CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/755,329 filed November 2, 2018, is hereby claimed and the disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to a modeling compound having dehydrated particles, and more particularly to a modeling compound having dehydrated particles that remains as discrete particles and rehydrate to be adapted to mix into a base compound when the modeling compound is manipulated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0003] Modeling compositions may be used by artists and children to create shapes, such as of animals, or sculptures. A modeling composition may include pigments, dyes, or other materials that enhance its visual appeal. For instance, a modeling composition may include particulate glitter material that makes it glitter or sparkle. The glitter material may be made from a plastic or mica, and may provide dull or bright refection of light.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the disclosure can provide enhanced visual appeal by incorporation of shaped particles that maintain discrete shape until manipulation or play with the modeling compound. Further enhancement of visual appeal can be provided in some embodiments by a color change feature achieved through incorporation of the discrete dehydrated particles into a base compound upon play or manipulation of the modeling compound.

[0005] In embodiments, a modeling compound can includes an aqueous base compound comprising a binder and water; dehydrated particles dispersed throughout the base compound, the dehydrated particles each comprising a binder and water; wherein the dehydrated particles are dried to a moisture content of at least about 20% water loss, wherein the dehydrated particles are adapted to rehydrate from moisture present in the base compound and, upon manipulation of the modeling compound, the dehydrated particles incorporate into the base compound. The modeling compound of claim 1 , wherein the binder of the base compound is the same as the binder of the dehydrated particles. The binder can be, for example, one or more clays, The binder can further include a starch. [0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a modeling compound can include a base compound comprising a starch-based binder and water; and dehydrated particles dispersed throughout the base compound. The dehydrated particles each comprising a starch-binder and water. The dehydrated particles are dried to a moisture content of at least about 20% water loss. The dehydrated particles are adapted to rehydrate from moisture present in the base compound. Upon manipulation of the modeling compound, the dehydrated particles can incorporate into the base compound.

[0007] In some embodiments, incorporation of the rehydrated dehydrated particles into the base compound can result in a color change of the modeling compound.

[0008] In some embodiments, the dehydrated particles include a colorant and the colorant is selected such there is substantially no color migration of the dehydrated particle colorant into the base compound until the modeling compound is manipulated and the dehydrated particles are incorporated into the base compound.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dehydrated particles include a colorant and the colorant is selected such that there is at least some color migration of the dehydrated particles colorant when the dehydrated particles are mixed into the base compound in making the modeling compound and/or when the dehydrated particles being to rehydration and/or a duration of storage time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 A is a photograph of a modeling compound in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure showing discrete particles intermixed in a base compound;

[0011] Figure 1 B is a photograph of the modeling compound of Figure 1 A after manipulation of the modeling compound, illustrating initial incorporation of the particles into the based compound;

[0012] Figure 1 C is a photograph of the modeling compound of Figure 1 B after further manipulation of the modeling compound, illustrating color mixing of the base compound and the particles;

[0013] Figure 1 D is a photograph of the modeling compound of Figure 1 C after even further manipulation of the modeling compound, illustrating full incorporation of the particles into the base compound and complete color change of the modeling compound; [0014] Figure 2A is a photograph of a modeling compound in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2B is a photograph of the modeling compound of Figure 2A after manipulation of the modeling compound and incorporation of the dehydrated particles into the base compound; and

[0016] Figure 3 is a photograph of a modeling compound in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In embodiments of the disclosure, a modeling compound includes a base compound and dehydrated particles admixed with the base compound. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles are a starch-based compound that is capable of mixing with the base compound when the modeling compound is manipulated. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles rehydrate from moisture present in the base compound. In embodiments, the dehydrated particle rehydrate and remain as discrete particles, maintaining or substantially maintaining their original shape until the modeling compound is manipulated. For example, manipulation can be that of a typical play pattern of modeling compounds such as Play Doh ^® . For example, the modeling compound, can be stretched, squished, twisted, and/or mechanically shaped or moved in any other way, which can initiate and/or further mechanical blending of the particles into the base compound, thereby destroying the original shape of the dehydrated particles. In some embodiments, such manipulation results in color blending between the particles and the base compound, resulting in a color changing composition upon manipulation and further

manipulation, as shown in Figures 1 A to 1 D.

[0018] In embodiments, the modeling compound can be a color changing compound. For example, the base compound can have a first color and the dehydrated particles can have second color, different from the first color. In embodiments, the first color of the base compound and the second color of the dehydrated particles do not or substantially do not intermix until the modeling compound is manipulated. As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, for example, upon manipulation, for example, the two colors can be intermixed, thereby resulting in a modeling compound having a third color, different from the first and second colors.

