Solid marking material melting applicator wand

Aspects herein relate to an applicator wand that is configured to melt a solid marking material and apply the melted marking material onto a receiving medium. Aspects of the applicator wand include a heating and melting element enclosed within an external casing, a receiving compartment configured to receive one or more solid marking materials, and an applicator tip for applying the melted marking material onto a receiving medium to create a design, drawing, picture, sketch, and the like on the receiving medium.

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein relate to crafting wands for creating melted wax art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wax compositions have long been used for making solid marking materials of different colors. Such solid marking materials may include, for example, crayons, oil pastels, and the like that have a wax or similar pigmented medium for delivering a particular color or colors onto a receiving medium. These solid marking materials may come in a plethora of colors and compositions, which give people of all ages an avenue of unlimited creativity.

Because of their pigmented wax composition however, the colors of the solid marking materials may not transfer smoothly to a receiving medium made of materials such as paper, plastic, glass, ceramic, fabric, primed surfaces, gesso-treated surfaces, and the like. In other words, in their solid state, the colors from pigmented wax compositions may transfer partially, giving the colored image on the receiving medium a non-uniform or uneven look, especially when observing from up close. This effect may be caused by an uneven “sticking” of the solid marking material on the receiving medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects herein provide a device for creating single-color and multi-colored images or designs using melted wax as the coloring medium. Such solid marking materials may comprise, for example, crayons, oil pastels, and the like. The solid marking materials may comprise pigmentation of a different array of colors, they may comprise non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like of a different array of sizes and shapes to provide special effects such as, for example, metallic effects, glitter effects, and the like. As such, the solid marking materials utilized for coloring with the device described herein may be any solid marking material, such as a crayon, that is melted at a threshold temperature into a fluid, drawing medium.

Specifically, an applicator wand for melting wax-based solid marking materials is provided in accordance with aspects herein. For ease of description, the applicator wand will hereinafter be described as using crayons as the solid marking material medium. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the applicator wand may be used to melt any wax-based element or any solid oil based element that is not necessarily a crayon, but may comprise other meltable pigmented medium such as, for example, a candle wax stick, oil pastels, and the like. In some aspects, the applicator wand may be configured to melt and selectively dispense a desired solid marking material or combination of solid marking materials to provide a fluid marking tool operating within a threshold melting and marking temperature range.

The applicator wand in accordance with aspects herein may comprise an ergonomic design to be handled as, for example, a common writing utensil such as a pen, marker, brush, paintbrush, and the like. Further, the applicator wand may comprise a receiving compartment for receiving and storing a wax-based solid marking material such as a crayon and a melting compartment where the crayon is melted prior to passing on to an applicator tip for application of the melted crayon onto a receiving surface comprised of, for example, paper, plastic, glass, ceramic, fabric such as canvas, primed canvas, paint-primer treated surfaces, gesso treated surfaces, encaustic gesso treated surfaces, or any other surface configured to receive a deposit of melted crayon, such as a drawn marking via the applicator wand.

A heating and melting element in the melting compartment of the applicator wand may be battery operated or may be operated by electricity conducted via an electric cord from a power outlet through an AC adapter. If battery operated, the applicator wand may include an integrated circuit (IC) and the batteries used may be disposable or rechargeable that could be, for example, recharged in a charging station or simply by plugging in the applicator wand to a USB charger. Batteries that could be used in accordance with aspects herein may include a Li-Poly Battery, for example. The applicator wand may comprise an on and off switch to begin a heating process of the heating and melting element in the melting compartment of the applicator wand, or cooling the heating and melting element of the melting compartment of the applicator wand when not in use. Alternatively, the applicator wand may start heating as soon as it is plugged in for, for example, a corded applicator wand that plugs in to an electric outlet. The applicator wand may further comprise a safety sensor such as a thermal fuse and a thermistor to thermoregulate the applicator wand and thereby prevent overheating of the heating and melting element of the melting compartment. Additionally, the sensor may trigger an auto shut-off when overheating is detected above a first threshold temperature, or when the wand has been in a stationary position for a threshold amount of time (i.e., in a resting state in a stand, without marking on a surface to dispense melted crayon). When excessive heat above a second threshold temperature higher than the first threshold temperature is detected by the thermal fuse, the thermal fuse may break as an additional safety measure. However, when the temperature is below a third threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature, the thermistor or thermoregulator sensor may also trigger an automatic power-on feature of the heating elements to heat the melting compartment to start the melting process again. The third threshold temperature may be a minimum temperature required to start the melting process of the solid marking material and the first threshold temperature may be a maximum temperature at which the applicator wand can be safely operated. One or more features of the applicator wand, including the heating element, the heat engine or melting compartment, and the thermistor or thermoregulator sensor may be configured to activate or deactivate one or more features of the applicator wand. For example, the applicator wand may further comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LED) to indicate whether the applicator wand is ready to use or not.

The heating element may be made of a thermal conductor material such as a metal like copper, iron, steel, nickel, chromium, or an alloy such as a nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr), and the like. The heating element may be in the form of a wire that can be wrapped around the heat engine or melting compartment of the applicator wand. The heat engine or melting compartment may therefore be also comprised of a thermal conductor such as aluminum, iron, copper, nickel, chromium, and the like so that when the heating element is heated, the heat generated at the heating element may be transferred to the heat engine or melting compartment. According to aspects, the heating element is fully enclosed within a housing of the applicator wand such that a user may not come into direct contact with the heating element. Heat at a particular temperature range may be applied to the heat engine or melting compartment while the remaining components of the applicator wand may remain cooled (i.e., safe to touch) by having insulative spaces created in the applicator wand housing to distance the heating element from the walls of the applicator wand housing. Nevertheless, while the heating elements are restricted from direct user access, the tip of the applicator wand may be exposed, and therefore, it may be made from a non-conductive material that resists heating and deformation during heating and cooling cycles. For example, the applicator tip and one or more features may be made from a heat-resistant plastic material that resists changes in temperature, therefore not becoming hot to the touch during dispensing of the melted crayon. In one aspect, the melting tip may be a plastic component having non-expansive properties when exposed to particular heating temperatures, such that a dispensing mechanism such as a roller ball tip may be retained within the melting tip in a useable state.

In some embodiments, the temperature at which the heating and melting element is configured to operate may be between 40° C. and 85° C., based on the melting point of the crayon or other pigmented, meltable solid marking material. Therefore, the first threshold temperature referenced above may be 85° C., being the maximum temperature at which the applicator wand may be safely operated, and the third threshold temperature referenced above may be 40° C., being the minimum temperature required for initiating the melting of the crayon or other solid marking material. In accordance with aspects herein, the applicator wand may comprise a temperature dial or setter so that a user may be able to customize the temperature of operation according to the type of solid marking material being used. The temperature setter may include analog, digital, or other temperature controls. The temperature settings may also help regulate flow by for example, providing a lower flow with cooler temperatures by melting the crayon at a slower rate, or providing faster flow with hotter temperatures by melting the crayon at a faster rate. Further, a “smart” temperature controller may also be provided to give the user the ability to set a specific desired temperature within a given threshold with a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature for melting the crayon without jeopardizing the safety of the user.

Exemplary temperature ranges at which the heating element of the applicator wand may be configured to operate may comprise, for example between 40° C. and 64° C., between 43° C. and 66° C., between 50° C. and 68° C., between 50° C. and 75° C., 67° C. and 75° C., and other threshold temperature ranges to produce a fluid marking substance from the crayon or other solid marking material. In accordance with aspects herein, the crayon or other solid marking material may be melted in the heat engine or melting compartment by heat generated by the heating element of the applicator wand upon contact, or after a certain threshold period of exposure time to the heat engine or melting compartment. The melted crayon or other solid marking material may then be collected in a reservoir that may feed an applicator tip of the applicator wand, or may be collected inside of the heat engine. The applicator tip may then be used to distribute the melted crayon onto a receiving surface to create a drawing, design, color pattern, or to apply color onto a pre-drawn sketch, picture, and the like. The receiving surface may comprise any material such as metal, fabric, paper, glass, plastic, rubber, wood, primed substrate, gesso-treated surface, encaustic gesso treated surface, and the like. Additives may be provided to improve or change the properties of the melted crayon or other melted marking material, such as stickiness, to help it stick to the substrate or receiving surface better.

