Abstract: A housing contains electronics used in determining locations of a writing instrument based on wireless signals, defines a chamber in which the writing instrument may be held when not in use, and includes a retention element to retain the writing instrument from falling out of the chamber. In general, in one aspect, a writing instrument includes an elongate pen body, an electrical contact on a surface of the pen body, and a light source disposed near an end of the pen body. The light source includes a light guide having an optically conductive portion and an optically reflective portion.

Abstract: A writing instrument has a main body having front and rear ends and a writing tip at the front end, and a cap detachably attachable to a front portion of the main body to cover the writing tip and detachably attachable to a rear portion of the main body. A first opening is provided in the rear portion of the main body, and a second opening is provided in the cap. The first and second openings are alignable with one another when the cap is detachably attached to the rear portion of the main body to enable a tether to be threaded through the aligned openings for tethering the writing instrument to an object. Alternatively, the tether may be threaded through only the first opening at the rear portion of the main body for tethering the main body to an object. The cap may have a third opening at or near an end thereof, and the tether may alternatively be threaded through the third opening for tethering the cap to an object.

Abstract: A writing implement provided with a strong clip is simple in construction and is provided with a coil spring restrained from easily falling off. The writing implement (1, 11, 21) includes a tubular body (2), a clip (3), a pillar (7) formed on the outer surface of the tubular body, a Connecting Structure® connecting the clip and the pillar, a coil spring (4) extended between the inner surface of the clip and the tubular body and capable of loading the clip such that a front end part (3aa) of the inner surface of the clip is pressed elastically against the outer surface of the tubular body, and a projection (5) formed on the outer surface of the tubular body so as to project toward the clip and fitted in the coil spring. Preferably, the clip is provided with a back wall (10) projecting from a back part (3ab) of the inner surface (3a) of the clip and the coil spring is disposed on the front side of the back wall.

Abstract: An ink jet printer is provided with a carriage, a pair of ink cartridges, an ink jet head, an ink tank, and an ink replenishment device. The pair of ink cartridges stores ink of same color. The carriage alternately supports each the ink cartridge. The ink jet head is supported by the carriage. The ink jet head discharges ink supplied from the ink cartridge currently being supported by the carriage. The ink tank stores the ink of the predetermined color. The ink replenishment device replenishes the ink cartridge currently not being supported by the carriage with the ink from the ink tank.

Abstract: A household apparatus that combines the function of a bookmark and a highlighter/marker is provided. The apparatus has enclosed an inkwell that includes a volume of ink. The apparatus has thin shape that allows it to serve as a bookmark, while at the same time, has a marker portion that is covered by a cover when it is not in use.

Abstract: A typical notepad has an unused section where the pages of the notepad are bound together. The present invention uses a recess in this unused section to accommodate and retain a writing utensil. This recess can be varied and clips may be used to assist in retaining the writing utensil. Also, the writing utensil itself may be shaped to more easily fit into the recess.

Abstract: A marker pen storage system comprising a housing having a plurality of receptacles for receiving marker pens, each receptacle formed to include an upper and lower cavity, the upper cavity located at the opening of the receptacle and formed to include a first upper inclined section and a first lower inclined section, wherein the first upper inclined section has a greater incline than the first lower inclined section, said lower cavity sized to receive a writing end of a marker pen, receptacle openings are formed immediately adjacent so as to create guidance walls between each receptacle, and prevent a flat upper surface from being formed between adjacent receptacles, and a snap ring formed between the upper and lower cavities, wherein a relatively airtight seal is formed around the writing end of a marking pen when it is completely inserted into the lower cavity so as to prevent circulation of air to the writing end of an inserted marking pen, and the snap ring produces a snap feel and sound when a marker pen

Abstract: The present glass cleaning tool is a small, handheld, easily stored device having a self-contained supply of cleaning fluid stored therein and an applicator head for applying the fluid to a glass surface. The applicator head is stored within the storage handle of the device when the device is not in use. An attachment mechanism extends between the storage handle and the applicator head to secure the head to the handle and to allow the head to be extended from its storage location within the handle to its deployed position across the end of the handle, with the handle and head forming a T-shaped configuration. The device is particularly well-suited for carriage in an interior storage area of a motor vehicle for use in cleaning cigarette smoke film, fingerprint smears, and other contaminants from the interior of the windshield and other glass surfaces in the vehicle.

