Abstract: A letter opening device for use with a writing instrument having a writing end and a distal end includes an elongate clip and a protrusion generally perpendicular from the elongate clip for operative coupling to the writing instrument. The letter opening device also includes a cutting blade extending between the elongate clip and the protrusion to open a letter when the letter is passed between the elongate clip and the writing instrument from the distal end toward said writing end. The protrusion may alternatively be coupled to a sleeve for removable attachment to the writing instrument.

Abstract: A dry eraser is disclosed including an eraser body having an upper region and a lower region, a layer of erasing material having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion affixed to the lower region of the eraser body, at least one socket on the upper region for accommodating at least a portion of a writing utensil, and a magnetic member operatively engaged to the eraser body between the top portion of the layer of erasing material and the upper region of the eraser body.

Abstract: A portable dry erase notepad for instantly jotting down notes, daily tasks, measurements for engineering and construction, grocery lists, phone numbers, e-mail and home addresses, sketches, etc. while in the car, in the workplace, in class; and at a meeting, party, or any event. The portable dry erase notepad includes a note screen comprises a rectangular panel of dry erase material with rounded edges and or a material being metallic or plastic with a gloss-white dry-erase coating. The note screen is framed in a leather or vinyl faux leather exterior cover that securely seats the note screen leaving the clear or white dry-erase surface exposed. An elastic loop is sewn into the margins of the exterior cover for securing a dry erase marker pen alongside. The dry erase marker pen is equipped with an eraser.

Abstract: An end plug mounting structure for writing instrument of the present invention can securely mount an end plug onto a barrel and remove it more easily. Even if assembling and removing is performed repeatedly, tightness for the end plug to be assembled on the barrel can be prevented from weakening. A locking hole is provided around cylindrical rear portion of the barrel, an inserting portion with circular cross section inserted into rear portion of the barrel from rear end of the barrel is provided on the end plug, a locking protrusion locked in a locking hole is provided at periphery of the inserting portion, a groove extending forward from rear end of the barrel and in which the locking protrusion moves is provided on inner surface of rear portion of the barrel, thereby the end plug is assembled on the barrel by means of locking the locking protrusion that moves forward in the groove in the locking hole.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cosmetic applicator set comprises a holder for cosmetic applicators, which holder has within it a first magnetizable element, and at least one cosmetic applicator comprising a second magnetizable element. At least one of the first magnetizable element and the second magnetizable element is a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A writing implement that includes a tubular body that extends longitudinally along a central axis and has an outer surface, and a clip that includes an arm that extends parallel to the central axis, between a front end and a back end near which a first and a second flange extend towards the body element. The flanges are mounted on a pivot shaft in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and around which the clip pivots between a closed position in which the arm comes in contact with the implement, and an open position. The outer surface of the body element has a first and a second sunken region, one on each side of a first longitudinal plane passing through the central axis, and from which protrude a first and a second pin both extending collinearly to the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A support for a coating instrument includes an advertising image. The support is movable between a non-extended position and an extended position in which the support projects outward away from the shaft for contact with a surface on which the instrument is placed. The advertising image may be formed on a substrate that is adhered on an outer surface of the support. Alternatively, the support may be configured as a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A pen holder includes an upper housing for receiving and holding an upper end of a writing implement and a lower housing adapted to receive the writing end of the writing implement. The lower housing has a hole at its lower end that is sized to allow the writing tip of the writing implement to pass through, and the lower housing being removably coupled to the upper housing to form a chamber that at least partially encloses the writing implement. The length of the chamber, or the longitudinal position of the writing implement within the chamber, is variable to accommodate writing implements of different lengths.

Abstract: A dispenser for cosmetic, cleansing or pharmaceutical composition including a tubular sleeve for housing the whole of a movable sub-assembly in the storage position thereof in such a way that the head of the movable sub-assembly is not accessible. A locking mechanism prevents outward movement of the movable sub-assembly in the storage position relative to the sleeve. When a user axially depresses the head in the opposite direction to the outward direction, the locking mechanism releases the movable sub-assembly, which is urged outward by a spring at least as a position I which the head projects outward from the sleeve.