In accordance with aspects herein, the applicator wand may optionally comprise a holding mechanism to retain the crayon above the heating and melting element until ready to use and create markings. Because the crayon is melted prior to application to the receiving medium, the color may be applied in a smooth and even layer of color that is evenly distributed throughout the line or design drawn on the receiving medium. With only a portion of the crayon melted prior to dispensing (i.e., the portion of the crayon passing through the melting compartment), one or more fluid marking characteristics are maintained and overheating of the marking material is prevented. Further, due to the ergonomic and familiar shape of the applicator wand, a user may make familiar strokes such as when using a conventional pen, to create melted-crayon designs of a variety of colors, in a controlled manner. Because the color of markings dispensed by the applicator wand corresponds to the color of melted crayon, segments of multiple different colors of crayon may be sequentially fed into the receiving compartment of the applicator wand to provide multi-color and/or color changing markings. Furthermore, because of the melted application of the crayon on the receiving medium, the colors may appear more vivid and be applied more easily to the receiving medium than when coloring with the crayon itself.

Further, aspects of the applicator wand may allow for the mixing of crayons of different colors and/or compositions inside of the applicator wand itself to allow the creation of designs with unique effects that involve the combination of two or more colors and/or compositions that are melted synchronously or asynchronously together. Some aspects of the invention may include a sequential melting of multiple different colors of crayon segments, which during dispensing by a roller-ball applicator tip, for example, become at least partially blended to create a marbleized marking effect. It is contemplated that other types of tips may also be used in accordance with aspects herein, as will be further described below. In another aspect, a device purging and/or cleaning tool may be provided to remove residual crayon or wax color from the heat engine or melting compartment and/or the applicator tip. For example, one or more cleanup wax sticks or other neutral melting medium suitable for cleaning the applicator wand may be provided. The cleaning medium may be shaped like a crayon and its composition may provide optimal removal of crayon residue, melted crayon residue, combined wax, or other solid marking material used from the inner compartments of the applicator wand, including at least the receiving compartment, the heat engine or melting compartment, and the applicator tip. The cleanup wax stick may include one or more components for cleaning at least a portion of the receiving compartment, heating and melting element, and/or applicator tip. For example, the cleanup wax stick may include a solvent feature that purges residue from melted crayons or other melted marking materials by reactivating any deposited wax within each component and purging the debris via the applicator tip as if producing a melted crayon marking onto a writing surface.

In accordance to additional aspects herein, the applicator wand may comprise different types of applicator tips that may be interchangeable depending on the type of design and effect desired when applying the melted crayon onto the receiving medium. For example, the applicator wand may comprise, for example, a roller tip with a roller ball. The applicator wand may comprise a set of tips with differently sized roller balls to make, for example, lines of different widths and/or dots of different sizes for creating artistic expressions by, for example, stippling or pointillism techniques. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator wand may comprise, for example, valve-system tips used in ink pens, for example, that may be specifically adapted to work with melted crayons or other melting marking materials such as colored wax, and the like. Also, other types of tips may include, for example, an interchangeable felt tip, interchangeable brush tip, interchangeable sponge tip, and the like, for creating different types of textures with the melted crayon. Just like the roller tips described above, the interchangeable valve-system tips, felt tips, interchangeable brush tips, interchangeable sponge tips, and other removable and replaceable tip features may also be provided in different sizes to provide different width coverage when painting or applying the melted crayon or other melted marking material onto the substrate or receiving medium. Further, the tips themselves, whether felt, brush, sponge, valve-system, or roller balls, may comprise a texturized surface to facilitate the delivery of non-melting particles or flakes, or to make a texturized mark on a substrate as the melted crayon or marking material is being delivered from the applicator wand. For example, in a roller ball applicator tip, the roller ball itself may be provided with dimples (e.g., as in a golf ball) or other types of recesses or grooved areas to provide a delivering mechanism for delivering the non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like.

The housing of the applicator wand may be made from an insulative material such as, for example, silicone or other similar material that is not thermally conductive and/or is at least semi-heat resistant. Accordingly, the external shell of the applicator wand may insulate the user from temperature changes in response to the crayon melting process inside the applicator wand, while the dispensing mechanism and/or marking tip may also be made from a non-deformable, insulative material that not only resists temperature changes from the melted wax passing through the applicator tip but retains a dispensing structure so as to continually apply the melted crayon. In some aspects, the material of the applicator tip may depend on the desired marking effect and the particular dispensing feature. Further, a custom stand may be provided to hold the applicator wand in a non-vertical state when the applicator wand is not in use. For example, the custom stand may hold the applicator wand at an angle between 45° and 20° with the applicator tip suspended so that it may be prevented from contacting any surface in order to prevent accidental leakage of the melted crayon or other melted marking material when the applicator wand is not in use. In some aspects, because gravity may cause the melted crayon to travel from the heat engine or melting compartment to the applicator tip, an optimal placement angle may help ensure that the flow of melted crayon or melted marking material is discontinued so that when the applicator wand is in the stand, the applicator wand is in a non-dispensing state.

In one aspect in accordance herein, an applicator wand that comprises a receiving compartment, a heating element, a power source and an applicator tip is provided. In another aspect in accordance herein, a solid marking material melting applicator wand comprising a receiving compartment for receiving and storing the crayon or other solid marking material, a heating element for melting the crayon or other solid marking material, a heat engine, a power source, and an applicator tip is provided. The applicator wand may be configured to work with gravity such that when in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to a desired substrate surface, the melted crayon may be able to flow out through the applicator tip only when the applicator tip is in contact with a receiving medium or substrate. In other words, when the applicator tip is not in contact with a receiving medium or substrate, the applicator tip in accordance with aspects herein, may be configured to prevent the melted crayon or liquid coloring medium from exiting the applicator tip, even when the applicator wand is in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the receiving medium or substrate.

In accordance with a different aspect, the applicator wand may be used by opening a lid to access a receiving compartment applicator wand, inserting a crayon or other solid marking material into the receiving compartment, plugging in and/or turning the solid marking material melting applicator wand ON to initiate a heating of a heating element to melt the crayon or other solid marking material into a melted crayon or other melted marking material, and applying the melted crayon or other melted marking material onto a receiving medium using an applicator tip of the applicator wand.

Other features of the applicator wand, in accordance with some aspects herein, may include a rotating head so the user could modify the applicator wand to draw at multiple angles (similar to the writing angle of a pen) rather than only vertical. This would allow a user to use the applicator wand, in accordance to aspects herein, on walls to draw, for example, murals. In order to achieve this, the applicator wand may be further provided with a wax return within the applicator wand so that if the user turns the applicator wand upside down the melted crayon stays within the applicator wand. Once the user rights the applicator wand, the flow of the melted crayon may be returned to the tip for use. Alternatively, a gravity door or one-way valve or a door electronically controlled using a servo actuator may be provided and the applicator wand's orientation may be sensed using an accelerometer or a ball switch.