Abstract: A pocketable writing instrument includes an elongate body which incorporates a flexible dual tab grip 66. The grip provides the user with additional surface area with which to grip the instrument during writing; this allows the device to be comfortable during use yet small and compact during storage. When used in conjunction with a pocketable note holder, the grip also performs additional functions: it provides an axial stop for the instrument such that it can be repeatedly placed in the same position within the holder (preventing instrument protrusion from the device); and it allows the user to easily insert and remove the instrument from the receptacle, whereas this action might otherwise be awkward with a traditional small elongate object. This abstract description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: A dry eraser is disclosed including an eraser body having an upper region and a lower region, a layer of erasing material having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion affixed to the lower region of the eraser body, at least one socket on the upper region for accommodating at least a portion of a writing utensil, and a magnetic member operatively engaged to the eraser body between the top portion of the layer of erasing material and the upper region of the eraser body.

Abstract: A carabiner-type attachment for writing instruments in which the carabiner-type attachment device is attached to the side of said writing instrument or the cap therefor. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is integral with a pen or pen cap. In alternative embodiments the attachment device is removable from said writing instrument or the cap of the writing instrument.

Abstract: A pocketable device includes a body preferably made from a single piece of thin material which holds a notepad 48 and writing instrument 46. Slits or cutouts at appropriate locations on the body create a writing instrument receptacle 32 and tabs 56 and 57 for removing the device from a small space such as a credit card slot in a wallet. Gripping tabs 66 on a small writing instrument provide a hard stop for instrument storage, a handle for instrument insertion and removal, and more surface area for a better grasp on the instrument by the user during writing. This abstract description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: A fluid receptacle which includes a low profile reservoir having a first peripheral surface, a second peripheral surface substantially perpendicular to the first peripheral surface and a third peripheral surface substantially parallel to the first peripheral surface and substantially perpendicular to the second peripheral surface; a handle connected to the first peripheral surface; a stand connected to the second peripheral surface; an applicator handle coupled to the fluid receptacle; and a lid coupled to the fluid receptacle wherein the lid covers an opening to the tire shaped reservoir. In other embodiments, the low profile fluid reservoir has a tire shape. In yet other embodiments, the receptacle uses a reservoir that does not have a tire shape.

Abstract: A writing instrument holder comprises a substantially funnel-shaped body configured to hold concurrently one writing instrument internally and another writing instrument externally. The writing instruments are frictionally held in a substantially conical fashion. A retractable fastener is coupled to one end of the substantially funnel-shaped body.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a shaft, a writing tip, a coating-liquid reservoir and a support that operably cooperate with each other. The writing tip located at one end of the shaft and the support located near an opposite distal end. The support preferably includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly from the shaft in a use configuration so that when the instrument is in a resting position on a horizontal surface, the legs contact the surface and prop the distal end of the writing instrument upward while the writing tip contacts the surface allowing the writing instrument to be more easily grasped by a user and so as to naturally bias the contents of the liquid reservoir toward the writing tip via gravity, thus allowing the writing instrument to be readily useable.

Abstract: A writing instrument holding and retaining device comprising a wristband/bracelet (22) with one or more fasteners (24), a tether/leash (26), and a writing instrument holder (32) securing a writing instrument (30). The tether connects the writing instrument holder to the wristband. The wristband and tether may be constructed of any suitable material and may vary depending on design and aesthetic preferences. The writing instrument may also have an appropriate fastener (36). The fasteners on the wristband and on the writing instrument must be able to be attached together to secure the writing instrument to the wristband when the writing instrument is not in use. The tether (26) may also have a fastener (28), so that the tether may be kept from dangling when not in use by attaching the tether's fastener to one of the fasteners on the wristband.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that includes an elongated, substantially hollow body having at least one opening, and a recoil mechanism integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard configured to extend from and recoil into the body. The container also includes a plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface of the body and configured to one of extend the item outward from an opening in the body, or, retract the item inward into the body. The container may include a flip-top cap integrally formed with the body, and an advance mechanism that causes the plunger to extend or retract in response to the direction of a rotating force.

