Writing instrument carrying system

Abstract

A writing instrument carrying system includes: a number of writing instruments and a carrying component with a flexible base to be adorned about a human torso and sequential, elongated receiving quivers, for holding a plurality of writing instruments, one in each. The quivers have a central axis along its elongated dimension and a largest cross section measured at a right angle to the central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application has no related applications at this time.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to a system for carrying writing instruments, and particularly writing instruments wherein they are in sets, such as having different colors or features, e. g., crayons, chalks, markers and the like. The system includes a carrying component and a plurality of writing instruments wherein each one is individually secured and separated from the others. Further, the carrying component is preferably worn, as a belt or sash, especially as a sash, to create three disparate objectives simultaneously- first, the system is a playful item, like a superhero cape or a cowboy hat, and can be integrated with the use of a costume or other attire, as desired; second, the system presents a logical organized fashion of storing and carrying a plurality of writing instruments wherein any one may be removed, used and returned without disturbing , removing or changing the order of the other writing instruments on the carrying component; and, third, the system offers a hands free means for transporting the writing instruments on the person, i.e., worn by the user.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention:

U.S. Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,960 B1 describes a writing implement holder apparatus that includes a flexible planar base which includes a top base end and a bottom base end. A plurality of writing implement receivers is attached to the bottom base end, wherein each of the writing implement receivers includes a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the base. A flexible flap is connected to the top base end. A first lock member is connected to the flap, and a second lock member is connected to the base. The first lock member is a snap, and the second lock member is a snap receiver. The writing implement is a felt tip marker. With a second embodiment of the invention, a first base attachment connector is connected to a front base surface at a first base side end, and a second base attachment connector is connected to a rear base surface at a second base side end. The first base attachment connector is a first hook-and-loop connector, and the second base attachment connector is a second hoop-and-loop connector. When the first hook-and-loop connector and the second hoop-and-loop connector are connected together, the second embodiment of the invention stands vertically on a horizontal surface. Each of the writing implement receivers includes an implement reception well which is complimentary to a tip portion of a writing implement.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,584 describes a belt for storing elongated articles and a method for forming the same. The belt attaches to a planar surface or to a power tool, and includes a pad sewn to a strap. The pad includes a two-ply hook-and-loop fastener and an elastic member. The elastic member urges the two hook-and-loop plies into engagement, and the elongated article can be stored between the two hook-and-loop plies. The elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply are gathered relative to the second hook-and-loop ply. The method includes laterally sewing the elastic member to the first hook-and-loop ply, cutting the first hook-and-loop ply, stretching the elastic member, longitudinally sewing the elastic member to the first hook-and-loop ply while the former is stretched, laterally sewing the elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply to the second hook-and-loop ply to form the pad, and sewing the pad to the strap to form the belt. The longitudinal sewing gathers the elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply into a plurality of sleeves, which store elongated items.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,811 teaches embodiments of a crayon organizer that may be used to store, organize, and dispense crayons, chalks, or similar articles. The crayon organizer has a cylindrical cover with an open slot through which one crayon, chalk, or similar article may be removed at a time from the organizer. The crayons, chalks, or similar articles are placed inside vertical holes in a base which fits inside the cover. The crayon organizer has a lock out mechanism which prevents another crayon, chalk, or similar item from being withdrawn from the organizer until the first one removed is returned.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,374 shows an air operated apparatus for successively launching a plurality of projectiles. The apparatus employ novel constructions for multi-projectile magazines wherein projectiles may be launched from either the inner passageways of a plurality of barrels, or from the exteriors of the barrels. The magazines are designed for economical production as a molded unit. The apparatus are adapted so that an air pump may be cocked and the magazine advanced in a single operation through the use of a hand drawn slide mechanism. The invention further provides novel mechanisms for intermittent sealing of an air pump discharge port with successively selected projectile launching barrels on the magazine. An ammo belt is mentioned in the disclosure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,156 describes an air operated toy gun for successively launching a plurality of projectiles. Said gun utilizes a movable air nozzle for successive engagement with a plurality of projectile launching barrels. The gun may be used with darts or other projectiles adapted to form a seal with the launching barrels. An ammo belt is mentioned in the disclosure.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,707 teaches a book-like receptacle having a plurality of clear cylinders for holding crayons on opposing book surfaces. Opposing cylinders are aligned in registry to lock the book in the closed position. A sleeve in the rear cover of the book enables the user to secure a coloring book to the receptacle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,446 shows a color marker container that has a wall with holes separated by twice the marker diameter, into which the markers may be inserted, the wall around each hole being colored the same as one of the markers, the names of the colors being imprinted on the wall near the openings.

U.S. Pat. Des. 298,264 shows a design for a crayon holder.