In a different aspect, the applicator wand may be a closed system having a mechanical way to force the crayon through the applicator wand (i.e., motor, gears, screw, and the like). This would allow mural drawing without spillage using the techniques mentioned previously. In some aspects, the applicator wand may comprise a cartridge system that is loadable from the top (as shown in the figures) or through the side (not shown). The cartridge system would allow a user to quickly swap out colors without having to wait for residual wax or crayon color from a previous crayon to completely exit the applicator wand. In this embodiment, a preheating apparatus may be provided for heating and optionally for shaking the cartridges until they are ready to be used by the user. The applicator wand may be provided with double or triple chambers to let the user insert two or three cartridges of different colors to allow for the dispensing of color blends or custom colors. The cartridges may also be made refillable, where the user would be able to insert pieces of crayons. Then, as described above, the crayon pieces could be melted in the cartridges in a preheating/melting station to liquefy the crayons inside the cartridges. In order to aid in the melting process, additives may be provided that aid in the liquefying of the crayon or other marking material. Other additives that may be included are additives that aid the wax to stick better onto the substrate. The “sticking” additives may be different for different substrates. For example, an additive used for paper may be different from an additive used for glass. In one aspect, the cartridges may be provided with a coat of the additive on the inner wall of the cartridges whether it's clear wax/solubilizer that helps liquefy the melted crayon to the correct consistency or a thickener that would allow the melted crayon to stick better to the substrate of choice. In other aspects, the melted crayon may be configured to solidify on contact with the substrate or shortly after being applied to the substrate. The cartridges may be provided with removeable or dissolvable features that could break away to let the melted wax flow once inserted into the applicator wand.

In accordance with aspects herein, instead of using colored crayons, a user may be allowed to “mix” their own custom color by providing the user with, for example, pigments, colorant pellets, or the like that could be added closer to the tip and clear wax, or paraffin sticks or pellets added through the back. The mixing of the wax or paraffin with the color pigments provided near the tip, may create the custom color which may be directly applied onto a substrate. The mixing may be achieve by, for example, screw mixing, or the applicator tip may be provided with a geared ball, or shaking mechanism to achieve the mixing. Several of the aspects described hereinabove will become more apparent in view of the figures as further discussed below.

Moving on to the figures,FIG. 1depicts an exemplary applicator wand100in accordance with aspects herein. The applicator wand100may comprise a power source110, an ON/OFF switch or release button120, a housing150for securing and enclosing an applicator tip130, and an optional lid140for covering a receiving compartment of the applicator wand100(not shown), where a crayon or other solid marking material may be inserted to be melted into a melted crayon or other melted marking material. Other components that may be present may include, for example, a safety sensor112such as a temperature regulator. Such safety sensor112may include, for example, a thermistor/temperature sensor, and the like. In use, when the applicator tip130of the applicator wand100is placed in contact with a receiving surface160, the applicator tip130may be configured to leave a mark170on the receiving surface160. The mark170comprising the melted crayon or other melted marking material may be made into a design, drawing, art piece, and the like.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare cross-sectional views200and202, respectively of the applicator wand100along the line2A-2A inFIG. 1. Specifically,FIG. 2Ashows the applicator wand100with its lid140closed andFIG. 2Bshows the applicator wand100with its lid140open. As seen inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the applicator wand100comprises a receiving compartment240for receiving a crayon or other solid marking material such as a crayon (not shown) and optionally, a reservoir210for retaining the crayon or other marking material in its melted form. The crayon or other solid marking material may be melted inside of a heat engine or melting compartment230, which may be directly in contact with a heating element220that connects to a power source110or, alternatively, the heating element220and the heat engine or melting compartment230may be formed as a monolithic piece of equipment. Optionally, the applicator wand100may comprise an insulating space260between the housing150and the receiving compartment240. The insulating space260may be filled with air or an insulating material such as a foam type material, for example, or instead of a space, a thickness of the wall of the housing150may be configured to extend through the insulating space260and form the receiving compartment240. When present, the insulating space260may be useful in keeping heat from propagating to the external housing150so that the housing150may remain cool to the touch even when the heating element220and the heat engine or melting compartment230are active (in other words, in an ON configuration and therefore HOT to the touch).

In the applicator wand100shown in the cross-sectional views200and202ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, the applicator tip130of the applicator wand100comprises a roller ball250to form a roller applicator tip130. In some aspects, the roller ball250may be freely rotatable within a cavity270of the applicator tip130, meaning that the roller ball250may rotate along at least two axes within the cavity270of the applicator tip130. In other aspects, the roller ball250configured to rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction. According to aspects herein, the free rotation of the roller ball250allows at least a portion280of the roller ball250to be covered or saturated with the melted crayon or other melted marking material and transfer the melted crayon or other melted marking material to a receiving surface when the roller ball250is rotated and at least a portion290of the roller ball250becomes in contact with the receiving surface. The free rotation may also create greater mobility of the roller ball250along the receiving surface. As such, in some aspects, a user may paint/write in multiple directions with the roller ball250while holding the applicator wand100in an upright position with the roller ball250contacting a receiving surface or substrate. In other words, the user need not rotate their grip with respect to the applicator wand100, or angle the applicator wand100with respect to a marking surface in order to facilitate contact between the roller ball250and the receiving surface or substrate in one or more directions. In other words, to use the applicator wand100, a user would simply contact the roller ball250to a receiving surface, such as, receiving surface160shown inFIG. 1and start guiding the applicator wand100to form a desired design. In some aspects, the applicator tip130may require priming by allowing a short period of time (e.g. between 1-5 minutes) to allow the crayon or other solid marking material to melt and sufficiently pool in the reservoir210so that when a rolling motion of the roller ball250is started, melted crayon or other melted marking material is allowed to flow out and onto a receiving surface, only when in contact with the receiving surface.

Further, because there may be different types of crayons or other solid marking materials such as, for example, metallic crayons, glitter crayons, neon crayons and the like, where the meltable carrier contains non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like a gap275may be present between the retaining portion276and the roller ball250of roller applicator tip130to allow the passage of the non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like with the melted carrier and onto the receiving surface. In other aspects, the roller ball250may itself comprise dimples or other recessed portions on its surface in order to allow passage of non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like, that may be present in the crayons. In some aspects, the non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like may include metallic flakes from, for example, aluminum, copper, silver, brass, or other, or the non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like may include, for example, metallized polymer materials that are dispersed throughout the meltable carrier material, and may comprise different colors to provide different “shine” or glitter/metallic effects, for example.

As briefly described above, the applicator wand100may comprise a set of interchangeable tips to be able to create different effects with the melted crayon or other melted marking material. The interchangeable tips may comprise different mechanisms for securing the interchangeable tip to the applicator wand100, such as, for example, screw on, snap on, twist on, and the like. The dashed line300inFIGS. 2A and 2Bindicate the points at which the interchangeable tips may be removed and secured on, as needed. Different exemplary interchangeable tips are illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3Fin accordance with aspects herein. For example, the roller balls in roller applicator tips such as roller applicator tip130may comprise different diameters to create lines and/or dots (for stippling) having different widths, such as the ones shown inFIGS. 3A-3C, where exemplary roller applicator tips301,310, and320, are shown, respectively. For instance, the roller ball302of roller applicator tip301may be a medium or standard size for the applicator wand100in accordance with aspects herein, configured to make markings with the melted crayon or other melted marking material on a receiving surface having a width that is comparable to the diameter304of the roller ball302. The roller ball312of roller applicator tip310, on the other hand, may be a small size roller ball that is smaller than roller ball302(i.e. smaller diameter), and may be configured to make markings on a receiving surface having a narrower width/finer than the roller ball302of roller applicator tip301, such for use in, for example calligraphy type projects where more precision is needed. The roller ball322of roller applicator tip320may be a big size roller ball that is bigger than roller ball302(i.e., bigger diameter), and may be configured to make markings on a receiving surface having a thicker width/fuller than the roller ball302of roller applicator tip301. Further, as shown, the roller applicator tips301,310, and320, comprise a respective gap306,314, and324between the respective roller balls302,312, and322and the respective retaining portions308,316, and326of the roller applicator tips301,310, and320, for allowing the passage of non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like with the melted carrier medium, for example, when using crayons or other solid marking materials such as, glitter crayons, metallic crayons, and the like. Alternatively, the roller balls themselves (not shown) may comprise texturing such as dimples, or other types of recessed portions (e.g., such as in a golf ball), for allowing different texturing on the applied melted crayon or other marking material, or for allowing passage of non-melting particles or flakes that may be present in the crayon or other marking material, such as in metallic crayons, glitter crayons, and the like.

