Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushioning element adapted to be mounted on an article to provide cushioning therefor. The cushioning clement of the present invention has a bladder body at least partially defining a filling chamber. The filling chamber is filled with a flowable particulate matter. The present invention further includes a mounting member adapted to mount the bladder body onto the article. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the bladder body is deformable and the particulate matter within the filling chamber is capable of flowing inside the filling chamber upon the application of a deforming force to the deformable portion of the bladder body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushioning element adapted to be mounted on an article to provide cushioning therefor. The cushioning clement of the present invention has a bladder body at least partially defining a filling chamber. The filling chamber is filled with a flowable particulate matter. The present invention further includes a mounting member adapted to mount the bladder body onto the article. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the bladder body is deformable and the particulate matter within the filling chamber is capable of flowing inside the filling chamber upon the application of a deforming force to the deformable portion of the bladder body.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel defining a channel, an arcuate cam member coupled to the barrel and a writing element in communication with the cam member. The cam member is rotatable between a first position in which a writing end of the writing element is retracted within the channel and a second position in which the writing end of the writing element is extended out of the channel. The cam member rotates about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Various features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or cam member may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushioning element adapted to be mounted on an article to provide cushioning therefor. The cushioning element of the present invention has an encasing member at least partially defining a filling chamber. The filling chamber is filled with a flowable particulate matter. The present invention further includes a mounting member adapted to mount the encasing member onto the article. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the encasing member is deformable and the particulate matter within the filling chamber is capable of flowing inside the filling chamber upon the application of a deforming force to the deformable portion of the encasing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cushioning device that is adapted to retain a flowable medium to provide a cushioning effect. The cushioning device has a cushioning member having a deformable bladder member defining a medium chamber and a flowable medium, such as a fluid, retained in the chamber. The cushioning member is adapted to be mounted onto an article to thereby provide a cushioning effect for a user. The cushioning device can optionally have a support element to provide an additional cushioning effect. The present invention also relates to a cushioned article that has a finger-held or finger-manipulated article on which the cushioning device is mounted to provide a comfortable finger grip for a user. The cushioned article is so formed that it can fit within the user's finger grip and that the inflated bladder member can be deformed by the user's fingers or fingertips.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel defining a channel, an arcuate cam member coupled to the barrel and a writing element in communication with the cam member. The cam member is rotatable between a first position in which a writing end of the writing element is retracted within the channel and a second position in which the writing end of the writing element is extended out of the channel. The cam member rotates about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Various features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or cam member may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel defining a channel, an arcuate cam member coupled to the barrel and a writing element in communication with the cam member. The cam member is rotatable between a first position in which a writing end of the writing element is retracted within the channel and a second position in which the writing end of the writing element is extended out of the channel. The cam member rotates about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Various features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or cam member may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel defining a channel, an arcuate cam member coupled to the barrel and a writing element in communication with the cam member. The cam member is rotatable between a first position in which a writing end of the writing element is retracted within the channel and a second position in which the writing end of the writing element is extended out of the channel. The cam member rotates about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Various features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or cam member may be provided separately or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cushioning device that is adapted to retain a flowable medium to provide a cushioning effect. The cushioning device has a cushioning member having a deformable bladder member defining a medium chamber and a flowable medium, such as a fluid, retained in the chamber. The cushioning member is adapted to be mounted onto an article to thereby provide a cushioning effect for a user. The cushioning device can optionally have a support element to provide an additional cushioning effect. The present invention also relates to a cushioned article that has a finger-held or finger-manipulated article on which the cushioning device is mounted to provide a comfortable finger grip for a user. The cushioned article is so formed that it can fit within the user's finger grip and that the inflated bladder member can be deformed by the user's fingers or fingertips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reel assembly for a tape dispenser that includes a supply reel and a take-up reel. The reel assembly incorporates a clutch in the form of a viscous material disposed between a portion of the supply reel and a portion of the take-up reel. The viscous material serves to couple and provide controlled drag between the supply reel and take-up reel in order to properly tension a correction tape as it is dispensed from a correction tape dispenser. The invention also relates to a tape dispenser that utilizes a reel assembly having a viscous clutch and a tape cartridge. The reel assembly is preferably used in a correction tape dispenser for applying a correction film to a substrate.