Toy system for making a layered structure of moldable material

Abstract

A toy apparatus includes: a base portion including an open region; an end wall in the base portion; an openable mold in an interior of 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 is open to the open region. The toy apparatus also includes a pressing device including: a first side configured to attach to a force delivery device; and a second side. The pressing device is configured for insertion into the recess with the second side facing the end wall, and the pressing device is configured to move toward the end wall in response to an application of force on the force delivery device.

Description

[0001] TOY SYSTEM FOR MAKING A LAYERED STRUCTURE OF MOLDABLE MATERIAL

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 572,541, filed on April 1, 2024 and titled TOY SYSTEM FOR MAKING A LAYERED STRUCTURE OF MOLDABLE MATERIAL, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] This disclosure relates to a toy system for making a layered structure of moldable material.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Persons of all ages enjoy playing with toys.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] In one aspect, a toy system includes: a base portion including: an exterior surface; an opening in the exterior surface; and an end wall in the base portion, the end wall including a solid plate that is parallel to the opening; a mold including: a first mold portion including: a first planar portion, and a first curved portion at a first end of the first planar portion; and a second mold portion including: a second planar portion, and a second curved portion at a first end of the second planar portion. An inner side of the first planar portion, an inner side of the second planar portion, an inner side of the first curved portion, an inner side of the second curved portion, and the end wall define a recess that extends into the base portion from the opening. The toy system also includes: a plunger assembly attached to the base portion, the plunger assembly including: a force delivery apparatus; and a pressing member including: a first side attached to the force delivery apparatus; and a second side opposite the first side. The second side and a cross-section of the recess have the same shape; and the cross-section of the recess has a larger area than the second side of the pressing member.

[0010] Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

[0011] The pressing member may include one or more features configured to relieve pressure. The one or more features configured to relieve pressure may include one or more holes that pass through the pressing member.

[0012] The second side may include a surface surrounded by a raised perimeter. The surface may be a planar surface. The raised perimeter may extend substantially perpendicularly to the planar surface. The raised perimeter may include a curved portion.

[0013] The mold may have a closed position and an open position. In these implementations, in the closed position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion are in contact, and a second end of the first planar portion and a second end of the second planar portion of the second planar portion extend from a point; and, in the open position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion are not in contact. The cross-section of the recess in a plane parallel to the end wall may be a sector of a circle. The sector may be an eighth of the circle. The crosssection of the recess in a plane parallel to the end wall may be a generally triangularly shaped wedge.

[0014] The toy system also may include a pivot connection, and one or more of the second end of the first planar portion and the second end of the second planar portion may rotate about the pivot connection along an arc in a plane parallel to the end wall. The pivot connection may include a column in the base portion, and the second end of the first planar portion and the second end of the second planar portion may be mounted to the column.

[0015] The exterior 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 a bottom of the base portion.

[0016] The exterior 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.

[0017] The toy system also may include a second mold configured to produce a ball of moldable material that, when placed in the recess and pressed with the second side, fills part of the recess. The second mold may be 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.

[0018] The toy system also may include: 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 separated from the first roller by an open space, where the first and second roller are configured to shape a moldable material placed in the open space.

[0019] The first mold portion may include a first chamfer that extends from the first mold portion into the recess; and the second mold portion may include a second chamfer that extends from the second mold portion into the recess.

[0020] The second side may include a planar surface surrounded by a raised perimeter, and one or more holes may pass through the pressing member.

[0021] In another aspect, a toy apparatus includes: a base portion including an open region; an end wall in the base portion; an openable mold in an interior of 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 is open to the open region. The toy apparatus also includes a pressing device including: a first side configured to attach to a force delivery device; and a second side including a surface. The pressing device is configured for insertion into the recess with the second side facing the end wall, and the pressing device is configured to move toward the end wall in response to an application of force on the force delivery device.

[0022] Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

[0023] A raised perimeter may surround the surface; and the pressing device also may include one or more pressure relief devices. Each of the one or more pressure relief devices may include an opening that passes through the pressing device. The raised perimeter may extend perpendicularly from the surface.

[0024] The surface may be surrounded by a raised perimeter, and the raised perimeter may include a curved portion.

[0025] The force delivery device may include a plunger.

