Abstract: A compact writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap. A majority of a length of the barrel and a writing element carried thereby may be received by the cap when the barrel and the cap are placed in a stored position, providing a compact stored arrangement. The cap may be secured to the barrel in a writing arrangement that extends a length of the writing instrument significantly; for example, to a conventional writing instrument length. Engagement features of the cap and barrel may include steep threads that enable the cap to be assembled with and disassembled from the barrel with one rotation (360°) or less. A clip on the cap may include a closed end that defines a receptacle, with the closed end and receptacle extending beyond a corresponding end of the cap. In addition, the closed end and receptacle may extend partially over the corresponding end of the cap.

Abstract: A compact writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap. A majority of a length of the barrel and a writing element carried thereby may be received by the cap when the barrel and the cap are placed in a stored position, providing a compact stored arrangement. The cap may be secured to the barrel in a writing arrangement that extends a length of the writing instrument significantly; for example, to a conventional writing instrument length. Engagement features of the cap and barrel may include steep threads that enable the cap to be assembled with and disassembled from the barrel with one rotation (360°) or less. A clip on the cap may include a closed end that defines a receptacle, with the closed end and receptacle extending beyond a corresponding end of the cap. In addition, the closed end and receptacle may extend partially over the corresponding end of the cap.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap capable of being assembled with and secured to the barrel. The barrel carries a writing instrument. The cap carries a clip. A free end of the clip includes a detent that can be received by a corresponding indentation of an exterior surface of an external portion of the barrel when the cap is assembled with the barrel. The detent of the clip and the indentation of the barrel are capable of securing the cap and the barrel in their assembled relationship. The writing instrument may be compact. Methods of using a writing instrument include securing a cap of the writing instrument to a barrel of the writing instrument by causing a detent of a free end of a clip of the cap to engage a corresponding indentation of an exterior portion of the barrel.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap capable of being assembled with and secured to the barrel. The barrel carries a writing instrument. The cap carries a clip. A free end of the clip includes a detent that can be received by a corresponding indentation of an exterior surface of an external portion of the barrel when the cap is assembled with the barrel. The detent of the clip and the indentation of the barrel are capable of securing the cap and the barrel in their assembled relationship. The writing instrument may be compact. Methods of using a writing instrument include securing a cap of the writing instrument to a barrel of the writing instrument by causing a detent of a free end of a clip of the cap to engage a corresponding indentation of an exterior portion of the barrel.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap capable of being assembled with and secured to the barrel. The barrel carries a writing instrument. The cap carries a clip. A free end of the clip includes a detent that can be received by a corresponding indentation of an exterior surface of an external portion of the barrel when the cap is assembled with the barrel. The detent of the clip and the indentation of the barrel are capable of securing the cap and the barrel in their assembled relationship. The writing instrument may be compact. Methods of using a writing instrument include securing a cap of the writing instrument to a barrel of the writing instrument by causing a detent of a free end of a clip of the cap to engage a corresponding indentation of an exterior portion of the barrel.