Crayon manipulation devices

Devices, kits, and methods for manipulating crayons to make various crayon configurations are provided. Embodiments of the invention include a crayon slicer, a crayon shaver, a crayon holder, a crayon notcher, a crayon shaving kit, and a crayon rubbing kit. The multiple embodiments of the invention have various features that allow for a crayon to be easily and safely manipulated by a user in multiple ways. Further, additional embodiments provide additional features, which allow the user to make various crayon configurations.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This high-level overview of various aspects of the invention provides an overview of the disclosure and introduces a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In brief and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, devices and kits for manipulating crayons to make various crayon configurations. Embodiments of the invention include a crayon slicer, a crayon shaver, a crayon holder, a crayon notcher, a crayon shaving kit, and a crayon rubbing kit. The crayon slicer has a handgrip, a base platform and a slicer. During use, the crayon slicer makes a cut on a crayon that causes the crayon to break at the cut. The crayon slicer can be used to cut multiple crayons into individual segments of variable length. The crayon shaver has a cap and a receptacle, which are removably coupled. The cap houses a shaver and when in use, the cap receives a crayon and upon the twisting of the crayon by a user, crayon shavings are created as result of the crayon's contact with the shaver. Further, the crayon shaver can accompany wax paper, stencils, and canvas boards to provide for the crayon shaving kit. The crayon holder has a handle and a receiver and when in use, the crayon holder fixes a crayon in a lengthwise position with the underside of the crayon exposed, allowing a user to rub the underside of the crayon on a given surface. The crayon holder with a textured plate provides for the crayon rubbing kit. Lastly, the crayon notcher has a base notcher assembly and a top notcher assembly and during use, the crayon notcher can be used to create relatively uniform notches in a crayon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and kits for manipulating crayons. An embodiment of the invention includes a crayon slicer that makes a cut along the surface of a crayon. The cut is of sufficient depth and length to cause the crayon to break near the cut. The crayon slicer has a first end and a second end and includes a handgrip, a base platform, and a slicer, all of which extend between the first end and the second end. The base platform has a top surface and a bottom surface with the handle coupled to the top surface and the slicer coupled to the bottom surface. Thus, the handgrip and the slicer are positioned on opposite sides of the base platform and are vertically aligned along a y-axis. During use, the slicer and the bottom surface of the base platform are engaged with the crayon at single points of contact. As the crayon slicer is moved forward, the crayon is rolled between the crayon slicer and a surface causing the points of contact between the slicer and the crayon and between the bottom surface and the crayon to extend along the crayon. As a result, the slicer makes a circumferential cut into the crayon along the points of contact between the slicer and the crayon.

One embodiment of the invention includes a crayon shaver having a removably coupled cap and receptacle. The cap has a chamber that extends vertically therethrough and is capable of receiving a crayon. Further, the cap houses a shaver, which extends into the circumference of the chamber. The shaver is capable of producing crayon shavings upon contacting a crayon that is twisted by a user. The resulting crayon shavings are collected by the receptacle. In a further embodiment, a crayon shaving kit is provided, which includes the crayon shaver, wax paper, stencils, and canvas boards.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a crayon holder having a handle and a receiver. The receiver is capable of holding a crayon in a length-wise, fixed positioned contacting only the top side of the crayon's surface, thereby leaving the underside of the crayon's surface exposed. In a further embodiment of the invention, the crayon rubbing kit is provided, which includes the crayon holder and a textured plate.

In some embodiments, the receiver may be configured to secure either a regular crayon size or a larger (i.e., “jumbo”) crayon size. Similarly, the slicer of the crayon slicer may be increased in size to make a deeper cut into a larger crayon, and the cap and the shaver of the crayon shaver may be increased in size to receive and shave a larger crayon.

