Combined Patents (Class 401/52)
  • Patent number: 6773191
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Killion
  • Patent number: 6742953
    Abstract: A writing instrument having a display window for displaying images from inside the barrel or body member of the writing instrument. The display window is formed by applying a wrap element having a hole therethrough to a transparent portion of the body member. A writing instrument having a locating mark thereon for facilitating accurate, efficient assembly of a writing instrument. More particularly, the locating mark may be disposed on a wrap element according to a predetermined positional relationship with respect to at least one feature or component of the writing instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin S. Burden, Arthur R. Hamilton, Jr., Edwin L. James, Christopher K. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040100663
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning printed or graphical information is providing having an optical reader and an integral marking device such as an ink containing highlighter. The apparatus also has at least one output transmission device as well as an internal light source, a pressure sensitive switch for activating the light source and an ink shield/light tube for protecting the reader from the highlighter's ink. The apparatus can be of a single, integral construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Spencer N. Pisczak, Joseph A. Vero
  • Patent number: 6739780
    Abstract: A pen with variable penholder styles having provided at the front section a hollow insertion tube in smaller diameter to contain a refill, multiple decoration rings being inserted onto the peripheral of the insertion tube; surface of the decoration ring being provided with specific color, stripe or pattern; a pen point cover being screwed to the front end of the insertion tube; each and all decoration rings being adjustable as desire and then held tightly together under the compression of the pen point cover to create for the penholder a personal style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Yi Kuo
  • Publication number: 20040086318
    Abstract: A unique writing instrument is described. Preferred is a writing instrument with an application of decorative beads to the surface of the instrument or within the clear barrel of a writing instrument. A method of producing the beaded writing instrument is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: William Thomas Geddes
  • Patent number: 6729785
    Abstract: A mechanical pencil and/or pen and method for operating a mechanical pencil and/or pen is provided. The mechanical pencil includes a barrel, a lead chamber, a first pressure actuator, an eraser chamber, and a second pressure actuator. The first pressure actuator is situated on the outer surface and is coupled to the lead chamber. The lead chamber holds the lead and pressing the first pressure actuator advances the lead chamber causing the lead to advance. The second pressure actuator is situated on the outer surface and is coupled to the eraser chamber. The eraser chamber holds the eraser and pressing the second pressure actuator advances the eraser chamber causing the eraser to advance. A pen including a barrel, a pen chamber, an eraser chamber, and an eraser pressure actuator is also provided. The barrel includes a pen-end, an eraser-end, and an outer surface. The pen chamber is situated in the pen-end and holds the pen. The eraser chamber is situated in the eraser-end and holds an eraser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Rose Art Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roshan Wijerama
  • Patent number: 6722803
    Abstract: A pencil includes a writing element; and an envelope in surrounding relationship to the writing element. The envelope defines with the writing element a pencil tip and is constructed to include a cleansing material for effecting a spontaneous cleaning of the pencil tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: KUM Limited
    Inventor: Fritz Lüttgens
  • Patent number: 6719473
    Abstract: A light emitting pen emits light unidirectioanlly or bidirectionally. By pressing a press button, an upper light emitting unit or lower light emitting unit are controlled to light up or distinguished. Moreover, the rising and descending of the filler is controllable so that the pen head will protrude out or embedded into the pen tube. Thereby, at night, by the upper lower pen tube or lower light emitting unit to emit light, light emits so as to provide illumination for writing. When the two light emitting units do no light up, the pen head will embed into the pen tube for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Kao
  • Publication number: 20040042837
    Abstract: A pencil includes a writing element; and an envelope in surrounding relationship to the writing element. The envelope defines with the writing element a pencil tip and is constructed to include a cleansing material for effecting a spontaneous cleaning of the pencil tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: KUM Limited, IE - Trim, Co.
