Abstract: A writing instrument comprises a substantially tubular body extending between a top and a writing end, and an elongate slot disposed in an outer surface of the body and having a detents defined at each end of the slot, and a tubular open-ended cap disposed coaxially around the body and having a cut defining an elongate arm connected to the cap at one end and having an inwardly-oriented protrusion at another end and sized to engage the detents of the slot. The cap is slidable along the body such that the inwardly-oriented protrusion slides along the slot until it engages a detent at an end of the slot thereby arresting the cap either in a closed position, in which the cap covers the writing end, or in an open position in which the writing end is exposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying insect repellant is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes filling a bag with powder, joining a bottom edge of the bag to a bottom edge of a sleeve adapted to removably cover the bag, and patting the bag over surface areas releasing the insect repellant in a desired quantity. The method includes providing a bag handle secured to a top edge of the bag and adapted to be grasped by a user to slide the sleeve down and pull the bag out. The sleeve is adapted to be grasped by the user when patting the bag over surface areas releasing the insect repellant. The method further includes providing a sleeve handle secured to the sleeve and adapted to be grasped by a user when sliding the sleeve back up over the bag.

Abstract: A self contained multiple color writing pen has a single writing tip for dispensing a user selectable variable color ink to paper or other surfaces from an internal mixing chamber. Several internal ink reservoirs each having a different color ink, supply their ink to the mixing chamber. A user may easily change the selectable writing color even as he writes by manually moving a rotatable thumbwheel on the pen and the dispensed ink output changes quickly in response to such thumbwheel input. The number of colors selectable by a user is seemingly infinite and includes the entire color spectrum.

Abstract: A portable, reusable writing surface, comprising, a housing having a slot, a shaft rotatably mounted to the housing; a rolling assembly in communication with the housing with a spring-loaded pawl gear carried by the shaft; a mounting eyelet on the housing; a mounting system for removably mounting the housing to a working surface; and a sheet of rewritable material attached at one end to the shaft and at the other end to a handle.

Abstract: A writing instrument assembly where the capillary feed device, also referred to as the wick, of the writing instrument is lengthened and can be manipulated in order gain access to a new useful portion of the wick. The writing instrument comprises a reservoir of marking substance and a wick which is in communication with said reservoir for transporting said marking substance to the writing portion of said wick, also known as the tip. The writing instrument includes a cap to close the writing instrument when not in use. The writing instrument further comprises a mechanical device used for accessing the additional wick and a cutting or trimming mechanical device in order to remove the desired portion of wick.

Abstract: Systems for removing or attenuating friction and/or click noise generated during writing with a smart pen are disclosed. In a smart pen, the writing cartridge is biased towards a first side of the smart pen internal cavity by a low-force biasing system without affecting writing cartridge movement. For example, the writing cartridge is comprised of a magnetic material and a magnet is embedded into the first side of the smart pen internal cavity to bias the writing cartridge towards the first side. Alternatively, the material comprising the writing cartridge or smart pen internal cavity is modified, reducing friction between the components. As another alternative, a DSP method identifies analyzes one or more parameters of received audio data to differentiate click noise from audio data, and may receive data from a movement sensor indicating when the writing cartridge has moved to reduce power consumption for identifying click noise.

Abstract: A cosmetic housing (100) includes a first member (101) and a second member (103) couplable with the first member (101), such that a cosmetic (501) is enclosed between the first member (101) and the second member (103), wherein a surface of the first member (101) extends partially and not completely along a part of the outer surface of the second member (103), wherein the first member (101) retains the second member (103).

Abstract: Ornamental articles and devices such as, but not limited to, charms, flags, animated characters, flashlights, magnifying glasses, and gas pump speed pay devices clipped to or otherwise attached to a writing instrument, such as a pen. In a preferred embodiment, the ornamental articles and other devices clip to the top of the writing instrument. In a further embodiment, the ornamental articles and devices attach to the pocket clip of a writing instrument and are visibly displayed when the writing instrument is carried in a pocket of an article of clothing.