Abstract: A retractable applicator system for retractably securing a lip care product to a garment of a user. The retractable applicator system includes an applicator for containing and applying a lip care substance to the lips of the user. A retractor assembly is coupled to the applicator for removably mounting the applicator to a garment of the user in a manner that permits selective movement of the applicator away from the body of the user.

Abstract: A clip comprising a slidable member upon at least one track with two parallel rails. The clip may be attached to a handheld instrument, such as a pen. Indicia, such as an advertising logo, or graphic material may be placed upon the slidable member, possibly with a transparent cover on it.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a dispensing device are disclosed. The device may include a receptacle having a first face and at least one outlet orifice for dispensing a substance contained in the receptacle. The receptacle may be configured to be rested on a horizontal plane surface with the first face being in contact with the horizontal plane surface. The first face may be configured such that while the receptacle is rested on the horizontal plane surface with the first face being in contact with the horizontal plane surface, a decrease in the quantity of substance in the receptacle causes the receptacle to tilt without causing the substance to run out through said at least one outlet orifice.

Abstract: A mop assembly including a mop head and handle, and a supply of liquid connected to a valve assembly on the handle. The valve assembly includes a replaceable length of resiliently flexible tubing having a portion extending transversely through the handle and members on opposite sides of the length of tubing that are relatively movable between a closed position pinching together opposite sides of the tubing to stop the flow of liquid through it, and a spaced open position affording flow of liquid through the tube. A storage cart includes a main portion and a tray portion having a receptacle for receiving the mop head mounted on the main portion for relative movement between a vertical closed position at which the main portion covers an open side of the receptacle; and a horizontal open position at which the mop head can be inserted into or removed from the receptacle.

Abstract: A penholder having a retractable tether for holding a pen in an upright position adjacent a vertical portion of the stand extending the when not in use for easily finding the pen. The tether extends when the pen is in use but does not interfere with use since little or no tension is exerted on the tether when it is extended. The tether prevents the pen from being taken away from the stand so that it is always available for use. The penholder can have paper holders, paper dispensers, advertising, a business card holder, or pamphlet holder attached, and may have an LCD for a clock, thermometer or calendar display. The penholder may also have a light attached. The base of the penholder may be weighted to help station the penholder on a desktop. The penholder can support trophies or awards and can be used as a promotional item.

Abstract: A stick-type glue dispenser for dispensing solid or liquid glue content, which allows a cap to be easily separated from the glue dispenser by a simple operation. The glue dispenser includes an inner tube, an outer tube coupled to the inner tube at an upper end thereof in such a way to allow a lower end of the outer tube to be pressed radially inward, and a cap coupled to a lower end of the inner tube, with an upper end of the cap having a slant face. The cap is separated from the inner tube by a sliding contact between the lower end of the outer tube and the slant face of the cap when a lower part of the outer tube is pressed raidally inward. In one embodiment, the inner tube contains a holder for holding solid glue content. The holder is threadedly coupled to a screw which passes through the inner tube, thereby enabling the holder to move the solid liquid content in the inner tube by rotating the screw. In another embodiment, the inner tube contains liquid glue content therein.

Abstract: A multi-use bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a toy, a holder of soap or like products, and a decoration. The bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) includes a toroidal sponge component (14) and can also have a removable attachment component (26, 30). The donut-shaped sponge component (14) is preferably made of mesh sponge material and is concentrically disposed about an inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) defining a central opening (12, 62) in which the attachment component (26, 30) can be removably secured. The inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) provides a ready gripping area which can be held for manipulating the bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58). The attachment component (26, 30) can be, for instance, a toy, a solid soap product, a container of a bath/cosmetic product or the like, a mesh netting pocket, or a knob-shaped hanging device (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) having a suction cup (66).