    Inventor: Fritz Luttgens
  • Publication number: 20040037609
    Abstract: In a stick-like object receiving member having safety precautions, which receives a stick-lik object, a sufficient air passage is secured without exerting an influence on the size of the stick-like object or the receiving member. An eraser receiving member 16, which is the stick-like object receiving member, includes a cylindrical side portion 16b which engages with at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of an eraser 13, and surrounds at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the eraser 13, and a bottom portion 16a which closes one end of the cylindrical side portion 16b. A slit 16e is formed in the cylindrical side portion 16b and bottom portion 16a so as to penetrate the cylindrical side portion 16b and bottom portion 16a in the axial direction, and the slit 16e serves as an air passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidehei Kageyama
  • Publication number: 20040028451
    Abstract: A mechanical pencil and/or pen and method for operating a mechanical pencil and/or pen is provided. The mechanical pencil includes a barrel, a lead chamber, a first pressure actuator, an eraser chamber, and a second pressure actuator. The first pressure actuator is situated on the outer surface and is coupled to the lead chamber. The lead chamber holds the lead and pressing the first pressure actuator advances the lead chamber causing the lead to advance. The second pressure actuator is situated on the outer surface and is coupled to the eraser chamber. The eraser chamber holds the eraser and pressing the second pressure actuator advances the eraser chamber causing the eraser to advance. A pen including a barrel, a pen chamber, an eraser chamber, and an eraser pressure actuator is also provided. The barrel includes a pen-end, an eraser-end, and an outer surface. The pen chamber is situated in the pen-end and holds the pen. The eraser chamber is situated in the eraser-end and holds an eraser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Roshan Wijerama
  • Publication number: 20030210946
    Abstract: A writing instrument and associated carrier compartment that include electronic components. A communications link can be established between the writing instrument and the carrier compartment to allow dual direction communication between the carrier compartment and the writing instrument. A biometric database includes information for registered writing instrument users. A registered user can initiate data requests through the writing instrument, providing as authorization newly collected biometric data. The carrier compartment can receive the request, process the request by contacting a respective service or data provider, and transfer the request with the collected biometric data to the service provider. The service provider, as a subscriber to the biometric database, processes the request upon verification of the biometric data. A pre-established user account can reflect the requested transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Stefaan De Schrijver
  • Patent number: 6623136
    Abstract: A pen with a scanner pen head and a twist switch comprised of a writing pen, an upper penholder section, a twist switch and a light emission device; a chamber containing three gradations in the upper penholder section to receive penetration of a guide pin from a plunger in the upper penholder section with the lower end of the plunger linked to the upper end of the writing pen so to control the plunger to rise to retract or to descend to expose a refill for writing purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Yi Kuo
  • Publication number: 20030175066
    Abstract: A retractable pencil apparatus that threadably receives a lead pencil and preferably attaches to a compact spring actuated automatic rewinding reel known in the art. Such retractable pencil apparatus comprising an elongated body having a first end portion, a recessed end portion, and a tapered portion disposed between the first end portion and the recessed end portion. Said first end portion having a horizontally positioned interior threaded bore disposed therein, said interior bore sized to threadably receive the lead pencil. Said recessed end portion having an aperture therethrough, said aperture sized to receive a standard key ring that is attached to the compact spring actuated automatic rewinding reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence Steckler
  • Patent number: 6612766
    Abstract: A writing instrument having rotatable beads of various shapes and sizes abutting one another so that the beads form logos, designs, words or messages for promotional or advertising purposes. The beads provide an ergonomically pleasing sensation to the user and further provide an element of amusement to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Mark G. Collins
  • Patent number: 6607323