Abstract: A utensil that emits light from a handle portion thereof for a limited period of time. The handle portion may be in the form of a chemiluminescent light stick. A head portion of the utensil has a hollow interior proximal end adjacent to a solid distal end. The hollow interior is sized to receive the light stick, with the hollow interior having at least one burr to provide a frictional fit and to hold the received light stick therein.

Abstract: A writing implement core is positioned in a tube, which has first and second step-shaped ends with threads; a head sleeve is threadedly joined on the second end of the tube with the writing core sticking out therefrom; a shell is threadedly joined on one of the ends of the tube, and can be reloacted relative to the tube to adapt the writing implement for use as a chopstick; a cap is provided, which can be positioned around the tube to cover the writing core; a chopstick member is threadedly joined on the first end of the tube; when the shell is joined on the first end of the tube, it will cover the chopstick member, and the writing implement and chopstick combination can be used as a writing implement; the combination can be used as a chopstick after the shell is relocated on the second end of the tube.

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: An applicator device includes an applicator unit for applying a first cosmetic article to a user and a housing, which includes a cavity for holding a second cosmetic article for use by the user. An activator unit may be used to bring the second cosmetic article in reach of the user.

Abstract: A dual purpose fluid container for an integrated makeup kit, particularly an integrated nail makeup kit, wherein the nail polish, polish applicator brush, nail polish remover solvent, and nail polish remover pads are combined in a size and shape that is easily carried in a modestly sized purse or handbag, but which can quickly and easily be separated into a conventional nail polish applicator bottle with brush, and a jar containing a plurality of nail polish remover pads saturated with solvent. When separated, each of the bottle and jar can rest on a flat surface, or be readily held in one's hand, such that each can be used independently of the other, in any sequence or order, without danger of spillage or mutual contamination. In one embodiment, a removable cover is positionable to separate the nail polish remover pads from external environments, including the nail polish applicator bottle when the bottle and jar are attached.

Abstract: A shaft cover has a surrounding decorative element without a joint line. The pen shaft (3) has positioning elements (30) on the surface; a soft plate (10) has a decorative image (12) and covers the outline of the pen shaft (3), and the positioning holes (11) of the soft plate (10) receive the positioning element (30) for substantially positioning the shaft cover (1); and a positioning element (20) at the bottom face is used for covering on to the joint line (13) formed on the shaft cover (1) and jointing with the pen shaft (3) after corresponding with the positioning element (30).

Abstract: A letter opener-clip unit for use with an elongated handheld instrument. The generally elongated clip defines thereon an elongated and substantially U-shaped groove along a longitudinal symmetry axis thereof for accepting paper therein for cut. The groove is open at a first clip end where the clip is attached to the instrument and closed at a point on the clip proximate a second clip end to divide the clip into two branches separated by the groove. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of triangular shaped cutting members are opposingly disposed on the respective branches adjacent the first clip end, partly protruding into the groove to form a wedge at which the paper is cut as it moves within the groove from the second clip end toward the first clip end.

Abstract: An improvement to a writing instrument with stylus, a pocket clip and an integrated letter-opening blade. The improvement consists of locating the letter-opening blade in the pocket clip of the pen. The blade is prevented from cutting the pocket of the user due to a blade protector that is mechanically linked to the mechanism that extends and retracts with the marking or writing tip. In an alternate embodiment, the blade is located on the opposite side of the pocket clip. The extending and retracting mechanism can be a variety of types including twists press, sliding. The stylus provides input to a PDA, touch screen or other tactile input device. Another embodiment includes a letter opener with a stylus.

Abstract: A stain applicator and finishing pad is defined by a specialized flexible applicator pad that has on one side an absorbent applicator material that absorbs liquid stain so that the stain may be applied to a the prepared surface, and on the opposite side an abrasive coating that allows for efficient finishing of even contoured surfaces.

