GB2588149A

GB2588149A - Toy

Info

Publication number: GB2588149A
Application number: GB1914627.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moroso Marco
Original assignee: HTI Toys UK Ltd
Current assignee: HTI Toys UK Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-09
Filing date: 2019-10-09
Publication date: 2021-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-09
Also published as: GB2588149B; GB201914627D0

Abstract

A combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough comprises a receptacle 12, an extruder 14 and a closure 16. The receptacle may be formed from a malleable plastics material such as a thermoplastic rubber. The extruder 14 may include outwardly extending protrusions 42 configured in use to provide leverage during the process of squeezing the receptacle 12 to force the dough through the extruder nozzle 34. The creative dough is a pliable putty like modelling compound used by children for arts and crafts projects.

Description

TOY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Creative dough is a modelling compound used by young children for arts and crafts projects at home. It is a pliable, putty like substance which was first created in the 1930's The basic formula is generally a combination of flour, water, salt, a starch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor, lubricant, surfactant, preservative, hardener, fragrance and colouring agents. A petroleum additive gives the compound a smooth feel and borax prevents mould from developing. Creative dough is generally purchased in basic but various sized pots and a considerable number of ancillary products and merchandise (kitchen creations, ice cream maker, sweet shop etc) have been developed to extend the play pattern beyond the creative dough itself. The problem is that it is necessary for one to "scoop out" the creative dough with one's fingers from the pots to transfer it to the ancillary products before play can begin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough comprising a receptacle, an extruder and a closure.

Preferably the receptacle is formed from a plastics material, preferably a malleable plastics material, preferably the malleable plastics material is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE) a thermoplastic elastomer (WE), and a thermoplastic rubber (TPR), more preferably the malleable plastics material is a thermoplastic rubber (TPR), preferably the thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

Preferably the receptacle is generally bowl shaped, in one alternative the receptacle is flat bottom dome shaped, preferably the receptacle is generally shaped to fit into the cupped palm of the hand of a user, in one alternative the cupped palm of a child in another alternative the cupped palm of an adult. In one alternative the receptacle is configured to retain about 2 oz (about 57g) of creative dough, in another alternative the receptacle is configured to retain about 4 oz (about 114g) of creative dough. In one alternative the volume of the receptacle is about 47.5cm3, in another alternative the volume of the receptacle is about 102.2cm3 In one alternative the diameter of the receptacle is about 50mm at its widest point, in another alternative the diameter of the receptacle is about 66mm at its widest point. In one alternative the height of the receptacle is about 40mm in another alternative the height of the receptacle is about 49mm.

Preferably the receptacle has a base, a side wall extending from and generally perpendicular to the base and an opening opposite the base. Preferably the base is substantially circular, preferably the opening is substantially circular. Preferably the base of the receptacle is provided with a flat portion to allow the receptacle to be placed upright and stable on surface. Preferably the base is provided with depression preferably the depression is provided in substantially the centre of the base. Preferably the depression is sized and/or configured to accommodate two child thumbs or one adult thumb Preferably the depression extends into the receptacle as an inwardly depending protrusion. Preferably the depression comprises a reduced thickness of material compared with the rest of the receptacle.

Preferably the thickness of the base and the side walls of the receptacle is between about 1.8mm and about 3mm, more preferably 2.5mm. Preferably the thickness of the base of the receptacle in the area of the depression is between about 1.3mm and 1.4mm.

Preferably the opening of the receptacle is provided with a rim, preferably the rim is inwardly depending, preferably the rim is upwardly extending, preferably the rim is both inwardly depending and upwardly extending, preferably the rim is inwardly depending towards the opening of the receptacle, preferably the rim is upwardly extending away from the opening of the receptacle, preferably the rim reduces the diameter of the opening of the receptacle. Preferably the rim is provided with a circumferential groove, preferably the rim is provided with an externally facing circumferential groove. Preferably the circumferential groove extends around substantially the entire circumference of the rim, preferably the circumferential groove extends around substantially the entire circumference of the opening of the receptacle In one alternative the diameter of the opening of the receptacle is about 38mm, in another alternative the diameter of the opening of the receptacle is about 50mm.

Preferably the extruder is formed from a plastics material, preferably a rigid plastics material, preferably the rigid plastics material selected from polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), more preferably the rigid plastics material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

Preferably the extruder comprises a generally planar portion with a nozzle opening therein, preferably the extruder is configured to fit over the opening of the receptacle.

Preferably the extruder is configured to be detachably attached to the receptacle. Preferably the extruder is configured to be detachably attached to the opening of the receptacle.

