Abstract: A retractable capless marking pen using an oil ink or an aqueous ink, having a retractable writing member consisting of a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, and having a constitution capable of preventing the evaporation of the ink by storing the writing head of the writing member hermetically within a sealed elastic cylinder.

Abstract: A writing instrument with a movable closure, having a snap member for automatically closing the opening at the forward portion of the tapered front end of the writing instrument as the writing unit, within the writing instrument, is retracted. The snap member includes a cylindrical end and a plurality of resilient support segments extending from said cylindrical end and terminating in covers attached to or integrally formed on the ends of the support segments opposite the cylindrical end. These covers provide an airtight seal at the open front end of the writing instrument as they close upon each other in response to the forward movement of the snap member, when the writing instrument is placed in its projected, writing position, the snap member is moved rearwardly, out of the open front end of the writing instrument toward the larger diameter section of the tapered front end.

Abstract: A writing instrument such as a ball point or felt tip pen is provided with a seal member selectively engageable with the writing tip, the sealing member being movable from a position plugging the pen through hole to a position allowing the front end of the writing member to freely pass through the through hole for writing.

Abstract: A writing instrument such as a ball point or felt tip pen is provided with a seal member selectively engageable with the writing tip, the sealing member being movable from a position plugging the pen through hole to a position allowing the front end of the writing member to freely pass through the through hole for writing.

Abstract: A container for rigid products such as small, ball-pen refills and the like comprising a body and an opening, a flexible element sliding in guide means by means of a push button, and a cover for holding the contents thereof. The casing is characterized in that the push button is mounted elastically relative to the body. According to a modification this elasticity is attained by attaching the push button to one end of the flexible element, with said end being made thinner so as to be capable of extending toward the outside of a slot.

Abstract: A flexible shield comprising a piece of flexible material shaped to fit into and be attached to the interior of the barrel of a retractable tip pen in proximity to the tip and having a central aperture which may comprise cross slits whose edges are adapted to move away from each other to expand the aperture when the tip is emitting from the barrel and to return to normal substantially closed position over the tip when the tip is retracted into the barrel to perform the dual function of inhibiting the passage of air to dry out the tip and to wipe the tip free of accumulated liquid build-up or dust.

Abstract: An absorbent tipped liquid applicator apparatus is equipped with a mechanism for selectively capping and uncapping the tip in response to manual pressure. The applicator includes an absorbent tip and a body which normally contains a reservoir of fluid. A flexible sleeve is attached to the body at one end. A spring loaded sleeve retractor is connected to the other end of the sleeve and is flexibly attached to the body of the applicator also. In its capping mode, the sleeve is drawn over the absorbent tip and is clamped there by the retractor means. When the retractor means is squeezed, it opens up the end of the sleeve and withdraws it so as to effectively uncap the tip. Releasing the manual pressure on the retracting means causes the sleeve to return to its capping mode position. This technique can be applied to nylon tipped pens, felt tipped marking and highlighting pens, glue sticks, shoe polish applicators and the like.