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 tool facilitates the insertion and removal of an ink reservoir unit, such as a cartridge, from a chamber of a writing instrument. The chamber is located within a drum that is coupled to a nib of the writing instrument. The tool comprises a main section defining, at least in part, an internal cavity for receiving the nib. The tool is configurable in a closed state, in which the nib is positioned inside the cavity and the tool clutches a grip portion of the writing instrument that is rigidly coupled to the nib and the drum. The tool is further configurable in an open state in which the cavity is partially open, compared to when the tool is in the closed state, thereby facilitating safe placement of the nib inside the cavity.

Abstract: A highlighter marker with a unique scent. The marker is used to highlight printed or written textual material. During the highlighting event, the unique scent evaporates from the ink. A memory link is thereby established between the unique scent and the highlighting event. Subsequently, when the cap of the highlighter marker is opened, the unique scent of the highlighter ink is detected, triggering recall of the highlighted text. A memory aid is thereby provided, which enhances the remembrance of previously highlighted material.

Abstract: A writing implement core is positioned in a tube, which has first and second step-shaped ends with threads; a head sleeve is threadedly joined on the second end of the tube with the writing core sticking out therefrom; a shell is threadedly joined on one of the ends of the tube, and can be reloacted relative to the tube to adapt the writing implement for use as a chopstick; a cap is provided, which can be positioned around the tube to cover the writing core; a chopstick member is threadedly joined on the first end of the tube; when the shell is joined on the first end of the tube, it will cover the chopstick member, and the writing implement and chopstick combination can be used as a writing implement; the combination can be used as a chopstick after the shell is relocated on the second end of the tube.

Abstract: A holder for cosmetic products having a hollow shell housing a removable reservoir containing a cosmetic composition. The removable reservoir is disposable or reusable. The removable reservoir comes with a replaceable applicator for the composition contained in the removable reservoir. The replaceable applicator has a handle acting as a cover for the removable reservoir. The handle inserts into an outer cover having an outside surface matching and complimenting the outside surface of the hollow shell.

Abstract: A writing instrument has a barrel, a flag dispenser partially inserted into the barrel, and a rotating or sliding cover that engages with and covers the flag dispenser. In different positions, the rotating or sliding cover enables various functions of the flag dispenser. For example, the cover may be moved into a position to enable withdrawal of tape flags by a user. The cover may also be configured to move into a position that covers and protects the tape flags. In refillable embodiments of the writing instrument, the cover may also be removed to enable a flip cover portion of the flag dispenser to be opened to provide access to a tape flag chamber.

Abstract: A steam mop having a main body including a water pump for pumping water from a water tank to a steam generator in response to any movement of the mop is provided. Movement of the mop causes a pump actuator to slide within a frame. The actuator has a camming surface with a pump piston rod biased against the camming surface that causes the pump piston rod to move in and out of a pump cylinder when the actuator moves. This operates a the pump to pump water to the steam generator for feeding steam to a steam pad mounted on a mop steam frame connected to the steam generator outlet.

Abstract: A combination reading tool integrating a magnifying glass, a highlighting marker, and a tape flag dispenser in a compact unit. The combination reading tool has a handheld, ergonomically contoured, portable housing with a window defined between two opposing planar surfaces, a magnifying glass fitted in the window, and a writing instrument such as a highlighter disposed within the housing with its tip extended from a side surface of the housing. The writing instrument is preferably integrally formed with the housing, but in another embodiment, may be removably disposed therein. The housing may further have a recess on one of the two opposing surfaces for storing flag tapes therein with a removable lid thereon. Also, advertising material may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing unoccupied by the magnifying glass.

Abstract: A marking device includes at least one writing instrument and a cap. The cap defining a writing instrument receiving portion and a sheet dispensing portion. The writing instrument receiving portion is inseparable from the sheet dispensing portion. A substantially flat stack of sheet material is releasably retained in the dispensing portion.

Abstract: A single use disposable spreading device to be used with pre-attached edible spreadable compounds such as butter, cream cheese, peanut butter and the like. Compounds are attached to spreader and have a protective cover over them to protect them until they are ready to be spread. The device has a snap out handle to grip with fingers for more control when spreading. One or more sides of the device may have a knifelike edge and/or serration to cut food and help spread compounds. The device may be flat or a shape other than flat to conform to the products it is being used on.

