Abstract: An improved ergonomic hand-held instrument is provided with a housing having external surfaces defining contours which ergonomically engage surfaces of a user's thumb, index finger and middle finger when the user grasps the instrument, to provide a large surface area of contact between the user's hand and the instrument. The increased area of contact, compared to traditional designs, decreases the required level of applied unit area pressure, and also provides for greater control in manipulating the instrument by a wide range of users. The housing holds a removable cartridge having a working end or tip. The working end may be a pen, pencil, scalpel, knife, stylus, brush or similar tool. The top outer surface of the instrument includes an index finger compression surface for placement of the user's index finger. Base for storage of the instrument and at least one removable cartridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator in which an applying body consisting of a brush is surely attached to a front barrel to solve a problem that a part of the brush remains stuck inside the front barrel to cause failure of attachment when the applying body is being attached to the front barrel. The applicator includes a front barrel provided on the front end side of a rear barrel, and an applying body formed of a brush with a flange portion at its rear end and arranged inside the front barrel. A receiving part of the flange portion of the applying body and the inner face of the front barrel are in contact with each other in a non-surface contact manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a direct liquid-writing instrument without ink leakage from the pen-tip even after a long period of use. Specifically, it provides a direct liquid-writing instrument having an ink-retaining part in a bellows-like shape, in which at least the ink-retaining part in a bellows-like shape is made of: 20 to 95% by mass of (A) a polyamide-based resin; and 80 to 5% by mass of (B) at least one resin selected from a styrene-based resin, an olefin-based resin, and a polyphenylene ether resin.

Abstract: A writing implement that includes an ink reservoir, a writing tip fluidically connected to the reservoir and through which the ink emerges during a use of the implement, and a reservoir-venting device that includes a cavity in communication with the reservoir and with an orifice open to the outside of the implement. The cavity is suitable for absorbing an overflow of ink, characterized in that the cavity is filled with separate grains having angles and sharp edges having dimensions that are significant compared with an apparent dimension d of the grains.

Abstract: A liquid supply implement which can accommodate a large amount of liquid without being subjected to limitation of a capacity of a temporary storage chamber temporarily storing the liquid overflowing a tank, or can reduce the capacity of the temporary storage chamber is provided. A tank formed inside a rear barrel and accommodating a liquid is divided into a plurality of tank portions. In order that all the tank portions do not communicate with a tip end supply element between the tank and a pen tip, any one of a plurality of through-holes of an inner plug respectively communicating with the respective tank portions is allowed to communicate with one through-hole formed in a lateral wall of a front barrel. By rotating the rear barrel with respect to the front barrel, selected tank portion can be switched.

Abstract: In a liquid container, it is made possible to store liquid that is overflowed by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and thereby to prevent liquid leaks, and the whole quantity of the stored liquid is enabled to be used. The liquid container is provided with a body having a main tank in which liquid is stored; a supply outlet, located toward the tip of the body, for supplying the liquid; a guiding portion connecting the main tank and the supply outlet to guide the liquid from the main tank to the supply outlet; and a liquid reservoir having an air flow port communicating with the exterior and a liquid flow port communicating with the main tank or the guiding portion and an overflowing liquid flow path for storing liquid overflowing the main tank. The liquid is stored farther away from the supply outlet than the liquid flow port.

Abstract: A writing instrument can prevent ink stored in an ink intake retainer body from flowing toward an air passage due to volume expansion, shock, etc., of the ink, thereby preventing the stoppage of the air passage and the ink from flowing outside the body. The writing instrument includes, an ink tank, an ink intake retainer body, a tubular drawing tip, and an ink drain restriction body, which has greater porosities than those of the ink intake retainer body. The ink drain restriction body is formed on the part of an air passage of the ink intake retainer body. Therefore, the ink drain restriction body for absorbing and storing the ink, which is drained toward the air passage due to volume expansion, shock flow, etc., is provided in the rear of the ink intake retainer.