[0019] Referring to Figure 3, when the base compound and the dehydrated particles have colors selected to provide a color change, the extent of the color change or incorporation of the color of the dehydrated particles into the base compound can be controlled by the amount of manipulation. For example, the manipulation can be such that some base compound color remains and a swirl or marbling type effect is provided as is illustrated in Figure 3. In embodiments, the modeling compound can be manipulated to fully incorporate the particles into the base compound to provide a single uniform compound of a different color, such as is shown in Figure 1 D.

[0020] In some embodiments, the colorant of the dehydrated particles can be selected such that there is at least some color migration of the dehydrated particles colorant when the dehydrated particles are mixed into the base compound in making the modeling compound and/or when the dehydrated particles being to rehydration and/or a duration of storage time.

BASE COMPOUND

[0021] In embodiments, the base compound includes a starch-based binder and water. For example, the base compound can be a compound as described in any one of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,080,231 , 6,713,624 and 9,803,068. In the following paragraphs, unless otherwise noted, the percentages by weight are by weight of the base compound. It is contemplated that any combinations of formulations components and weight percentages disclosed in the paragraphs below can be used for the base compound.

[0022] In embodiments, the base compound is an aqueous compound. In embodiments, the base compound includes a binder and water. In embodiments, the base compound can include a starch-based binder. The starch-based binder can be selected from, for example, one or more wheat flour, rye flour, rice flour, tapioca flour.

[0023] The base compound can include other binders as alternatives or in addition to starch- based binders. For example, the base compound can include one or more clays as the binder alone or in addition to starch.

[0024] In embodiments, the water meets the National Primary Drinking Water Specifications (see 40 C.F.R. ch. 1 , part 141 ) or the requirements of ASTM F-963, Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety, Section 4.3.6.1. In embodiments, the water is present in the base compound in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight of the base compound. In some embodiments, additional water is added to the base compound. For example, additional water can be added during formulation of the base compound or after the base compound is made. The amount of the additional water can be, for example, selected to accommodate for the water loss upon dehydrating the dehydrated particles. For example, additional water can be added to the base compound to accommodate for a water loss from the dehydrated particles of about 20% to about 50% water loss.

[0025] In embodiments, the base compound can include a retrogradation inhibitor. The retrogradation inhibitor can include amylopectin. The retrogradation inhibitor can include a waxy starch. For example, the retrogradation inhibitor can be one or more of waxy corn starch, waxy rice starch, and waxy potato starch. In embodiments, the retrogradation inhibitor can be present in an amount of about 3% to about 10%, about 4% to about 8%, about 3% to about 6%, and about 5% to about 10%.

[0026] In embodiments, the base compound can include a salt. In embodiments, the salt can be present in an amount of about 3% to about 30% by weight of the base compound. For example, the salt can be present in an amount of about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 15%, about 6% to about 10%, about 5% to about 12%, and about 10% to about 20%. The salt can be selected from, for example, one or more of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride. The salt can reduce the water of hydration for starch, and also provide the modeling compound with antimicrobial characteristics. In embodiments, the base compound includes sodium chloride and calcium chloride as the salt. In embodiments in which a combination of salts is used, the individual salts can be provided in the same amount or the different amounts.

[0027] In embodiments, the base compound can include a lubricant. In embodiments, the lubricant can be present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the base compound. For example, the lubricant can be present in an amount of about 1% to about 3%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4.5%, about 2% to about 8%, about 3% to about 6%, and about 3% to about 5%. The lubricant can be selected from, for example, one or more of mineral spirits, mineral oil, and vegetable oil.

[0028] In embodiments, the base compound can include a surfactant. In embodiments, the surfactant can be present in an amount of about 0.2% to about 1%, about 0.2% to about 0.5% about 0.3% to about 1 %, and about 0.4% to about 0.8%, by weight of the base compound. The surfactant can be selected from, for example, one or more of polyethylene glycol esters of stearic acid, polyethylene glycol esters of lauric acid, ethoxylated alcohols,

polyoxyethylenesorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate, and polyethylene glycol monostearate. The surfactant can be hydrophilic, and can have an FILB value of about 12 to about 15. The combination of lubricant and surfactant can reduce the stickiness of the starch-based base compound. In embodiments, the lubricant has a low enough viscosity so that the modeling compound does not feel slimy to the touch.

