Abstract: A pencil-centering assembly for use in pencil sharpeners or the like that includes a frame; a linking member rotatably mounted within the frame; a plurality of pencil contact levers, wherein each contact lever includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of each pencil contact lever is adapted to engage the linking member, wherein the bottom portion of each pencil contact lever, in combination with the other pencil contact levers, defines a pencil insertion aperture having a center axis, and wherein the bottom portion of each pencil contact lever extends in to the pencil insertion aperture to about the same distance; and at least one biasing member in contact with the linking member, wherein the biasing member exerts force on each pencil contact lever by way of the linking member sufficient to bias each pencil contact lever toward the center axis of the pencil insertion aperture.

Abstract: A writing instrument case includes a base having a first member and a second member rotatably attached to the first member via a hinge. A flap is attached to the base and includes at least one button adapted to fit within at least one dimple of the second member. The flap further includes a plurality of grooves, at least one groove having a knob to secure a portion of a writing instrument to the flap. The second member of the base is rotatably moveable between a closed position, in which the flap fits within the second member of the base, and an open position, in which the projection of the second member fits into the slot of the first member of the base upon rotation of the second member toward the first member, forming a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A dual cutter-carrier assembly that includes a rotatable carrier having a front portion, a rear portion, and a center portion, wherein the center portion defines an interior cavity that is adapted to receive a pencil to be sharpened; a first cutter pin mounted on the carrier, wherein the first cutter pin has a front portion having an annular groove formed therein; a first cutter rotatably and slidably mounted on the first cutter pin; a second cutter pin mounted on the carrier, wherein the second cutter pin has a front portion having an annular groove formed therein; a second cutter rotatably and slidably mounted on the second cutter pin; a contact plate mounted within the interior cavity at the rear portion of the carrier, having a first yoke mechanically coupled to the first cutter and a second yoke mechanically coupled to the second cutter, wherein the contact plate moves in the direction of a pencil that is being sharpened when the tip of the advancing pencil touches the contact plate, wherein the first an

Abstract: The disclosure provides transitorially erasable ink compositions, including an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, a rubber dissolved in the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, a hydrophilic pigment, and a surfactant. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing transitorially erasable ink compositions and writing instruments comprising transitorially erasable ink compositions. The disclosed erasable ink compositions write well, have strong color and erase easily transitorially, and demonstrate color stability.