    Abstract: An improved lip product applicator for applying a pasty or semi soft lip product to a user's lips comprising a body is described. The body has a product reservoir extending therefrom. The product reservoir is generally hollow and has a tip extending from an end of the reservoir opposite the body. The reservoir has a means for discharging product contained therein through an orifice in said tip. The tip is made of a clear material that permits the user to view the color of the product contained therein. The tip is also tapered and retains its tapered shape as lip product is applied to a user's lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Diane C. Breidenbach, Laurence W. Mille
  • Patent number: 6599045
    Abstract: A level pen/pencil or other writing instrument is equipped with an end-mounted level vial which mates with the pen/pencil barrel. The housing of the level is entirely clear allowing for the bubble of the level to be visible from all sides of the pen/pencil. The level pen/pencil is designed with sufficient length for reaching from a center of a child's head to a vertical wall surface for marking the child's height thereon. The level pen/pencil can also be used for other applications requiring both a level and a marking means such as construction, repair work, hanging pictures or shelves, or various other leveling and marking tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Gayle Kolb
    Inventor: Gayle L. Kolb
  • Publication number: 20030129013
    Abstract: A multiple marker holder (10) that is designed to retain within a single molded structure a carpenter's pencil (92) and three lumber crayons (94). The marker holder (10), which is configured to resemble a Greek cross, consists of a vertical tube (12) having a rectangular or circular cross-section, a right wall(18) and a left wall (20). To the two walls is respectively attached a right horizontal tube (28) and a left horizontal tube (44). Each tube includes a set of marker support tabs (62) that grip and accessively retain the carpenter's pencil (92) and the three lumber crayons (94).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Peter D. Poulos
  • Patent number: 6572299
    Abstract: A writing instrument where an abrasive strip or strips is provided formed substantially along the length of the main body of the writing instrument. There may be a single strip of abrasive material or a plurality of strips of abrasive material, preferably wherein each of the strips has a differing degree of abrasiveness. The external surface may be a variety of configurations, however, one is a square configuration wherein the differing abrasive surfaces are located along opposite faces of the square. A further writing instrument has a slotted external surface where the abrasive strip may be slid into the slotted section and secured in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Patricia Brennan
  • Patent number: 6565275
    Abstract: The marker may include a body, a cap, an end plug and an eraser. In one of the embodiments, the eraser is molded onto the end plug. The end plug may include an attachment portion and the eraser may have an attachment portion. The attachment portion on the end plug corresponds to the attachment portion on the eraser. The attachment portions may have different shapes and/or cross sections. In other embodiments the eraser may be attached to the end of the marker, to the barrel, or to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Brand, Vito Niosi, Robert S. Volk
  • Patent number: 6551002
    Abstract: A holder in combination with a writing instrument comprises a writing instrument having a decorative end opposite the writing end and a holder comprises a sleeve having decorative and/or advertising material printed thereon. The writing instrument is inserted into the sleeve to be held in an upright position such that the decorative end of the writing instrument and the decorative design on the sleeve coordinate with each other to provide an interesting and entertaining combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ben S. Loeb, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Puglisi
  • Patent number: 6547465
    Abstract: A pencil has a fixed non-replaceable eraser and a moveable sleeve. The fixed non-replaceable eraser is elongated to provide a larger eraser to pencil ratio in order to have more erase cycles per write cycles. The moveable sleeve can be moved to selectively expose a portion of the eraser. A ferrule couples the pencil body and the eraser together and provides an outer surface to engage an inner surface of the moveable sleeve. In one embodiment, a threaded female slot in the outer surface of the ferrule engages a male threaded tab in the inner surface of the sleeve. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric slots in the outer surface of the ferrule engage a tab in the inner surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Rago, David Small
  • Patent number: 6547470