Furthermore, as also briefly described above, different types of applicator tips other than roller applicators may be used in accordance with aspects herein. For example,FIG. 3Ddepicts an applicator tip330with a tip332that can be either a felt tip or sponge tip. The applicator tip330may be allowed to become soaked with the melted crayon or other melted marking material prior to the start of application onto a receiving medium. Because of the different texture of the tip332compared to the roller applicator tips, different effects may be created on the receiving surface as the melted crayon or other melted marking material is being applied. Although not shown in the figures, the applicator tip330, similar to the roller applicator tips301,310, and320, may comprise tips similar to tip332that comprise different sizes (small, medium, large), different shapes (cylindrical, square, rectangular, angled, star, oval, pointed, non-pointed, and the like), different textures (smooth, rough, even, uneven, and the like), and the like. Further,FIG. 3Edepicts yet a different exemplary applicator tip340comprising a brush tip342. The brush tip342may also be varied in size, softness, fullness, and the like. In a different aspect, it is also envisioned that a single applicator tip may comprise different types of tips such as the applicator tip350shown inFIG. 3Fwhere the applicator tip350comprises a brush tip352, a roller tip354, and a felt or sponge tip356in one. It is in accordance with aspects herein that any combination of tips may be provided, and as described briefly above, the applicator tips may be made to be interchangeable to suit the different needs of a user when using the applicator wand100, as described above, to design or create a piece of art work, such as for example, encaustic artwork.

Furthermore, pin-style valved system tips may be provided such as the ones shown inFIGS. 19A and 19Bfor fine writing, weight-wire/hollow tube style tips for ultra-fine writing, and the like. As shown inFIG. 19A, the pin-style valved system tips may comprise at a high level, a tip housing1900having a neck portion1902for connection to the applicator wand housing1930via the lip portion1936that can be a screw type connection, a snap connection, a twist connection, and the like. The housing portion1930may further comprise a collar1934with an opening1920for receiving a spring1920and a pin1910. The pin1910may comprise a writing portion1912that may determine the thickness of the writing surface of the tip. For example,FIG. 19Bdepicts an applicator wand with three different exchangeable tips1904,1906, and1908, each having a writing portion with a different thickness (i.e., a fine writing portion1914for tip1904, a medium writing portion1916for tip1906, and a thick writing portion1918for tip1908. In the pin-style valved system tips described above, the pin1910acts as a valve with the help of the spring1920. When a user applies pressure when using the applicator wand, the pin1910pushes back in to the collar1934allowing the melted crayon or other melted marking material to flow around the pin1910. As the melted crayon or other melted marking material flows down onto the outer surface of the pin1910, the melted crayon or other melted marking material is deposited onto the receiving surface or substrate. When the applicator wand is not in use, the pin1910will be pushed by the spring1920against the tip housing1900to stop flow by sealing any gaps in the tip housing1900. Further, the core structure for the applicator wand may be provided with a retaining mechanism that allows it to retain melted wax during tip exchange. For example, a thermoregulator may be provided to have delay sensor for acclimating the melted wax with the new tip, so that dispensing is delayed until any air bubbles are dissipated or any filling in of the new tip with wax has “settled.” As well, the applicator wand may be provided with a Peltier device for fast cooling when the applicator wand is not in use or it is ready to be stored.

Different tip designs may be optimized to work on different surfaces or, a single tip2020that may offer multiple writing features such as the exemplary applicator wand2000shown inFIGS. 20A to 20C. As shown, tip2020may be affixed to the housing2010of the applicator wand2000. The tip2020may comprise multiple writing portion2030,2040, and2050. The tip2020may be operated with a twist or slide action to expose a desired writing portion depending for example, on the area that a user would like to cover in one stroke of the applicator wand. For example, if the user wants a fine line such as line2002, the user may set the tip2020to expose the fine writing portion2050, as shown inFIG. 20A. If the user wants a medium line such as line2004, the user may set the tip2020to expose the medium writing portion2040, as shown inFIG. 20B, and if the user wants to make a thick line, such as line2006to cover the greatest amount of surface area in one stroke, the user may set the tip2020to expose the thick writing portion2030, as shown inFIG. 20C. This configuration may have a pin-style valved system similar to the one described above, with the twist or slide action on the tip2020allowing more or less of the pin to be exposed to the receiving surface or substrate. Thus, the thickness and fullness of the markings may be varied depending on the size of the applicator tip's delivery medium (e.g., roller ball, brush, felt or foam, and the like). As well, since the melted crayon or other melted marking material solidifies after it has been applied to a receiving surface the applicator wands in accordance with aspects herein, may be used to create three dimensional (3D) effects on the receiving surface by applying melted crayon or other melted marking material on top of a solidified crayon or other melted marking material that has been previously applied.

Yet another type of tip may comprise a nib2100having a tubular configuration as shown inFIGS. 21A and 21Bwith an inner nib2120and an outer nib2110, where the outer nib2110is configured to wrap around inner nib2120and the inner nib2120is configured to extend beyond the outer nib2110, as shown in the upright view in both perspective views ofFIGS. 21A and 21B. Both the inner nib2120and the outer nib2110may be comprised of a metal material for allowing thermal conduction to allow it to stay warm during use of the applicator wand. As the inner nib2120is depressed against a substrate by a user, the pressure may cause a valve (not shown) to open up to allow melted crayon or other marking material to flow. When pressure is released, the inner nib2120may be returned to its initial state, causing the valve to close and therefore stop the flow of melted crayon or other melted marking material.

In accordance with further aspects herein, the roller balls, the pins, or the nibs, and other tip components may include a coating treatment such as Teflon® and the like, to prevent melted crayon or other melted marking material from sticking onto the surface of the roller balls, the pins, or the nibs, and other tip components when they are used. Further, the tips may be provided with LED(s) that interact with the wax in different ways to create a photochromic effect. Furthermore, the tips in accordance with aspects herein may be comprised of non-heat conductive materials such as plastics, wood, and the like, so that even if the tip comes in contact with a user, the tip will be safe to touch a user's skin without causing burning. Additional elements that could be included in the tip may be sensors so that the applicator wand may be triggered to dispense or not dispense based on pressure, position, holding angle, and the like. Furthermore, the tips may also be provided with a capacitive sensor at the tip that senses touch with the receiving surface or substrate, which would cause the tip to begin permitting flow of melted crayon or other melted marking material, and stop flow once the capacitive sensor no longer senses contact with the receiving surface. Other ways to dispense or not dispense melted crayon or other melted marking material may be based on pressure, position, holding angle, an on off button, a squeeze or trigger mechanism, and the like.

Moving on toFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4C,FIGS. 4A to 4Cshow how the applicator wand100works to melt a solid crayon420.FIG. 4Adepicts the first step400where the crayon420is inserted into the receiving compartment240by opening the lid140of the applicator wand100. Once the crayon is inserted into the receiving compartment240, as shown inFIG. 4B, the lid140may be closed and the applicator wand100may be set to ON to turn the heat up on heating element220and heat engine or melting compartment230. The applicator wand100may be set to ON by either plugging the wand's electric cord into an electric outlet or other source of electricity, or, the applicator wand100may be provided with an ON/OFF switch and/or a battery compartment to power the heating element220and the heat engine or melting compartment230.

