Abstract: An improved clip retention apparatus and to a method for attaching a clip to a writing instrument. The clip retention apparatus may comprise a clip, first and second plug bodies, and a retainer element. A portion of the clip may be disposed between the plug bodies, and the plug bodies may be coupled to the retainer element. The retainer element may be coupled with a writing instrument or formed as part of a writing instrument. The clip, plug bodies, and retainer element may be configured and arranged so that movement of the clip between the plug bodies is at least inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter. The lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, and a latch moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position to vary the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel. When a user attempts to move the latch before moving the actuating member, a first latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. When a user attempts to move the actuating member before moving the latch, a second latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The second latch force is different that the first latch force, and is preferably greater than the first latch force. Various other features that improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A non-erasable ink composition suitable for use in writing instruments is described comprising an isocyanate five thermoplastic polyurethane resin, a colorant and an organic solvent. The ink composition may also include a second resin, plasticizers, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, chemical dispersants, and surfactants. The inks of the present invention exhibit a smooth writing performance and non-seepage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter. The lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, and a latch moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position to vary the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel. When a user attempts to move the latch before moving the actuating member, a first latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. When a user attempts to move the actuating member before moving the latch, a second latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The second latch force is different that the first latch force, and is preferably greater than the first latch force. Various other features that improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ignition mechanism includes an assembly having first and second members rotatable with respect to one another between an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration, a piezoelectric element associated with the assembly, and a plexor movably disposed in the assembly. When the assembly is in the activated configuration, the plexor is capable of being driven toward the piezoelectric element with sufficient force to impact the piezoelectric element and cause it to produce a spark.

Abstract: A child-resistant lighter is disclosed which includes an actuator and a latch member coupled thereto. The latch member includes a finger actuation portion and a body portion integrally formed therewith. The body portion has a free end. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention when in an inoperative position, the free end of the latch member is aligned with a blocking surface of the lighter body, thus, preventing inadvertent lighting of the lighter. When in an operative position, the free end of the latch member is pivoted out of alignment with the blocking surface so that the lighter can function. During pivoting, as the finger actuation portion moves in a first direction, the free end moves in an opposite, second direction. The first direction is substantially forward and the second direction is substantially rearward. In another embodiment, the latch member can be slidable coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically adjusting the chamber length in a writing instrument to accommodate refills of different lengths. The mechanism comprises at least first and second elements operably engaged with each other. When contacted by a refill, the second element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. A biasing member may releasably hold the second element in the first position. In one embodiment third element is fitted within the second element, and is operably and movably engaged with the first and second elements. When contacted by a refill, the third element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. A method of using an automatically-adjusting refill seat mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel having a channel with an open end, and a writing element disposed in the channel. The writing element is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. At least a portion of the writing element is resilient and may be resiliently deflected in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. The resilient deflection of the writing element biases the writing element to engage the channel and to retain the writing element in the extended position. Various other features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or actuator member may be provided separately or in combination. In example, the actuator may be mounted for non-linear movement to extend or retract a writing element. Also a release member may be provided along a side of the barrel to move the writing element out of engagement with the channel.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel defining a channel, an arcuate cam member coupled to the barrel and a writing element in communication with the cam member. The cam member is rotatable between a first position in which a writing end of the writing element is retracted within the channel and a second position in which the writing end of the writing element is extended out of the channel. The cam member rotates about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Various features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or cam member may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter including a housing having a handle at one end and a nozzle at another end and including a fuel supply connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle. A release member is cooperatively connected to the housing to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the nozzle. An ignitor, such as a piezoelectric mechanism, is provided for generating a spark proximate the nozzle. A trigger spaced from the release member is operatively connected to the housing for actuating the ignitor for the generation of a spark igniting the fuel present at the nozzle.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a display window for displaying images from inside the barrel or body member of the writing instrument. The display window is formed by applying a wrap element having a hole therethrough to a transparent portion of the body member. A writing instrument having a locating mark thereon for facilitating accurate, efficient assembly of a writing instrument. More particularly, the locating mark may be disposed on a wrap element according to a predetermined positional relationship with respect to at least one feature or component of the writing instrument.

Abstract: A writing medium reservoir that exhibits clear drain of a writing medium, and preferably in which the writing medium is readily visible to the user. A method of making a writing medium reservoir that exhibits clear drain of a writing medium, and preferably in which the writing medium is readily visible to the user. The method may include forming the writing medium reservoir by co-extruding an inner layer and an outer layer. In addition, the present invention relates to a multi-layer tubular structure that exhibits clear drain of a liquid, and preferably in which the relative presence or relative absence of liquid is readily visible to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter. The lighter includes a housing having a supply of fuel, an actuating member movably associated with the housing to selectively ignite the fuel, and a latch moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position to vary the amount of force required to move the actuating member to ignite the fuel. When a user attempts to move the latch before moving the actuating member, a first latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. When a user attempts to move the actuating member before moving the latch, a second latch force is required to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The second latch force is different that the first latch force, and is preferably greater than the first latch force. Various other features that improve the functioning of the lighter may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A grip element having a soft, compressible and deformable outer layer supported by an underlying support structure sufficiently rigid to maintain a receiving channel of the grip element in an open configuration. The support structure facilitates manipulation of the grip element and assembly of the grip element onto a hand-held article without having the outer layer collapse on itself as would occur without the support structure as a result of the soft, deformable nature of the outer layer. The grip element may be formed separately from the hand-held article on which it is to be assembled, and then positioned thereon such that the hand-held article is sold with the grip element pre-assembled thereon. If desired, the grip element may be provided separate from the hand-held article, the outer layer providing a readily compressible and deformable soft cushioning surface and the support structure facilitating insertion of the outer layer over at least a portion of a hand-held article.