Field of Search:
46/1R,16,74R,75,76,93,151,162 35/26 156/189,229,242 206/46AM
Claims:
With this disclosure therefore, I claim
1. A kit for constructing a model, said kit comprising: means for constructing a temporary armature, including sheets with templates printed thereon, said templates being of shapes for forming the profile and cross-sectional shapes of said model and being adapted to be cut out and assembled to form said armature; a scored building platform for mounting said armature; means for covering said armature with a first, temporary, layer of strips to form the preliminary shape of said model, including adhesive tape for forming said strips; means for forming a second layer over said first layer, including self-hardening mesh material; means including a modeling compound for coating said second layer for giving said model a finishing surface capable of being sanded; means for forming additional finishing details of said model, including sheets having shapes printed thereon, at least some of said shapes being adapted to be cut out, folded to shapes defining said details and attached to said model.
Description:
Traditionally, construction of models by carving out of or building upon solid material, is a craft that requires specialized skills, tools and expertise. On the other hand, model making kits available today, provide pre-formed plastic shapes or pre-cut wood forms, that require only glueing together and sanding. The satisfaction of creating the complete model is limited because so much of the finished piece is already manufactured into the kit.
This improved method will provide a much greater sense of accomplishment and yet retain an ease of assembly with early successful results. The object of this invention is to provide model kits of various subjects, with a method of assembly using known construction procedure and standard materials that is unique and can be constructed by the amateur craftsman to a completed product.
The instruction for assembly would be educational and applicable toward the independent study of form. It would also provide professional architects and engineers with a method of building models for tank tests, tunnel tests and other research. It would reduce considerably the time and cost of producing such models.
The model kits will in part consist of printed pattern templates, a quantity of tape, a roll or rolls of a self hardening mesh material, modeling compound for surface refinement and folding paper forms for additional details.
The principle of this method of construction is represented in the accompanying drawings, for which, a model boat is used as an example. The same method of construction would be applied toward a human form, animal, vehicle of transportation, building or art form of any kind.
FIG. 1, is a perspective view, bow first, of the template assembly, consisting of- A., a scored building platform to receive templates B., a profile template of the object that is slotted to receive, C., the cross-section templates.
FIG. 2, is a perspective view, bow first, showing the lay-up of materials used to model the form. D, shows the first layer of membrane strips applied temporarily to bridge each cross-section and form the preliminary shape. E. represents the second layer, a self-hardening mesh type material such as plaster and/or plastic and/or fiber mesh, that gives internal strength to the form and F. a skin coat of modeling compound.
FIG. 3. This top layer of modeling compound is then sanded to a semi-finish and paper form details such as G., are attached. Additional compound is added.
FIG. 4. This view illustrates that the model is now removed from the building platform and turned over, ready to receive other paper formed cut-outs and wooden details to complete the model. Templates B. and C. and membrane strips D. are removed from inside the model and discarded. The paper Deck H. and Cabin 1., are secured in position. These paper forms can then receive a coat of modeling compound to give rigidity and a finishing surface for sanding and decoration, or they can be painted on directly.
The amount of decoration and detail that could be added from this point on would be at the fancy of the craftsman. Details and design provided in the complete kit will depend upon subject matter: for example; the form of a standing horse, assembled with the same principle of construction could also include the paper folding forms for the construction of a saddle, or a wagon to fit on the animal. The model when completed with this material, is very light, and when all internal templates are removed, an actual flying model of an airplane or rocket could be constructed with a propelling system installed within the open area.
FIG. 5. represents the proposed packaging for these model kits, comprised of: J. printed paper templates and paper folding patterns; K. a die cut packing insert to hold rolls of mesh, tape and modeling compound; L. a telescoping box to accommodate various sizes of models; and an envelope, M., containing simple tools, cutting blade, wooden fittings, etc., as required for a particular design.
With the preceding description, I believe this to be an improved method of model assembly that will enable an inexperienced person to complete a satisfactory model for pleasure or study.