    Abstract: A combination tool capable of being clipped into a pocket which incorporates an outwardly biased writing implement, e.g., pen, into a tip of a removable Phillips-head screwdriver tip at one end of a hexagonal tube while having a removable second tip, e.g., regular screwdriver tip at an opposed end. The handle, an inwardly biased clip affixed thereto for fastening into a shirt or pant pocket, is used for facilitating rotational movement of the hexagonal tube with screw tips attached, and is insertable over either tip and at least partially onto the hexagonal tube, an interior hole within the handle being dimensioned so as to permit sliding frictional engagement between the handle and the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the pen has a selectively retractable tip, retracting effected by converting inward radial force into compressive longitudinal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Legg
  • Patent number: 6505984
    Abstract: The crayon assembly includes a crayon and an eraser. The crayon is made of a material which can make a mark on paper and which is capable of being erased from paper. The crayon assembly may also include a label. The crayon may include an attachment portion which may be a pocket. The eraser may include an attachment portion which may be a post. The post corresponds to the pocket. The attachment portions may have different shapes and/or cross sections. The crayon may be connected to the eraser by molding. In other embodiments the eraser may be connected to the crayon by an adhesive, by a ferrule or by other configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Smith, Douglas A. Brand, Vito Niosi, Robert S. Volk
  • Publication number: 20030000958
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combined writing instrument/sheet material dispenser. The present invention is comprised of a body that has a tip portion, a sheet material dispenser portion and a grip portion disposed between the tip portion and the sheet material dispenser portion. Formed within the sheet material dispensing portion of the body is a compartment that is sized to receive and hold a stack of sheet material. The stack of sheet material is formed from a plurality of individual sheets that are adhered together with a releasable adhesive layer. A slot is formed in the sheet material dispensing portion of the body to communicate with the compartment and there by allow a top-most sheet in the stack to be exposed for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David C. Windorski, Jonathan P. Van Dore
  • Patent number: 6499896
    Abstract: A freehand writing instrument will hold a writing tip. The instrument can draw the writing tip across a writing surface in one or more strokes. The instrument has a case sized to be handheld and has a longitudinal axis extending between a distal and proximal end of the case. Also included is a motor mounted at the case. The writing instrument also has an arm mounted at the proximal end of the case. The arm is driven by the motor to move periodically about a predetermined center, reaching a maximum transverse displacement from the center. With the distal end of the case defined as a vertex, this maximum transverse displacement is sized to subtend a displacement angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The arm has a holder adapted to transversely hold the writing tip at an orientation displaced from parallel to the longitudinal axis no more than the displacement angle. The arm can produce a periodic pattern on the writing surface during the strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Lori Sickler
  • Publication number: 20020197092
    Abstract: A pigment application pencil includes a pencil column or a pencil plate of pigment material having a composition which readily rubs onto a contacting surface and being divided into several discrete color regions of differing pigment color, the column having at least one longitudinal flat side including portions of at least two of the color regions; so that sliding contact of two color regions on the flat side permits even and uniform parallel application of contrasting pigments along a well defined straight or curving line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Irina Iosilevich
  • Patent number: 6481908
    Abstract: An orbital marking pencil includes a marking retention body, marking convoluted body, and a marking collet. The marking collet retains a piece of lead on one end. The marking collet is retained in the marking convoluted body. The marking convoluted body is threaded into one end of the marking retention body. An orbital scratch-off card remover includes a remover retention body, remover convoluted body, and a lock ring. A remover collet retains a remover rod and is formed on one end of the remover convoluted body. The lock ring is slid over the remover collet. The remover convoluted body is threaded into one end of the remover retention body. The other ends of the orbital pencil and scratch-off card may be attached to each other to form a combination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt P. Lychwick
  • Patent number: 6474892
    Abstract: Multipurpose containers in which a variety of items can be stored, such as eyeglasses writing instruments pills, medicines, thermometers, rulers, note pads, to name a few of the nearly limitless number of items that can be stored. The containers may be provided with writing implements or gauges to measure a parameter, such as a timepiece, or a computational device, such as a calculator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Contour Optik, Inc.