U.S. Pat. Des. 290,854 shows a design for a crayon holder.

U.S. Pat. Des. 290,853 shows a design for a crayon holder.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0018480 A1 discloses a utility pouch and attachments to carry school supplies or to a work place around the waist. The art of this new invention will minimize looking in back packs for certain school supplies or not enough storage spaces at work to place them when these supplies are ready and available in separate attachments around the waist.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0083796 A1 teaches wearable tool carrying systems. A main body is configured for mounting thereupon one or more items and includes a first attachment medium for attaching to a first location along a human body. A second attachment medium attaches to a second location which corresponds to at least a portion of a human leg. The main body, first attachment medium and second attachment medium are configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0222258 A1 shows a container apparatus is including a body and a receptacle having a hard shell or wall designed to protect objects placed inside the receptacle from contact with other objects. The apparatus are especially will suited for holding paintball refills or reloaders.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a writing instrument carrying system that includes a flexible base that may be a continuous loop or a non-continuous loop with opposing attachable/detachable ends.

In some preferred embodiments, the present invention writing instrument carrying system includes: a) a carrying component, the carrying component including a continuous loop flexible base adapted to be adorned about a human torso, and a plurality of sequential, elongated receiving quivers, being at least eight receiving quivers, adapted to receive a plurality of writing instruments, each of the plurality of receiving quivers having a central axis along its elongated dimension and having a largest cross section measured at a right angle to the central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein; and b) the plurality of writing instruments, each having a predetermined maximum width, one of each being inserted into and secured in one of the plurality of receiving quivers of the carrying component.

In some other preferred embodiments, the present invention writing instrument carrying system includes: a) a carrying component, the carrying component including a non-continuous loop flexible base having a first end and a second end and having an attachment mechanism connected to at least one of the first end and the second end for attachment of the first end to the second end, the flexible base being adapted to be adorned about a human torso, and a plurality of sequential, elongated receiving quivers, being at least eight receiving quivers, adapted to receive a plurality of writing instruments, each of the plurality of receiving quivers having a central axis along its elongated dimension and having a largest cross section measured at a right angle to the central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein; and b) the plurality of writing instruments, each having a predetermined maximum width, one of each being inserted into and secured in one of the plurality of receiving quivers of the carrying component.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the flexible base is selected from the group consisting of flexible woven synthetic material, flexible unwoven material, flexible cloth and combinations thereof. More preferred flexible bases are flexible cloths selected from the group consisting of cotton and cotton blends.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the plurality of receiving quivers have open tops and one of closed bottoms and open bottoms. Each type of quiver has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, the open bottom quiver is easier to fabricate, whereas the closed bottom quiver prevents accidental push through or over extension of the writing instrument. The optimal snugness for the instruments has surprisingly been found to be when the quiver is at least 20% larger than the writing instrument, partly because the flexible materials of construction do not form perfect circles and the flattened fabric creates something like an oval from a top view.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the receiving quivers are connected to one another have front portions that are sequential segments of a flexible strip having a first end and a second end and attached to the flexible base in a fixed pattern. In some of these embodiments, the flexible strip and the flexible base are attached to one another with a fixed pattern of stitching.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the writing instruments are selected from the group consisting of crayons, chalk and markers.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the system further includes at least one pouch connected to the flexible base. This pouch or pocket may be used to carry a small pad, coloring or drawing templates and other items that may be useful to the user.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the flexible base is a sash with a top perimeter and a bottom perimeter, wherein the bottom perimeter has a greater length than the top perimeter, thereby establishing a horizontal shoulder rest and a vertical side rest when worn on a torso. This applies to both open ended and closed loop flexible bases.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the flexible base is open ended and the attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of clasp, button, buckle, snap and hook and loop. In some of the preferred embodiments of the open ended flexible base, the attachment mechanism has a plurality of connection locations to permit adjustment of length of the flexible base.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention writing instrument carrying system utilizing a continuous loop flexible base;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention writing instrument carrying system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a different embodiment present invention open-ended (non-continuous loop) writing instrument carrying system with a hook and loop attachment mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system of type shown in FIG. 1, except that it has ends at specified angles to create a more comfortable, sash-like configuration;

FIG. 5 is a back, partial view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with an adjustable length buckle attachment mechanism, shown buckled;

FIG. 6 is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with a hook and loop attachment mechanism, shown open (unattached);

FIG. 7 is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with an adjustable button and button hole attachment mechanism, shown unbuttoned;

FIG. 8 is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with an adjustable snap attachment mechanism, shown open (unsnapped);

FIG. 9 is a front, view of a partial human upper portion and another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the FIG. 4 type continuous loop sash, but with vertical quivers (instead of angled when worn) and with a pocket for storage of other items (e.g., small pad of paper or coloring templates);

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of a present invention closed bottom quiver; and

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a present invention open bottom quiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a system for carrying writing instruments, and particularly writing instruments wherein they are in sets, such as having different colors or features, e.g., crayons, chalks, markers and the like. The system includes a carrying component and a plurality of writing instruments wherein each one is individually secured and separated from the others. Further, the carrying component is preferably worn, as a sling, belt or sash, especially as a sash, and may be used by people of all ages. Further, it is a playful item that may be particularly enjoyed by children.

