Mat for embossing modeling clay

Abstract

Mat (1) for embossing a modeling clay, comprising: a flat base body (2) for placing the modelling clay, wherein the flat base body (2) has a first area (3) for embossing the modelling clay, which has at least one embossing element (4) which stands out from the plane of the flat base body (2), and the flat base body (2) has a second area (5) for processing the modelling clay, which is flat.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mat for embossing a modeling clay.

[0002] Modeling materials, such as play dough, clay, or similar materials, offer a particularly suitable platform for creative play and learning for children and young people. In particular, imprinting structures on materials like play dough or clay strengthens fine motor skills and sensory perception, while also having a playful and entertaining element.

[0003] Typically, a variety of tools and tools are used to create impressions and patterns in the modeling clay. For example, there are embossing stamps, cutting dies, and other hand tools that are used to manipulate the modeling clay and create appealing visual changes.

[0004] This type of activity is particularly valuable for children and young people because it offers children the opportunity to directly experience cause and effect through play.

[0005] Overall, playfully imprinting structures into modeling materials such as play dough, clay, or dough is a simple and accessible activity that helps children and adolescents develop their creative expression while strengthening important fine motor skills.

[0006] Typically, such modeling clays are not worked directly on a table or the like, but rather on a mat-like surface to protect the table or the like from contamination or damage.

[0007] There are a variety of tools available for shaping or embossing the modeling clay, such as cutting dies, stamps, rolling pins with a relief-like surface or modeled woods that are pressed into the modeling clay to deform the clay.

[0008] The disadvantage is that modeling may require handling a multitude of individual parts that need to be cared for, organized, and stored, and can easily get lost. Furthermore, improper use of modeling tools often leads to excessive wear or other damage. Furthermore, children often don't use these modeling tools precisely for their intended purpose, which further exacerbates the disadvantages listed above.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to overcome or at least mitigate the disadvantages listed above, which is achieved with a mat according to the invention for embossing modeling clay according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, a mat for embossing a modeling clay is provided, which comprises a flat base body for placing the modeling clay, wherein the flat base body has a first region for embossing the modeling clay, which has at least one embossing element that stands out from the plane of the flat base body, and the flat base body has a second region for processing the modeling clay, which is flat.

[0011] An advantage of the present invention is that, due to its design, processing using the embossing element arranged thereon can only be carried out in an area covered by the mat, so that undesired modeling of the modeling clay outside an area covered by the mat is made more difficult.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed arrangement of at least one embossing element on the surface of the mat ensures that the embossing element is intuitively aligned with the modeling clay, resulting in less wear on the embossing element compared to conventional hand-held tools and also achieving excellent embossing results. The embossing elements protruding from the flat base body of the mat, in conjunction with the surface of the flat base body, serve as a printing block (similar to the relief printing process, e.g., in letterpress printing), so that when the modeling clay is pressed onto the embossing element, an embossed print or a negative impression of the embossed element is created in the outer contour of the modeling clay.The contours and surfaces in the modeling clay rising from the plane of the flat base body create an inward-facing, relief-like contour. Apart from the inventive mat, no other tools other than the hands are required to press the modeling clay onto the mat. However, the user of the inventive mat is, of course, free to use other tools, such as a simple rolling pin or the like, to press the modeling clay onto the mat.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one embossed element can be raised in the form of webs and / or raised surfaces of different heights relative to the planum of the flat base body.

[0014] According to an optional development of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one embossed element, which protrudes from the planar base body in the thickness direction, i.e. orthogonally to the plane of the planar base body, has a height with respect to the planar base body which is equal to or greater than the thickness of the planar base body.

[0015] The flat base body can therefore be used to have embossed elements that protrude from the surface of the flat base body with a height that is greater than the thickness of the flat base body itself. This makes it possible to emboss particularly visually appealing structures into the modeling clay.

[0016] It can further be provided that the height of the at least one embossed element (measured from the surface of the planar base body from which the at least one embossed element rises) is equal to or greater than 150%, preferably 200% and more preferably 250% of the thickness of the planar base body.

[0017] According to another optional development of the present invention, the flat base body and the at least one embossed element can be formed as a single piece. Among other things, it can also be provided that both the at least one embossed element and the flat base body are made of an identical material.

[0018] According to an advantageous development of the present invention, the mat can be made of a flexible material, in particular silicone and / or plastic. Implementing the mat from a flexible material, for example silicone or the like, enables the mat to be rolled up for space-saving storage. The stability of the material is sufficient to ensure that the at least one embossed element can be embossed into a modeling clay. A further advantage of implementing the mat according to the invention from silicone or plastic is the good adhesion to a variety of surfaces on which the mat is unfolded or rolled out, in order to then implement the processing of the modeling clay using the mat according to the invention.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the base body is substantially rectangular, oval, round or triangular, and preferably has rounded corners.