    Inventor: David Chao
  • Publication number: 20020159817
    Abstract: The marker may include a body, a cap, an end plug and an eraser. In one of the embodiments, the eraser is molded onto the end plug. The end plug may include an attachment portion and the eraser may have an attachment portion. The attachment portion on the end plug corresponds to the attachment portion on the eraser. The attachment portions may have different shapes and/or cross sections. In other embodiments the eraser may be attached to the end of the marker, to the barrel, or to the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas A. Brand, Vito Niosi, Robert S. Volk
  • Publication number: 20020159818
    Abstract: The crayon assembly includes a crayon and an eraser. The crayon is made of a material which can make a mark on paper and which is capable of being erased from paper. The crayon assembly may also include a label. The crayon may include an attachment portion which may be a pocket. The eraser may include an attachment portion which may be a post. The post corresponds to the pocket. The attachment portions may have different shapes and/or cross sections. The crayon may be connected to the eraser by molding. In other embodiments the eraser may be connected to the crayon by an adhesive, by a ferrule or by other configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: David S. Smith, Douglas A. Brand, Vito Niosi, Robert S. Volk
  • Patent number: 6454479
    Abstract: An orbital marking pencil includes a marking retention body, marking convoluted body, and a marking collet. The marking collet retains a piece of lead on one end. The marking collet is retained in the marking convoluted body. The marking convoluted body is threaded into one end of the marking retention body. An orbital scratch-off card remover includes a remover retention body, remover convoluted body, and a lock ring. A remover collet retains a remover rod and is formed on one end of the remover convoluted body. The lock ring is slid over the remover collet. The remover convoluted body is threaded into one end of the remover retention body. The other ends of the orbital pencil and scratch-off card may be attached to each other to form a combination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt P. Lychwick
  • Patent number: 6450179
    Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a lipstick compartment having a distal end adapted to removably engage one of a set of interchangeable attachments, such as a receptacle for a second cosmetic and applicator, a cosmetic pencil sharpener, or a receptacle for holding an aqueous bubble forming solution and an appropriate bubble blowing device. An attachment mechanism is provided at the distal end to engage/disengage a given attachment. The attachment mechanism has an outer surface provided with splines or the like for grippingly engaging an inner surface of the distal end of the lipstick compartment to achieve a friction-fit connection that resists undesirable rotational movement within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: John Joseph Bengis
  • Patent number: 6447193
    Abstract: A writing utensil includes an external cylinder, a lead feeding mechanism housed in the external cylinder and propelling a lead forward, and a rear-end knocking member movable in conjunction with the lead feeding mechanism in an axial direction. The rear-end knocking member is integrally formed and includes a cylindrical section, a clip section, and a connecting section. The cylindrical section has a central hole into which the rear end of a lead case of the lead feeding mechanism is inserted and in which the rear of the cylindrical section protrudes from the rear end of the external cylinder. A clip section extends outside and along the external cylinder in an axial direction and a connecting section passing through a stem hole formed in the rear side face of the external cylinder for connecting the cylindrical section and the clip section together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehei Kageyama, Osamu Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20020106232
    Abstract: An orbital marking pencil includes a marking retention body, marking convoluted body, and a marking collet. The marking collet retains a piece of lead on one end. The marking collet is retained in the marking convoluted body. The marking convoluted body is threaded into one end of the marking retention body. An orbital scratch-off card remover includes a remover retention body, remover convoluted body, and a lock ring. A remover collet retains a remover rod and is formed on one end of the remover convoluted body. The lock ring is slid over the remover collet. The remover convoluted body is threaded into one end of the remover retention body. The other ends of the orbital pencil and scratch-off card may be attached to each other to form a combination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt P. Lychwick
  • Publication number: 20020106231
    Abstract: An orbital marking pencil includes a marking retention body, marking convoluted body, and a marking collet. The marking collet retains a piece of lead on one end. The marking collet is retained in the marking convoluted body. The marking convoluted body is threaded into one end of the marking retention body. An orbital scratch-off card remover includes a remover retention body, remover convoluted body, and a lock ring. A remover collet retains a remover rod and is formed on one end of the remover convoluted body. The lock ring is slid over the remover collet. The remover convoluted body is threaded into one end of the remover retention body. The other ends of the orbital pencil and scratch-off card may be attached to each other to form a combination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt P. Lychwick
  • Patent number: 6416241