Abstract: A fragrance tester for applying a fragrance comprising a mechanism for providing a visible indication and a fragrance applicator for applying the fragrance, the tester adapted to apply the fragrance in proximity of said visible indication.

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 hand-held instrument comprising a writing utensil and associated handles interconnected to each other to allow a user to selectively position the writing utensil in either an extended position of use or a closed position of storage, as well as a variety of positions there between. The writing utensil may take a variety of forms, and the handles may incorporate additional devices or tools. The rotation of the handles about the writing utensil allows a user to manipulate the handles in a variety of ways, similar to that of a “butterfly knife” or similar device comprising balisong style openings. In one aspect of the invention, the writing instrument may be used to perform moves or tricks as a novelty device to provide entertainment and enjoyment to a user.

Abstract: A cosmetic container has a first casing and a second casing. The first casing has a chamber and at least one bottle. The at least one bottle is mounted in the bottle. The second casing is mounted slidably on the first casing and has a base and a cover. The base is mounted slidably on the first casing and has multiple compartments. The cover is mounted pivotally on the base and selectively covers the compartments. The cosmetic container has the at least one bottle and compartments hold and arrange orderly different cosmetic products so that the user would not need to carries different cosmetic bottles and boxes.

Abstract: A pen is provided with optical magnifying capabilities, and, optionally, further includes an illuminating device. The pen functions as a writing tool so that a user can easily hold it to write. A double prismatic lens is disposed inside a lower casing of the pen and by manipulating a selector switch, a user can control the magnifying level. An LED is disposed inside casing of the pen and a light producing assembly (LPA) is disposed in a lower pen sleeve. Correspondingly, by pushing the selector switch, the LPA is electrically connected to the battery and to a switch to turn on or off an LED.

Abstract: A digital display pen includes an elongate body, a display provided on the body, a processor that generates alphanumeric data that is displayed on the display and a switch device that starts and/or stops operation of the display. The elongate body includes a writing tip that is adapted to leave a colored line on a paper. The display has four modes, time, minutes, world clock and random number. In the random number mode, one or more numbers for lottery is generated by the processor, and the generated number is displayed by the display. The number for lottery includes a Mega number, a roulette number or a Lotto number.

Abstract: A dual dispenser for personal products such as cosmetics has two dispensers, one at either end of a tubular body. A wall divides the barrel into two chambers, which are filled with the respective products. One of the dispensers may be a sprayer and the other may be a lipstick-type dispenser, so that products of different types can be conveniently carried in a single pen-shaped article.

Abstract: A fragrant mechanical writing implement comprises a rigid, hollow, elongated barrel of absorbent material to which a writing implement mechanism for extending and retracting from one end thereof a writing tip. The absorbent material is impregnated with a fragrance by soaking in a liquid fragrance.

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 combination writing instrument and handcuff accessory has a housing containing an elongated writing element with a writing tip. The housing has at its distal end a key suitable for opening a handcuff. The key has a longitudinal tunnel sized to allow passage of the writing tip. The housing also has a mechanism for reciprocating the writing element between a retracted and an extended position. The writing tip in the extended position extends (a) through the tunnel, and (b) outside the housing a predetermined distance. The portion of the writing element extending from the key can be inserted into a double lock hole of a handcuff.

Abstract: A device for position determination. The device comprises a processing means for determining a position on a surface on the basis of an image of a position-coding pattern printed on the surface. The processing means is arranged to decode the position-coding pattern in the image, and to cause a writing means to write on the surface only in the event of the position-coding pattern being successfully decoded.

Abstract: A water resistant writing device that encloses and stores a continuous roll or pad of note paper, protecting the note paper from splashed water and other moisture in a wet outside environment. The writing apparatus comprises a waterproof or water resistant compartment for enclosing and storing the note paper, a writing implement, a transparent viewing/writing window through which the note paper can be viewed while still enclosed inside the writing apparatus, a dispensing means to move the note paper through the apparatus, and a cutting means for severing a portion of the note paper.