An additional embodiment of the invention includes a crayon notcher having a base notcher assembly and a top notcher assembly that are coupled to each other at the corners. The base notcher assembly is positioned below the top notcher assembly and includes a crayon compartment, four spring connectors, and pairs of front, middle, and back notcher channels. The top notcher assembly includes a front opening, four cylindrical connectors, and pairs of front, middle, and back notchers. The four cylindrical connectors are coupled to the four spring connectors and the pairs of front, middle, and back notchers are vertically aligned with the pairs of front, middle, and back notcher channels. In operation, a wrapped or unwrapped crayon is placed into the crayon compartment. Then, a user pushes down on the top of the crayon notcher causing the pairs of front, middle, and back notchers to pass through the pairs of front, middle, and back notcher channels and contact the crayon. The crayon notcher is configured such that, the front, middle, and back notchers contact the crayon in such a way that relatively six uniform notches are created in the crayon. Upon the user releasing pressure from the top of the crayon notcher, the four spring connectors return the crayon notcher to a first upward resting position and the notched crayon may be removed from the crayon compartment.

As with other embodiments of the crayon manipulation devices, the crayon notcher may be configured to function with either a regular crayon size or a larger (i.e., “jumbo”) crayon size. The components of the crayon notcher may be increased in size to receive and make deeper notches into a larger crayon.

With reference now to the figures, crayon manipulation devices and kits are described in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Various embodiments are described with respect to the figures in which like elements are depicted with like reference numerals.

With reference initially toFIGS. 1-3a, an embodiment of a crayon manipulation device, a crayon slicer10, is shown with various features for making cuts into crayons to create crayon segments of varying lengths. InFIG. 1, the crayon slicer10includes a handgrip20, a base platform30, and a slicer50. The base platform30has a top surface32and a bottom surface34. The handgrip20projects vertically upward from the base platform30along the top surface32. The slicer50projects vertically downward from the base platform30along the bottom surface34. Thus, the base platform30is horizontally situated between the handgrip20and the slicer50with the handgrip20and the slicer50projecting perpendicularly to the base platform30from opposite sides. In some embodiments, the crayon slicer10is comprised of the same material throughout and may be a rigid material such as a plastic. The crayon slicer10may be of any material such that the slicer50is capable of cutting through a crayon wrapper and into a crayon.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3a, the crayon slicer10has a first end11and a second end12. The handgrip20, the base platform30, and the slicer50extend between the first and seconds ends11,12with the handgrip20and the slicer50being continually coupled to the base platform30. The base platform30is horizontally planar and presents a minimal vertical edge36between the top surface32and the bottom surface34that extends along the perimeter the base platform30. The base platform30is configured to be substantially planar so that the vertical edge36has a minimal surface area in comparison to those of the top surface32and the bottom surface34.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3a, the base platform30is rectangular in shape with the two longer sides extending parallel to the handgrip20and the slicer50between the first and second ends11,12and with the two shorter sides extending perpendicularly to the handgrip20and the slicer50at the front and second ends11,12. The base platform30can be configured to be rounded at the points of convergence between each rectangular side along the vertical edge36to improve the safety of the crayon slicer10. Further, the base platform30is configured to be of sufficient width to allow for portions of the bottom surface34to be contiguous with the cylindrical surface of a crayon during use of the crayon slicer10. Further, during use, the contact between the bottom surface34and the cylindrical surface of a crayon may vertically stabilize the crayon slicer10and aid in the rolling of the crayon. In a further aspect, the base platform30separates the handgrip20from the slicer50and during normal use, prevents the user from contacting the slicer50.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3a, the handgrip20is substantially planar, thereby presenting a minimal outer edge22along the outermost surface of the handgrip20. In one embodiment, the handgrip20can be substantially rectangular in shape with the two shorter sides extending vertically upward from the base platform30at the first and second ends11,12and with the two longer sides extending between the first and second ends11,12. Further, the handgrip20can be configured to be rounded at the points of convergence between the rectangular sides along the outer edge22to improve the safety of the crayon slicer10. In another embodiment, the handgrip20can be arcuate in shape, projecting from the base platform30in a manner to form an arch-like shape between the first and second ends11,12. The handgrip20may be configured of any height and shape sufficient to allow a user to comfortably grip the crayon slicer10during use.