Once the heating element220and the heat engine or melting compartment230are sufficiently heated, the melting process of the crayon420may be started and at least a portion of crayon420may be melted in heat engine or melting compartment230. The non-melted portions of the crayon420may automatically fall into the heat engine or melting compartment230by the pull of gravity, as portions of the crayon420become melted. The melted crayon430may be collected into a pool440from which it may be released as the applicator tip130is activated to release the melted crayon430onto a receiving surface by, for example, starting a rotating motion of the roller ball250. In the example shown inFIGS. 4A-4C, the applicator tip130comprises the roller ball250that is configured to release the melted crayon430from the pool440as the roller ball250is rolled onto the receiving surface, as shown inFIG. 1. In accordance with further aspects herein, cleaning “crayons” or wax sticks may be provided that are especially formulated to clean any residual crayon420from the inner components of the applicator wand100for maintenance and storage. The cleaning wax sticks may be melted in the same manner as a crayon420, and the melted cleaning formulation may be allowed to flow out of the applicator wand100in the same manner as when applying the melted crayon430onto a receiving surface.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bdepict a cross-sectional view of an alternative applicator wand500further comprising a hold/release mechanism510comprising at least a button530protruding from an external casing540that when in a rest position (not pressed) is configured to hold a crayon550above a heating element560and a melting element570via, for example, a mechanism520. Vice versa, when the button530is pressed, it is configured to, for example, release the crayon550so that it drops by, for example, gravity, into the heating element560and melting element570to start the melting process of the crayon550. The hold/release mechanism, may be configured to automatically return to its rest position when the button530is not pressed, thereby holding any non-melted portions of the crayon550above the heating element560and heat engine or melting compartment570. This hold/release button may allow the user to control flow and the rate at which the crayon550is melted, thereby controlling an amount of melted crayon gathered in reservoir580to prevent overflow, leakage, and/or waste by melting more of the crayon550than desired for a particular project or color. For example, a user may choose to melt only a chosen amount of a particular color of crayon. The user my choose to melt the amount desired of crayon550while holding any non-melted portions above the heating element560and heat engine or melting compartment570. Then, the user may remove the unused portion of crayon550and replace it with a different crayon550, to allow for a quick, mess free exchange of colors, for example, or to allow a user to melt different colors and allow them to mix in the reservoir580prior to applying the melted crayon550onto a receiving surface.

FIG. 6depicts an applicator wand600that is similarly constructed to applicator wand100with an energy source610, a receiving compartment640, a heating element660, a heat engine or melting compartment670, an external casing650, an applicator tip680, and a tip690. The applicator wand600may be able to receive one or more crayons or other solid marking materials. For example, the applicator wand600depicted inFIG. 6comprises a receiving compartment640that is configured to receive two crayons630and620simultaneously. The ability of the receiving compartment to receive more than one crayon allows a user of the applicator wand600to create unique effects by, for example, being able to melt two different colored crayons simultaneously. As well, because of the increased holding capacity of the receiving compartment640, the need to refill the compartment may be greatly reduced.

FIG. 7depicts another exemplary applicator wand700in accordance with aspects herein. As shown, the applicator wand700may comprise an ergonomic grip portion710to provide a comfortable grip for a user of the applicator wand700, particularly when using the applicator wand700for prolonged periods of time. As well, the ergonomic grip portion710may be coated with one or more materials such as rubber, synthetic rubber or other like material at portion712, or a cushioning pad714may be included that may be comprised of, for example, foam, memory foam or other shape memory polymer that is configured to conform to the grip of the user when the applicator wand700is in use and return to its original shape when not in use. The combination of the materials used at portion712and cushioning pad714at ergonomic grip portion710may allow the applicator wand700to comfortably fit into the hands of a user and increase friction (i.e., make it less slippery) between the hand of the user and the applicator wand700, regardless of a size of the user's hand.

The applicator wand700inFIG. 7, may further comprise a first end702and a second end704, where an opening750for receiving a crayon or other solid marking material760may be located proximal to the first end702, and an applicator tip720may be located proximal to the second end704. In accordance with aspects herein, the applicator tip720may be, for example, a roller applicator having a roller ball730, or any of the applicator tips shown inFIGS. 3A-3F. The first end702may further comprise an outlet for a power cord740, configured to power a heating and melting element (not shown) of the applicator wand700.

FIG. 8shows an applicator wand stand800for an applicator wand such as applicator wand700in accordance with aspects herein. The applicator wand stand800may comprise at least a holder portion810, a front stand portion820, and a base portion830. The front stand portion820may be configured to angle the holder portion810at an angle850that is offset from an orthogonal orientation relative to the base portion830. The angle850is important because it is configured to prevent the crayon or other solid marking material760(shown inFIG. 7) from “falling” into a heating and melting element(s) (not shown) of the applicator wand700by, for example, reducing a gravitational pull on the crayon or other solid marking material760when the applicator wand700is not in use. The applicator wand stand800may further comprise a rear stand portion840, for added support for the holder portion810, so that the holder portion810may have an increased stability to securely stow the applicator wand700at the prescribed angle850.

When in use, the holder portion810of the applicator wand stand800may be configured to wrap around at least a portion of the circumference of the applicator wand700, for example, and the front stand portion820of the applicator wand stand800may be configured to act as a stop so that the applicator wand700slides into the holder portion810for a predetermined distance that prevents the applicator tip720from touching any surface, thereby preventing any inadvertent leakage from the applicator wand700. In other aspects, the base portion830of the applicator wand stand800may have a height835and a voided portion890for accommodating applicator tip720of applicator wand700, in order to prevent the applicator tip720from touching any surface while the applicator wand700is in the applicator wand stand800.

FIG. 9depicts a cross-sectional perspective view900of applicator wand700, in accordance with aspects herein. As shown, the crayon or other solid marking material760(e.g., a crayon) may be inserted into an interior cavity932through opening922. The crayon or other solid marking material760may fall into the interior cavity932by for example, a gravitational pull, when the applicator wand700is in a substantially upright orientation. As shown, the applicator wand700may comprise an interior shell930configured to hold the crayon or other solid marking material760in place, and an exterior shell920, configured to wrap around the interior shell930and provide the ergonomic shape to the applicator wand700. The exterior shell may also define a power source cavity910, in which a power source, such as a power cord, may be securely accommodated. As described above, at least the interior shell930may be comprised of a heat-conductive material such as heat conductive metals, for example, aluminum, copper, iron, and the like. The exterior shell920may be comprised of a material that does not conduct heat such as, for example, hard plastics, wood, or mixtures thereof that may form a non-thermally conductive shell. A grip portion924may optionally, further comprise, for example, a rubber coating and/or a foam coating, and/or discrete rubber or foam pads for comfort and to create a frictional surface to improve grip (make the grip portion924substantially non-slippery). A stabilizer portion990may be provided between the interior shell930and the exterior shell920to further secure the interior shell930in place, thereby ensuring the presence of an insulating space980aand980bbetween the interior shell930and the exterior shell920. The insulating space980aand980bmay be an empty space (i.e., only air present), or, the insulating space980aand980bmay be filled with an insulative material such as, for example, foam, in order to further prevent the thermal conduction generated in a heating chamber940of the applicator wand700.

The heating chamber940may comprise a melting element950, which may be configured to melt the crayon or other solid marking material760upon contact with the crayon or other solid marking material760. The melting element950may be shaped such that it is able to retain the non-melted portions of the crayon or other solid marking material760above the heating chamber940and melt only the portions of the crayon or other solid marking material760that come in contact with the melting element950. InFIG. 9, for example, the melting element is shown as comprising an “x” shape, where the crossing point956, for example, serves to retain the crayon or other solid marking material760and melt the contacting surface of the crayon or other solid marking material760, while the openings954serve to allow a melted crayon or other melted marking material to slide down (i.e., drip down) into a pooling chamber970, which may be configured to retain the melted crayon or other melted marking material until the applicator tip720of the applicator wand700is activated by, for example, rolling (when the applicator tip is a roller ball applicator, as shown) the roller ball730on a receiving surface. The melting element950may be retained in place by, for example, a retainer component952and the roller ball730, may be retained and secured in place by, for example, roller ball securing component962.