[0026] The second side may be a portion of a circle and the recess may be a wedge with one curved side.

[0027] The recess may have a cross-section that is substantially triangular.

[0028] 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 pressing device into the recess with a surface of the pressing device facing the end wall; applying force to the pressing device to press on the first amount of moldable material until the first amount of moldable material forms a first layer that fills a space between the surface of the pressing device and the end wall; removing the pressing device from the recess; inserting a second amount of moldable material into the recess on the first layer; inserting the pressing device into the recess with the surface of the pressing device facing the first layer; applying force to the pressing device to press on the second amount of moldable material until the second amount of moldable material forms a second layer that fills a space between the planar side of the pressing device and the first layer; and causing the mold to open to reveal a layered structure of moldable material.

[0029] The techniques discussed herein may be implemented as a system, an apparatus, a device, or a method.

[0030] DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0031] FIG. l is a side exterior view of a toy system that includes a base portion.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a side view of an interior of the base portion of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a top exterior view of the base portion of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a second side of a pressing device.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a top view of a mold and an end wall.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a front view of the mold and the end wall of FIG. 5.

[0037] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the toy system of FIG. 1 with a pressing device that is attached to the base portion.

[0038] FIGS. 8A-8C show another mold.

[0039] FIG. 8D is an example of an internal mechanism.

[0040] FIG. 9A is a top view of another toy system.

[0041] FIG. 9B is a partial internal top view of the toy system of FIG. 9A.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an example of a process for making a layered structure of moldable material using a toy system.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a layered structure made with the process of FIG. 10.

[0044] FIG. 12A is a side view of another example of a plunger apparatus that includes a pressing device.

[0045] FIG. 12B shows a second side of the pressing device of FIG 12A. FIG. 12C shows a slice of the pressing device of FIG. 12A.

[0046] FIG. 13A shows a second side of another pressing device.

[0047] FIG. 13B shows a slice of the pressing device of FIG. 13 A.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIG. 1 is a side exterior view of a toy system 100. The toy system 100 produces a layered structure of moldable material. The layered structure may resemble a slice of a circular layer cake. The toy system 100 may be used to create more than one of the layered structures. For example, the toy system 100 may be used to produce more than one slice and the slices may be assembled an entire circular layer cake.

[0050] The toy system 100 includes a housing or base portion 110, a plunger apparatus 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 an oven or a kitchen range. The door 111 is shown as closed. Referring also to FIG. 2, which is a side view of an interior 105 of the base portion 110, when the door 111 is opened, the interior 105 of the base portion 110 is accessible. Referring also to FIG. 3, which is a top exterior view of the base portion 110, the base portion 110 also includes a top side 113 and an opening 115 that passes through the top side 113.

[0051] The moldable materials 140 and 142 may be any type of material that is capable of being shaped and capable of holding a shape. For example, the moldable materials 140 and 142 may be putty, clay, starch-based dough, and / or a child-safe dough-like substance (for example, PLAY-DOH®, available from Hasbro, Inc. of Pawtucket, Rhode Island). The moldable materials 140 and 142 may be somewhat sticky and have a tendency to adhere to each other and to other objects. However, the adhesive properties of the moldable materials 140 and 142 are relatively weak, and the moldable materials 140 and 142 may be separated by the application of a relatively weak force (for example, a force that a child would be capable of applying). The moldable materials are extrudable.

[0052] The moldable materials 140 and 142 may be the same type of moldable material. For example, the moldable materials 140 and 142 may be PLAY-DOH. In these implementations, the moldable material 140 may be PLAY-DOH of a first color and the moldable material 142 may be PLAY-DOH of a second color that is visually distinguishable from the first color. In other implementations, the moldable materials 140 and 142 may be first and second pieces that are separated from a larger piece of PLAY -DOH. In these implementations, the moldable materials 140 and 142 are the same color. Other implementations are possible. For example, the moldable material 140 may be a different type of moldable material than the moldable material 142. The toy set 100 may include additional moldable material.