[0029] In embodiments, the base compound can include a preservative. In embodiments, the preservative can be present in an amount of about 0.1 % to about 1 %. The preservative can be selected from calcium propionate, sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, and borax. The preservative can also be any other appropriate preservative known to those skilled in the art, such as one or more preservative compounds that inhibit mold growth at a pH of less than about 4.5, used alone or in combination.

[0030] In embodiments, the base compound can include a hardener. In embodiments, the hardener can be present in an amount of about 0% to about 1%, about 0.1 % to about 0.5%, about 0.2% to about 0.6%, and about 0.1 % to about 0.8% based on the weight of the base compound. The hardener can be selected from, for example, one or more of sodium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, and ammonium ferric sulfate.

[0031] In embodiments, the base compound can include an acidulant. The acidulant can be selected, for example, from one or more of citric acid, alum, and potassium dihydrogen sulfate. Alternatively, any known nontoxic acid can be used. The modeling compound can have a pH of about 3.5 to about 4.5. The modeling compound can have a pH of about 3.8 to about 4.0.

[0032] In embodiments, the base compound can include a buffering agent. For example, the buffering agent can be dibasic sodium phosphate. Any other known buffering agents can also be used herein. The buffering agent can be present in any suitable amount to achieve a desired pH value. For example, the buffering agent can be present in an amount of about 0.01 % to about 1%, about 0.02% to about 0.05%, about 0.01 % to about 0.02%, about 0.05% to about 1 %, and about 0.01 % to about 0.06% based on the weight of the base compound.

[0033] In embodiment, the base compound can include a humectant. In embodiments, the base compound can include about 0% to about 25% humectant based on the weight of the base compound. For example, the humectant can be a glycol. The glycol can be glycerin or a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol.

[0034] In embodiments, the base compound can include fragrance. The fragrance can be, for example, any water-dispersible, nontoxic fragrance.

[0035] In embodiments, the base compound can include a colorant. In embodiments, the base compound can include 0% to about 5%, 0% to about 3.5% colorant, and about 1% to about 4%, based on the weight of the base compound. The colorant can include, for example, any nontoxic dyes, pigments, phosphorescent pigments, or macro-sized particles such as glitter or pearlescent materials. For example, to obtain a blue fluorescent color, the composition can include about 0.2 to about 1 part by weight Day-Glo® Horizon Blue (Day-Glo Color Corp., Cleveland, Ohio) to about 100 parts of the composition. To obtain a red color (lake pigment), add about 0.1 to about 0.5 parts by weight FD&C Red No. 40 dye aluminum lake to about 100 parts of the composition.

[0036] In embodiments, the base compound can include colored cotton paper pieces dispersed in the base composition as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,080,231 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In embodiments, the colored cotton can be colored cotton bond paper or a colored fabric, such as a polyester knit or tricotton blend. The percentage of cotton in the colored cotton bond paper generally is in a range between 100% and 80%. In embodiments, the colored cotton can be colored cotton bond paper with only 20% cotton. In embodiments, other materials, such as latex fibers and glitter, may be added to the base compound in addition to or as an alternative to the colored cotton papers. In

embodiments, the colored cotton can be included in an amount of about 0.1 to 5%, about 0.5% to 2%, about 1 % to 3%, and about 0.8% to about 1 .2%, by weight of the base compound.

[0037] In embodiments, the base compound can include additives to provide the desired adhesive properties of the modeling compound. In some embodiments, the base compound can include water soluble vinylpyrrolidone polymers, water soluble vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vinylpyrrolidone polymers can be

vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers, vinylpyrrolidone copolymers and some combination thereof. Vinylpyrrolidone polymers having a molecular weight ranging from 40,000 to 3,000,000 can be used. In some embodiments, vinylpyrrolidone polymers having a molecular weight from about 900,000 and 1 ,500,000 can be used. Vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers have adhesive and binding powers, thickening properties and an affinity to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. In some embodiments, the modeling compound includes a combination of polyols and vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers. For example, the modeling compound can comprise glycerine, sorbitol, propylene glycol or any other polyol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the modeling compound can include glycerine, vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers, or a combination thereof.