As shown inFIG. 3a, the base platform30is flatly positioned on a horizontal plane overlaying an x-axis70and the handgrip20and the slicer50are positioned along a vertical plane overlaying a y-axis72, thereby being vertically aligned. Further, the handgrip20and the slicer50vertically project from the center, relative to the x-axis70, of the base platform30. Thus, the base platform30is perpendicular to the handgrip20and the slicer50and forms a T shaped junction with both the handgrip20and the slicer50.

As further shown inFIGS. 1 and 3a, the slicer50comprises a first step52and a second step54. The first step52is squarely shaped forming a cuboid as it extends between the first and second ends11,12. The first step52terminates at a flat surface that is parallel to the x-axis70, thereby forming a squared edge on the bottom side of the first step52. The second step54is fixed to the bottom side of the first step52and extends downwardly from the center, relative to the x-axis, of the first step52. The surface of the second step54that is adjacent to the first step52is of smaller width than the first step52, thereby presenting a ledge. The second step54is triangular in shape and forms a triangular prism as it extends between the first and second ends11,12. Thus, the second step54forms a point as it terminates away from the first step52. The point formed at the termination of the second step54is configured to cut paper, such as a crayon wrapper and to penetrate the outer surface of a crayon during use. The slicer50is sized to create a cut of sufficient depth and length along a crayon surface that would cause the crayon to break at the cut.

In another embodiment, shown inFIG. 3b, the slicer50comprises a single triangular blade56and forms a triangular prism as it extends between the first and second ends11,12. The base of the triangular blade56is adjacent to the bottom surface34. As the triangular blade56terminates away from the bottom surface34, a point is formed. The point is configured to cut paper, such as a crayon wrapper and to penetrate the outer surface of a crayon during use. The triangular blade56is sized to create a cut of sufficient depth and length along a crayon surface that would cause the crayon to break at the cut. In further embodiments, the slicer50may be of any shape capable of creating a cut of sufficient depth and length along a crayon surface causing the crayon to break.

Referring toFIG. 4a, an embodiment of the crayon slicer10is shown during use. Generally, the user grips the crayon slicer10at the handgrip20, presses the crayon slicer10onto a crayon thereby engaging the slicer50with the surface of the crayon, and moves the crayon slicer10forward. In use, the crayon slicer10is positioned perpendicular to the crayon with the crayon slicer10being aligned with a z-axis74and with the crayon being aligned with the x-axis70. This position allows for the slicer50to engage the cylindrical surface of the crayon, thereby creating a circumferential cut along the crayon during use. The crayon slicer10engages the cylindrical crayon surface with the slicer50near the first end11. Sufficient pressure is applied through the handgrip20towards the crayon to cause the slicer50to cut through a crayon wrapper and penetrate the crayon surface. The slicer50extends into the crayon at a depth sufficient to allow the at least a portion of the bottom surface34to contact the crayon surface. The crayon slicer10is then moved along the z-axis74while sufficient pressure is continuously applied to the handgrip20to maintain the penetration depth of the slicer50into the crayon and to further maintain the contact between the bottom surface34and the crayon surface. Upon forward movement of the crayon slicer10along the z-axis74, the crayon simultaneously rotates in a clockwise direction around the x-axis70. Upon backward movement of the crayon slicer10along the z-axis74, the crayon simultaneously rotates in a counter-clockwise direction around the x-axis70. Further, the movement of the crayon slicer10along the z-axis74circumferentially extends the slicer50into the crayon thereby producing a circumferential cut. The length of the circumferential cut in the crayon corresponds to the distance between the movement of the crayon slicer10along the z-axis from a first position and a second position.

In further aspects, the crayon slicer10is configured to make a cut of sufficient length and depth into a crayon to break the crayon near the cut. In some embodiments, the crayon slicer10can be configured for use with crayons of differing sizes. For larger crayons, the slicer50can be increased in size to create a deeper cut into the crayon. In a further aspect, as shown inFIGS. 4band 4c, prior to use, the crayon slicer10can be placed at any point along the cylindrical surface of a crayon body in order to create multiple crayon segments of varying size. As shown inFIG. 4b, crayon segments a, b, and c of differing sizes can be created by the crayon slicer10. Further, the crayon slicer10is capable of being used with a wrapped or unwrapped crayon. The slicer50as shown in bothFIGS. 3aand 3bor any other slicer capable of cutting a crayon, may be included during use of the crayon slicer50as shown inFIGS. 4a, 4b, and4c.