[0053] The plunger apparatus 120 includes a force applying device 121 and a pressing device 122. The pressing device 122 includes a first side 123 and a second side 124 opposite the first side 123. The force applying device 121 is attached to the first side 123. Referring also to FIG. 4, the second side 124 includes a planar surface 125 surrounded by a raised perimeter 126 that extends perpendicularly (in the Z direction) from the planar surface 125. The raised perimeter 126 may be a lip or wall that extends for 1 millimeter (mm) to 3 mm from the planar surface 125. The raised perimeter 126 creates a bounded area on the second side 124 of the pressing device 122 and helps to prevent the moldable material 140 and / or 142 from seeping around the pressing device 122 during layer formation. Additionally, at least one opening 127 passes through the pressing device 122. The one or more openings 127 also help to prevent moldable material from seeping around the pressing device 122 during layer formation. Other implementations of the pressing device 122 are possible. FIGS. *** show additional implementations of the pressing device.

[0054] The plunger apparatus 120 is shown as being detached from the base portion 110. However, in some implementations, the plunger apparatus 120 is attached to the base portion 110. For example, the plunger apparatus 120 may be attached to the top side 113. FIGS. 7A and 7B show an implementation with an attached plunger apparatus.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a top view of the mold 150 and the end wall 170. FIG. 6 is a front view of the mold 150 and the end wall 170. The end wall 170 is a solid piece of material that is mounted in the interior 105 of the base portion 110. For example, the end wall 170 may be a disk or plate of solid plastic. The moldable materials 140 and 142 are not able to pass through the end wall 170.

[0056] The mold 150 is an openable mold. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the mold 150 in a closed position. The mold 150 includes a first mold portion 151a and a second mold portion 151b. The mold portions 151a and 151b are solid wall-like structures that do not include openings or weak points. The moldable materials 140 and 142 are not able to pass through the mold portions 151a and 151b. The first mold portion 151 a has an inner wall 165a, and the second mold portion 151b has an inner wall 165b. The inner walls 165a, 165b are smooth surfaces that extend in the Z direction. The first mold portion 151a includes a first planar portion 152a and a first curved portion 153a at a first end 154a of the first planar portion 152a. The second mold portion 151b includes a second planar portion 152b and a second curved portion 153b at a first end 154b of the second planar portion 152b.

[0057] In the closed position (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), the curved portions 153a, 153b are held together by a releasable fastener 157, and the planar portions 152a and 152b extend away from a point region 155 at an angle 158. The point 155 may be a hinged connection point or a pivot column about which the mold portion 151a and / or 151b rotate in the X-Y plane. An example of a pivot column is shown in FIG. 8A.

[0058] The inner walls 165a, 165b define a recess 156. The recess 156 extends in the Z direction and is bounded on the sides by the inner walls 165a, 165b and at one end by the end wall 170. The recess 170 has a cross-section in the X-Y plane that determines the shape of the layered structure. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the cross-section is the shape of a sector of a circle. A sector of a circle is a part of a circle made of the arc of the circle along with its two radii. In the closed mold 150, the radii are the planar portions 152a, 152b and the arc is formed by the joined curved portions 153a, 153b. The recess 156 is a three-dimensional volume that has the shape of a wedge or a slice of a round cake. The cross-section of the recess 156 in the X-Y plane may be, for example, an eighth of a circle, a sixth of a circle, a quarter of a circle, or less than half of a circle. In implementations in which the cross-section of the recess 156 is an eighth of a circle, the angle 158 is 45 degrees (°).

[0059] Other implementations are possible. For example, the cross-section of the recess 156 may be a portion of a circle that is not necessarily a sector. In another example, the cross-section of the recess 156 may be a portion of a rectangle, an ellipse, or a square. Moreover, the crosssection of the recess 156 may be shaped as a circle, a rectangle, or a free-form closed shape.

[0060] Each mold portion 151a, 151b may include a chamfer that extends into the recess 156 and slopes toward the end wall 170. FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of a mold portion that includes a chamfer that slopes toward the end wall 170.

[0061] FIGS. 7A and 7B relate to a toy system 700. The toy system 700 is similar to the toy system 100, except the toy system 700 includes a plunger apparatus 720 that is attached to the base portion 110. The toy system 700 also may include the plunger apparatus 120. FIG. 7A shows the toy system 700 with a pressing device 722 not in the recess 156 and after the pressing device 722 was used to form a layer 118 of moldable material in the recess 156. FIG. 7B shows the toy system with the pressing device 722 in the recess 156.