[0038] In some embodiments, the base compound can include the combination of glycerine and vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers have an adhesive property permitting the modeling compound to adhere onto a variety of substrates. For example, the base compound can, in some embodiments, comprise about 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40% by weight starch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weight lubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% to about 20% by weight salt, about 0.1 % to about 1 % by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, about 0.15% to about 1 .2% by weight microspheres, about 0.5% to about 8% by weight vinylpyrrolidone polymers, 0% to about 15% polyols, 0% to about 1 % by weight hardener, 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance, and 0% to about 5% by weight colorant. The weight percentages being by weight of the base compound.

[0039] In embodiments, the base compound can include a starch-based modeling compound includes about 20% to about 50% water; about 5% to about 15% salt; about 2% to about 4.5% lubricant; about 0.2% to about 1 % surfactant; about 30% to about 42% starch-based binder; about 0.1 % to about 1 % preservative; 0% to about 1 % hardener; about 2% to about 10% retrogradation inhibitor; 0% to about 25% humectant; 0% to about 0.5% fragrance; and 0% to about 3.5% colorant. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the base compound.

[0040] In embodiments, the base compound can include 3% to about 10% sodium chloride; about 3% to about 10% calcium chloride; about 0.5% to about 1 .1 % aluminum sulfate; about 0.35% to about 0.80% 10 mol borax (i.e., borax decahydrate); about 0.1 % to about 0.5% sodium benzoate; about 30% to about 38% wheat flour; about 3.5% to about 7.0% waxy corn starch; about 0.4% to about 1 .0% PEG 1500 monostearate; about 2.5% to about 4.0% mineral oil; about 0.05% to about 0.25% vanilla fragrance; and the remainder water (about 45%);

wherein the amounts of aluminum sulfate and borax are adjusted so that the composition has a pH of about 3.5 to about 4.5. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the base compound.

[0041] In embodiments, the base compound can include about 5% to about 7% sodium chloride, about 5% to about 7% calcium chloride, about 0.2% to about 0.5% aluminum sulfate, about 0.1 % to about 0.3% sodium benzoate, about 30% to about 35% flour, about 5% to about 7% c-gel, about 0.2% to about 0.6% Pegosperse 1500 MS, about 1 % to about 3% mineral oil, optionally about 0.01 % to about 0.05% fragrance, and the reminder water (about 40% to about 45%). In embodiments, the base compound can be free of fragrance. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the base compound. [0042] In embodiments, the base compound can include about 4% to about 6% sodium chloride, about 4% to about 6% calcium chloride, about 0.5% to about 1 % aluminum sulfate, about 0.05% to about 0.2% dibasic sodium phosphate, about 0.1% to about 0.3% sodium benzoate, about 30% to about 35% flour, about 5% to about 7% corn starch, about 0.2% to about 0.6%polyethylene glycol monostearate, about 1% to about 3% mineral oil, optionally about 0.01 % to about 0.05% fragrance, and the reminder water (about 40% to about 45%). In embodiments, the base compound can be free of fragrance. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the base compound.

DEHYDRATED PARTICLES

[0043] In embodiments, the dehydrated particles are a modeling compound material which has been shaped into discrete particles and dehydrated. In embodiments, the composition of the dehydrated particles prior to dehydration is the same as the base compound, with the exception of optionally having different colorant. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles are an aqueous compound containing a binder and water. For example, the binder can be one or more clays and/or starches. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles are an aqueous starch- based compound. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles include any one or more of starch, retrogradation inhibitor, salt, lubricant, surfactant, preservative, hardener, humectant, fragrance, and colorant. Any of the above described starches, retrogradation inhibitors, salts, lubricants, surfactants, preservatives, hardeners, humectants, fragrances, and colorants for the base compound can be similarly used in the dehydrated particles. Any of the above described amounts of such components and/or formulation as described for the base compound can also similarly be used in the dehydrated particles with the weight percentages being reference relative to the weight of the dehydrated particles.

[0044] For example, the composition of the dehydrated particles, prior to dehydration can, in some embodiments, comprise about 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40% by weight starch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weight lubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% to about 20% by weight salt, about 0.1% to about 1 % by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, about 0.15% to about 1 .2% by weight microspheres, about 0.5% to about 8% by weight

vinylpyrrolidone polymers, 0% to about 15% polyols, 0% to about 1% by weight hardener, 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance, and 0% to about 5% by weight colorant. The weight percentages being by weight of the composition of the composition of the particles prior to dehydration. [0045] In embodiments, the composition of the dehydrated particles, prior to dehydration can include a starch-based modeling compound includes about 20% to about 50% water; about 5% to about 15% salt; about 2% to about 4.5% lubricant; about 0.2% to about 1 % surfactant; about 30% to about 42% starch-based binder; about 0.1 % to about 1 % preservative; 0% to about 1 % hardener; about 2% to about 10% retrogradation inhibitor; 0% to about 25% humectant; 0% to about 0.5% fragrance; and 0% to about 3.5% colorant. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the composition of the particles prior to dehydration.