Preferably the extruder is provided with a rim, preferably the extruder is provided with a downwardly depending rim, preferably provided with an inwardly depending circumferential protrusion. In one alternative a circumferential protrusion extends around substantially the entire circumference of the rim of the extruder. In another alternative a plurality of circumferential protrusions are provided each extending around only a portion of the rim of the extruder. Preferably where a plurality of circumferential protrusions are provided they are equally spaced about the rim of the extruder. Preferably 3 circumferential protrusions are provided, preferably the 3 circumferential protrusions each extend around about 1/6 of the rim of the extruder.

Preferably the circumferential protrusion of the extruder is configured to removably engage with the circumferential groove of the receptacle to detachably attach the extruder to the receptacle.

Preferably the depth of the rim of the receptacle including the depth of the circumferential groove is substantially the same as the depth of the rim of the extruder including the depth of the circumferential protrusions such that when the circumferential protrusion of the extruder is removably engaged with the circumferential groove of the receptacle the extruder is detachably attached to the receptacle in a substantially air fight manner.

Preferably the nozzle opening protrudes from the generally planar portion of the extruder. This is advantageous as the shaping helps to direct the contents of the receptacle, preferably the said creative dough, towards the nozzle opening. Preferably the shape of the nozzle opening is selected from star, cross, triangle, square, circle, flower. Such shapes allow for reduced risk of fingers becoming caught or trapped within the nozzle opening.

Preferably the area of the nozzle opening is between about 2.5cm2 and about 4cm2 more preferably between about 2.8cm2 and about 3.9cm2. In another alternative the nozzle opening comprises a plurality of nozzle openings, preferably the combined area of the plurality of nozzle openings is between about 2.5cm2 and about 4cm2 more preferably between about 2.8cm2 and about 3.9cm2.

Preferably the extruder is provided with two or more outwardly extending protrusions, even more preferably the extruder is provided with a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions. Preferably the outwardly extending protrusions extend from the rim of the extruder where a rim is provided Preferably the outwardly extending protrusions are configured in use to provide leverage during the process of extruding the said creative dough through the nozzle opening. Preferably the fingers of the user engage with the upper surface of the outwardly extending protrusions whilst the thumbs of the user push down on the base of the receptacle to extrude the contents of the receptacle, preferably the said creative dough, through the nozzle opening. In one alternative the outwardly extending protrusions are substantially planar and are in the same plane as the generally planar portion of the extruder. In another alternative the outwardly extending protrusions are curved upwards and away from the generally planar portion of the extruder. This is advantageous as provides for additional leverage of the fingers of the user.

Preferably the closure is formed from a plastics material, preferably a rigid plastics material, preferably the rigid plastics material selected from polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), more preferably the rigid plastics material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Preferably the closure is formed from the same plastics material as the extruder.

Preferably the closure is configured to close the nozzle opening of the extruder. Preferably the closure is configured to form a substantially airtight seal with the nozzle opening. Preferably the closure is provided with a rim configured to engage over the edge of the generally planar portion of the extruder and with the rim of the extruder. Preferably the closure is provided with a nozzle opening engaging protrusion. Preferably the nozzle opening engaging protrusion matches the shape of the nozzle opening Preferably the nozzle opening engaging protrusion is configured to fit within and engage with the edges of the nozzle opening to form a substantially airtight seal therebetween.

Preferably the urn of the extruder is provided with an indentation. Preferably the closure overhangs the indentation allowing for ease of removal of the closure from the extruder.