Abstract: The writing/marking implement holder has a cushioned strap that houses a reel. A is tether extendable from the reel, which tether is attached to a receptacle. The receptacle is adapted for frictionally or resiliently gripping and retaining one end of the writing or marking implement. When needed, the implement is pulled to extend the tether from the reel. After writing or marking, the tether is coiled upon the reel to draw the writing or marking implement back to a retracted position adjacent the wrist. The reel is preferably spring-biased.

Abstract: A pen retention bracket for releasably securing a pen tether retracting reel therein is disclosed. The pen retention bracket includes four surfaces that define a rectangular cavity having four sides and a top opening and a bottom opening. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are disposed upon a first surface and extend from the first surface toward a second surface, a distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion greater than a height of the pen tether retracting reel. The first surface is responsive to an application of force to the pen tether retracting reel to elastically deform and increase a depth between the second surface and at least one of the first protrusion and the second , thereby releasing the pen tether retracting reel via either of the top opening and the bottom opening.

Abstract: A writing instrument system including a writing instrument and packaging generally encasing the writing instrument, wherein the packaging includes an opening formed therein. The system further includes a retaining component, configured to be releasably coupled to the writing instrument. The retaining component is configured to at least partially extend through the opening when the writing instrument is releasably coupled to the retaining component.

Abstract: The writing instrument mountable to a ferrous surface includes an ink barrel of a non-ferrous material and first and second ends, an interior ink receiving space defined by an interior surface thereof, and a longitudinally extending axis. An agitator is positioned within the interior ink receiving space and is freely slidable therein for reciprocation along the longitudinally extending axis. The agitator includes a continuously open passage extending therethrough and generally in a direction from the first end towards the second end of the ink barrel. The agitator is a permanent magnet, whereby the writing instrument is detachably mountable to a surface of a ferrous material by a magnetic attraction between the surface of a ferrous material and the agitator when the ink barrel is positioned against the surface of a ferrous material.

Abstract: A crayon with a plurality of longitudinally extending color zones. The crayon has generally planar exterior side surfaces on the tip and shank forming vertices therebetween. A color zone bridges a vertex providing the same color of marking material on opposite sides of a respective vertex.

Abstract: A marker pen storage system comprising a housing having a plurality of receptacles for receiving marker pens, each receptacle formed to include an upper and lower cavity, the upper cavity located at the opening of the receptacle and formed to include a first upper inclined section and a first lower inclined section, wherein the first upper inclined section has a greater incline than the first lower inclined section, said lower cavity sized to receive a writing end of a marker pen, receptacle openings are formed immediately adjacent so as to create guidance walls between each receptacle, and prevent a flat upper surface from being formed between adjacent receptacles, and a snap ring formed between the upper and lower cavities, wherein a relatively airtight seal is formed around the writing end of a marking pen when it is completely inserted into the lower cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a paint brush and preventing a discharge of harmful and flammable vapors. In a first embodiment, a housing has vertical front, side and rear walls that have upper edge portions in a common horizontal plane for providing a seat for a seal. The common upper of the housing are sealed by a soft resilient cellular seal and a cover that engages the housing. The cover and resilient cellular seal have aligned apertures for receiving in a pass through sealing relationship a handle of a paint brush. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical housing has an open top portion which is sealed by threadably engaging a cover with a resilient cellular seal therebetween. The cover and resilient cellular seal cover have aligned apertures for receiving in a pass through sealing relationship a handle of a paint brush.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a housing, a tray, one or more articles and an account identifier. The tray is selectively maintained within and readily removable from the housing. The one or more articles are selectively maintained by the tray, and each of the one more articles are readily removable from the tray. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. Other products, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes the pen having an end and an annular interior surface defining a bore, a cap comprising an expandable retention interface disposed within the bore proximate the end, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. The expandable retention interface includes a radially outwardly directed surface in contact with the annular interior surface. The expanding retention interface further includes a radially inwardly directed surface in operable communication with the anvil. The expanding retention interface is responsive to an application of force less than a release force by the tether via the anvil to expand and secure cap to the pen, and is responsive to an application of force greater than the release force to release the cap from the pen.