[0046] In embodiments, the composition of the dehydrated particles, prior to dehydration can include 3% to about 10% sodium chloride; about 3% to about 10% calcium chloride; about 0.5% to about 1 .1 % aluminum sulfate; about 0.35% to about 0.80% 10 mol borax (i.e., borax decahydrate); about 0.1 % to about 0.5% sodium benzoate; about 30% to about 38% wheat flour; about 3.5% to about 7.0% waxy corn starch; about 0.4% to about 1 .0% polyethylene glycol monostearate; about 2.5% to about 4.0% mineral oil; about 0.05% to about 0.25% vanilla fragrance; and the remainder water (about 45%); wherein the amounts of aluminum sulfate and borax are adjusted so that the composition has a pH of about 3.5 to about 4.5. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the composition of the particles prior to dehydration.

[0047] In embodiments, the composition of the dehydrated particles, prior to dehydration can include about 5% to about 7% sodium chloride, about 5% to about 7% calcium chloride, about 0.2% to about 0.5% aluminum sulfate, about 0.1 % to about 0.3% sodium benzoate, about 30% to about 35% flour, about 5% to about 7% c-gel, about 0.2% to about 0.6% polyethylene glycol monostearate, about 1 % to about 3% mineral oil, optionally about 0.01 % to about 0.05% fragrance, and the reminder water (about 40% to about 45%). In embodiments, the base compound can be free of fragrance. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the composition of the particles prior to dehydration.

[0048] In embodiments, the composition of the dehydrated particles, prior to dehydration can include about 4% to about 6% sodium chloride, about 4% to about 6% calcium chloride, about 0.5% to about 1 % aluminum sulfate, about 0.05% to about 0.2% dibasic sodium phosphate, about 0.1 % to about 0.3% sodium benzoate, about 30% to about 35% flour, about 5% to about 7% c-gel, about 0.2% to about 0.6% polyethylene glycol monostearate, about 1 % to about 3% mineral oil, optionally about 0.01 % to about 0.05% fragrance, and the reminder water (about 40% to about 45%). In embodiments, the base compound can be free of fragrance. The weight percentages recited in this paragraph being by weight of the total weight of the composition of the particles prior to dehydration.

[0049] Any combinations of formulations of the base compound and the dehydrated particles can be used. For example, in embodiments, the base compound and the dehydrated particles (prior to dehydration) have the same formulation. In embodiments, the base compound and the dehydrated particles (prior to dehydration) can have the same formulation except for the colorant used. In embodiments, the base compound and the dehydrated particles (prior to dehydration) can have the same formulation except additional water is added to the base compound. In embodiments, the base compound and the dehydrated particles can have different formulations. In embodiments, the base compound can have one or more additives, such as glitter, colored cotton, microspheres, and other additives, which are not included in the dehydrated particles. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles can have one or more additives, such as glitter, colored cotton, microspheres, and other additives, which are not included in the base compound. In embodiments, the additives can be included in an amount of about 0.1 to 5%, about 0.5% to 2%, about 1% to 3%, and about 0.8% to about 1.2%, by weight of the base compound.

[0050] In embodiments, the dehydrated particles are formed by drying the composition to a water loss of about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 40%, about 30% to about 40%, about 34% to about 38%. Other suitable moisture contents, as measured by water loss on drying, include about 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, and 50%. It has been advantageously found that such drying of the dehydrated particles allows for incorporation of the dehydrated particles into the base compound while maintaining the discrete shape of the dehydrated particles.

[0051] It has been further found that such dehydrated particles can rehydrate from moisture present in the base compound. Rehydration can occur, for example, during storage of the modeling compound. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles can maintain or substantially maintain the original discrete particle shape upon rehydration prior to use (e.g., manipulation or play) of the modeling compound.

[0052] Upon manipulation of the modeling compound, the rehydrated particles can incorporate into the base compound, which thereby destroys the discrete particle shape and blends the particles into the base compound. In embodiments, colors of the base compound and the dehydrated compound can blend together resulting in a color change of the modeling compound if the base compound and the dehydrated compound are of different colors or shades of colors.