[0020] According to an advantageous modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one embossing element serves to emboss a complete or partial negative impression of the embossing element into the modeling clay by placing and pressing the modeling clay onto the at least one embossing element.

[0021] The embossed element can be any 3D shape that represents different symbols such as a heart, a flower, a star or the like, abstract textures or patterns, objects such as pizza, donuts, ice cream cones or the like, or even faces in various abstract expressions.

[0022] According to a further advantageous modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the side of the flat base body which is opposite the at least one embossed element is a support side which does not have any raised structures protruding from the support side.

[0023] This ensures that the support side, which typically contacts a table or other support surface (e.g. a floor), has particularly good adhesion, so that the mat according to the invention does not slip relative to the surface covered by the mat.

[0024] Preferably, it can be provided that the support side is flat and / or has depressions, in particular in the region of the at least one embossed element.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the second region, which is flat and serves for processing the modeling clay, is provided in a central region of the flat base body.

[0026] This second area, also called the working area, is typically located in the center of the flat base body and is used for manual processing of the modeling clay without using at least one embossing element.

[0027] Furthermore, according to a further optional development of the present invention, it can be provided that the first region for embossing the modeling clay is provided in an outer region of the flat base body close to an edge.

[0028] It is advantageous that the at least one embossing element is arranged in an edge region of the flat base body, so that the user of the mat according to the invention must press the modeling clay into precisely that edge region when working with the at least one embossing element. This highly prevents unintentional embossing with the at least one embossing element, since the central main working area of ​​the flat base body of the mat is free of embossing elements and generally extends toward the user of the mat.

[0029] It can advantageously also be provided that the first region is arranged offset inwards from an outer edge of the flat base body, so that a distance of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm and preferably at least 2.5 cm is provided to an edge, which is preferably flat and allows a uniform molding of an impression of the at least one embossing element into the modeling clay.

[0030] Accordingly, a flat surface area of ​​the flat base body of at least 1 cm wide is provided between the outer edge of the flat base body and the beginning of the first area, so that when using the first area provided with the at least one embossed element, rolling or pressing the modeling clay beyond the outer edge of the flat base body is prevented or at least made more difficult. This is ensured by the flat section of the surface of the flat base body that protrudes inward from the outer edge, preventing the modeling clay from being placed in the outermost edge areas.

[0031] According to an optional development of the present invention, it can be provided that the first region does not extend along the entire circumference of the planar base body (in an edge region thereof which is spaced inwards from the outer edge of the mat), but the edge region of the planar base body remains free of embossed elements over at least 10%, preferably 20% and more preferably 25% of its length and the flatly formed second region is provided at least partially close to the outer edge of the base body.According to this, the first region which is provided with the at least one embossed element does not extend along the entire circumference of the planar base body, but only over a partial region, wherein at least 10%, preferably 20% and more preferably 25% along the circumference are left free from the first region in order to preferably provide a flat surface design of the planar base body there.

[0032] It can be provided that the first region extends at least over 70% of the circumference (in an edge region thereof which is spaced inwards from the outer edge of the mat), preferably over at least 75% of the circumference.

[0033] This is advantageous when using the mat according to the invention, as the mat can then be oriented towards a user such that the area of ​​the mat whose circumference is free of the first area with the embossed element faces the user. As a result, a flat surface is provided directly in front of the user up to the middle of the mat, which can be used to place the modeling clay without embossing, so that further processing of the modeling clay can advantageously take place there without embossed elements hindering the movement of arms and hands. Only when it is actually desired to process the modeling clay in its external appearance by applying an embossing with the at least one embossed element does the user move the modeling clay away from the flat work area directly in front of them and transfer it to the first area with the at least one embossed element.

[0034] According to a further advantageous modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the flat base body has a substantially rectangular shape and the first region is provided close to the edge on at least two of the four sides, preferably at least three of the four sides, and the flatly formed second region is formed next to the center close to the edge on at least half of the four sides, preferably one whole of the four sides of the flat base body.

[0035] Furthermore, according to an optional modification of the present invention, the first region may comprise a plurality of embossed elements having different heights, differentiated surfaces, or the like, so that the first region may represent textures, patterns, symbols, faces, or other objects that can be used for embossing into the modeling clay.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from exemplary embodiments, which are described in more detail with reference to the following figures. In the figures: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a first embodiment of the mat according to the invention, Fig. 2: a top view of the mat after Fig. 1, Fig. 3: a perspective view of a second embodiment of the mat according to the invention, and Fig. 4: a top view of the mat after Fig. 3.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mat 1 according to the invention. The flat base body 2 is visible, which is bordered by an edge 6. Furthermore, variously designed embossing elements 4 are visible, which serve to imprint a corresponding negative impression into a modeling clay. The embossing elements are arranged in a first region 3 of the mat 1, which is located near the edge and surrounds a center on three sides. The center is provided with a flat surface so that a modeling clay can be deposited or processed there without embossing.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the Fig. 1. It can be seen that the embossed elements 4 represent different objects, which, as in this case, can be grouped thematically. On the right side, abstract faces are visible, whereas on the left side, objects are depicted that can be assigned to the topic of food. One recognizes an ice cream cone or a pizza topping. All of these structures, visible in the top view of the mat 1, are formed by embossed elements 4, which protrude upwards from a surface of the flat base body 2.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be seen that the embossed elements 4 arranged close to the edge 6 of the flat base body 2 are not arranged over the entire contour of the edge 6, but also do not cover an edge area, so that this area typically faces a user of the mat 1, so that in the immediate vicinity of a user a flat surface is provided for working with the modeling clay, which extends towards the center of the mat 1 and there is no unintentional embossing of the modeling clay.