Preferably the combined storage receptacle and extruder is provided a creative dough for use therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough with the extruder engaged and the closure in the closed position; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the first embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough with the extruder engaged and the closure in the closed position; Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of the first embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough with the extruder engaged and the closure in the closed position; Figure 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough with the extruder engaged and the closure in the closed position; Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough with the extruder engaged and the closure in the closed position; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough the extruder engaged and the closure in an open position; Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the receptacle of the first embodiment; Figure 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the receptacle of the first embodiment; Figure 9 illustrates a side plan view of the receptacle of the first embodiment; Figure 10 illustrates a top plan view of the receptacle of the first embodiment; Figure 11 illustrates a top perspective view of the extruder of the first embodiment; Figure 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the extruder of the first embodiment; Figure 13 illustrates a side plan view of the extruder of the first embodiment; Figure 14 illustrates a top plan view of the extruder of the first embodiment; Figure 15 illustrates a bottom plan view of the extruder of the first embodiment; Figure 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the closure of the first embodiment; Figure 17 illustrates a top perspective view of the closure of the first embodiment; Figure 18 illustrates a bottom plan view of the closure of the first embodiment; Figure 19 illustrates a top plan view of the closure of the first embodiment; Figure 20 illustrates a side plan view of the closure of the first embodiment; Figure 21a illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough the extruder engaged and the closure in a closed position; Figure 21b illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the receptacle; Figure 22 illustrates a bottom plan view of a closure of a second embodiment; Figure 23 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a second embodiment; Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough the extruder engaged and the closure in an open position; Figure 25 illustrates a bottom plan view of a closure of a third embodiment; Figure 26 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a third embodiment; Figure 27 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough the extruder engaged and the closure in an open position; Figure 28 illustrates a bottom plan view of a closure of a fourth embodiment; Figure 29 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a fourth embodiment Figure 30 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough the extruder engaged and the closure in an open position; Figure 31 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a fifth embodiment; Figure 32 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a sixth embodiment; Figure 33 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a seventh embodiment; and Figure 34 illustrates a top plan view of an extruder of a eighth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 6 and 21a illustrate a first embodiment of a combined storage receptacle and extruder 10 for creative dough. The combined storage receptacle and extruder 10 has a receptacle 12 shown in more detail in Figures 7 to 10 and 21b, an extruder 14 shown in more detail in Figures 11 to 15 and a closure 16 shown in more detail in Figure 16 to 20.

The receptacle 12 is formed from a plastics material, preferably a malleable plastics material, preferably the malleable plastics material is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE) a thermoplastic elastomer (IRE), and a thermoplastic rubber (TPR), more preferably the malleable plastics material is a thermoplastic rubber (TPR), preferably the thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

The receptacle 10 is generally bowl shaped, in one alternative the receptacle is flat bottom dome shaped, preferably the receptacle is generally shaped to fit into the cupped palm of the hand of a user, in one alternative the cupped palm of a child in another alternative the cupped palm of an adult. In one alternative the receptacle is configured to retain about 2 oz (about 57g) of creative dough, in another alternative the receptacle is configured to retain about 4 oz (about 114g) of creative dough. In one alternative the volume of the receptacle is about 47.5cm3, in another alternative the volume of the receptacle is about 102.2cm3. In one alternative the diameter of the receptacle is about 50mm at its widest point, in another alternative the diameter of the receptacle is about 66mm at its widest point. In one alternative the height of the receptacle is about 40mm in another alternative the height of the receptacle is about 49mm.

The receptacle has a base 18, a side wall 20 extending from and generally perpendicular to the base and an opening 22 opposite the base. The base 18 is substantially circular, the opening 22 is substantially circular. The base 18 of the receptacle is provided with a flat portion to allow the receptacle 12 to be placed upright and stable on surface. The base 18 is provided with depression 24 in substantially the centre of the base 18 Preferably the depression 24 is sized and/or configured to accommodate two child thumbs or one adult thumb. The depression 24 extends into the receptacle 12 as an inwardly depending protrusion 26. The depression 24 comprises a reduced thickness of material compared with the rest of the receptacle 12. Preferably the thickness of the base and the side walls of the receptacle 12 is between about 1.8mm and about 3mm, more preferably 2.5mm Preferably the thickness of the base 18 of the receptacle 12 in the area of the depression 24 is about 1.3mm to about 1.4mm.

Preferably the opening 22 of the receptacle 12 is provided with a rim 28, preferably the rim 28 is inwardly depending, preferably the rim 28 is upwardly extending, preferably the rim 28 is both inwardly depending and upwardly extending, preferably the rim 28 is inwardly depending towards the opening 22 of the receptacle 12, preferably the rim 28 is upwardly extending away from the opening 22 of the receptacle 12, preferably the rim 28 reduces the diameter of the opening 22 of the receptacle 12. The rim 28 is provided with an externally facing circumferential groove 30. The circumferential groove 30 extends around substantially the entire circumference of the rim 28. In one alternative the diameter of the opening of the receptacle is about 38mm, in another alternative the diameter of the opening of the receptacle is about 50mm. In one alternative the top surface 29 of rim 28 is angled downwardly away from the opening 22 of the receptacle so as to mirror the curve of the internal surface 39 of the extruder 14.

Turning to Figure 21b in a 2 oz container dimension a is typically about 3mm, b is typically about 2.5mm, c is typically about 1.9mm and d is typically about 1.3mm. In a 4 oz container dimension a is typically about 3mm, b is typically about 2.5mm, c is typically about 1.9mm and d is typically about 1.4mm.

