Abstract: A writing instrument with enhanced tactile feel, more gripping security and ergonomic comfort which is adaptable to the customized hand geometry of a specific user and can include a barrel with an outer gripping surface wherein the barrel includes a barrel framework with an axial bore extending therethrough to a tip opening. A gripping section is defined on the barrel in the shape of a hollow core member to define a gripping channel extending therearound. The barrel gripping member is mounted in the gripping channel fixedly with respect to the hollow core and is made of a more flexibly resilient and pliable material than the harder material of the barrel framework to facilitate gripping thereof and to enhance tactile control. The barrel gripping member and the barrel framework in combination are co-molded in such a manner as together to define the outer gripping surface of the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the manufacture of various different configurations of marking instruments which utilizes a uniquely configured nib holder which includes a media transfer channel therethrough along with a nib mounting ring and securement prong or finger apparatus for facilitating the mounting and retaining of a marking nib therewithin. A conventional marker barrel being generally tubular with end openings is included which can be used for forming either single or double ended marking pens which share a common marking media reservoir or have different media used therewith. The nib mounting ring of the nib holder is designed to orient the nib centrally within the media transfer channel at the nib holder and the securement prongs are adapted to abut and grip the nib holder for retaining in position therethrough and preferably in abutment with respect to a conventional generally fibrous marking media reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the manufacture of various different configurations of marking instruments which utilizes a uniquely configured nib holder which includes a media transfer channel therethrough along with a nib mounting ring and securement prong or finger apparatus for facilitating the mounting and retaining of a marking nib therewithin. A conventional marker barrel being generally tubular with end openings is included which can be used for forming either single or double ended marking pens which share a common marking media reservoir or have different media used therewith. The nib mounting ring of the nib holder is designed to orient the nib centrally within the media transfer channel at the nib holder and the securement prongs are adapted to abut and grip the nib holder for retaining in position therethrough and preferably in abutment with respect to a conventional generally fibrous marking media reservoir.

Abstract: An improved writing instrument and method for manufacture thereof wherein a coating of a varnish mixture including a hardening component is applied by spraying or dipping or being force fed through a lacquer pot and squeegee to coat the external housing of the writing instrument to provide it with a compressible polyurethane friction coating thereon which is soft to grasp to greatly facilitate grasping and holding thereof. The compressible friction coating is more compressible than the conventional plastic, wood or composite material normally used for the external housing of a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil and provides a high friction surface to facilitate grasping and aid in accurately writing or drawing as desired. The external housing can include one or two coatings of the compressible polyurethane friction coating such as to provide additional compressibility thereof.

Abstract: A device for sharpening crayons and other soft marking instruments normally made from waxes, plastics and other soft material which includes a protective ring defining an aperture with a plurality of support members extending longitudinally therefrom. A plurality of sharpening blades extend longitudinally along the support members and are fixedly secured thereto to define a sharpening zone between the support members. Each of the sharpening blades is arcuate along its entire length extending from the protective ring to a base to which the individual support members converge. This arcuate shape is preferably of a parabolic shape to facilitate the sharpening of crayons to a blunt end shape. Debris outlets are defined between the support members and a retaining cup can be secured thereto for collecting debris.

Abstract: A marking pen design with a cap attached to the barrel of the pen wherein the cap is securable with respect to a reduced diameter end piece surrounding a marking tip and is removable therefrom while maintaining attachment with respect to the barrel to be detachable secured into a tubular bore extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the marking pen. The longitudinal bore is preferably tubular in shade and the cap is preferably of a tapered tubular shape to facilitate wedging interconnection therebetween. The attachment of the cap to the pen is by way or a flexibly resilient means preferably including a loop detachably secured in a peripheral slot defined about the outer circumference of the pen barrel. The pen cap further includes an inner and outer cap means with venting means therebetween wherein the inner cap means engages the reduced diameter flange for preventing drying of the marking tip.