Abstract: A hand-held dry-erase board system for efficiently storing a writing instrument in the handle of a portable dry-erase board. The hand-held dry-erase board system includes a frame including a writable surface, a handle, wherein the handle includes an upper end and a lower end and wherein the upper end of the handle is attached to the frame and a clip, wherein the clip is attached to the handle and wherein the clip secures a marker.

Abstract: A folding pen with two handle sections and a body is disclosed where the handle sections are attached to the body at hinges and rotate between two positions. The first closed position may cover the body and the second open position may reveal the body providing a writing implement with a pen point and a handle.

Abstract: A writing assistance device including a hand support and at least one writing instrument holder. The hand support includes a base member adapted for contacting a surface upon which a user intends to write, and an upper member movably connected to the base member. The upper member is preferably dimensioned to accommodate a substantial portion of a user's hand and the writing assistance device is designed such that manipulation of the device is accomplished, in part, by downward force generated by the weight of a user's hand and forearm on the hand support rather than gripping of the hand support. The device includes resilient biasing structure to achieve effective separation of the upper member from the base member in order to raise a writing instrument when a user lifts his or her hand (or causes his or her hand to be lifted) from the upper member.

Abstract: A retractable marking device comprising a casing holding a retractor, an engagement element, a fastener, and a barrel. The engagement element holds marking instruments having a variety of diameters, wherein the marking instruments may comprise, for example, pencils, pens, chalk, and the like. Additionally, the engagement element is secured to the retractor, wherein the retractor comprises a coil retractably wound around a reel, such that the engagement element can be repeatedly extended from and retracted to the casing. The fastener secures the device to a user's garb or working paraphernalia for ready accessibility. Furthermore, the barrel holds a sharpener, wherein the sharpener sharpens the marking instrument. Additionally, depending upon the particular embodiment, the retractable marking device may sharpen the marking instrument either manually or mechanically.

Abstract: A grill brush comprising a handle, with a handle end and a brush head end; a hanging means attached a handle end of the handle; a reservoir located within the handle; a reservoir cap located on the handle; a brush head attached to the brush head end of the handle; the brush head comprising: a brush head bracket, a bristle base; a plurality of orifices for fluid distribution located in the bristle base; a plurality of bristles located on the bristle base; a scraper attached to the brush head; a distribution passageway in the handle, and in fluid communication with the orifices; an inlet valve located in the handle, and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the distribution passageway; a shut-off spool located on the handle, and in operable communication with the inlet valve; an anchor attached to the bristle base; a hole located in the brush head bracket configured to slide over the anchor; an attaching means attachable to the anchor, and configured to hold the bristle base to the brush head bracket; a

Abstract: There is an enclosure suitable for retaining a paper pad, electronic calculator or such like hand-held device. The enclosure includes a recess adapted to receive a writing implement. When the front cover of the enclosure is closed, a writing implement is securely retained within the recess. When the cover is opened, the writing implement is moved to an accessible position for convenient access.

Abstract: A grout dispenser which dispenses a grout mixture from a container through a tracking square-toothed-shaped nipple having an off-on valve and extrudes the mixture into spaces between previously-set tiles. A utility stand, a grout float device and a tracking wheel to maintain a straight line are included. In use, the strip glides over the edges of the installed tiles on a predetermined width, spaces or tracks. By gliding over the uncured grout, mortar, the float gives the spaces or tracks a concave appearance.

Abstract: A letter opening device for use with a writing instrument having a writing end and a distal end includes an elongate clip and a protrusion generally perpendicular from the elongate clip for operative coupling to the writing instrument. The letter opening device also includes a cutting blade extending between the elongate clip and the protrusion to open a letter when the letter is passed between the elongate clip and the writing instrument from the distal end toward said writing end. The protrusion may alternatively be coupled to a sleeve for removable attachment to the writing instrument.