[0062] The plunger apparatus 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 the pressing device 722 at a connection point 734. The connection point 734 is any type of connection that allows the pressing device 722 to rotate relative to the second end 732. For example, the connection point 734 may be a pin or a hinge.

[0063] The pressing device 722 is similar to the pressing device 122. The pressing device 722 includes a first side 723 that is attached to a force applying device 721. The force applying device 721 is a mechanical link between the first side 723 and the second end 732. The force applying device 721 may be, for example, a bar or handle. The pressing device 722 also includes a second side 724. The second side 724 includes a planar surface that is surrounded by a raised perimeter. The planar surface and raised perimeter are not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B but are similar to the planar surface 125 and raised perimeter 126.

[0064] To operate the pressing device 722, the pressing device 722 is placed in the recess 156 with the second side 124 facing the end wall 170. Force is applied to the lever portion 728 such that the pressing device 722 moves in the recess in the -Z direction and the second side 724 compresses the moldable material 142 into a layer that rests on the existing layer 118.

[0065] The plunger apparatus 720 includes a gauge 735 that provides the user with an indication of the amount of force applied to the moldable material in the recess 156. The gauge 735 may be a flexible portion that bends in response to force being applied to the pressing device 722, and the bending of the portion activates an alert when bent by a pre-determined amount. The flexible portion may be, for example, a strip of plastic. The alert may be, for example, a bell or other sound. In some implementations, the flexible portion itself may emit sounds and / or a responsive force that is felt by the user when bent by a pre-determined amount, thereby producing the indication that a certain amount of force has been applied to the moldable material. Other implementations are possible. For example, the gauge 735 may be a pressure gauge, a strain gauge, any kind of force sensor. In another example, the alert may be a visually perceivable alert, such as a measurement value that is visually presented on an electronic or mechanical display and is generated by information from the gauge 735. Regardless of its form, the gauge 735 helps to ensure that the force applied by the user is sufficient to compress the moldable material into a well-formed and uniform a layer while also ensuring that the applied force is not so excessive that the layers are overly compressed.

[0066] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another mold portion 851a. The mold portion 851a is used with a second mold portion 851b (FIG. 8C) to form a mold 850 (FIG. 8C). The mold portion 851a includes a first planar portion 859a, a second planar portion 852a, and a curved portion 853a. The curved portion 853a is at an end 854a of the second planar portion 852a. The second planar portion 852a extends from the first planar portion 859a at an angle.

[0067] When the mold 850 is closed, the first mold portion 751a is connected to the second mold portion 851a, and an inner side 865a of the mold portion 851a and an inner side 865b of the mold portion 851b form a wedge-shaped recess 856. The wedged-shaped recess 856 is an example of a mold recess that has a cross-section that is not necessarily a sector of a circle. The inner side of the first planar portion 852a does not define part of the wedge-shaped recess 856. In other words, the first planar portion 852a does not face the recess 856.

[0068] The curved 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 may be any type of mechanical fastening mechanism. For example, the fastening tabs 857a, 857b may be a tab and corresponding recess that snap together or a fastener that connects via an interference or press fit. In some implementations, the fastening tabs 857a, 857b are held together by a corresponding slot on an inner side of the door 111. In these implementations, the mold 850 opens when the door 111 opens.

[0069] The first planar portion 859a has a pivot column 869 at one end. The pivot column 869 is received in a corresponding post holder in a base portion 110. FIG. 8D includes an example of a post holder. The first mold portion 85 la is able to rotate about the pivot column 869 to open or close the mold 850.

[0070] The mold portion 851a also includes a chamfer 861a that extends from a bottom of the second planar portion 852a and a bottom of the curved portion 853a. FIG. 8B shows a more detailed view of the chamfer 861a. The chamfer 861a includes an angled surface 862a that extends away from the inner wall 865a. FIG. 8C shows a partial top perspective view of the mold 850. When the mold 850 is placed in the interior 105 of the base portion 110, the chamfers 861a, 861b extend into the wedged-shaped recess 856 (FIG. 8C) of the mold and the angled surface 862 slopes toward the end wall 170. The chamfers 861a, 861b help prevent moldable material from traveling around the pressing portion during layer formation.