Additionally, the present invention system is a device with writing instruments that presents a logical organized fashion of storing and carrying the plurality of writing instruments wherein any one may be removed, used and returned without disturbing, removing or changing the order of the other writing instruments on the carrying component. Also, the system offers a hands free means for transporting the writing instruments on the person, i.e., worn by the user. It is easily adorned and removed, even for relatively young children and, in some embodiments, may be laundered or sterilized to reduce germs. It also a great way to roll up the writing instruments and to protect them, such as for vacation or camping travels.

In some embodiments, the main base may be numbered, alphabetized or otherwise coded, e.g., color coded, as a teaching device to train young children to put things back in their proper place. This installs organization abilities in children.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention writing instrument carrying system 10. It includes a continuous loop flexible base 3, the flexible base 3 having a front 5 and a back 7. Located on front 5 is a continuous series of quivers, such as quivers 9 and 11, which may have open or closed bottoms, but in this embodiment have open bottoms. Crayons or other writing instruments, such as crayons 13 and 15 are individually inserted into the quivers for storage, and may be extended through the quivers, as shown, or not. The quivers are pre-formed and attached to the flexible base 3, as with heat glue or stitching, or are formed in place. For example the quivers 9, 11, etc. may be made from a strip of cloth and sequentially gathered into arc of the desired size and affixed. They may be affixed by glue, rivet, stitching or any other technique. For example, in FIG. 1, threads 17 and 19 represent attachment by stitching between each quiver, i.e., in a fixed pattern.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention writing instrument carrying system 10 of FIG. 1. Identical parts are identically numbered and are not repeated individually here. As can be seen from the top view, this smooth inside continuous loop flexible base may be comfortably worn over a shoulder, across a torso (shoulder to opposite hip), over a back pack or otherwise and may be rolled for packing in a suitcase or other travel device.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a different embodiment present invention open-ended (non-continuous loop) writing instrument carrying system 20. It has an open ended flexible base 23 with a front 25 and back 27. It has a first end 35 and a second end 37, which have complementary aspects of a hook and loop attachment mechanism 39. The hook and loop attachment mechanism 39 may have an extended strip of either hooks or loops to allow for different attachment positions to create a longer or shorter loop when closed to accommodate larger and smaller users, e.g., younger children and older children. As can be seen in FIG. 3, there is a sequence of quivers, such as quiver 29, that receive writing instruments such as marker 33. The quivers may be individual tubes, a series of unistructurally formed tubes, or half tubes formed by attaching a flexible or formed strip (flexible, molded plastic) material to the base.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system 40 of type shown in FIG. 1, except that it has ends at specified angles to create a more comfortable, sash-like configuration. Thus, the flexible base 45 has a top edge 47 and a bottom edge 49 such that the bottom edge 49 is longer than the top edge 47 such that ends 57 and 59 are at approximately right angles to one another so that one may rest upon a shoulder horizontally and the other on an opposing side or hip vertically. As a result, ends 57 and 59 form acute angles such as angles y1 and y2, which may be the same or different and may total about 70 to 110 degrees, rendering the present invention more accommodating to the human torso than if the ends 57 and 59 were at right angles to edges 47 and 49. This preferred arrangement angled ends may be used with continuous loop bases and open ended bases.

FIG. 5 is a back, partial view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system 60 of the open loop type with an adjustable length buckle attachment mechanism, shown buckled. It includes belt buckle holes such as hole 67 on first end 63 of open ended flexible base 61, and with latch 69 and guide 71 on opposite end 65. It may include 5 or 6 or more buckle holes to afford sufficient adjustability for most users.

FIG. 6 is a back, partial view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system 80 of the open loop type with a hook and loop attachment mechanism, shown open. It includes a flexible base 81 with a first end 83 and a second end 85, having loops 89 and hooks 87, respectively, for a Velcro type attachment.

FIG. 7 is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system 90 of the open loop type with an adjustable buttons, such as button 97 and button holes, such as button hole 93, located on flexible base opposing ends 91 and 95, respectively. It is shown unbuttoned and has different lengths at which to make the attachment.