Another embodiment of a crayon manipulation device, a crayon shaver110, is shown inFIGS. 5aand6. The crayon shaver110has a cap120, a shaver150and a receptacle160. The cap120comprises a top122, a bottom124, and a chamber130and also internally houses the shaver150. Further, the cap120and the receptacle160are removably coupled with the bottom124being contiguous with the receptacle160. The chamber130extends between the top122and the bottom124along a vertical axis134, thereby presenting passageway through the cap120. The chamber130is cylindrical in shape and is configured to receive a crayon of a specified size; the size of the chamber130can be manufactured accordingly.

In some embodiments, the cap120may be circular in shape at the bottom124and then taper toward a point at the top122. As such, the cap120may have a conical shape. Further, the cap120may be a rigid material such that the cap120is capable of firmly holding the shaver150in place during use.

Further, the receptacle160is generally hollow and capable of receiving and collecting crayon shavings. In some embodiments, the receptacle160may be cylindrical in shape and maybe be a rigid material such that the receptacle160is capable of being removably coupled with the bottom124. In a further aspect, the receptacle160may be a transparent material to allow a user to observe collected crayon shavings.

FIG. 7ashows the bottom124of the cap120and the internal housing of the shaver150of the crayon shaver110inFIGS. 5aand6. The chamber130includes an inner surface132, is aligned with a vertical axis134, and is interrupted by the shaver150near the bottom124of the cap120. The inner surface132is circumferential about the chamber130and is radially centered about the vertical axis134. The shaver150is fixed within the cap120and is inaccessible to the user during use of the device. Near the bottom124, the shaver150intersects a portion of the circumference of the inner surface132and extends into the chamber130. The shaver150can intersect the circumference of the inner surface132angularly to the vertical axis134. Further, the shaver150can be pie-shaped with the point of the shaver extending towards the vertical axis134. The shaver150extends into the chamber130at a distance sufficient to contact a crayon as it is passed through the chamber130. The shaver150may be a metal such that the shaver150maintains a sharp edge capable of cutting a crayon.

FIGS. 5band 7bshow an additional embodiment of the crayon shaver110. In this embodiment, the cap120of the crayon shaver110comprises an exposed bottom184, a partial chamber190, and a shaver housing154. The partial chamber190extends from the top122through the cap120and converges into the shaver housing154located towards the exposed bottom184. Further, the partial chamber190is aligned with the vertical axis134, is cylindrical in shape, and is configured to receive a crayon of a specified size; the size of the partial chamber190can be manufactured accordingly to receive crayons of regular size or larger (i.e., “jumbo”) size.

Continuing withFIGS. 5band 7b, the exposed bottom184has an upper portion185and a lower portion186. The upper portion185is adjacent to the top122and has an internal surface187. The lower portion186extends downwardly from the internal surface187. When the cap120is coupled with the receptacle160, the upper portion185may form a flush edge with the outside of the receptacle160, the internal surface187may contact the upper most portion of the receptacle160, and the lower portion186may be contiguous with the inside of the receptacle160. In another aspect, the lower portion186is complimentary to the shape and size of the receptacle160and therefore, is configured to couple the cap120with the receptacle160.

As further shown inFIGS. 5band 7b, the shaver housing154is coupled with the exposed bottom184and is within the receptacle160when the cap120is coupled thereto. The shaver housing154extends angularly downward from the internal surface187and is in communication with the partial chamber190, such that the shaver housing154is configured to receive a crayon from the partial chamber190. Further the shaver housing154has a housed shaver152and is configured to angularly present the housed shaver152to a crayon received from the partial chamber190during use. Further, the housed shaver152may be a metal such that the housed shaver152maintains a sharp edge capable of cutting a crayon.

