is shown. Figure 13B It shows Figure 13A The cross-section of the pressurizing device 1322 between lines 1329' and 1329" is shown. The second side 1324 is opposite to the first side (not shown), which is attached to a force-applying device, such as force-applying device 121, 721, or 1221. The second side 1324 interacts with a moldable material (e.g., moldable material 140 and / or 142). The second side 1324 is flat in the XY plane and lacks a perimeter. In other words, the pressurizing device 1322 does not include a perimeter such as perimeter 1226. Furthermore, although in... Figure 13A The description of the pressurizing device 1322 does not include an opening (e.g. Figure 4 The opening 127 shown is shown in the figure, but in some embodiments, the pressurizing device 1322 includes an opening through the pressurizing device 1322 in the Z direction.

[0084] Other implementations are possible. For example, the pressure devices 122, 722, 1222, and 1322 may be shaped as a portion of a circle, a slice of a round cake, or a slice of a round pie. However, other shapes may be used. For example, the pressure device may have a square or rectangular shape. In these implementations, the pressure device is configured for use with a toy system having an opening of the same shape. For example, the pressure device may have a square shape in the XY plane, and the opening 115 of the toy system 110 may also have a square shape, such that the resulting layered structure is a layered cube of moldable material.

Claims

1. A toy system comprising: The base portion includes: Outer surface; The opening in the outer surface; and The end wall of the base portion includes a solid plate parallel to the opening; Mold, comprising: A first mold portion includes: a first flat portion and a first curved portion at a first end of the first flat portion; and The second mold portion includes: a second flat portion and a second curved portion at a first end of the second flat portion, wherein the inner side of the first flat portion, the inner side of the second flat portion, the inner side of the first curved portion, the inner side of the second curved portion, and the end wall define a recess extending from the opening into the base portion; and A plunger assembly attached to the base portion, the plunger assembly comprising: Force transmission equipment; and The pressure-applying component includes: A first side, which is attached to the force transmission device; and A second side opposite to the first side, wherein the second side and the cross-section of the recess have the same shape; and the cross-section of the recess has an area larger than that of the second side of the pressure member.

2. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the pressure-applying member includes one or more features configured to relieve pressure.

3. The toy system of claim 2, wherein the one or more features configured to relieve pressure include one or more holes passing through the pressure-applying member.

4. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the second side comprises a surface surrounded by a raised periphery.

5. The toy system of claim 4, wherein the surface is a flat surface.

6. The toy system of claim 5, wherein the periphery of the protrusion extends substantially perpendicular to the flat surface.

7. The toy system of claim 5, wherein the periphery of the protrusion includes a curved portion.

8. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the mold includes a closed position and an open position.

9. The toy system according to claim 8, wherein, In the closed position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion are in contact, and the second ends of the first flat portion and the second flat portion extend from a point; Furthermore, in the open position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion do not contact each other.

10. The toy system of claim 9, wherein the recess has a circular sector-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to the end wall.

11. The toy system of claim 10, wherein the sector is one-eighth of the circle.

12. The toy system of claim 9, wherein the recess has a generally triangular wedge-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to the end wall.

13. The toy system of claim 9, further comprising a pivot connector, wherein one or more of the second ends of the first flat portion and the second flat portion rotate about the pivot connector along an arc in a plane parallel to the end wall.

14. The toy system of claim 13, wherein the pivot connector includes a post in the base portion, and a second end of the first flat portion and a second end of the second flat portion are mounted to the post.

15. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface comprises a top surface, a side surface and a bottom surface, the opening is in the top surface of the base portion and the recess extends toward the bottom of the base portion.

16. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface comprises a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface, the opening is in the side surface of the base portion, and the recess extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface.

17. The toy system of claim 1, further comprising a second mold configured to produce a ball of moldable material that, when placed in the recess and pressed with the second side, fills a portion of the recess.

18. The toy system of claim 17, wherein the second mold is configured to produce a ball of moldable material that, when placed in the recess and pressed with the second side, fills less than half of the recess.

19. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the second side comprises a flat surface surrounded by a raised periphery, and one or more holes pass through the pressure member.

20. The toy system of claim 1, further comprising: The second opening in the base portion; The first roller in the base portion is accessible from the second opening; as well as A second roller in the base portion, accessible from the second opening, is spaced apart from the first roller by an open space, wherein the first and second rollers are configured to shape moldable material placed in the open space.

21. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the first mold portion further includes a first chamfer extending from the first mold portion into the recess; and the second mold portion further includes a second chamfer extending from the second mold portion into the recess.

22. A toy device, comprising: The base portion includes an open area; The end wall in the base portion; The base portion contains an openable mold, the openable mold comprising: The first mold portion includes a first inner side; and A second mold portion, configured to rotate relative to a first mold portion, includes a second inner side, wherein the first mold portion, the second mold portion, and the end wall define a recess in the base portion, the recess opening toward the open region; and The pressurization device includes: The first side is configured to be attached to the force transmission device; and The second side includes a surface, wherein the pressurizing device is configured to be inserted into the recess with the second side facing the end wall, and the pressurizing device is configured to move toward the end wall in response to a force being applied to the force transmission device.

23. The toy device of claim 22, wherein the raised periphery surrounds the surface; and the pressurizing device further includes one or more pressure-reducing devices.

24. The toy device of claim 23, wherein each of the one or more depressurization devices includes an opening through the pressurization device.

25. The toy device of claim 23, wherein the periphery of the protrusion extends perpendicularly from the surface.

26. The toy device of claim 22, wherein the surface is surrounded by a raised periphery, the raised periphery including a curved portion.

27. The toy device of claim 22, wherein the force transmission device comprises a plunger.

28. The toy device of claim 22, wherein the second side is part of a circle, and the recess is a wedge shape having a curved side.

29. The toy device of claim 22, wherein the recess has a substantially triangular cross-section.

30. A method comprising: A first amount of moldable material is inserted into a recess in the base portion, the recess being defined by a mold and an end wall; The pressurizing device is inserted into the recess with its surface facing the end wall; A force is applied to the pressurizing device to pressurize the first amount of moldable material until the first amount of moldable material forms a first layer that fills the space between the surface of the pressurizing device and the end wall; Remove the pressurizing device from the recess; A second amount of moldable material is inserted into the recess on the first layer; With the surface of the pressurizing device facing the first layer, the pressurizing device is inserted into the recess; A force is applied to the pressurizing device to pressurize the second amount of moldable material until the second amount of moldable material forms a second layer that fills the space between the surface of the pressurizing device and the first layer; as well as The mold is opened to reveal the layered structure of the moldable material.

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