    Abstract: A pencil (20) includes a threaded end (30). A threaded ferrule (24) surrounds an eraser (26), and threadably engages the threaded end (30). When the ferrule (24) is rotated, it screws down on the threaded end (30) thereby exposing an unused portion of the eraser (26). A stop mechanism (34) prevents the ferrule (24) from being unscrewed from the threaded end (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Gordon Adams
  • Patent number: 6405572
    Abstract: A locking apparatus attaches a key to a writing instrument. The locking apparatus comprises a barrel having a top end and a bottom end. The top end has a top opening with a first diameter. The second end is attached to the writing instrument. A bore extends inwardly from the top opening. The bore has a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. A step is formed in the barrel at top of the bore. A post has an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is slidably engaged in the bore. A plurality of tabs is pivotally connected to the lower section of the post. The tabs extend outwardly from the post so that tabs impinge the step. A ring is slidably supported in the bore. The ring has a center hole adapted to frictionally engage the tabs for removing the post from the barrel. A key is connected to the upper section of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: A.T.X. International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Seamans
  • Patent number: 6394680
    Abstract: A multi-purpose writing instrument including a cylindrical casing having an upper end, a lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The lower end has a writing tip removably coupled thereto. The cylindrical side wall has an elongated recess formed therein extending between the upper end and the lower end. An elongated pivot bar is removably coupled with the cylindrical casing. The elongated pivot bar has an upper end and a lower end. The pivot bar is selectively received within the elongated recess of the cylindrical casing in a closed orientation. A needle assembly extends outwardly from the pivot bar. The lower end of the pivot bar has a ring pivotally coupled thereto. The ring is positionable between the lower end of the cylindrical casing and the writing tip thereof whereby the pivot bar can be raised for positioning within the elongated recess, lowered to a position perpendicular to the cylindrical casing, or removed from the cylindrical casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Armen Poghosyan, Mariam Vardanyan
  • Publication number: 20020051671
    Abstract: A cosmetic container for mounting on a pencil comprises a hollow cylindrical body portion having an aperture at one end and a curved outwardly extending portion at the other end having a pivotal cap attached thereto. The outwardly extending portion comprises a recess for holding cosmetics and a notch to facilitate opening the cap which is attached by a living hinge. The outwardly extending portion includes a recessed cylindrical portion which extends upwardly to engage the hollow cap in a snap fit. The hollow cylindrical body portion engages a pencil end fitting over the eraser to permit easy access to cosmetic, such as lip-gloss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Jack Rodriguez, Charles Chang
  • Patent number: 6375375
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing colored cosmetic stick products comprising an external base having a portion for housing the cosmetic stick, a rotational assembly enabling extension and retraction of said stick, and a bottom portion which is hollowed out to form a cavity; a cap which telescopically fits onto the base for covering the stick; an insert containing a color indicator, said insert fitted into the cavity in the bottom of the base and forming the bottom of the base, said insert indicating the color of the cosmetic stick product found within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Elton Gebb, Laurent Jean Marie Hainaut, Anne Brunn
  • Patent number: 6347898
    Abstract: A dry-erase marker eraser is comprised of a springy tubular sleeve with a closed end and an open end. An erasing pad is attached to the closed end of the sleeve. Longitudinal gripping ribs are arranged around an interior wall of the sleeve adjacent the open end. Longitudinal stop ribs are arranged around the interior wall of the sleeve adjacent the closed end. The open end of the sleeve is adapted to fit around a butt end of a marker. The sleeve and gripping ribs are sized to engage markers between a minimum diameter and a maximum diameter. When the sleeve is positioned around a marker of the minimum diameter, the gripping ribs are closest from each other and the open end of the sleeve has a circular shape. When the sleeve is positioned around a marker of the maximum diameter, the gripping ribs are spread apart and the sleeve is reduced in curvature between the gripping ribs to a polygonal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventors: Julia Rhodes, Jorge Mercade
  • Publication number: 20020012564
    Abstract: A pen or flashlight for receiving eyeglasses includes a pen barrel or housing and a writing tip unit or flashlight unit. The pen barrel or housing includes a body which is adapted to receive a pair of eyeglasses therein, and which has open front and rear ends, and a fixed rear cap which is mounted fixedly on and which closes the rear end of the barrel body or housing. The writing tip or flashlight unit includes an openable front cap which has a front end and a rear end that is attached to and that closes the front end of the barrel body or housing. The writing tip unit also includes a writing tip which is confined within the front cap and which extends from the front end of the front cap. In another embodiment, the flashlight unit is secured to a sidewall of the housing and the housing is formed as two separable portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: David Chao