[0071] FIG. 8D is an example of an internal mechanism 836. The internal mechanism 836 is placed on an interior wall 116 (also shown in FIG. 2) of the base portion 110 below the end wall 170. The internal mechanism 836 includes mold holding members 837a, 837b. Each mold holding member 837a, 837b includes an opening or hole that receives an end of the pivot column 869 (FIG. 8A). The holding member 837a receives an end of the pivot column 869 of the first mold portion 851a. The holding member 837b receives an end of the pivot column 869 of the second mold portion 851b. The mold holding members 837a, 837b are attached to the interior wall 116 can rotate relative to the interior wall 116 in the X-Y plane.

[0072] Each mold holding member 837a, 837b is attached to a sliding linkage 838. The sliding linkage 838 slides in the + / - Y directions. The internal mechanism 836 also includes a door-open 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 linkage 838.

[0073] In operational use, when a user opens the door 111 of the base portion, the sliding linkage 838 (which is connected to the door 111 at a connection point 848) is pulled in the -Y direction with the door 111. The lateral movement of the sliding linkage 383 causes the mold holding members 837a, 837b rotate outward, pushing the mold 850 and end wall 170 toward 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 gear rack 846, and a catch feature 847. The catch feature 847 releases the end portion 170. The spring 845 drives the end wall 170 out of the base portion 110. The gear rack causes the end wall 170 to spin in the X-Y plane

[0074] FIG. 9A is a top view of another base portion 910. The base portion 910 is similar to the base portion 110, except the base portion 910 also includes a moldable material roller system 980 mounted just below an opening 987 in the top side 913 of the base portion 910. FIG. 9B shows the roller system 980 with the top side 913 of the base portion 910 removed. The roller system 980 includes a first roller 981 and a second roller 982 that is separated from the first roller 91 in the -Y direction. The when the moldable material 140 and / or 142 is positioned between the rollers 981, 982 and the user rotates the rollers 981 and 982 with a handle 984, the moldable material is flattened into a sheet and a design is imprinted onto the flattened sheet (such as the decorative sheet 1194 shown in FIG. 11).

[0075] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a process 1000 for making a layered structure of moldable material using the toy system 100. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a cake slice 1190 that includes a layered structure 1192 made with the process 1000.

[0076] A first amount of moldable material is placed in the recess 156 (1005). For example, the first amount of moldable material may be inserted through the opening 115 and into the recess 156. The first amount of moldable material may be a piece of the moldable material 140 and / or the moldable material 142. In some implementations, the first amount of moldable material is a ball of a pre-determined size that includes a pre-determined amount of moldable material. The ball may be formed by putting piece(s) of the moldable material 140 and / or 142 in the book mold 130. Using a pre-determined amount of moldable material ensures that a layer of a particular height or thickness will be produced.

[0077] The plunger apparatus 120 is inserted into the opening 115 with the second side 124 of the pressing device 122 facing the first amount of moldable material and the end wall 170 (1010). Force is applied to the pressing device 122 (1015). For example, a force may be applied by pushing the force applying device 121 toward the end wall 170. In the configuration of the base portion 110 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the force is applied to the force applying device 121 in the — Z direction. The second side 124 has a surface area that is just slightly smaller than the crosssection of the recess 156 in the X-Y plane. Thus, the pressing device 122 is able to move in the + / -Z directions in the recess 156 while also discouraging seepage of the moldable material around the pressing device 122 during layer formation. In some implementations, the raised perimeter 126 is about 0.5mm from the wall of the recess 156.

[0078] Applying force to the force applying device 121 in the -Z direction pushes the first amount of moldable material into the end wall 170 and the planar surface 125 of the pressing device 122. The first amount of moldable material uniformly fills a space between the planar surface 125 and the end wall 170 to create the first layer. The end wall 170 is impervious to the moldable material, and the raised perimeter 126 helps to contain the first amount of moldable material under the planar surface 125. Additionally, some of the first amount of moldable material is extruded through the opening 127 and away from the end wall 170. By allowing some moldable material to escape from the space between the second side 124 and the end wall 170, the opening 127 also helps to prevent moldable material from flowing around the perimeter 126.