Abstract: A writing instrument containing an ink reservoir, a writing medium, and a writing tip. Advantageously, a superabsorbent polymer can be associated with any writing instrument element or component, in order to absorb a writing medium to an extent sufficient to prevent abnormal or undesired leakage of the writing medium. The SAP can include, but is not limited to, polymers or copolymers preferably present at or near the surface of the writing instrument element or component in an amount such that the SAP does not substantially interfere with the desired communication or flow of the writing medium from the reservoir to the writing tip during normal use. Writing instruments according to the present invention should exhibit increased writing medium leak resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a writing instrument containing an ink reservoir, a writing medium, and a writing tip. Advantageously, a superabsorbent polymer can be associated with any writing instrument element or component, in order to absorb a writing medium to an extent sufficient to prevent abnormal or undesired leakage of the writing medium. The SAP can include, but is not limited to, polymers or copolymers preferably present at or near the surface of the writing instrument element or component in an amount such that the SAP does not substantially interfere with the desired communication or flow of the writing medium from the reservoir to the writing tip during normal use. Writing instruments according to the present invention should exhibit increased writing medium leak resistance.

Abstract: A writing implement having a feeder core for feeding ink in an ink tank to a pen tip and an ink collector in which a plurality of comb-tooth like elements formed with an air-liquid exchange groove are arranged at intervals in a feeder core axial direction. An ink holding plate is provided so as to face a rear end face of the ink collector in such a manner as to form a gap for holding the ink in the ink tank by way of the capillary phenomenon between the ink holding plate an the rear end face. A plurality of air exchange grooves in which ink flows and is discharged in an amount responding to a change in pressure in the ink tank into and from grooves between the comb-tooth like elements which are formed between an outer edge portion of the comb-tooth like element and a feeder core contact.

Abstract: A collector type writing instrument including: a collector for temporarily storing ink therein upon a change in inter pressure, a sectioning portion for substantially separating its ink tank for storing ink, and a snorkel having a vent portion for establishing air communication between the front and rear spaces divided by the sectioning portion or an ink absorber for reducing the inner tank volume, wherein the snorkel or the cladding of the ink absorber is molded of the same material as the collector or the ink tank is or is subjected to the same wettability reforming treatment as the collector or the ink tank is.

Abstract: A free-ink type writing instrument having a temporary ink collector having a sectionally combed configuration, between an ink tank chamber and an writing tip and inside the front barrel, wherein all or part of the gaps between neighboring combed teeth for retaining ink in the temporary ink collector are set equal to 0.15 mm or smaller, and the ink tank is charged with an ink having a surface tension equal to 30 mN/m or lower at 25° C.

Abstract: A writing utensil has a container for receiving temporarily a writing liquid oversupplied from a reservoir. A plurality of liquid staying pieces are formed on the outer periphery of the container in layers at a regular distance. A liquid supplying passage is formed along the central axis of the container. A through-hole is formed at a wall of the container for communicating a space formed by the staying pieces with the supplying passage. Upward guiding slits are formed vertically in a straight line at the staying pieces. A tension generating space is formed on the outer periphery of the container diametrically opposite to the upward guiding slits. A pair of downward guiding protrusions are formed longitudinally in the tension generating space and provide a downward guiding groove therebetween. A downward guiding slit is formed at the uppermost staying piece while being aligned with the downward guiding groove.

Abstract: A free-ink type writing instrument includes: an ink tank for holding ink; a temporary ink collector for temporarily retaining the ink flowing out from the ink tank; a partitioning wall separating the ink tank and the temporary ink collector; and a pen core disposed from the ink tank, penetrating through the partitioning wall and the ink collector so as to allow ink to flow out from the ink tank, and is characterized in that the storage volume Vc of the ink collector and the ink tank volume Vo satisfy the relation Vc≧0.18Vo.

Abstract: A free-ink type writing instrument includes: an ink tank for holding ink; a temporary ink collector for temporarily retaining the ink flowing out from the ink tank; a partitioning wall separating the ink tank and the temporary ink collector; and a pen core disposed from the ink tank, penetrating through the partitioning wall and the ink collector so as to allow ink to flow out from the ink tank, and is characterized in that the storage volume Vc of the ink collector and the ink tank volume Vo satisfy the relation Vc≧0.18 Vo.

Abstract: A free-ink collector type writing implement includes ink (12) having a low viscosity of 2 to 100 mPa S, a collector (6) having both an internal pressure regulating function and an ink guiding feed, and a thin reservoir (1) having an ink holding capability connected with the ink guiding feed is accommodated in an ink tank (7), wherein the volumes of the reservoir (1), the ink tank (7) and the collector (6) are set to have an optimum relationship. Furthermore, the ink tank (7) is separated into two parts by a ring (13).