The extruder 14 is formed from a plastics material, preferably a rigid plastics material, preferably the rigid plastics material selected from polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), more preferably the rigid plastics material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

The extruder 14 comprises a generally planar portion 32 with a nozzle opening 34 therein configured to fit over the opening 22 of the receptacle 12.

The extruder 14 is configured to be detachably attached to the receptacle 12. Preferably the extruder is configured to be detachably attached to the opening of the receptacle.

The extruder 14 is provided with a rim 36 preferably the rim is a downwardly depending rim 36 preferably provided with an inwardly depending circumferential protrusion 38. In one alternative (not illustrated) a circumferential protrusion extends around substantially the entire circumference of the rim of the extruder. In another alternative (as illustrated) a plurality of circumferential protrusions 38 are provided each extending around only a portion of the rim 36 of the extruder 14. The plurality of circumferential protrusions 38 are provided they are equally spaced about the rim 36 of the extruder 14. In the embodiment illustrated three circumferential protrusions 38 are provided and the three circumferential protrusions 38 each extend around about 1/6 of the rim 36 of the extruder 14.

The circumferential protrusion 38 of the extruder 14 is configured to removably engage with the circumferential groove 30 of the receptacle 12 to detachably attach the extruder 14 to the receptacle 12.

Preferably the depth of the rim 28 of the receptacle 12 including the depth of the circumferential groove 30 is substantially the same as the depth of the rim 36 of the extruder 14 including the depth of the circumferential protrusion 38 such that when the circumferential protrusion 38 of the extruder 14 is removably engaged with the circumferential groove 30 of the receptacle 12 the extruder 14 is detachably attached to the receptacle 12 in a substantially air tight manner.

The nozzle opening 34 protrudes from the generally planar portion 32 of the extruder 14.

This is advantageous as the shaping 40 helps to direct the contents of the receptacle 12, preferably the said creative dough, towards the nozzle opening 34. Preferably the shape of the nozzle opening is selected from star, cross, triangle, square, circle, flower. Alternative single nozzle opening embodiments are illustrated in Figures 22 to 30. Such shapes allow for reduced risk of fingers becoming caught or trapped within the nozzle opening. Preferably the area of the nozzle opening is between about 2.5cm2 and about 4cm2 more preferably between about 2.8cm2 and about 3.9cm2.

Figures 22 to 24 illustrate a second embodiment of a combined storage receptacle and extruder 110 for creative dough with a cross shaped nozzle opening 134 in extruder 114 and corresponding cross shaped nozzle opening engaging protrusion 148 in closure 116.

Figures 25 to 27 illustrate a third embodiment of a combined storage receptacle and extruder 210 for creative dough with a square shaped nozzle opening 234 in extruder 214 and corresponding square shaped nozzle opening engaging protrusion 248 in closure 216.

Figures 28 to 30 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a combined storage receptacle and extruder 310 for creative dough with a triangular shaped nozzle opening 334 in extruder 314 and corresponding triangular shaped nozzle opening engaging protrusion 348 in closure 316.

In another alternative the nozzle opening comprises a plurality of nozzle openings 424, 534, 634, 734 in extruder 414, 514, 614, 714 as illustrated in Figures 31 to 34, preferably the combined area of the plurality of nozzle openings is between about 2.5cm2 and about 4cm2 more preferably between about 2.8cm2 and about 3.9cm2.

Preferably each of the extruders 14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714 is interchangeable and each is configured to engage with receptacle 12 in the same way as described above in relation to extruder 14 of the first embodiment.

The extruder 14 is provided with a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions 42. The outwardly extending protrusions 42 extend from the rim 36 of the extruder 14. The outwardly extending protrusions 42 are configured in use to provide leverage during the process of extruding the said creative dough through the nozzle opening 34. The fingers of the user engage with the upper surface 44 of the outwardly extending protrusions 42 whilst the thumbs of the user push down on the base 18 of the receptacle 12 using depression 24 to extrude the contents of the receptacle 12, preferably the said creative dough, through the nozzle opening 34. In one alternative (not illustrated) the outwardly extending protrusions are substantially planar and are in the same plane as the generally planar portion of the extruder. In another alternative (as illustrated) the outwardly extending protrusions 42 are curved upwards and away from the generally planar portion 32 of the extruder 14. This is advantageous as provides for additional leverage of the fingers of the user.

