Abstract: A cleaning article includes: a first panel having: a first fiber layer; and a first substrate attached to the first fiber layer by a first connection type; and a second panel having: a second fiber layer; and a second substrate attached to the second fiber layer by the first connection type. The first connection type includes a first connection line in parallel with a second connection line, the first and second connection lines together straddling a center line of a respective panel that extends in an axial direction. The first panel is attached to the second panel by a plurality of spot connections so as to create a pocket between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A dusting tool having a flexible skeletal element including a base, from which four elongated arms extend. The elongated arms have a base end and a distal end. The base ends extend from the base and being spaced apart from one another at the base. The arms being flexible and resilient. A plurality of cross-members extend between the elongated arms, a plurality of living hinges being disposed between the plurality of cross-members and the elongated arms. A force applied to at least one of the elongated arms is transmitted to the other of the elongated arm by the plurality of cross-members and the plurality of living hinges.

Abstract: A micro motion poppet valve for a writing instrument provides delivery of ink with large pigment particles to a porous writing nib with minimal nib movement and relatively light actuation forces. The micro motion poppet valve includes a nib connected to a valve stem, the valve stem being connected to a valve plug. A valve body is integrally formed with a biasing element, which biases the valve stem towards a closed position. When a user presses the nib against a writing surface the valve plug moves away from a raised valve seat located on the biasing element to allow ink to flow from an ink reservoir to the nib.

Abstract: A retractable instrument in accordance with the disclosure advantageously has a simple construction and fewer pieces or sub-assemblies than known retractable instruments. The retractable instrument includes a barrel that encloses a tool holder. The tool holder has an extension, and a tool extending from the distal end of the extension. A valve selectively covers the tool to protect the tool from environmental conditions. A biasing element is disposed between the valve and the tool holder, the biasing element biases the valve away from the tool holder. A movable closure assembly retains the valve on the extension and selectively allows the lid to open and close. The closure assembly includes a closure ring and a retention ring connected by one or more closure arms. The retention ring is disposed on the tool holder and the retention ring is prevented from sliding off of the tool holder by a retention stop.

Abstract: A micro motion poppet valve for a writing instrument provides delivery of ink with large pigment particles to a porous writing nib with minimal nib movement and relatively light actuation forces. The micro motion poppet valve includes a nib connected to a valve stem, the valve stem being connected to a valve plug. A valve body is integrally formed with a biasing element, which biases the valve stem towards a closed position. When a user presses the nib against a writing surface the valve plug moves away from a raised valve seat located on the biasing element to allow ink to flow from an ink reservoir to the nib.

Abstract: A retractable instrument in accordance with the disclosure advantageously has a simple construction and fewer pieces or sub-assemblies than known retractable instruments. The retractable instrument includes a barrel that encloses a tool holder. The tool holder has an extension, and a tool extending from the distal end of the extension. A valve selectively covers the tool to protect the tool from environmental conditions. A biasing element is disposed between the valve and the tool holder, the biasing element biases the valve away from the tool holder. A movable closure assembly retains the valve on the extension and selectively allows the lid to open and close. The closure assembly includes a closure ring and a retention ring connected by one or more closure arms. The retention ring is disposed on the tool holder and the retention ring is prevented from sliding off of the tool holder by a retention stop.

Abstract: A retractable instrument in accordance with the disclosure advantageously has a simple construction and fewer pieces or sub-assemblies than known retractable instruments. The retractable instrument includes a barrel that encloses a tool holder. The tool holder has an extension, and a tool extending from the distal end of the extension. A valve selectively covers the tool to protect the tool from environmental conditions. A biasing element is disposed between the valve and the tool holder, the biasing element biases the valve away from the tool holder. A movable closure assembly retains the valve on the extension and selectively allows the lid to open and close. The closure assembly includes a closure ring and a retention ring connected by one or more closure arms. The retention ring is disposed on the tool holder and the retention ring is prevented from sliding off of the tool holder by a retention stop.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a retractable instrument having an applicator element comprises at least two fingers and a sleeve operatively coupled with the at least two fingers. When the retractable instrument is in a retracted position, the sleeve constrains the fingers such that the fingers are in a fully closed state around the applicator element. Protraction of the sleeve and relative movement between the fingers and the sleeve allows the fingers to open, thereby exposing the applicator element. Thus, the closure assembly opens to expose an applicator element such that the applicator element is in an application position.

Abstract: A retractable instrument in accordance with the disclosure advantageously has a simple construction and fewer pieces or sub-assemblies than known retractable instruments. The retractable instrument includes a barrel that encloses a tool holder. The tool holder has an extension, and a tool extending from the distal end of the extension. A valve selectively covers the tool to protect the tool from environmental conditions. A biasing element is disposed between the valve and the tool holder, the biasing element biases the valve away from the tool holder. A movable closure assembly retains the valve on the extension and selectively allows the lid to open and close. The closure assembly includes a closure ring and a retention ring connected by one or more closure arms. The retention ring is disposed on the tool holder and the retention ring is prevented from sliding off of the tool holder by a retention stop.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a retractable instrument having an applicator element comprises at least two fingers and a sleeve operatively coupled with the at least two fingers. When the retractable instrument is in a retracted position, the sleeve constrains the fingers such that the fingers are in a fully closed state around the applicator element. Protraction of the sleeve and relative movement between the fingers and the sleeve allows the fingers to open, thereby exposing the applicator element. Thus, the closure assembly opens to expose an applicator element such that the applicator element is in an application position.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a retractable instrument having an applicator element is disclosed, the seal assembly comprising a base, at least two fingers attached to the base, and a sleeve surrounding the base. When the retractable instrument is in a retracted position, the sleeve constrains the fingers such that the fingers are in a fully closed state and seal the applicator element. Protraction of the base relative to the sleeve allows the fingers to open, thereby exposing the applicator element. Thus, the seal assembly opens to expose an applicator element such that the applicator element is in an application position; however, none of the elements of the seal assembly contacts the applicator element to transfer fluid from the applicator element, thereby eliminating potential degradation of the seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a retractable instrument having an applicator element is disclosed, the seal assembly comprising a base, at least two fingers attached to the base, and a sleeve surrounding the base. When the retractable instrument is in a retracted position, the sleeve constrains the fingers such that the fingers are in a fully closed state and seal the applicator element. Protraction of the base relative to the sleeve allows the fingers to open, thereby exposing the applicator element. Thus, the seal assembly opens to expose an applicator element such that the applicator element is in an application position; however, none of the elements of the seal assembly contacts the applicator element to transfer fluid from the applicator element, thereby eliminating potential degradation of the seal.