Abstract: A direct-feed type writing implement includes: a point assembly having a writing point at the tip thereof; an ink tank directly storing a relatively low viscosity ink having a viscosity of 2 to 100 mPa·S at room temperature; an ink collector for adjusting the internal pressure in the ink tank by utilizing capillarity; a feeder including a center core, for feeding ink from the ink tank to the writing point; a duct pipe connecting the ink collector and the ink tank; and a duct pipe ink storage portion provided for the duct pipe. In another embodiment, ink is supplied to the center core as the ink feeder only through the duct pipe.

Abstract: A direct-feed type writing implement includes: a point assembly having a writing point at the tip thereof; an ink tank directly storing a relatively low viscosity ink having a viscosity of 2 to 100 mPa.S at room temperature; an ink collector made up of a multiple number of vanes for adjusting the internal pressure of the ink tank by utilizing capillarity; a feeder including a center core, for feeding ink from the ink tank to the writing point; an ink absorber connected to the center core as the ink feeder; and a duct pipe connecting the ink collector and the ink tank; and preferably, ink is supplied to the center core as the ink feeder only through the ink absorber and the duct pipe.

Abstract: A feeding duct for writing liquid in fountain pen nibs and method of producing same, wherein the duct includes a substantially cylindrical element having multiple circumferential grooves creating respective fins, of a support for a nib and a connecting mans to an ink reservoir the feeding duct is produced in two distinct portions disposed symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal plane each portion is provided with a longitudinal recess extending along the entire length of the portion, apart from the front end thereof, and is combined with recess of the other portion to form a groove when the two portions are secured one to another.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator for storing and returning excess fluid flow resulting from changes in atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. The fluid flow regulator includes a continuous, uniform path having a triangular cross-sectional shape which particularly facilitates capillary attraction of the excess fluid.

Abstract: A free ink type writing instrument using an ink containing an organic solvent as a main solvent, wherein a temporary ink reservoir member has a larger critical surface tension than a surface tension of the ink, and an absolute value of a difference between values of solubility parameters of a material constituting the temporary ink reservoir member and a solvent contained in the ink is 1 or more.

Abstract: A longitudinal groove which allows a number of annular grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface of an ink storage body to communicate with an ink chamber is cut halfway into the thickness of a flange formed at the rear part of the ink storage body. An outer part of the longitudinal groove cut into the flange is made to communicate with a passage which is defined by a cutout formed on the periphery of the flange and the inner wall of the barrel cylinder so that this passage establishes communication between the longitudinal groove and the ink chamber.

Abstract: A writing instrument has an ink reservoir, a nib and a feeder which temporarily stores ink which is pushed out of or pulled into the ink reservoir. The ink reservoir communicates with the nib through an ink supplying passage. The feeder chamber communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communicating passage and with the ink reservoir through a capillary flow passage. The cross-sectional area of the capillary flow passage is small enough to hold ink in the capillary flow passage due to a surface tension of the ink. When the pressure in the ink reservoir due to a temperature change, etc., ink flows in the feeder chamber through the capillary flow passage or is returned from the feeder chamber to the ink reservoir. Since the feeder chamber is hollow, its volume is large and has a simple structure, the feeder can be manufactured easily. A low flow resistance of the capillary flow passage provides good response for compensation for a pressure change.

Abstract: A writing unit for a cartridge fountain pen comprising an ink feeder 3, a writing nib 1 mounted to the forward end portion of the ink feeder, and a gripping piece 2 enclosing the rearward end portion of the ink feeder. A capillary gap 3a extends along the longitudinal length of the rearward end portion of the ink feeder and to the writing nib, and an air channel 3c of generally triangular outline overlies the gap 3a. To compensate for an expansion of air in the writing unit caused by temperature fluctuations, a plurality of lamellar collecting chambers 3e are formed in the ink feeder along each side of the capillary gap, with each collecting chamber communicating with one of the two upper corners of the triangular air channel via an overflow capillary 3d. Also, to avoid a dripping or leakage of ink after tapping the cartridge, there is provided a fluid control valve which communicates with one of the two upper corners of the triangular air channel at a location adjacent the writing nib.

Abstract: A supply system is provided for a device that operates with capillary forces and is used to apply liquids. The system includes receptacles that accommodate the liquid and are closed off relative to the atmosphere. Also provided is an application element that communicates with the receptacles via a feed mechanism and serves for the application of the liquid, for which purpose the application element has a discharge. Each of the receptacles is provided with an inlet and an outlet, with the receptacles being interconnected in the manner of a series connection by having the outlet of one receptacle communicate with the inlet of another receptacle. The capillarity of the inlets and outlets is greater than the capillarity of the receptacles in the vicinity of the inlets and outlets thereof, and is less than the capillarity of the discharge of the application element.