Abstract: A wrist pen comprising a wristband stretchable coil sized to fit over the writing hand and secure a writing instrument to the wrist for convenient storage, while freeing of the hands in a storage mode, and stretched for grasping for use in a writing mode to extend the writing tip of the writing instrument between the writing digits in a variety of positions for writing.

Abstract: An ink cartridge structure includes a resilient device coupled to an ink cartridge for absorbing impact energy acting on the ink cartridge for protection of the ink cartridge. The resilient device includes a connection bar mounted to the ink cartridge and is coupled to a retention bar that is accessible by a user with a resilient element therebetween so that the resilient element provides cushioning to the ink cartridge. The connection bar is partially fit into a hollow portion of the retention bar and forms a vent hole that is in communication with the ink cartridge so that when the retention bar, under the resilient support by the resilient element, is manually moved reciprocally with respect to the connection bar, air is pumped, through the vent hole, into the ink cartridge to force the ink contained in the ink cartridge to ward a writing tip.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that includes an elongated, substantially hollow body having at least one opening, and a recoil mechanism integrally formed in the body and comprising a lanyard configured to extend from and recoil into the body. The container also includes a plunger slideably coupled with an interior surface of the body and configured to one of extend the item outward from an opening in the body, or, retract the item inward into the body. The container may include a flip-top cap integrally formed with the body, and an advance mechanism that causes the plunger to extend or retract in response to the direction of a rotating force.

Abstract: A traveling crayon holder including a three dimensional plush body. A plurality of arms extend from the body, the arms each further comprising a length of a flexible line material. A plurality of crayons are secured in individual fashion to respective ends of each of the lengths of flexible line material. An engagement portion extends from a further location of the plush body and provides for securing the body to a fixed location.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide for a method, system and apparatus for releasably attaching a writing instrument to a tether. The writing instrument has a hollow body. A locking cap assembly is configured to be coupled to a tether. The locking cap assembly is further configured to detach from the hollow body of the writing instrument when a force is applied to the tether. The locking cap assembly is inserted into an end of the hollow body of the writing instrument. The locking cap assembly comprises a compressive locking cap. The compressive locking cap comprises a compression fastener, a cap, and a nut. The compression fastener and cap have a hole and one end of the tether passes completely through the compressive locking cap through the hole. The nut is coupled to the end of the tether that passed completely through the compressive locking cap.

Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes a pen having an end, a collar defining an internal cavity surrounding the end and an orifice having a diameter, an elastic retainer disposed within the internal cavity, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. An outer surface of the elastic retainer defines an internal dimension and an external dimension of the elastic retainer, the external dimension greater than the diameter of the orifice such that the internal cavity retains the elastic retainer. The anvil includes an angled retention surface having an external diameter greater than the internal dimension of the elastic retainer and less than the diameter of the orifice.

Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes the pen having an end and an annular interior surface defining a bore, a cap comprising an expandable retention interface disposed within the bore proximate the end, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. The expandable retention interface includes a radially outwardly directed surface in contact with the annular interior surface. The expanding retention interface further includes a radially inwardly directed surface in operable communication with the anvil. The expanding retention interface is responsive to an application of force less than a release force by the tether via the anvil to expand and secure cap to the pen, and is responsive to an application of force greater than the release force to release the cap from the pen.

Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes the pen having an end and an annular interior surface defining a bore, a cap comprising an expandable retention interface disposed within the bore proximate the end, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. The expandable retention interface includes a radially outwardly directed surface in contact with the annular interior surface. The expanding retention interface further includes a radially inwardly directed surface in operable communication with the anvil. The expanding retention interface is responsive to an application of force less than a release force by the tether via the anvil to expand and secure cap to the pen, and is responsive to an application of force greater than the release force to release the cap from the pen.

