Abstract: A magnetically actuated writing instrument includes a holder portion including a first magnetically attractive member. The instrument also includes a writing instrument portion having an interior and a second magnetically attractive member. The writing instrument portion includes a barrel having a distal end portion. The barrel member is movable between a retracted position wherein the distal end is disposed within the interior of the writing instrument portion, and an extended position wherein the distal portion is disposed exteriorly of the writing instrument portion. A retractor for moving the barrel between the retracted and extended positions includes the first and second magnetically attractive members.

Abstract: A two-piece magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet onto a magnetically attractive surface includes an upper half and a lower half joined at a releasable hinge. The lower half is adapted for magnetic retention onto a magnetically attractive surface while the upper half selectively pivots relative to the lower half to allow gripping and releasing of an object from between portions of the upper and lower halves. A first magnet member is disposed in the lower half of the holder for magnetically coupling the two-piece holder to the magnetically attractive surface while a second magnet member is disposed in the upper half of the holder for magnetically coupling the first end of the upper half to the lower half. The upper half has a curvilinear body that defines a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a colorant dispensing tip and a barrel. The barrel has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a hand-engaging surface and a proximal end coupled to the colorant dispensing tip. The distal portion is unitarily formed with the proximal portion and includes a distal end. The distal end is joined to the proximal portion to form a display card receiving closed hoop. A display card is sized and configured for being received by the hoop.

Abstract: A magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet against a magnetically attractive surface contains a body having a first end and a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is formed from a first material having a first co-efficient of friction. The lower surface has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is joined to the second portion at a fulcrum line that defines an obtuse angle between the first portion and the second portion for preventing the first and second portions from engaging the magnetically attractive surface simultaneously. A magnet member is disposed on the second portion for magnetically coupling the holder to the magnetically attractive surface. A first gripping member is disposed on the second portion for frictionally gripping the non-magnetic sheet.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a hobbyist-useable apparatus and method for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments is disclosed. The apparatus for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments having a casing includes a heater unit and a shaper unit. The heater unit includes a heat source, and a heating compartment having an opening for inserting and removing the writing instrument casing. The heat source provides heat to the heating compartment. The shaper unit includes a platform having an elongated slot, an exterior mold assembly attachable to the platform and moveable in the elongated slot; an exterior shaping surface coupled to the exterior mold assembly; and an interior mold insert having an interior shaping surface. The interior mold insert is attachable to the platform such that the movement of the exterior mold assembly in the elongated slot moves the exterior shaping surface towards and away from the interior shaping surface.

Abstract: A two-piece magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet onto a magnetically attractive surface includes an upper half and a lower half joined at a releasable hinge. The lower half is adapted for magnetic retention onto a magnetically attractive surface while the upper half selectively pivots relative to the lower half to allow gripping and releasing of an object from between portions of the upper and lower halves. A first magnet member is disposed in the lower half of the holder for magnetically coupling the two-piece holder to the magnetically attractive surface while a second magnet member is disposed in the upper half of the holder for magnetically coupling the first end of the upper half to the lower half. The upper half has a curvilinear body that defines a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet against a magnetically attractive surface contains a body having a first end and a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is formed from a first material having a first co-efficient of friction. The lower surface has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is joined to the second portion at a fulcrum line that defines an obtuse angle between the first portion and the second portion for preventing the first and second portions from engaging the magnetically attractive surface simultaneously. A magnet member is disposed on the second portion for magnetically coupling the holder to the magnetically attractive surface. A first gripping member is disposed on the second portion for frictionally gripping the non-magnetic sheet.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a colorant dispensing tip and a barrel. The barrel has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a hand-engaging surface and a proximal end coupled to the colorant dispensing tip. The distal portion is unitarily formed with the proximal portion and includes a distal end. The distal end is joined to the proximal portion to form a display card receiving closed hoop. A display card is sized and configured for being received by the hoop.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a hobbyist-useable apparatus and method for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments is disclosed. The apparatus for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments having a casing includes a heater unit and a shaper unit. The heater unit includes a heat source, and a heating compartment having an opening for inserting and removing the writing instrument casing. The heat source provides heat to the heating compartment. The shaper unit includes a platform having an elongated slot, an exterior mold assembly attachable to the platform and moveable in the elongated slot; an exterior shaping surface coupled to the exterior mold assembly; and an interior mold insert having an interior shaping surface. The interior mold insert is attachable to the platform such that the movement of the exterior mold assembly in the elongated slot moves the exterior shaping surface towards and away from the interior shaping surface.

Abstract: A lightable writing instrument includes a first end portion including a colorant dispenser, and a middle portion including a component housing. A second end portion of the wriging instrument includes a generally tubular body portion having an interior passageway therein. A lightable filament is disposed in the interior passageway and extends along a portion of the interior passageway.

Abstract: A lightable writing instrument includes a first end portion including a colorant dispenser, and a middle portion including a component housing. A second end portion of the wriging instrument includes a generally tubular body portion having an interior passageway therein. A lightable filament is disposed in the interior passageway and extends along a portion of the interior passageway.