  • Patent number: 6318921
    Abstract: A plurality of pens or other marking implements is provided. They are set forth as a minimum of two, but by the simple technique of altering the reservoirs, the colors can be substituted almost infinitely. There are two for each implement, and these can be multiplied in two by changing the ink devices. Other changes can be made by duplicating the implements or writing pens, which come in pluralities of two. Adjacent pairs are locked together by shaping of the base, and the pens can be duplicated in initial savings by the colors chosen, and the number of pens can be duplicated depending upon the shape of the devices which are made to be interlinked by joining of the bases, and by the self-return of the base station from which the pens originate, the pens being joined to the base station by flexible links of indeterminate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Anne Craine
  • Patent number: 6299372
    Abstract: An advertise effect photo pen includes a front tube, a connecting seat and a rear tube. The rear end of the front tube is installed with an outer thread, in assembling, the outer thread is screwed into an inner thread of the connecting tube. The rear end of the connecting seat is installed with an outer thread, in assembling, the rear end of the connecting seat is screwed into an inner thread of the rear tube. Therefore, the rear tube is connected to the front tube by the connecting seat. The front tube is a hollow transparent material and a refill is connected at a front end. The surface of the connecting seat is a hollow transparent material. After processed by web printing, the surface is formed with a transparent surface and a shielding surface; and the shielding surface or the transparent surface has advertise patterns. The light emitting unit is a single color or a multiple color element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Kuan Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 6283661
    Abstract: The writing utensil includes a generally elongated hollow housing having a first longitudinal slot, a second longitudinal slot and a third longitudinal slot. A roll of paper is rotatably mounted within the housing. The roll of paper has a leading edge that is threadable out of the housing through the first slot, back into the housing through the second slot, and out of the housing through the third slot so that a selective portion of the roll of paper is removable from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Frank R. Connors
  • Patent number: 6270274
    Abstract: A pen for receiving eyeglasses includes a pen barrel and a writing tip unit. The pen barrel includes a barrel body which is adapted to receive a pair of eyeglasses therein, and which has open front and rear ends, and a fixed rear cap which is mounted fixedly on and which closes the rear end of the barrel body. The writing tip unit includes an openable front cap which has a front end and a rear end that is attached to and that closes the front end of the barrel body, and a writing tip which is confined within the front cap and which extends from the front end of the front cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: David Chao
  • Patent number: 6257789
    Abstract: A writing instrument with elongated housing and a writing tip has an inscription or receiving area formed by an insertion panel. The insertion panel is set in a recess in the housing and operatively connected to a cover panel by a hinge extending with its pivot axis in the direction of elongation of the housing. In its closed position, the covering panel covers the insertion panel and is set with its outer surface essentially in alignment with the adjacent housing portions. When the covering panel is open, the inscription or receiving area is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Montblanc-Simplo GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Podszuweit, Thomas Reichert
  • Patent number: 6247864
    Abstract: A paper dispensing note pen includes an elongate spool support member having a threaded back end and a bore therethrough and further includes a conical nose piece and an endcap which is removably threaded on the back end of the elongate spool support member, and also includes a tubular casing having an open back end and a longitudinal slot extending through the side of the casing and being adapted to receive sheets of paper therethrough and being removably engaged to the nose piece and to the endcap, and further includes a spool having a bore extending therethrough and being adapted to rotatably mount about the elongate spool support member and being removably disposed inside the casing and also includes a plurality of sheets of paper formed into a roll about the spool, and a cap member for removably closing about the writing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6244772
    Abstract: A writing instrument, notably a pen, comprising a body (1a, 1b) characterized in that this body or a fitted piece comprises at least one housing (6) having a transparent outer wall (7). The height of this housing (6) between its bottom and said transparent outer wall (7) is substantially constant, at least one movable decorative element (9) such as a diamond being movably mounted inside said housing (6), at least one of the dimensions of the movable element perpendicular to said height being substantially less than the corresponding dimension of the housing (6). This movable decorative element (9) is mounted in a support comprising two guide surfaces (10a, 10b) adjacent to the said bottom (6a) and to said transparent wall (7) respectively, these surfaces allowing random movement in translation and in rotation of said decorative element (9) about itself inside said housing (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Chopard International S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Ruchonnet