Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cushioning device that is adapted to retain a flowable medium to provide a cushioning effect. The cushioning device has a cushioning member having a deformable bladder member defining a medium chamber and a flowable medium, such as a fluid, retained in the chamber. The cushioning member is adapted to be mounted onto an article to thereby provide a cushioning effect for a user. The cushioning device can optionally have a support element to provide an additional cushioning effect. The present invention also relates to a cushioned article that has a finger-held or finger-manipulated article on which the cushioning device is mounted to provide a comfortable finger grip for a user. The cushioned article is so formed that it can fit within the user's finger grip and that the inflated bladder member can be deformed by the user's fingers or fingertips.

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: The present invention provides a razor with more than one shaving aid element placed in close proximity to one another on the cover of the razor. The provision of more than one shaving aid element in such manner provides a number of advantages such as: delivery of increased volume of shaving aid at the local area; simplification of manufacturing process during razor assembly; provision of different shaving aids in different shaving aid elements. A preferred shape of the shaving aid elements is cylindrical. The cylindrical shape also enhances the function of the razor by providing smoother shaving aid motion. The shaving aid element may be extruded and stored in spools for use in the razor assembly.

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: A non-erasable ink composition suitable for use in writing instruments is described comprising an isocyanate free 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 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 non-aqueous fluorescent ink composition suitable for use in writing instruments is described comprising a soluble fluorescent colorant, a solvent, and an opacifying agent. The ink composition may also include resins, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants and other inert additives. The fluorescent ink composition exhibits a brilliant appearance in masscolor and when written on paper.

Abstract: A non-aqueous non-fluorescent ink composition suitable for use in writing instruments is described comprising a non-fluorescent pigment dispersion, a stabilizer and a high boiling point organic solvent. The ink composition may also include resins, plasticizers, antiskinning agents and lubricants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter which a user actuates by at least two different modes of operation. In the first mode, a biasing member is positioned to oppose movement of an actuating assembly so that a user releases fuel and ignites the lighter only if a high-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. In this first mode, the lighter resists operation by unintended users by requiring a user to have a predetermined level of strength to actuate the lighter. In the second mode, the biasing member is moved to a different position which does not oppose movement of the actuating assembly to the same extent as the first mode so that a user may release fuel and ignite the lighter if a low-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. Moving the biasing element from the first position to the second position preferably requires the user to have a predetermined level of cognitive abilities and/or physical characteristics in order to resist use by unintended users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighter which a user actuates by at least two different modes of operation. In the first mode, a plunger member is positioned to allow a biasing member to oppose movement of an actuating assembly so that a user releases fuel and ignites the lighter only if a high-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. In this first mode, the lighter resists operation by unintended users by requiring a user to have a predetermined level of strength to actuate the lighter. In the second mode, the plunger member is moved to a different position so that the biasing member does not oppose movement of the actuating assembly to the same extent as the first mode so that a user may release fuel and ignite the lighter if a low-actuation-force is applied to the actuator. Moving the plunger member from the first position to the second position preferably requires the user to have a predetermined level of cognitive abilities and/or physical characteristics in order to resist use by unintended users.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a gripping section arranged along a portion of the writing instrument normally used for gripping and a writing tip extending from the gripping section. The gripping section may be provided on a replaceable cartridge element which is inserted into a cartridge-receiving cavity in the writing instrument body. A soft, resiliently deformable gripping member is provided on the gripping section and is preferably tubular in shape. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use.

Abstract: A spark-generating device for a lighter that has a sparker configured and adapted to produce sparks, and preferably a cover configured and adapted to substantially prevent operational contact of the sparker by a finger of a user during actuation of the sparker, the device including at least one manipulable member configured and adapted for manipulation and movement by a user and having at least two associations with the sparker. In a first association, the manipulable member is independently movable with respect to the sparker, and in an operable association, the manipulable member is coupled with the sparker to move the sparker.

Abstract: A grip element for mounting over a free end of a gripped article includes a gripping surface and an engagement surface extending from the gripping surface. The engagement surface is configured and dimensioned for engagement by a pushing device such that the pushing device sufficiently engages the engagement surface to push the engagement surface without use of an additional pushing device. The grip element is further configured and dimensioned with respect to the article such that the pushing device moves the grip element substantially completely onto the article without requiring lubrication or separate expansion of the grip element. Various features which improve the assembly of the grip element or article may be provided separately or in combination. A method of assembling the grip element onto the article is also disclosed.