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.

Abstract: A four part writing instrument mechanism includes a one piece synthetic anchor bushing and a one piece synthetic cartridge shuttle which are axially movable with respect to each other. A metal driver with a helical section engages a groove in the shuttle for moving the shuttle axially. The driver is axially fixed but rotatable on the anchor bushing. A writing cartridge, such as a ball point pen cartridge, is fixed to the shuttle and has a writing point which is extendable from and retractable into an opposite end of the anchor bushing.