Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member.

Abstract: An advancing/retracting mechanism having a pair of cams is disclosed. The advancing/retracting mechanism includes a first cam, a second cam, and a barrel. The first cam includes an angled surface and a shoe, and the second cam includes an angled surface and a slider. The shoe engages with a helical surface in the barrel, and the slider engages with a straight surface in the barrel. The first cam travels a first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from a first to a second state, and the second cam travels a second distance that is greater then the first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first to the second state.

Abstract: A writing assembly includes a writing instrument having a first end with a marking point depending therefrom and a second, opposite end, and a cap having a first end with a receptacle defined therein and a second end, the first end of the writing instrument disposed into the receptacle of the cap in a first, storage state and the second end of the writing instrument disposed into the receptacle of the cap in a second, operational state. The writing assembly also includes an eraser assembly including a carrier and an eraser material attached to the carrier, the carrier attached to the second end of the cap.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided having an elongated shell having a longitudinal axis and an elongated assembly having a writing tip disposed at a first end of the elongated assembly. The elongated assembly is disposed at least partially in the elongated shell. The elongated assembly moves relative to the elongated shell between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis, a surface of the elongated assembly abutting a surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the first position and the surface of the elongated assembly spaced from the surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the second position. The writing instrument also includes a flexible bushing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible bushing is secured to the elongated shell and the second end of the flexible bushing secured to the elongated assembly. The flexible bushing biases the elongated assembly toward the second position.

Abstract: A writing assembly is provided. The writing assembly includes a writing instrument having a first end with a marking point depending therefrom and a second, opposite end, and a cap having a first end with a receptacle defined therein and a second end, the first end of the writing instrument disposed into the receptacle of the cap in a first, storage state and the second end of the writing instrument disposed into the receptacle of the cap in a second, operational state. The writing assembly also includes an eraser assembly including a carrier and an eraser material attached to the carrier, the carrier attached to the second end of the cap.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided having an elongated shell having a longitudinal axis and an elongated assembly having a writing tip disposed at a first end of the elongated assembly. The elongated assembly is disposed at least partially in the elongated shell. The elongated assembly moves relative to the elongated shell between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis, a surface of the elongated assembly abutting a surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the first position and the surface of the elongated assembly spaced from the surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the second position. The writing instrument also includes a flexible bushing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible bushing is secured to the elongated shell and the second end of the flexible bushing secured to the elongated assembly. The flexible bushing biases the elongated assembly toward the second position.

Abstract: A refill unit (1) for a writing instrument has a writing tip (5) at one end and a ratchet mechanism (7) at the other end through the use of which the unit (1) can be turned and selectively extended from and retracted into the writing instrument. The ratchet mechanism (7) is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the unit with respect to the writing tip (5). Each time the refill unit (1) is extended from or retracted into the writing instrument, the tip (5) rotates by a substantially random amount which ensures a more even distribution of wear on the writing tip (5).

Abstract: An advancing/retracting mechanism having a pair of cams is disclosed. The advancing/retracting mechanism includes a first cam, a second cam, and a barrel. The first cam includes an angled surface and a shoe, and the second cam includes an angled surface and a slider. The shoe engages with a helical surface in the barrel, and the slider engages with a straight surface in the barrel. The first cam travels a first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from a first to a second state, and the second cam travels a second distance that is greater then the first distance along the longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first to the second state.