InFIG. 8the crayon shaver110is first shown with the chamber130in receipt of a crayon prior to use, and inFIG. 9, the crayon shaver110is shown after use with crayon shavings in the receptacle160. Either of the tops120shown inFIGS. 7aand 7bmay be used inFIGS. 8 and 9. As shown, the inner surface132compliments the surface of a crayon and is configured to guide the crayon through the chamber130during. Further, the inner surface132is configured to contain the crayon within the chamber130while also allowing the crayon to be rotated about the vertical axis134. In use, the chamber130receives a crayon, and within the chamber130, the tip of the crayon contacts the shaver150. The user presses the crayon towards the receptacle160and simultaneously rotates the crayon. The shaver150then engages the crayon, thereby shaving the crayon as it passes through the chamber130. In further aspects, the shaver150may extend into the chamber130at a distance such that the tip of the shaver150meets with the center of the crayon during use, thereby shaving the entire crayon upon contact with the shaver150. The resulting crayon shavings are collected by the receptacle160. The cap120and the receptacle160can then be uncoupled, allowing the user to access the crayon shavings. In addition, the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5aand 7ais configured to function and operate as disclosed in this paragraph.

In other embodiments, the crayon shaver110can be configured for use with crayons of differing sizes. The chamber130, the inner surface132, and the shaver150may be sized to correspond with a particular crayon size. Additionally, the partial chamber190, the housed shaver housing154and housed shaver152may also be sized to correspond with a particular crayon size. Therefore, the crayon shaver110may be manufactured in multiple sizes that correspond to a particular crayon size, thereby allowing the crayon shaver110to be used with a crayon of any size.

FIGS. 10aand 10bshow an embodiment of a crayon manipulation kit, a crayon shaving kit101. The crayon shaving kit101includes the crayon shaver110, wax paper170, a stencil172, and a canvas board174. In embodiments, the stencil172has a cutout and is of sufficient thickness to contain crayon shavings within the cutout when placed atop a give surface. In use, the stencil172is placed atop the canvas board174, and crayon shavings provided by the crayon shaver110are dispersed into the cutout of the stencil172. After dispersing the crayon shavings, the wax paper170is placed atop the stencil172and a heat source is provided to the wax paper170on the opposing side.

Turning now toFIG. 11, a further embodiment is shown as a crayon holder210. The crayon holder210includes a handle220and a receiver230. The handle220and the receiver230can be the same length, which can also be similar to the length of a crayon body or may be of a greater length than a crayon body. The handle220is positioned above the receiver230, and the handle220and the receiver230are continuously coupled along the bottom side of the handle220and along the top side of the receiver230. The handle220can be rectangular in shape and is vertically planar. The top corners of the handle220can be rounded to improve the safety of the crayon holder210. The receiver230is configured to hold a crayon in a lengthwise manner while leaving a portion of the crayon's surface exposed. Thus, the receiver230can be the shape of a half circle, forming a hollow half cylinder. In some embodiments, the crayon holder210is comprised of the same material throughout and may be a rigid material such as a plastic. The material is such that the receiver230is capable of flexing out of shape to receive and release a crayon before and after use, and is capable of returning to shape to firmly secure a crayon during use.

FIGS. 12a,13, and14show the crayon holder210ofFIG. 11from the front, the side, and while holding a crayon. As shown, the crayon holder210can be symmetrical along a vertically longitudinal plane and a vertically lateral plane. The handle220is substantially vertical and is coupled to the center of the receiver230at the top side. The receiver230extends downwardly from the handle220in a curved manner and can form a half circle. Thus, when the receiver230engages a crayon, the receiver230only contacts the upper portions of the crayon surface, thereby allowing the lower crayon surface opposite the receiver230to contact a given surface. Further, the receiver230is configured to firmly secure a crayon and to also allow the crayon to be easily removed. The receiver230is configured to receive a crayon of a specified size, and the crayon holder210can be manufactured accordingly. Thus, in other embodiments, the receiver230of the crayon holder210may be sized differently for use with crayons of different sizes.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12b, the receiver230has a curved inner surface232that lines the interior of the receiver230and a plurality of conical fasteners240, which includes multiple conically-shaped fasteners with bases being adjacent to the curved inner surface232and points being formed as the conical fasteners240extend away from the curved inner surface232. The conical fasteners240are each cone-shaped and may be in lengthwise alignment along the curved inner surface232such that the plurality of conical fasteners240are vertically aligned with the handle220. Moreover, the plurality of conical fasteners240is configured to penetrate the surface of a crayon to better secure the crayon within the receiver230during use. In other embodiments, any gripping mechanism can be used to hold the crayon within the receiver230, such as a snap-fit mechanism or a lock fit mechanism.