[0079] The plunger apparatus 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 than 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.

[0080] The pressing device 122 is inserted into the recess 156 with the second side 124 facing the first layer, which is already in the recess 156 (1030). Force is applied to the pressing 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 planar surface 125 contacts the second amount of moldable material and presses it into a second layer between the planar surface 125 and the first layer. The raised perimeter 126 and the opening 127 helps to prevent the second amount of moldable material from seeping around the second side 124. This allows the first and second layers to be clearly defined as individual layers, thereby increasing the overall visual appeal of the layered structure 1192.

[0081] The plunger apparatus 120 is removed from the recess 156. Additional layers may be added to the structure by repeating (1020) to (1035). When all of the layers have been formed, the mold 150 is opened by releasing the fastener 157 and rotating one or more of the mold portions 151a, 151b along arcs in the X-Y plane (1040). Opening the mold reveals the layered structure 1192. The layered structure 1192 resembles a slice of cake. Because the moldable material that makes up the layers has some degree of stickiness, as compared to a system that uses a static mold that requires inversion to release the molded item, the openable mold 150 promotes maintenance of the structural integrity of the layers and rapid release of the layered structure 1192. The layered structure 1192 may be decorated with the decorative sheet 1194 formed by the roller system 980 and / or with other decorations.

[0082] These and other implementations are within the scope of the claims. For example, the base portion 110 may be configured with the opening 115 on a side of the portion 110 and with the recess extending along the X or Y axis instead of along the Z axis. In these implementations, the plunger apparatus 120 is pushed along the X or Y axis instead of along the Z axis.

[0083] Moreover, other implementations of the pressing device 122 and the pressing device 722 are possible. For example, FIG. 12A is a side view of another example of a plunger apparatus 1220. The plunger apparatus 1220 may be used with the toy system 100 instead of or in addition to the plunger apparatus 120. Furthermore, the plunger apparatus 1220 may be used with the toy system 700 instead of or in addition to the plunger apparatus 720.

[0084] The plunger apparatus 1220 includes a force applying device 1221 and a pressing device 1222. The pressing device 1222 includes a first side 1223 and a second side 1224 that is opposite the first side 1223. The force applying device 1221 is attached to the first side 1223. Referring also to FIG. 12B, which shows the second side 1224, the second side 1224 includes a surface 1225 and a perimeter 1226 that surrounds the surface 1225. FIG. 12C shows a slice of the perimeter 1226 between the lines 1229’ and 1229” shown in FIG. 12B. The perimeter 1226 is a curved wall that curves away from the surface 1225 at a curved interface 1232 and extends in the -Z direction. The perimeter 1226 may extend, for example, for 1 to 3 millimeters (mm) in the -Z direction. The surface 1225 may be planar (flat) in the X-Y plane or gently curved. Unlike the pressing device 122, there are no opening(s) that pass through the pressing device 1222. In other words, the pressing device lacks an opening such as the opening 127.

[0085] The surface 1225 and the perimeter 1226 form a recess that interacts with a moldable material (such as the moldable material 140 and / or the moldable material 142). The curved nature of the perimeter 1226 contains the moldable material and prevents or reduces the amount of moldable material that escapes around an external side 1233 of the perimeter 1226 even though no openings pass through the pressing device 1222.

[0086] FIG. 13A shows a second side 1324 of another pressing device 1322. FIG. 13B shows a section of the pressing device 1322 between the lines 1329’ and 1329” of FIG. 13 A. The second side 1324 is opposite to a first side (not shown) that attaches to a force applying device, such as the force applying device 121, 721, or 1221. The second side 1324 interacts with a moldable material, such as the moldable material 140 and / or 142. The second side 1324 is planar (flat) in the X-Y plane and lacks a perimeter. In other words, the pressing device 1322 does not include a perimeter such as the perimeter 1226. Moreover, although the pressing device 1322 does not include openings (such as the opening 127 shown in FIG. 4) in the depiction of FIG. 13A, in some implementations, the pressing device 1322 includes openings that pass through the pressing device 1322 in the Z direction.