Abstract: A cap for a writing instrument includes a cap body having a peripheral wall formed with an elongated mounting recess, a retaining cover removably mounted in the mounting recess of the cap body, and a magnet mounted between the cap body and the retaining cover. Thus, the cap and the writing instrument are attached to the surface of a whiteboard or other metal by the magnetic force of the magnet, so that a user can use the writing instrument easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user using the writing instrument, and thereby preventing the writing instrument from being lost.

Abstract: A writing implement provided with a strong clip is simple in construction and is provided with a coil spring restrained from easily falling off. The writing implement (1, 11, 21) includes a tubular body (2), a clip (3), a pillar (7) formed on the outer surface of the tubular body, a connecting structure R connecting the clip and the pillar, a coil spring (4) extended between the inner surface of the clip and the tubular body and capable of loading the clip such that a front end part (3aa) of the inner surface of the clip is pressed elastically against the outer surface of the tubular body, and a projection (5) formed on the outer surface of the tubular body so as to project toward the clip and fitted in the coil spring. Preferably, the clip is provided with a back wall (10) projecting from a back part (3ab) of the inner surface (3a) of the clip and the coil spring is disposed on the front side of the back wall. The projection (5) has a height not smaller than half the length of the coil spring.

Abstract: A pen retention bracket for releasably securing a pen tether retracting reel therein is disclosed. The pen retention bracket includes four surfaces that define a rectangular cavity having four sides and a top opening and a bottom opening. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are disposed upon a first surface and extend from the first surface toward a second surface, a distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion greater than a height of the pen tether retracting reel. The first surface is responsive to an application of force to the pen tether retracting reel to elastically deform and increase a depth between the second surface and at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, thereby releasing the pen tether retracting reel via either of the top opening and the bottom opening.

Abstract: A pen retention device including a pen, a tether, a retracting reel in operable communication with the tether, and a bracket releasably securing the retracting reel therein is disclosed. The pen retention bracket includes four surfaces that define a rectangular cavity having four sides and a top and bottom opening. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are disposed upon a first surface and extend from the first surface toward a second surface, a distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion greater than a height of the pen tether retracting reel. The first surface is responsive to an application of force to the pen tether retracting reel to elastically deform and increase a depth between the second surface and at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, thereby releasing the pen tether retracting reel via either of the top opening and the bottom opening.

Abstract: A magnetically self balancing pen and base includes a base member housing a disk magnet and a concentric ring magnet having a predetermined inside diameter. The pen assembly has a barrel, an elongated ink cartridge with a magnetically attractable tip, and an annular magnet disposed inside the barrel and around the elongated ink cartridge. The annular magnet is located proximal but separated from the magnetically attractable tip with the end proximal the tip having a polarity equal to that of an upper surface of the ring magnet in the base.

Abstract: A tethered pen and base assembly is disclosed The assembly includes a first tether that is secured to the base at one end thereof and secured to a locking mechanism at an opposite end of the tether. A second tether is secured to the pen at one end thereof and to the locking mechanism at an opposite end of the second tether The locking mechanism releases an end of the tether when unlocked.

Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes a pen having an end, a collar defining an internal cavity surrounding the end and an orifice having a diameter, an elastic retainer disposed within the internal cavity, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. An outer surface of the elastic retainer defines an internal dimension and an external dimension of the elastic retainer, the external dimension greater than the diameter of the orifice such that the internal cavity retains the elastic retainer. The anvil includes an angled retention surface having an external diameter greater than the internal dimension of the elastic retainer and less than the diameter of the orifice.

Abstract: The case (1) comprises a lid (2), a base (3) and a holder (7) for a cosmetics applicator; the lid, base and holder being interconnected along a hinge (4). The hinge comprises a boss (5) positioned intermediate its ends and the holder comprises a surface (18) engageable with the boss such that opening the container causes the holder to lift from the base.

Abstract: A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes the pen having an end and an annular interior surface defining a bore, a cap comprising an expandable retention interface disposed within the bore proximate the end, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. The expandable retention interface includes a radially outwardly directed surface in contact with the annular interior surface. The expanding retention interface further includes a radially inwardly directed surface in operable communication with the anvil. The expanding retention interface is responsive to an application of force less than a release force by the tether via the anvil to expand and secure cap to the pen, and is responsive to an application of force greater than the release force to release the cap from the pen.