FIG. 14shows the crayon holder210in use and also shows an alternative embodiment, a crayon rubbing kit201. In use, the crayon holder210secures a crayon within the receiver230. The user grips the crayon holder210at the handle220, and then presses the crayon holder210toward a given surface so that the exposed crayon surface contacts the given surface.

Referring toFIG. 15, the crayon rubbing kit201includes the crayon holder210and a textured plate250. The textured plate250can be planar and has a raised surface252and a recessed surface254with the raised surface252positioned at a higher first level and the recessed surface254positioned at a lower second level. The higher first level and the lower second level are positioned along parallel planes. The raised and recessed surfaces252,254are configured to create various designs or patterns from voids formed as a result of the differing heights of the raised and recessed surfaces252,254. In use, the textured plate250is placed under a medium, such as paper. The crayon holder210with a crayon secured by the receiver230is then guided by the handle220toward the textured plate250causing the exposed crayon surface to contact the medium overlaying the textured plate250. The crayon holder210can be moved about the medium as the user chooses to cause the exposed crayon surface to contact the medium at multiple locations.

Moving toFIGS. 16aand 16b, an additional embodiment of a crayon manipulation device, a crayon notcher310, is shown. The crayon notcher310has a front311, a back312, a top313, and a bottom314. Further, the crayon notcher310includes a base notcher assembly320and a top notcher assembly420. The base notcher assembly320is positioned below and is mostly covered by the top notcher assembly420. The front, back, top, and bottom311,312,313,314are relatively rectangular in shape and the crayon notcher310may be in the shape of a cuboid. In other embodiments, the crayon notcher310may be of other shapes such as a cube or may be a combination of different shapes.FIG. 16ashows the crayon notcher310in an upward position, prior to engaging a crayon, andFIG. 16bshows the crayon notcher310in a downward position, during engagement with the crayon. As shown, a greater amount of the base notcher assembly320is shown inFIG. 16athan inFIG. 16b. Thus, the top notcher assembly420travels a threshold distance when pressed from the top313that is sufficient to create a notch in a crayon.

In some embodiments, the crayon notcher may include a top having an arcuate in shape that is maintained as the top extends between a front and a back having a shape of half-circles. Moreover, the crayon notcher may include a bottom that is rectangular, and therefore, the crayon notcher may be in the shape of a half-cylinder or other cylindroid shape.

FIG. 17shows the base notcher assembly320of the crayon notcher310inFIG. 16. The base notcher assembly320includes a base notcher surface321; a base322; a crayon opening330; a crayon compartment335; a first, second, third, and fourth spring connector331,332,332,334; a first and a second front notcher channel341,342; a first and a second middle notcher channel351,352; and a first and a second back notcher channel361,362. The base notcher surface321is on top of the base322and the crayon opening330is positioned adjacent to the front311. The crayon opening330presents the crayon compartment335that extends lengthwise or in a horizontal direction through the base notcher assembly320from the front311to the back312. Further, the crayon compartment335is configured to receive a crayon such that the crayon is relatively secured in place but may also be easily removed from the crayon compartment335. In other embodiments, the crayon compartment335may be sized to receive crayons of differing sizes.