Abstract: Tubular writing pens of the stylographic type, as used by artists and technical draftsmen. Particularly a tubular writing pen having superposed inner and outer ink pressure equalization chambers defined in the cylindrical pen body. A removable outer sleeve complementally engages the cylindrical body of the pen, to cover the outer pressure equalization chamber. A locking surface is defined in the removable sleeve rear edge, so that the sleeve may not be removed accidently with consequent ink loss and damage.

Abstract: An ink feed for a fountain pen has a main body provided with radial ink holding chambers, the rear end of which can be connected with the ink reservoir of a fountain pen, and which has on the nib support side an axially running groove to receive an inset, between which inset and the base of the groove, an air channel and at least one capillary ink feed channel are formed. The front end of the ink feed channel opens into an ink reserve space constructed between the main body and the inset, which space is connected via a capillary ink exit slit between the front end region of the inset and the main body, with the nib support surface. The ink exit slit extends from the middle of the groove to its two sides and at least with partial sections to the rear.

Abstract: Improvements in stylographic technical writing pens, particularly through a venting channel design which provides for a pressure balancing, or equalization, between an ultimate ink reservoir pressure and the total pressure at the writing tip; as writing depletes ink within the reservoir. Particularly, a venting channel, extending from the reservoir to ambient air, has the size of its cross-sectional shape vary as a function of the distance from its communication with the reservoir, with the variation calculated to offset gravitational forces attendant to a moving ink meniscus inside the vent channel. The balancing of total pressures also provides a constant ink flow through the writing tip when writing since the total pressure at the tip is maintained constant by the vent channel configuration.

Abstract: A balanced ink feeding system comprises a lamellate body connected to a retaining member holding a writing element for feeding ink to the writing element, the retaining member with the lamellate body being fluid-tightly fastened in a housing sleeve by frictional engagement therewith.

Abstract: A pen core for a writing instrument, particularly, for use in a recorder in which writing must be continuously carried out over long periods using a relatively small ink supply. The instrument has an ink conducting core for conducting ink to a writing member, and a barrel with an ink reservoir, the barrel being fitted on the outer wall of the pen core body. An annular groove in the form of a single continuous passageway is formed in the outer wall of the pen core body, the annular groove having a front end connected to an ink sucking groove, which is in turn communicated with the ink conducting core. An air passageway having a front end communicated with an air hole and a rear end communicated with the rear end of the annular groove is formed in the outer wall of the pen core body in such a manner that the air passageway does not cross the annular groove.

Abstract: A writing instrument of an extremely simple structure in which stored ink previously extruded upon increase of the internal pressure of an ink chamber is subsequently sucked up by decrease of the internal pressure of the ink chamber and returned to the ink chamber, thereby preventing the outputting of ink drops in a downward orientation of pen, particularly when a large amount of ink is stored.

Abstract: A tubular nib having a beak-shaped section at one end of a tube, a slit formed in the beak-shaped section, and a slit-widening inhibiting section having a radius of curvature larger than that of the tubular part of the tubular nib at least at the section across the innermost end of the slit in the beak-shaped part of the tubular nib.

Abstract: A capillary writing pen of the type having an expansion or compensation chamber intermediate the ink reservoir and ambient air. The expansion chamber is improved such that inadvertent flowing of ink from the reservoir to the capillary pen tip due either to pressure or temperature changes is avoided. The interior wall of the expansion chamber is profiled as a contiguous series of transverse indentations which extend circumferentially about the tubular pen body to provide successive expansion areas for entrapment of air and constrictive areas where menisci of ink are formed. The forming of the menisci entraps air bubbles within the ink and, accordingly, provides increased resistance to capillary flow of ink.

Abstract: A capillary writing pen of the type having an expansion or compensation chamber intermediate the ink reservoir and ambient air. The expansion chamber is improved such that inadvertent flowing of ink reservoir to the capillary pen tip due either to pressure or temperature changes is avoided. The interior wall of the expansion chamber is profiled as a contiguous series of transverse indentations which provide successive expansion areas for entrapment of air and constrictive areas where menisci of ink are formed. The forming of the menisci entraps air bubbles within the ink and, accordingly, provides increased resistance to capillary flow of ink.