Abstract: A marker pen storage system comprising a housing having a plurality of receptacles for receiving marker pens, each receptacle formed to include an upper and lower cavity, the upper cavity located at the opening of the receptacle and formed to include a first upper inclined section and a first lower inclined section, wherein the first upper inclined section has a greater incline than the first lower inclined section, said lower cavity sized to receive a writing end of a marker pen, receptacle openings are formed immediately adjacent so as to create guidance walls between each receptacle, and prevent a flat upper surface from being formed between adjacent receptacles, and a snap ring formed between the upper and lower cavities, wherein a relatively airtight seal is formed around the writing end of a marking pen when it is completely inserted into the lower cavity so as to prevent circulation of air to the writing end of an inserted marking pen, and the snap ring produces a snap feel and sound when a marker pen

Abstract: A cap for a writing instrument includes a cap body having a peripheral wall formed with an elongated mounting recess, a retaining cover removably mounted in the mounting recess of the cap body, and a magnet mounted between the cap body and the retaining cover. Thus, the cap and the writing instrument are attached to the surface of a whiteboard or other metal by the magnetic force of the magnet, so that a user can use the writing instrument easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user using the writing instrument, and thereby preventing the writing instrument from being lost.

Abstract: A marker pen storage system comprising a housing having a plurality of receptacles for receiving marker pens, each receptacle formed to include an upper and lower cavity, the upper cavity located at the opening of the receptacle and formed to include a first upper inclined section and a first lower inclined section, wherein the first upper inclined section has a greater incline than the first lower inclined section, said lower cavity sized to receive a writing end of a marker pen, receptacle openings are formed immediately adjacent so as to create guidance walls between each receptacle, and prevent a flat upper surface from being formed between adjacent receptacles, and a snap ring formed between the upper and lower cavities, wherein a relatively airtight seal is formed around the writing end of a marking pen when it is completely inserted into the lower cavity so as to prevent circulation of air to the writing end of an inserted marking pen, and the snap ring produces a snap feel and sound when a marker pen

Abstract: A writing instrument attachment system comprises a writing instrument holder base with a restraining connector secured with at least one zip tie and a writing instrument secured to the other end of the restraining connector using at least another zip tie. In one embodiment, a writing instrument connector is secured to an end of the writing instrument using a gasket and then slipping an eye zip tie over the gasket; then tightening the zip tie. Another embodiment utilizes a writing instrument that has an eye attached therein. In this embodiment, the other end of the restraining connector is inserted in the writing instrument eye and then secured with a zip tie. In another embodiment, a broken restraining connector is reused by forming a loop and securing the loop with at least one zip tie and then using the loop to secure the writing instrument without replacing the original base.

Abstract: A dispenser that includes at least one receptacle configured to accommodate at least one applicator, with the receptacle having at least one opening through which the applicator can be withdrawn. At least one applicator is housed in the receptacle, and includes an applicator portion and a grasping element enabling the applicator to be held. The grasping element delineates a reservoir containing a product to be applied, and the applicator is configured so that it must be at least partially deformed in order to pass through the opening in the receptacle.

Abstract: A note-pad holder with incorporated page mark includes an adjustable Velcro attachment support member for attachment to a hardback book with a compartment for accessories and holding device for a writing utensil.

Abstract: A pen retention device including a pen, a tether, a retracting reel in operable communication with the tether, and a bracket releasably securing the retracting reel therein is disclosed. The pen retention bracket includes four surfaces that define a rectangular cavity having four sides and a top and bottom opening. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are disposed upon a first surface and extend from the first surface toward a second surface, a distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion greater than a height of the pen tether retracting reel. The first surface is responsive to an application of force to the pen tether retracting reel to elastically deform and increase a depth between the second surface and at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, thereby releasing the pen tether retracting reel via either of the top opening and the bottom opening.