[0087] Still other implementations are possible. For example, the pressing devices 122, 722, 1222, and 1322 are shaped as a portion of a circle, a slice of a circular cake, or a slice of a circular pie. However, other shapes may be used. For example, the pressing device may have a square or rectangular shape. In these implementations, the pressing device is configured for use with a toy system that has an opening of the same shape. For example, the pressing device may have a square shape in the X-Y plane and the opening 115 of the toy system 110 also has a square shape such that the produced layered structure is a layered cube of moldable material.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toy system comprising: a base portion comprising: an exterior surface; an opening in the exterior surface; and an end wall in the base portion, the end wall comprising a solid plate that is parallel to the opening; a mold comprising: a first mold portion comprising: a first planar portion, and a first curved portion at a first end of the first planar portion; and a second mold portion comprising: a second planar portion, and a second curved portion at a first end of the second planar portion, wherein an inner side of the first planar portion, an inner side of the second planar portion, an inner side of the first curved portion, an inner side of the second curved portion, and the end wall define a recess that extends into the base portion from the opening; and a plunger assembly attached to the base portion, the plunger assembly comprising: a force delivery apparatus; and a pressing member comprising: a first side attached to the force delivery apparatus; and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side and a cross-section of the recess have the same shape; and the cross-section of the recess has a larger area than the second side of the pressing member.

2. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the pressing member comprises 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 comprise one or more holes pass that through the pressing member.

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

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

6. The toy system of claim 5, wherein the raised perimeter extends substantially perpendicularly to the planar surface.

7. The toy system of claim 5, wherein the raised perimeter comprises a curved portion.

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

9. The toy system of claim 8, wherein, in the closed position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion are in contact, and a second end of the first planar portion and a second end of the second planar portion of the second planar portion extend from a point; and, in the open position, the first curved portion and the second curved portion are not in contact.

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

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

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

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

14. The toy system of claim 13, wherein the pivot connection comprises a column in the base portion, and the second end of the first planar portion and the second end of the second planar portion are mounted to the column.

15. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the exterior 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 a bottom of the base portion.

16. The toy system of claim 1, wherein the exterior 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 part 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 planar surface surrounded by a raised perimeter, and one or more holes pass through the pressing member.

20. The toy system of claim 1, further comprising: 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 separated from the first roller by an open space, wherein the first and second roller are configured to shape a moldable material placed in the open space.21 . The toy system of claim 1 , wherein the first mold portion further comprises a first chamfer that extends from the first mold portion into the recess; and the second mold portion further comprises a second chamfer that extends from the second mold portion into the recess.

22. A toy apparatus comprising: a base portion comprising an open region; an end wall in the base portion; an openable mold in an interior of the base portion, the openable mold comprising: a first mold portion comprising a first inner side; and a second mold portion configured to rotate relative to the first mold portion, the second mold portion comprising a second inner side, wherein the first mold portion, the second mold portion, and the end wall define a recess in the base portion that is open to the open region; and a pressing device comprising: a first side configured to attach to a force delivery device; and a second side comprising: a surface, wherein the pressing device is configured for insertion into the recess with the second side facing the end wall, and the pressing device is configured to move toward the end wall in response to an application of force on the force delivery device.

23. The toy apparatus of claim 22, wherein a raised perimeter that surrounds the surface; and the pressing device further comprises one or more pressure relief devices.

24. The toy apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of the one or more pressure relief devices comprises an opening that passes through the pressing device.

25. The toy apparatus of claim 23, wherein the raised perimeter extends perpendicularly from the surface.

26. The toy apparatus of claim 22, wherein the surface is surrounded by a raised perimeter, the raised perimeter comprising a curved portion.

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

28. The toy apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second side is a portion of a circle and the recess is a wedge with one curved side.

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

30. A method comprising: 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 pressing device into the recess with a surface of the pressing device facing the end wall; applying force to the pressing device to press on the first amount of moldable material until the first amount of moldable material forms a first layer that fills a space between the surface of the pressing device and the end wall; removing the pressing device from the recess; inserting a second amount of moldable material into the recess on the first layer; inserting the pressing device into the recess with the surface of the pressing device facing the first layer; applying force to the pressing device to press on the second amount of moldable material until the second amount of moldable material forms a second layer that fills a space between the surface of the pressing device and the first layer; and causing the mold to open to reveal a layered structure of moldable material.

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