Optionally, the roller ball securing component962may comprise a spring966(as shown inFIG. 9). The spring966may be configured to act as a pressure-dependent flow control mechanism. For example, the spring966may cause the roller ball tip720to be spring loaded. When the spring966is in its rest (i.e., extended) state, the spring may be configured to apply pressure (i.e., push) outward, thereby pushing the roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730outward, causing one of or both of the roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730to engage with a perimeter of the retaining portion964to restrict flow of melted crayon or other melted marking material out of the applicator tip720, when not in use. When in use, flow of the melted crayon or other melted marking material may be started by the user applying a downward pressure to the applicator wand700, which would cause the spring966to contract and push the roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730inward, causing the roller ball730and/or the roller ball securing component962to disengage from the perimeter of the retaining portion964. In other aspects, the spring966may be used for aiding in the exchanging of applicator tips, when interchangeable tips are provided (e.g., spring loaded tip on/tip off mechanism). It is contemplated that the spring966may be useful in these and other types of flow control or other mechanisms without departing from aspects herein.

As briefly described above, in the cases where the applicator tip720is a roller tip, a gap960aand960bmay be provided between the roller ball730and a retaining portion964of the applicator tip720around the perimeter of the retaining portion964. The gap960aand960bmay allow flow of any non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like that may be present in the crayon or other solid marking material760, for example, when the crayon or other solid marking material is a metallic or glitter crayon or other. Additionally or optionally, the roller ball730itself may be provided with dimples (e.g., as in a golf ball) or other types of recesses or grooved areas (not shown) to provide a delivering mechanism for delivering the non-melting particles, flecks, flakes, and the like.

FIGS. 10 and 11depict, for example, applicator wand700in use. As briefly described above, the applicator wand700in accordance with aspects herein may be used to created different effects on a receiving surface (e.g., encaustic gesso treated canvas, paper, glass, fabric, and the like, that may be suitable for receiving the melted crayon or other melted marking material). The applicator wand700may be used to create continuous markings, such as the continuous marking1010shown on receiving surface1000, or non-continuous markings, such as the dot markings1110shown on receiving surface1100. The dot markings1110are only exemplary, and it is contemplated that broken markings may take on any shape or form such as, for example, organic shapes (i.e. random/non-uniform shapes), geometric shapes (e.g., circle, square, oval, triangle, and the like), and may be of any desired size.

FIG. 12depicts a cross-sectional perspective view1200of an alternative construction of applicator wand700, in accordance with aspects herein. A crayon or other solid marking material (not shown), may fall into the interior cavity932of an interior shell930by, for example, a gravitational pull, when the applicator wand700is in a substantially upright orientation. The interior shell930may be generally configured to hold a crayon or other solid marking material in place, and an exterior shell920may be generally configured to wrap around the interior shell930and provide an ergonomic shape to the applicator wand700. As described above with reference toFIG. 9, the exterior shell920may also define a power source cavity910, in which a power source (not shown), such as a power cord, may be securely accommodated. As described above, at least the interior shell930may be comprised of a heat-resistant or semi-heat resistant plastic or thermoplastic material such as, for example, polypropylene, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the like. The exterior shell920may be comprised of a hard plastic, wood, or metal, or mixture thereof that may form a non-thermally conductive shell. A grip portion924may optionally, further comprise, for example, a rubber coating and/or a foam coating, and/or discrete rubber or foam pads for comfort and to create a frictional surface to improve grip (make the grip portion924substantially non-slippery).

A heat engine1210may be directly coupled to the interior shell930at a joint1212, for example, to ensure that the crayon or other marking material to be melted is directly guided to a cavity1214of the heat engine1210. As the heat engine1210increases in temperature to melt the crayon or other solid marking material, the cavity1212may also serve as a reservoir for storing the melted crayon or other marking material until released onto a substrate surface. The heat engine1210may further comprise a heat engine component1220that is configured to wrap around the heat engine1210and cover up a substantial portion of the heat engine1210for providing heat to the heat engine1210. The heat engine component1220may be comprised of a wire, such as a heating wire (e.g., NiCr wire) so that when the applicator wand is plugged it, it is configured to heat up the heat engine1210. A thermistor (not shown) may also be provided as a temperature control for preventing overheating or for maintaining a particular desired temperature. The heat engine1210may be maintained at a desired optimal temperature for changing a physical state of the crayon or other solid marking material to a melted or fluid crayon or other melted marking material. The melted or fluid crayon or other melted marking material may flow through opening1240and may be retained in place or, in other words, prevented from flowing out of the reservoir tip1230of the heat engine1210when the applicator wand700is not in use. This may be done by, for example, a spring loaded system comprised of spring966and roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730. When the spring966is in its rest (i.e., extended) state, the spring may be configured to apply pressure (i.e., push) outward, thereby pushing the roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730outward, causing one of or both of the roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730to engage with a perimeter of the retaining portion964to restrict flow of melted or fluid crayon or other melted marking material out of the applicator tip720, when not in use. When in use, flow of the melted crayon or other melted marking material may be started by the user applying a downward pressure to the applicator wand700, which would cause the spring966to contract, disengaging the roller ball securing component962and the roller ball730from the perimeter of the retaining portion964. In other aspects, the spring966may be used for aiding in the exchanging of applicator tips, when interchangeable tips are provided (e.g., spring loaded tip on/tip off mechanism). It is contemplated that the spring966may be useful in these and other types of flow control or other mechanisms without departing from aspects herein.

Moving on toFIG. 13, a perspective view of another exemplary applicator wand1300is shown. Applicator wand1300may comprise an ergonomic design configured to comfortably fit into a child or adult hand measuring for example, between 10 cm and 16 cm in length (l), between 2 cm and 5 cm in width (w), and between 3 cm and 6 cm in height (h), at its widest and highest portions since the ergonomic shape may cause different sections of the applicator wand1300to have different heights and widths along the length (l) of the applicator wand1300. For example, a specific exemplary applicator wand in accordance with aspects herein may have, for example, a length (1) of 15.19 cm (˜5.98 in), a width (w) of 3.63 cm (˜1.43 in), and a height (h) of 5.11 cm (˜2.01 in) at its widest and highest sections. The applicator wand1300may comprise a gripping portion1310on the housing1302, the housing1302may comprise one or more cushion elements1312formed from a soft rubber or foam material at the gripping portion1310to provide a comfortable non-slip grip on the applicator wand1300. Further, the applicator wand1300may comprise a housing door1320and a door seal1322at a top end1314. The housing door1320may be hingedly attached to the housing1302by a door hinge1324connected with a door pin1326. The housing door1320may be opened to insert a crayon or other solid marking material into a cavity (not shown) of the applicator wand1300, and it may be closed prior to activating the heating engine (not shown) of the applicator wand1300. The housing door1320may comprise sensors in communication with the heating engine so that the heating engine may not be activated unless the housing door1320is in a closed position for safety. This is because the housing door1320, when appropriately closed, may prevent backflow of any melted or fluid material through the top end1314of the applicator wand1300. Optionally, the door seal1322may be comprised of a polymer rubber or silicone material with slits1323. The slits1323may be configured to allow a crayon or other solid marking material to be inserted into the cavity (not shown) of the applicator wand1300without opening the housing door1320. For example, a crayon or other solid marking material may be pushed through the slits1323, which may force the door seal1322to open at the slits1323. Once the crayon or other solid marking material is completely inside of the cavity of the applicator wand1300, the door seal1322may “self-heal” or in other words, the slits1323may return to their original state, thereby allowing the door seal1322to close so that any back flow of a fluid or melted crayon or other melted marking material is prevented in the case where the applicator wand1300is dropped or miss handled. In other words, the slits1323are configured to form a one-way entrance for the crayon or other solid marking material into the cavity of the applicator wand1300. Further, the applicator wand1300may comprise a tip housing1330configured to connect a tip1334of the applicator wand1300to the bottom end1316of the housing1302. The tip1334may comprise a roller ball1336(as shown), or any of the tips previously described with reference to, for example,FIGS. 3A-3F. The tip1334may be housed in a tip housing1330, which may comprise a tip fitting perimeter1332to securely hold the tip1334in place. As further discussed with reference toFIGS. 3A-3F, the tip1334may be made to be interchangeable by switching out the tip1334from the tip housing1330.