The closure 16 is formed from a plastics material, preferably a rigid plastics material, preferably the rigid plastics material selected from polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), more preferably the rigid plastics material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Preferably the closure 16 is formed from the same plastics material as the extruder.

The closure 16 is configured to close the nozzle opening 34 of the extruder 14. The closure 16 is configured to form a substantially airtight seal with the nozzle opening 34. The closure 16 is provided with a rim 46 configured to engage over the edge of the generally planar portion 32 of the extruder 14 and with the rim 36 of the extruder 14. The closure 16 is provided with a nozzle opening engaging protrusion 48. The nozzle opening engaging protrusion 48 matches the shape of the nozzle opening 34. The nozzle opening engaging protrusion 48 is configured to fit within and engage with the edges of the nozzle opening 34 to form a substantially airtight seal therebetween.

Preferably the rim of the extruder is provided with an indentation. Preferably the closure overhangs the indentation allowing for ease of removal of the closure from the extruder.

There is also provided a creative dough for use in a combined storage receptacle and extruder.

In use creative dough is stored within the combined storage receptacle and extruder. When the creative dough is desired to be removed from the combined storage receptacle and extruder during play the closure can be removed and the creative dough extruded out of the receptacle by compressing the receptacle. This is achieved by preferably by locating the thumbs of the user in the depression on the base of the receptacle and locating the fingers of the user on the two or more outwardly extending protrusions on the extruder and moving the thumb and fingers of the user together to compress the receptacle and cause the creative dough to be extruded out of the receptacle through the nozzle opening of the extruder. Once the creative dough has been extruded out of the receptacle the creative dough can be reintroduced into the receptacle by first removing the detachably attached extruder from the receptacle to reveal the receptacle opening, reintroducing the creative dough into the receptacle and reattaching the detachably attached extruder to the receptacle and once play has finished closing the nozzle opening by replacing the closure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A combined storage receptacle and extruder for creative dough comprising a receptacle, an extruder and a closure.
A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receptacle is formed from a malleable plastics material.
3 A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 2 wherein the malleable plastics material is a thermoplastic rubber (TPR)
4. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the receptacle has a base, a side wall extending from and generally perpendicular to the base and an opening opposite the base wherein the base of the receptacle is provided with a flat portion.
5. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 4 wherein the base is provided with depression.
6. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 5 wherein the depression comprises a reduced thickness of material compared with the rest of the receptacle.
7. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the opening of the receptacle is provided with a rim.
8 A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 7 wherein the rim is provided with a circumferential groove.
9. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 8 wherein the circumferential groove extends around substantially the entire circumference of the rim.
10. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the extruder is formed from a rigid plastics material.
11 A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 10 wherein the rigid plastics material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
12. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the extruder comprises a generally planar portion with a nozzle opening therein
13. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the extruder is configured to be detachably attached to the receptacle.
14. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the extruder is provided with a rim preferably a downwardly depending rim provided with an inwardly depending circumferential protrusion.
15. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 14 wherein a circumferential protrusion extends around substantially the entire circumference of the rim of the extruder.
16 A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 14 wherein a plurality of circumferential protrusions are provided each extending around only a portion of the rim of the extruder.
17. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16 when dependent on claim 8 wherein the circumferential protrusion of the extruder is configured to removably engage with the circumferential groove of the receptacle to detachably attach the extruder to the receptacle.
18 A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 17 wherein the depth of the rim of the receptacle including the depth of the circumferential groove is substantially the same as the depth of the rim of the extruder including the depth of the circumferential protrusions such that when the circumferential protrusion of the extruder is removably engaged with the circumferential groove of the receptacle the extruder is detachably attached to the receptacle in a substantially air tight manner.
19. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18 when dependent on claim 14 wherein the nozzle opening protrudes from the generally planar portion of the extruder.
20. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the extruder is provided with two or more outwardly extending protrusions.
21. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in claim 20 wherein the outwardly extending protrusions are configured in use to provide leverage during the process of extruding the said creative dough through the nozzle opening.
22. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the closure is formed from the same plastics material as the extruder.
23. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim where the closure is configured to close the nozzle opening of the extruder.
24. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 14 wherein the closure is provided with a rim configured to engage over the edge of the generally planar portion of the extruder and with the rim of the extruder.
25. A combined storage receptacle and extruder as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 12 wherein the closure is provided with a nozzle opening engaging protrusion wherein the nozzle opening engaging protrusion matches the shape of the nozzle opening and wherein the nozzle opening engaging protrusion is configured to fit within and engage with the edges of the nozzle opening to form a substantially airtight seal therebetween.