[0040] The first region 3, in which the at least one embossed element 4 is provided, therefore does not extend along the entire circumference of the flat base body 2, but only over a part thereof. At least 10% along the circumference of the flat base body 2 is free and continuous from the first region 3 with the at least one embossed element 4, so that a transition to the center of the flat base body is present without overcoming an embossed element 4. The center of the flat base body 2 is also flat, so that a continuous region of a flat surface is provided from the center to an edge, wherein such a region extends over more than 10%, preferably more than 20% and more preferably more than 25% of the length of the entire edge on the circumference of the mat.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a mat 1 according to the invention according to a further embodiment, in which the first region 3 with the at least one embossed element 4 extends along two of the four sides of the approximately rectangular, flat base body 2. The other two sides of the approximately rectangular, flat base body 2 are largely unaffected by the provision of at least one embossed element 4, so that in this region, stepless access from an edge contour to the center of the flat base body 5 is possible, unhindered by embossed elements.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mat 1 according to the invention according to Fig.3, in which the different thematically designed embossed elements 4 can be clearly seen, whereby on the left side above an embossed element designed as an ice cream cone, differently depicted abstract faces can be seen, and the top side to the right of the faces concerns abstract textures or patterns. List of reference symbols: 1 mat 2 flat base body 3 first area with embossed element 4 embossed element 5 second area with flat surface 6 Edge of the mat

Claims

[1] Mat (1) for embossing a modelling clay, comprising: a flat base body (2) for placing the modelling clay, wherein the flat base body (2) has a first area (3) for embossing the modelling clay, which has at least one embossing element (4) which stands out from the plane of the flat base body (2), and the flat base body (2) has a second area (5) for processing the modelling clay, which is flat. [2] Mat (1) according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the at least one embossed element (4) which protrudes from the planar base body (2) in the thickness direction, i.e. orthogonally to the plane of the planar base body (2), has a height with respect to the planar base body (2) which is equal to or greater than the thickness of the planar base body (2). [3] Mat (1) according to the preceding claim 2, wherein the height of the at least one embossed element (4) is equal to or greater than 150%, preferably 200% and more preferably 250% of the thickness of the flat base body (2). [4] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat base body (2) and the at least one embossed element (4) are formed in one piece. [5] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mat (1) consists of a flexible material, in particular of a silicone and / or a plastic. [6] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (2) is substantially rectangular, oval, round or triangular, and preferably has rounded corners. [7] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one embossing element (4) serves to emboss a complete or partial negative impression of the embossing element (4) into the modeling clay by placing and pressing the modeling clay onto the at least one embossing element (4). [8] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side of the flat base body (2) which is opposite the at least one embossed element (4) is a support side which has no raised structures protruding from the support side. [9] Mat (1) according to the preceding claim 8, wherein the support side is flat and / or has depressions, in particular in the region (3) of the at least one embossed element (4). [10] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second region (5), which is flat and serves for processing the modeling clay, is provided in a central region of the flat base body (2). [11] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (3) for embossing the modeling clay is provided in an outer region of the flat base body (2) close to an edge (6). [12] Mat (1) according to the preceding claim 11, wherein the first region (3) is arranged offset inwards from an outer edge of the flat base body (2), so that a distance of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm and more preferably at least 2.5 cm is provided to an edge, which is preferably flat and allows a uniform molding of an impression of the at least one embossing element (4) into the modeling mass. [13] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims 11 or 12, wherein the first region (3) does not extend along the entire circumference of the planar base body (2), but rather the flatly formed second region (5) is provided close to the outer edge of the base body (2) over at least 10%, preferably 20% and preferably 25% of the circumference of the planar base body (2). [14] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat base body (2) has a substantially rectangular shape and the first region (3) is provided close to the edge on at least two of the four sides, preferably at least three of the four sides, and the flatly formed second region (5) is formed next to the center close to the edge on at least half of the four sides, preferably one whole of the four sides of the flat base body (2). [15] Mat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (3) has a plurality of embossed elements (4) having different heights, differentiated surfaces or the like, so that the first region (3) can represent textures, patterns, symbols, faces or other objects that can be used for embossing into the modeling clay.

Images