Moving on toFIG. 14, a different perspective view of the wand1300is shown with the housing door1320in an open configuration. As shown inFIG. 14, the door seal1322may be secured to the housing1302by, for example, securely fitting into the housing cavity designated for the door seal1322. Further, the door seal1322may be further secured by the housing door1320by one or more seal securing mechanisms formed by holes1327ain the door seal1322and pegs1327bshown on the housing door1320. The pegs1327bmay slide into corresponding holes1327ain the door seal1322. Other possibilities for the one or more seal securing mechanisms may include one or more protrusions on the door seal1322that may be fitted to corresponding openings in the housing1302and/or housing door1320. It should be understood that these are exemplary possibilities for the one or more seal securing mechanisms1327, however, other mechanisms may also be employed without departing from the aspects described herein. Further, as seen inFIG. 14, the housing1302may comprise a lip portion1321aligned with a housing door tab portion1325(shown inFIG. 13) on the housing door1320in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the housing door1320. In other words, a housing door tab portion1325may be provided on housing door1320to provide an anchoring point for, for example, a fingertip (not shown) of a user when the user wants to open the applicator wand1300. Further,FIG. 14provides a better view of the ergonomic shape of the applicator wand1300, which is slimmer at the gripping portion1310than at least the top end1314. The housing1302may comprise one or more pieces that may be secured to each other by, for example, screws (not shown) fitted into screw fittings, for example, fittings1304a,1304b(shown inFIG. 15A),1306aand1306b(shown inFIG. 15A). Additionally, the applicator wand1300may comprise an LED indicator light1400also shown inFIG. 14that may be configured to indicate to the user when the applicator wand1300is ready for use and when the applicator wand1300is not ready for use. For example, the LED indicator light1400may start by showing as red to indicate that the applicator wand1300is not ready for use as it is starting to heat up and once it is ready to use, the LED indicator light1400may change to green. Also, the LED indicator light1400may be configured to flash or change to yet a different color when the reservoir needs to be refilled with more crayon or other marking material, for example. This may be achieved by including a sensor that uses, for example, the change in capacitance in the heat engine1550(shown inFIG. 16) due to differences in insulation sensed by the sensor to electronically detect the levels of melted crayon or other melted marking material in the heating engine1550. Another way of indicating to a user that the applicator wand1300needs a refill may be via a window on the side of the applicator wand1300to indicate the levels of melted crayon or other melted marking material present inside of the applicator wand1300. This could be achieved for example, by using a clear heating element using Silver (Ag) stacked film inside of a polycarbonate/acrylic tube to directly heat the crayon or other marking material.

FIG. 15Aoffers a cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator wand1300to view the interior components, in accordance with aspects herein. A crayon or other solid marking material (not shown), may fall into an interior cavity1522of the interior tube1520formed, for example, by a combination of the tube end1510, which may be directly connected to the interior tube1520at joint1514, wherein the joint1514may be cushioned by an elastomeric “O” ring1512, once the crayon or other solid marking material is inserted through the door seal1322or by opening the housing door1320. Further, the “O” ring may also act as a sealant to prevent leakage of any liquefied crayon or other melted material through the joints. The interior tube1520may in turn be directly connected to a heat engine1550having an interior cavity1552. The interior tube1520may be tube oriented along a longitudinal axis of the applicator wand1300to lengthwise fit a crayon or other solid marking material. Once the crayon or other solid marking material is inserted inside the interior cavity1522of the interior tube1520and enters into the interior cavity1552of the heat engine1550, the crayon or other solid marking material may be melted when the heat engine1550is heated. In order to prevent overheating or excess heat transfer, the heat engine1550may comprise a heating element1560wrapped around the heat engine1550that in accordance to aspects herein, may apply the heat to the heat engine1550. As shown, the heat engine1550is in close proximity to the tip1334and its components in order to maximize heat transfer to the tip1334so as to prevent any premature solidification of the melted crayon or other melted marking material inside of the tip, in particular the tip reservoir1595.

The heat engine1550may be heated by activating the heating element1560(shown inFIG. 16), which may receive electrical energy from a battery or a power cord (not shown), that may be connected to the heating element1560through a barrel connector jack1540. If provided with an electrical cord, the applicator wand1300may further comprise cord controls such as a retractable cord, a plug and lock-in cord so that the applicator wand1300doesn't become unplugged while in use, or a quick-release cord that may become automatically unplugged if the applicator wand1300becomes overheated. The thermal fuse may be located in close proximity or next to the heating element1560so that if the operating temperatures of the applicator wand exceed the safety temperature threshold, it may break to break the circuit and stop any current from flowing into the heating element1560. The threshold temperature may, for example, be set not to exceed 93.3° C. (˜200° F.). The threshold temperature may be set between 43.3° C. (˜110° F.) and 71.1° C. (˜160° F.). In accordance with aspects herein, the applicator wand1300may comprise different temperature settings to control the rate at which the crayon or other solid marking material melts. For example, the crayon or other solid marking material may melt more slowly at 43.3° C. than at 71.1° C. The temperature settings of the heating element1560may be controlled by, for example, a thermistor (not shown), which may be in direct communication with the heating element1560through a printed circuit board (PCB) (1530shown inFIG. 16). Further, at least the interior tube1520may be comprised of a heat conductive material such as a metal, for example, copper, aluminum, iron, and the like. The housing1302, as described with respect to the other embodiments of the invention, may be comprised of a hard plastic, wood, or a mixture thereof that may form a non-thermally conductive shell.

A heat engine1550may be directly coupled to the interior tube1520at a joint1526and the joint1526may be cushioned by an elastomeric “O” ring1524. Further, the “O” ring may also act as a sealant to prevent leakage of any liquefied crayon or other melted material through the joints. As the heating element1560increases in temperature to melt the crayon or other solid marking material inside the heat engine1550and interior tube1520, the melted crayon or other melted marking material may flow from the heat engine1550into the tip reservoir1595though an opening1575. When the roller ball1336is pushed up, the roller ball securing component1590may be pushed up, compressing the spring1580, up to the stopper1570as can be better seen inFIGS. 15B and 15C. The heat engine1550and the tip reservoir1595may serve as a reservoir for storing the melted crayon or other melted marking material until released onto the surface of a substrate (not shown). In other words, the melted crayon or other melted marking material may be prevented from flowing out of the tip reservoir1595when the applicator wand1300is not in use by providing a spring loaded system comprised of the spring1580, roller ball securing component1590, and the roller ball1336. The stopper1570serves to limit an amount of pressure that may be applied to the roller ball1336in order to control a flow rate and prevent the melted crayon or other melted marking material from rushing out of the applicator wand in an uncontrolled manner. When the spring1580is in its rest (i.e., extended) state, the spring1580may be configured to apply pressure (i.e., push) outward, thereby pushing the roller ball securing component1590and the roller ball1336outward, causing one of or both of the roller ball securing component1590and the roller ball1336to engage with a tip perimeter1598of the tip1334to restrict flow of the melted or fluid crayon or other melted marking material out of the tip1336, when the applicator wand1300is not in use. When the applicator wand1300is in use, flow of the melted crayon or other melted marking material may be started by the user applying a downward pressure to the applicator wand1300, which would cause the spring1580to contract, disengaging the roller ball securing component1590and the roller ball1336from the tip perimeter1598of the tip1334and also causing the roller ball securing component1590to engage the stopper1570to allow flow of the melted crayon or other melted marking material through the tip reservoir1595, out of the tip1336, and onto a receiving surface or substrate (not shown). In other aspects, the spring1580may be used for aiding in the exchanging of applicator tips, when interchangeable tips are provided (e.g., spring loaded tip on/tip off mechanism).FIGS. 15B and 15Coffer close up views of the cross-sectional view of the tip reservoir1595(inFIG. 15A) in a “not in use” state (FIG. 15B) and in an “in use” state (FIG. 15C), showing how the spring loaded system described above blocks flow of the melted crayon or other melted marking material in the “in use” state and allows flow of the melted crayon or other melted marking material in the “not in use” state. It is also contemplated that other types of flow control mechanisms may also be used without departing from aspects herein.