Abstract: An improved illuminated writing instrument comprises a writing element, a lighting element and an attaching element. The writing and lighting elements are secured to each other via the attaching element. The attaching element comprises a combination dual clip and a retainer clip. A dual opening clip attaches the writing instrument and the illuminating instrument such that the two instruments form one illuminated writing instrument. The invention further comprises a magnetic retainer clip to secure the illuminated writing instrument as desired by the user. In operation, the force from the magnetic field of the retainer magnet will draw the arm to the magnet. The force of the magnetic field is an amount that will secure the arm to the magnet thereby creating the mechanism that will provide the securing capabilities of the retainer clip. This clip will have the capability of securing the illuminated writing instrument as desired by the user.

Abstract: A packaging and applicator device may include at least two receptacles. Each receptacle may contain one of a cosmetic and a care substance, a body, and a removable closure cap. The device may also include at least one coupling member capable of uniting the two receptacles in line with each other. The coupling member may be at least partially elastically deformable, and may include at least one housing. The at least one housing may be configured to receive at least part of one of the receptacles and enable the part of the one of the receptacles to be fixed to the coupling member.

Abstract: A sales promotional writing instrument comprises features that simultaneously provides a point of sale marketing opportunity and discourages theft. Generally, the writing instrument comprises a body defining a longitudinal axis. The body includes an attachment member in a substantially transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis. The body includes a lumen adapted to receive a typical writing insert, such as a ballpoint pen cartridge. A display member includes at least one display surface and an insertion member. The insertion member is adapted for insertion into a cavity on the attachment member. The display member can include promotional marketing indicia such as trademarks, logos, slogans, advertisements, calendars and schedules on the display surface.

Abstract: A distributor includes a body, typically provided with a lateral skirt and a bottom, and a cap, provided with an inner dome. The body includes at least one orifice for filling a cavity with the product, a device for closing the orifice, a device for attaching the product to the body, and a lower skirt forming a lower cavity with the bottom, capable of cooperating with the cap so as to form a system for stacking the distributor.

Abstract: A clip assembly securably affixable to the body of a variety of hand-held implements, including writing devices, which is capable of clasping objects substantially thicker that a garment pocket, such as notepads, books, and backpacks. The clip assembly comprises a pin securably engaged to the body of the hand-held implement, a rigid member having a first end for clasping an article, and a second end for manually operating the clip assembly, and a spring biasing the first end of the rigid member towards the body of said hand-held writing implement. The rigid member operably engages the pin in a manner that permits the rigid member to rotate relative to the body of the hand-held implement when a yielding pressure is applied to the second end of the rigid member.

Abstract: A collapsible pen including a telescopically extensible barrel and a ballpoint refill cartridge having a ballpoint tip removably attached to the barrel. The pen further includes a ballpoint tip cap that releasably attaches to the refill cartridge. The extensible barrel includes an outer tubular member and at least two and most preferably three inner tubular members concentrically and coaxially mounted with respect to both the outer tubular member and to one another. Each inner tubular member has a smaller outer diameter than the overlying tubular members. The ballpoint tip cap, adapted for attachment to a key chain, is releasably attached to either the outer tubular member of the barrel or to the refill cartridge to cover the ballpoint tip. The pen has a fully extended length and a collapsed (retracted) length. With a barrel consisting of three inner tubular members, and the cap removed, the fully extended length of the pen is greater than twice the collapsed length of the pen.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a cleaning utensil is disclosed. The holder includes a support platform that is sized and configured to receive and support at least a portion of the cleaning utensil. The holder also includes a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform. A retaining arrangement is provided integral with the support platform. The retaining arrangement is configured to constrain the cleaning utensil within the holder, such that fluid can be readily drained from the holder.