[0053] In embodiments, the dehydrated particles can be adapted to rehydrate only upon manipulation of the modeling compound. For example, the dehydrated particles can include a coating or encapsulation that prevents moisture transfer into the particles during storage in the base compound. The coating or encapsulation can be broken with mechanical manipulation of the modeling compound, thereby allowing moisture to interact with the composition of the dehydrated particles resulting in rehydration and subsequent incorporation of the particles into the base compound upon further manipulation of the modeling compound.

[0054] The dehydrated particles can have any desired shape and/or size and/or colors. For example, the dehydrated particles can have a cross-section that is one or more of circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, hexagonal, diamond, and heart. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles can have other shapes, such as dog bones, or can be mimic the shape and/or size of an object, such as chocolate chips in dough or ice cream. The dehydrated particles can have a length and/or width of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. In embodiments, the dehydrated particles can have a diameter or width of at least about 3 mm, about 3 mm to about 10 mm, or about 3 mm to about 5 mm. The dehydrated particles can have a uniform size and/or shape.

Alternatively, the dehydrated particles can have a mixture or variety of sizes and/or shapes.

[0055] In embodiments, the composition for forming the dehydrated particles can be dried by heating in an oven to the desired loss of moisture. For example, the composition can be dried at a temperature of about 70 °C to about 100 °C. The composition can be dried by heating for any suitable amount of time to achieve the desired loss of moisture. For example, the composition can be dried for about 10 minutes to about 90 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 50 minutes, and about 20 minutes to about 45 minutes. Other suitable times include about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 minutes. Other times are contemplated herein and may vary depending on the drying conditions.

[0056] In embodiments, the composition for forming the dehydrated particles can be dried by freeze drying process.

[0057] In embodiments, the composition forming the dehydrated particles can be shaped in to the discrete particle shapes prior to drying. In alternative embodiments, the composition can be dried and then cut or otherwise formed into the discrete shapes. EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0058] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated pink particles and 90% white base compound was made using the formulations in the table below. The modeling compound is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The composition for the dehydrated particles was dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%. Fragrance is listed in the table below, but can be removed for a fragrance-free formulation.

Prophetic Example 1

[0059] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated particles and 90% base compound can be made using the formulations in the table below. The composition for the dehydrated particles can be dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%. Fragrance is listed in the table below, but can be removed for a fragrance- free formulation.

Prophetic Example 2

[0060] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated particles and 90% base compound can be made using the formulations in the table below. The composition for the dehydrated particles can be dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%. Fragrance is listed in the table below, but can be removed for a fragrance- free formulation.

Prophetic Example 3

[0061] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated particles and 90% base compound can be made using the formulations in the table below. The composition for the dehydrated particles can be dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%. Fragrance is listed in the table below, but can be removed for a fragrance- free formulation.

Prophetic Example 4

[0062] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated particles and 90% base compound can be made using the formulations in the table below. The composition for the dehydrated particles can be dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%.

Prophetic Example 5

[0063] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated particles and 90% base compound can be made using the formulations in the table below. The composition for the dehydrated particles can be dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%. Fragrance is listed in the table below, but can be removed for a fragrance- free formulation.

Prophetic Example 6

[0064] A modeling compound having 10% dehydrated particles and 90% base compound can be made using the formulations in the table below. The composition for the dehydrated particles can be dried in an oven at temperature of about 80°C for 40 min to achieve a water loss of 36% ± 2%. Fragrance is listed in the table below, but can be removed for a fragrance- free formulation.

[0065] The foregoing description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the invention may be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0066] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise” and variations such as“comprises” and“comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0067] Throughout the specification, where compositions are described as including components or materials, it is contemplated that the compositions can also consist essentially of, or consist of, any combination of the recited components or materials, unless described otherwise. Likewise, where methods are described as including particular steps, it is contemplated that the methods can also consist essentially of, or consist of, any combination of the recited steps, unless described otherwise. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or step which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0068] The practice of a method disclosed herein, and individual steps thereof, can be performed manually and/or with the aid of or automation provided by electronic equipment. Although processes have been described with reference to particular embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other ways of performing the acts associated with the methods may be used. For example, the order of various of the steps may be changed without departing from the scope or spirit of the method, unless described otherwise. In addition, some of the individual steps can be combined, omitted, or further subdivided into additional steps.

[0069] All patents, publications and references cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and incorporated patents, publications and references, the present disclosure should control.