FIG. 8 is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system 100 of the open loop type with an adjustable snap attachment mechanism, shown open (unsnapped). The flexible base ends 101 and 105 have male and female snap components 103 and 107, respectively.

It is understood that the preceding FIGS. 5 through 8 are partial views, which are back views of the present invention carrier system and the sequential quivers are on a section of the flexible bases that are cut or removed from these Figures.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a partial human upper portion 210, such as a child, and a carrying system 200 present invention writing instrument carrying system of the FIG. 4 type sash, but with vertical quivers, e. g., quivers 207 and 209 (instead of angled when worn) and with a pocket 213 for storage of other items (e. g., small pad of paper or coloring templates). Thus, carrying system 200 has a flexible base 201 with angled ends or folds 203 and 205 and vertical quivers 207 and 209, etc. as shown. The quivers contain individual writing instruments that may be pens, pencils, crayons, chalk, markers, or others, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of a present invention closed bottom quiver 230 that has a sidewall 231, an open top 233 and an open bottom 235. This is a stylized presentation of the quiver and it should be understood that in many embodiments the sidewall may be, in part, comprised of the flexible base material. This likewise applies to FIG. 11 below.

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a present invention open bottom quiver 240, with a sidewall 241, an open top 243 and a closed bottom 235.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A writing instrument carrying system, which comprises:

a) a carrying component, said carrying component including a continuous loop flexible base adapted to be adorned about a human torso, and a plurality of sequential, elongated receiving quivers, being at least eight receiving quivers, adapted to receive a plurality of writing instruments, each of said plurality of receiving quivers having a central axis along its elongated dimension and having a largest cross section measured at a right angle to said central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein; and

b) said plurality of writing instruments, each having a predetermined maximum width, one of each being inserted into and secured in one of said plurality of receiving quivers of said carrying component.

2. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 1 wherein said continuous loop flexible base is selected from the group consisting of flexible woven synthetic material, flexible unwoven material, flexible cloth and combinations thereof.

3. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 3 wherein said continuous loop flexible base is a flexible cloth selected from the group consisting of cotton and cotton blends.

4. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of receiving quivers have open tops and one of closed bottoms and open bottoms.

5. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 1 wherein said receiving quivers are connected to one another have front portions that are sequential segments of a flexible strip having a first end and a second end and attached to said flexible base in a fixed pattern.

6. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 5 wherein said flexible strip and said flexible base are attached to one another with a fixed pattern of stitching.

7. The writing instrument carrying of claim 1 wherein said writing instruments are selected from the group consisting of crayons, chalk and markers.

8. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 1 which further includes at least one pouch connected to said flexible base.

9. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 1 wherein said flexible base is a sash with a top perimeter and a bottom perimeter, wherein said bottom perimeter has a greater length than said top perimeter, thereby establishing a horizontal shoulder rest and a vertical side rest when worn on a torso.

10. A writing instrument carrying system, which comprises:

a) a carrying component, said carrying component including a non-continuous loop flexible base having a first end and a second end and having an attachment mechanism connected to at least one of said first end and said second end for attachment of said first end to said second end, said flexible base being adapted to be adorned about a human torso, and a plurality of sequential, elongated receiving quivers, being at least eight receiving quivers, adapted to receive a plurality of writing instruments, each of said plurality of receiving quivers having a central axis along its elongated dimension and having a largest cross section measured at a right angle to said central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein; and

b) said plurality of writing instruments, each having a predetermined maximum width, one of each being inserted into and secured in one of said plurality of receiving quivers of said carrying component.

11. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of clasp, button, buckle, snap and hook and loop.

12. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 wherein said attachment mechanism has a plurality of connection locations to permit adjustment of length of said flexible base.

13. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 wherein said flexible base is selected from the group consisting of flexible woven synthetic material, flexible unwoven material, flexible cloth and combinations thereof.

14. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 13 wherein said flexible base is a flexible cloth selected from the group consisting of cotton and cotton blends.

15. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 wherein said plurality of receiving quivers have open tops and one of closed bottoms and open bottoms.

16. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 wherein said receiving quivers are connected to one another have front portions that are sequential segments of a flexible strip having a first end and a second end and attached to said flexible base in a fixed pattern.

17. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 16 wherein said flexible strip and said flexible base are attached to one another with a fixed pattern of stitching.

18. The writing instrument carrying of claim 10 wherein said writing instruments are selected from the group consisting of crayons, chalk and markers.

19. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 which further includes at least one pouch connected to said flexible base.

20. The writing instrument carrying system of claim 10 wherein said flexible base is a sash with a top perimeter and a bottom perimeter, wherein said bottom perimeter has a greater length than said top perimeter, thereby establishing a horizontal shoulder rest and a vertical side rest when worn on a torso.