Abstract: There is provided a clip structure that can be used with a clip rotated and a clip structure assembling method. The clip structure includes, a clip body that is formed into a substantial U shape to form a holding portion in which a thin object to be clipped is held, a clip securing member for securing the clip body so that a side of an opening of the clip body can rotate along an arc and stop, and an elastic body that urges the clip body along a rotation axis of the clip body toward the clip securing member is provided to urge the clip body toward the clip securing member.

Abstract: A carabiner-type attachment for writing instruments in which the carabiner-type attachment device is attached to the side of said writing instrument or the cap therefor. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is integral with a pen or pen cap. In alternative embodiments the attachment device is removable from said writing instrument or the cap of the writing instrument.

Abstract: A marking device, a method of using the same and an accessory kit for a marking device having a sheath that may fit over a barrel of a marking device such as, for example, a pen or a pencil. Further, the marking device may contain an end cap having a connecting lead that may be attached to a surface, such as a surface on or near a computer or an automatic teller machine, for example. In addition, the sheath may contain an antimicrobial agent that may protect users of the sheath from disease-causing bacteria or other like agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing and safely housing lipstick, the apparatus comprises a lipstick casing and an assembled refilling cartridge. The lipstick casing has a top cap, an O-ring connected to the attachment of the top cap, a hollow body including a retainer lip formed inside the body, and an end cap. The assemble refilled cartridge has a plastic cup, a s-cut sheath, a spiral cut sheath, and a cartridge end cap. The lipstick casing provides the slip free grip and housing protection for the assembled refilled cartridge and allow the user to use the fully assembled refill cartridge without removing the refill cartridge from the lipstick casing.

Abstract: A stand-up toothbrush having an elongated handle with a head at one end, the head carrying bristles, and a hand holding portion at the other end, the hand holding portion long enough to be fully grasped by the hand of the user. A stand is provided on the hand holding portion of the handle at the other end, the stand extending past the other end of the handle and terminating in a support end. The support end extends transverse to the handle and is large enough to stably support the toothbrush in an upright storage position. The handle is made from relatively rigid material, and the stand is made from resilient, flexible material of the type allowing the stand to be moved against the hand holding portion of the handle when the user grasps the stand and the hand holding portion so as to interfere minimally with holding the toothbrush during use, and to return to its original position when the brush is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pen comprising a first casing (32) and a writing unit (12), which is inserted into said first casing. According to the invention, the pen comprises the following: a first stop (24, 42), which is coupled to the writing unit and acts in a peripheral direction about the longitudinal axis (L) of said writing unit; a second stop, which is coupled to the first casing (32), acts in a peripheral direction about the longitudinal axis and interacts with the first stop (24, 42) in a predetermined first rotational position of the writing unit with respect to the first casing, the first and second stops (24, 42, 26) abutting each other in the first predetermined rotational position; a third stop (28), which is coupled to the writing unit and acts in the longitudinal direction, in addition to a fourth stop, which is coupled to the first casing (32), acts in the longitudinal direction and interacts with the third stop (28). Said third stop (28) is configured as a guide device for the fourth stop.

Abstract: A kit for housing an improved design for crayons includes a container with two chambers. One of the chambers is provided with a blade and a rotatable member for assisting a user to position the crayons against the blade for sharpening purposes. Also included are crayons positionable into another chamber for storage. Such crayons have a plurality of integral faces equidistantly spaced apart from a centrally disposed longitudinal axis thereof respectively. The crayon faces define a plurality of angles therebetween with each of the angles equaling approximately 60 degrees, resulting in substantially triangular cross-sections defining an isometric shape.

Abstract: An application apparatus for facilitating the application of a substance on an application location by a substance transfer element includes a base body, a first receptacle supported on the base body for retaining therein a fluid which can react with another material composition to form the substance to be applied, and a second receptacle supported on the base body. The second receptacle receives and retains therein the substance transfer element during stockage of the application apparatus. During a substance applying use, the substance transfer element is removed from the second receptacle with the material composition releasably retained on the substance transfer element, inserted into the first receptacle for reactive contact of the material composition with the fluid into the first receptacle to form the substance to be applied, removed from the first receptacle, and put in contact with the application location such that the substance is transferred to the application location.