FIG. 16shows a deconstructed view1600of the applicator wand1300showing, at a high level, some of the internal components of the applicator wand1300. It is to be noted that although some components such as, for example, the safety sensors comprising temperature regulation components described herein may be analog in nature, it is also envisioned that components and sensors within the applicator wand in accordance with aspects herein may be replaced with digital or other type counterparts as needed or desired, without departing from aspects described herein. Turning now toFIG. 16, the applicator wand1300may comprise at least a barrel connector jack1540, a PCB1530, thermal fuse1630, a heating element1560, and a set of one or more LED indicators as the electrical component within. The barrel connector jack1640provides a connection port to an AC current outlet for a plug in version of the applicator wand1300. The barrel connector jack may include a rectifier (not shown) to convert the AC current coming in from the electrical outlet to DC current used for operation of the electrical and heating components of the applicator wand1300. The PCB1530may house one or more logic components and may also interconnect several elements including an LED indicator1400, amongst other elements. The heating element1560may be comprised of at least a heating wire (e.g., NiCr wire) configured to be wrapped around the heat engine1550and a thermistor configured to detect a temperature of the heating element and relay it to the PCB1530. As described above, a digital temperature sensor may also be used in accordance with aspects herein for temperature detection. The working temperatures used in accordance with aspects herein may range from 40° C. to 85° C. As a safety measure, a thermal fuse1630may be placed adjacent to the heating element1560so that if temperatures rise above, for example above 93° C. (˜200° F.) the thermal fuse1630can break the circuit so that electrical power is essentially cut off from the heating element1560to stop overheating to unsafe levels. The thermal fuse1630may be a single use thermal fuse or a multi-use thermal fuse. A spring1620may be provided between the thermal fuse and the housing1302for pushing the thermal fuse against the heating element1560for ensuring maximum contact and minimizing delay in breaking if the temperatures of the heating element reach unsafe levels.

The heat engine1550and the interior tube1520may be comprised of a heat conductive material (e.g., aluminum, silver, steel, copper, or metal infused polymeric compositions for clear walled embodiments where the melted crayon may be made visible to a user through a viewing window that, although not shown, may be provided on the housing1302) so that when the heat engine1550is heated by the heating element1560, the heat may travel through the interior tube1520as well in order to possibly soften the crayon or other marking material, prior to it entering the heat engine1550. As well, the heat present in the interior tube1520may help keep the internal wall of the interior tube1520free of unmelted residue. An “O” ring1524may be provided at the joint joining the interior tube1520to the heat engine1550in order to prevent leakage and provide cushioning at the joint. Another “O” ring1640may be provided between the tip1334and the heat engine1550for the same purpose, and yet another “O” ring1512may be provided at the joint between the interior tube1520and the tube end1510, also for preventing leakage and for providing cushioning at the joint. The tube end1510may be comprised of poor thermal conductor such as silicone, plastic, rubber, wood, and the like since a portion of the tube end1510is exposed as part of the housing1302of the applicator wand1300, and the user may come into contact with it during operation of the applicator wand1300.

In order to prevent back flow of any melted crayon or melted marking material, the tube end may be further provided with a housing door1320configured to securely retain any melted crayon or other melted marking material within the interior cavity formed by the tube end1510and the interior tube1520. Further, as described above, the housing door1320may comprise a door seal1322of a silicone or other rubber type material that is able to self-heal when the crayon has been inserted through it. The door seal1322may be secured to the housing door1320with a seal retaining ring1610that is configured to securely fit into a groove of the housing door1320, therefore, only leaving a central portion of the door seal1322exposed for allowing insertion of the crayon or other marking material through the door seal1322.

FIG. 17depicts a kit1700comprising an applicator wand1300, an applicator wand stand1900and an applicator cleaning tool1710. The applicator wand cleaning tool1710may be comprised of plastic, metal, wood, or other suitable materials. The applicator wand cleaning tool1710may be a one piece structure or, a multi-component structure that generally comprises a grip portion1720that could also have a built in label cutter, an elongated rod portion1730, and a cleaning portion1740. The label cutter built into the grip portion1720may have a stainless steel or ceramic blade that is sharp enough to cut through a crayon label but that is blunt or not through sharp enough to cause injury to a user. In accordance with other aspects, the label cutter may be provided as a separate piece. The elongated rod portion1730may be particularly configured to at least reach down to the joint1514between the tube end1510and the interior tube1520(as shown inFIG. 15A). The cleaning portion1740is shaped like a drill bit with spiral flutes that are configured to scrape off any residual crayon or other solid marking material that may have solidified along the interior walls of the interior tube1520so that the interior cavity1522of the interior tube1520is not obstructed. Further, cleaning out any residual solidified crayons or other marking materials would prevent undesired color mixing inside of the applicator wand1300when the crayon or other solid marking material is melted. Although not shown, the kit1700may further comprise stencils, stamps, scribbling tools, and the like for embellishment of the melted crayon or other melted marking material after it has been applied onto a substrate, or embellishment of the solidified crayon or other marking material applied onto the substrate.

The applicator wand stand1900functions in a similar way as the applicator wand stand800shown inFIG. 8. The applicator wand stand1900may comprise at least a front holder portion1910, a base portion1930, and a rear stand portion1940having a base1920for resting the applicator wand1300. The front holder portion1910may be configured to securely hold the applicator wand1300at an angle from an orthogonal orientation relative to the base1920. Further, the base portion1920of the applicator wand stand1900may comprise a voided portion1950for accommodating the tip1334and the roller ball1336of the applicator wand1300, in order to prevent the roller ball1336from touching any surface while the applicator wand1300is in the applicator wand stand1900. In other words, when the applicator wand1300is rested in the applicator wand stand1900, the roller ball1336is “free floating” in order to prevent any pressure that may be exerted on the spring loaded system of the tip, which if depressed, would cause the melted crayon or other melted marking material to flow.

The applicator wand stand1900depicted inFIG. 17, may be provided with stabilizing components such as suction cups, and the like, in order to prevent tipping when used for a corded applicator wand1300, for example. In a different aspect, the applicator wand1300may be provided with a kickstand (not shown) so that a separate applicator wand stand1900may not be needed. For safety, the applicator wand1300may be provided with an auto-shut off feature that may operate according to a timer. For example, if the applicator wand1300is sitting idle in its resting position for a predetermined threshold of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the applicator wand1300or the heating element1560within the applicator wand1300may be automatically shut OFF (turned OFF) until the user turns it back ON, or until an active position is detected or sensed.

Moving on toFIG. 18, a method of using an applicator wand is provided in accordance with aspects herein. The method comprises the steps of inserting one or more crayons or other solid marking materials into a receiving compartment of the applicator want as shown at step1810. Then, the applicator wand may be activated by plugging it into an electrical outlet or turning an on/off switch on or off to power the applicator wand. The on/off switch may also work when powering the applicator wand from a battery source. The activation may start a heating process of the heating element/melting element of the applicator wand as shown at step1820. Once the heating/melting element are sufficiently heated, the melting process of the crayon or other solid marking material may be started inside the applicator wand by melting at least a portion of the crayon or other solid marking material, as shown at step1830. Once a sufficient quantity of crayon or other solid marking material has been melted, the applicator tip may be used to apply the melted crayon or other melted marking material onto a receiving medium to create a desired design/drawing/art piece, as shown at step1840. It should be noted that the steps outlined inFIG. 18depict an exemplary sequence of steps. One of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that the steps outlined inFIG. 18can be performed in any order without departing from aspects described herein.

The aspects described throughout this specification are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Upon reading the present disclosure, alternative aspects will become apparent to ordinary skilled artisans that practice in areas relevant to the described aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, aspects of this technology are adapted to achieve certain features and possible advantages set forth throughout this disclosure, together with other advantages which are inherent. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Further, since many different styles of applicator wands may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.