Continuing withFIG. 17, the first, second, third, and fourth spring connectors331,332,332,334extend perpendicularly from the base notcher surface321and are positioned at the corners of and above the base322. Internally, the first, second, third, and fourth spring connectors331,332,332,334may house a spring, and thus may extend into the base322and may be cylindrical in shape or complimentary to that of a spring. At the top of the first, second, third, and fourth spring connectors331,332,332,334, proximate to the top313, there is an opening configured to allow for coupling of the base notcher assembly320to the top notcher assembly420. In other embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth spring connector331,332,332,334can be of any shape and located any points along the base322.

As further shown inFIG. 17, pairs of first and second notcher channels at the front, middle, and back341,342,351,352,361,362extend perpendicularly from the base notcher surface321, with the first and second front notcher channels341,342proximate to the front311, the first and second back notcher channels361,362, proximate to the back312, and the first and second middle notcher channels351,352between front311and back312. Proximate to the top313, the notcher channels341,342,351,352,361,362contain openings and on the opposite end, may extend downward into a portion of the crayon compartment335(shown inFIG. 19). In other embodiments, there may be any number of notcher channels341,342,351,352,361,362, which may be located anywhere along the base notcher surface321.

Referring toFIG. 18, the top notcher assembly420is shown. The top notcher assembly420includes a top notcher surface421; a front opening430; a first, second, third, and fourth cylindrical connector431,432,433,434; a first and a second front notcher441,442; a first and a second middle notcher451,452; a first and a second back notcher461,462. The notchers441,442,451,452,461,462each have a blade443,444,453,454,463,464; an inner surface445,446,455,456,465,466; and a rib447,448,457,458,467,468. The cylindrical connectors431,432,433,434and the notchers441,442,451,452,461,462may be located at numerous points along the top notcher surface421and are not limited to those shown inFIG. 18.

Turning now toFIG. 19, a cross-sectional view of the crayon notcher310in16bis shown. Generally, the front opening430is horizontally aligned with the crayon opening330and crayon compartment335and each are configured to allow movement of the top notcher assembly420as shown inFIGS. 16aand 16b. Moreover, the cylindrical connectors431,432,433,434are in vertical alignment with the spring connectors331,332,332,334. Similarly, the notchers441,442,451,452,461,462are in vertical alignment with the notcher channels341,342,351,352,361,362, and the notchers441,442,451,452,461,462enter and extend through crayon compartment335during use. Thus, the blades443,444,453,454,463,464initially contact the crayon surface during use and penetrate the crayon causing the inner surfaces445,446,455,456,465,466to be contiguous with the crayon. The blades443,444,453,454,463,464are configured to be capable of cutting into a crayon. Further, the ribs447,448,457,458,467,468push the excess crayon material into the base322during use. Engagement of the top notcher assembly with a crayon during use is further shown inFIG. 20.

FIGS. 21 and 22show crayon(s) with notches from the crayon notcher310shown inFIGS. 16aand 16b. In other embodiments, any number or combination of the notcher channels341,342,351,352,361,362and the notchers441,442,451,452,461,462may be included in the crayon notcher310, and therefore, are capable of creating any number or combination of notches in a crayon. Thus, the notches created within the crayons are not limited to those shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. Further, any number or combination of the cylindrical connectors431,432,433,434and the spring connectors331,332,332,334may be implanted into the crayon notcher310.

In use, a wrapped or unwrapped crayon is first placed through the front opening430and the crayon opening330and into the crayon compartment335. The crayon is pushed fully into the crayon compartment335until it reaches the end of the crayon compartment proximate to the back312. The user then pushes down on the top313, causing the notchers441,442,451,452,461,462to contact the crayon body in such a way that the blades443,444,453,454,463,464and inner surfaces445,446,455,456,465,466create uniform notches in the crayon. As the blades443,444,453,454,463,464cut into and through the crayon, the ribs447,448,457,458,467,468on the back side of the notchers441,442,451,452,461,462push the excess crayon material into the base322. The user releases pressure on the top313, the internal springs of the spring connectors331,332,332,334then help to push the crayon notcher310to the upward position. The user can then remove the notched crayon from the crayon compartment335.