Abstract: A mop assembly including a mop head and handle, and a supply of liquid connected to a valve assembly on the handle adjacent the mop head. The valve assembly includes a length of resiliently flexible tubing that has a portion extending transversely through the handle and first and second members on opposite sides of the length of tubing that are relatively movable between a closed position at which the first and second members pinch together opposite sides of the length of tubing to stop the flow of liquid through it, and an open position at which the first and second members are spaced apart to afford flow of liquid through it. Should the tubing become plugged, it can easily be replaced by disconnecting one end from a liquid supply length of tubing, withdrawing the tubing from between the first and second members, and then installing a new length of tubing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a retractable instrument holder. More specifically, the instrument holder is composed of an adapter coupled to a retractable reel. The adapter includes a main cavity that has an inner bore of varying diameters. Accordingly, the adapter is capable of retaining instruments of varying sizes as well as those instruments having a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A combination clip and letter opener for a writing instrument, and a writing instrument including the same. The letter opener may include an integrally formed cutting edge or, alternatively, may include a razor-style cutting edge.

Abstract: A white board marker has a cover, a body, a marker nib, an ink pad, a cap and a magnet. The magnet is mounted inside the body and attaches the white board marker to a white board. Furthermore, the cap may have multiple optional air passages through which air can pass.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating the recording of golf scores adapted to be secured to a golf bag or clothing of the scorer. The assembly includes holders for a pencil and a golf score card which are affixed to the distal ends of separate cords that can be retractably withdrawn from spring loaded storage reels.

Abstract: An attachable suspended bar soap holder apparatus for applying bar soap to skin or other bathing device during the bathing process that provides a better grip on the soap and inhibits the soap from falling away from the users reach thus eliminating the need to bend to retrieve soap when it falls on the floor. The device comprises of a circumferential body having a strap attached thereto and further comprising closures and a cord connected to the strap. The strap can be attached to a grab bar, shower door rail, base of a shower chair arm or any other stable surface. A porous casing is also attached to the body which allows for application of soap onto skin or other bathing device. The porous casing can stretch to reach any body part and provides a better grip on bar soap plus inhibits soap from falling away from the users reach.

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: A carabiner-type attachment for writing instruments in which the carabiner-type attachment device is attached to the side of said writing instrument or the cap therefor. The attachment device is preferably in the form of a carabiner in which at least a portion of the carabiner body is integral with a pen or pen cap. In alternative embodiments the attachment device is removable from said writing instrument or the cap of the writing instrument.

Abstract: An input pen is capable of being held in any one of input pen holding parts, respectively having different shapes, of various personal digital assistants. The input pen has a barrel, and stopping members fitted in opposite end parts of a metal tube. An elastic member is placed between the stopping members so as to push the stopping members outwardly. The metal tube is fitted in openings formed in the barrel. When the input pen is inserted into an input pen holding part of the personal digital assistant, the stopping members, properly projecting exteriorly through the openings of the barrel, are pressed against an inner surface of the input pen holding part. Thus, the input pen will not move even if there is a space between the barrel and the inner surface of the input pen holding part.

Abstract: A retractable pen comprises a pen and a cap. The pen comprises a hollow case, an ink cartridge, a mechanical spring and a mobile magnetic element. The cap comprises a cap body and a stationary permanent magnet. The pen is capable of attaching to the cap by the magnetic attraction force in a single-hand operation when a user places the mobile magnetic element of the pen in proximity to the stationary permanent magnet of the cap. The writing tip of the ink cartridge of the pen retracts into the hollow case of the pen when an upward magnetic attraction force is greater than a downward mechanical expansion force. This invention relates to pens, and the principal use of the invention is for operating a pen with a single hand.

Abstract: A ball point pen has a elongate shank 10 that supports a ball point element inside. A handle 11 can pivot and fold over and be held closed against the shank 10. This allows the pen to be maintained in a folded-up configuration and easily carried in a breast pocket or purse. The pen is biassed towards a writing configuration with the shank and handle connected end-to-end.