Pen pocket

Abstract

A flexible writing utensil enclosure that provides for the safe storage and transportation of writing instruments while not in use. Specifically, the invention consists of a pocket device whereby writing instruments are placed in an enclosure formed by two opposite facing attached wall member forming a pocket. Once writing instruments are inserted into the pocket, a foldable flap is secured to an opposite wall member thereby providing an enclosure which may be placed in a clothing pocket, purse or briefcase for storage and transport by a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application of the provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/244,156 filed on Oct. 28, 2000, and entitled “Pen Pocket.” The present application claims the Oct. 28, 2000 filing date of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/244,156.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a flexible container for writing instruments that provides for transporting and storing pens and pencils in a stylish enclosure which is easily inserted into and carried in a person's clothing pockets, briefcase or purse.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Many attempts have been made over the years to provide useful and unique devices for holding small objects during periods of non-use or while being transported, such as writing implements, in a position ready for manual retrieval and immediate use. Nevertheless, in various environments where people are moving from different locations on an almost constant basis, such as equipment control rooms or door to door sales where writing implements are necessary to record data vital to business operations, people are still frequently frustrated at the unavailability of fully adequate writing instrument cases. Consequently, a continuing demand exists for a simple and inexpensive device to secure writing instruments, such as ink pens or pencils, in a case for easy storage, transport, retrieval and use.

[0006] In general, it has been found that currently available writing implement containers have limited capabilities, in that they are not sized for different types and lengths of writing instruments, and the orientation of the objects being held is not ideal. For example, most operating vehicles, such as cars or aircraft, do not have easily accessible or even functional pen and pencil holders. Therefore, the operators of vehicles or aircraft must carry writing utensils in a clothing pocket or briefcase where they can be easily misplaced. Likewise, writing instruments which are carried unsecured or unenclosed on one's person tend to leave pencil or pen marks on one's clothing from repeatedly being drawn and inserted into a clothing pocket or briefcase which leaves much to be desired in the art. Some writing utensil holders require an exterior pocket large enough to hold the writing instruments and container, such as a “pocket protector,” but do not allow for the writing implements to be contained so as to protect against loss of the implement or the discharge of ink onto the user's clothing.

[0007] Due to the restricted space available on personal clothing, and the unique and different pockets available within modern clothing, purse, and briefcase styles with which to adequately store and carry writing instruments, there remains an ongoing need for a device which will readily accommodate writing instruments of various lengths and provide a safe and secure enclosure which will protect the instruments on one's person. Moreover, there remains a need for a reliable means of transporting writing instruments on one's person while they are not in use which will protect not only the instruments, but the clothing and surrounding environment of the user from ink discharges or pencil marks. The above as well as additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following written detailed description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To avoid the limitations and problems with present methods of storing and transporting writing instruments in shirt and pant pockets, it is an object of the subject invention to completely contain writing instruments, including the pointed ends of inks pens and mechanical or wooden pencils, within an enclosure that will protect the writing instruments from adverse environments while not in use. The enclosure will be dimensioned appropriately to secure and contain writing instruments of various lengths and include a plurality of opposite facing wall members, one of which is foldable, that may fold over the opposite wall member to form an enclosure. A fastener will be positioned below the opening to the enclosure which will provide for controlled opening and closing of the flap in order to insert or retrieve writing instruments from the enclosure, as well as change the enclosure dimensions to adjust for writing instruments of various sizes.

[0009] Likewise, another object of the invention is to provide a stylish and appropriately dimensioned enclosure which will additionally protect the user's clothing from unwanted ink stains or pencil marks. The invention may be carried on one's person in a clothing pocket, a purse or briefcase as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a top view of the pen pocket device, in the flap open position, in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be implemented;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top side-view of the pen pocket in the flap closed position with several writing instruments of various lengths contained within the enclosure in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be implemented; and,

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the pen pocket device in both the open and closed flap position in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of the pen pocket device in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. The pen pocket device 100 is made up of a plurality of opposite facing wall members 102 and 104, one of which includes a foldable flap. The foldable flap may be opened or closed by Velcro means 106 to form a covered enclosure capable of receiving and containing writing instruments of various lengths.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pen pocket device 100 shown in the closed position. Writing instruments 204 are confined within the enclosure formed by wall members 102 and 104 which are coupled together by means known generally in the art, including but not limited to, stitching or adhesives. Velcro fastening means 106 are coupled to the interior side of wall member 104 and to the exterior side of wall member 102 in the general locations shown in the attached figures. FIG. 2 also displays the ability of the pen pocket device 100 to contain writing instruments 204 of various lengths as the foldable portion of wall member 104 is foldable at various points as a function of the different lengths of writing instruments 204.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the pen pocket device 100 shown in both the open and closed positions. While in the open position, a user may insert a plurality of writing instruments 204 into the enclosure formed by wall members 102 and 104, then secure the foldable portion of wall member 104 in the closed position by Velcro means 106.

[0017] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the dimensions of the wall members may be changed to increase or decrease the overall size of the device and accommodate writing instruments of different lengths and thicknesses. Likewise, the foldable flap may be secured to the other wall member by a snap, magnets or a button. Finally, the enclosure may be lined with felt to prevent scratching and abrasions to the writing instruments when they are inserted or removed from the device.

Claims

1. A writing instrument holder for holding writing instruments, said holder comprising:

a flexible material having at least two opposed wall members for forming at least one enclosure, wherein at least one of the opposed wall members includes a foldable flap.

2. The writing instrument holder of claim 1 further comprising means for securing the foldable flap of one opposed wall member to the opposite wall member.

3. The writing instrument holder of claim 2 wherein said foldable flap adjustably folds to accommodate writing utensils of differing lengths.

4. The writing instrument holder of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises Velcro.

5. The writing instrument holder of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises a snap assembly.

6. The writing instrument holder of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises a button and buttonhole.

7. The writing instrument holder of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises at least one magnet.