Abstract: A pencil sharpener includes a housing having an inner cavity for receiving at least a portion of a pencil therein. The pencil includes a center portion and an outer portion generally coaxial with the center portion. A sharpener is longitudinally slidable within the inner cavity. A mechanism provides a linear force to the sharpener to move the sharpener between open and closed ends of the housing. The linear force mechanism is disposed between the sharpener and the closed end of the housing. The engagement of the pencil and housing during sharpening of the pencil produces shavings from the center and outer portions of the pencil that are retained within the inner cavity. A combined longitudinal length of the housing and pencil in an engaged configuration remains approximately constant as the pencil decreases in length from use and/or sharpening.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener includes a housing having an inner cavity for receiving at least a portion of a pencil therein. The pencil includes a center portion and an outer portion generally coaxial with the center portion. A sharpener is longitudinally slidable within the inner cavity. A mechanism provides a linear force to the sharpener to move the sharpener between open and closed ends of the housing. The linear force mechanism is disposed between the sharpener and the closed end of the housing. The engagement of the pencil and housing during sharpening of the pencil produces shavings from the center and outer portions of the pencil that are retained within the inner cavity. A combined longitudinal length of the housing and pencil in an engaged configuration remains approximately constant as the pencil decreases in length from use and/or sharpening.