Abstract: A multifunction applicator for dispensing fluid is presented. The applicator includes a generally rectangular body and a dispensing tip removably disposed within a recess of the body. The applicator further includes one or more of the following: a magnifying lens disposed within the body; at least one page marker tab dispenser recess; measuring indicia disposed along a side of the body; at least one implement recess disposed within the body; and at least one grip disposed along a surface of the body.

Abstract: A writing instrument has a barrel, a flag dispenser partially inserted into the barrel, and a rotating or sliding cover that engages with and covers the flag dispenser. In different positions, the rotating or sliding cover enables various functions of the flag dispenser. For example, the cover may be moved into a position to enable withdrawal of tape flags by a user. The cover may also be configured to move into a position that covers and protects the tape flags. In refillable embodiments of the writing instrument, the cover may also be configured to move into a position that allows a user to replace or replenish the tape flags.

Abstract: A writing implement includes a body portion, display objections disposed in the body portion. Each display object includes a data unit. At least one of the display objects is moveable from a respective first position to a respective second position where the plurality of data units are perceived as a promotional message.

Abstract: A defect marking device includes a flaw inspection device which has a plurality of light-receiving parts that identify reflected lights coming from an inspection plane of a metal strip under two or more of optical conditions different from each other; a signal processing section that judges the presence/absence of surface flaw on the inspection plane based on a combination of reflected light components identified under these optical conditions different from each other; and a marking device which applies marking that indicates information relating to the flaw on the surface of the metal strip.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided. The instrument has (a) a body having opposing first and second ends, the body comprising a marking element extending from one or both ends, and (b) a sheet dispenser coupled to a first cap that is able to engage the first or the second end of the body portion, the dispenser comprising (i) a base disposed on the first cap; and (ii) a cover removably, e.g., slideably, engageable with the base, wherein the dispenser is disposed axially along a centerline of the writing element.

Abstract: An improved map pen comprises a fold up map or a stack of multiple sheets. A cocked flap or a sliding type knob or geared stopping mechanism is employed for holding the pulled-out map in any pulled-out position. The map pen is equipped with an additional pen mounted to the outside scroll end. A mini compass is mounted on top of map pen top button.

Abstract: An applicator includes a handle and an applicator head coupled to the handle. The applicator head includes at least one helical applicator surface, the at least one helical applicator surface disposed about a hollow space, and a plurality of projections attached only to a section of the at least one helical applicator surface facing the hollow space. The plurality of projections depend into the hollow space.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes an elongate body having opposed first and second ends, a longitudinal axis and a bore therein extending from the first end. A marking body, such as one having lead or a colored material, extends from the first end and is seated in the bore, while a connector is coupled to the second end. An eraser, such as a rubber eraser, is coupled to the connector and is configured to erase markings made by the marking body. The eraser includes a flat surface that is configured to prevent the writing instrument from rolling about the axis down an inclined surface contacting the elongate body. The flat surface may be oriented on a plane that is substantially parallel to the axis. The flat surface may also include a dimension perpendicular to the axis that is larger than another dimension of the elongate body which is also perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A note paper dispensing writing instrument having inner and outer tubular shells telescopically assembled with a partially coiled pad of paper inserted within the inner shell. Axial aligned slots in the shells receive free edges of the paper projecting therethrough in fanned relationship. The opposite edges of the paper being lightly glued together. An elongated member in the center of the coil is flexed to engage a sheet of paper being withdrawn and aids in detaching the paper at its glued edge.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a writing cartridge, a paper supply, and a drive unit disposed within a housing. The drive unit is connected to the paper supply and selectively actuates the paper supply to dispense paper from the housing. In addition, the writing instrument may further include another drive unit connected to the writing cartridge to selectively extend and retract the writing cartridge from a tip of the housing.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a central axis is provided. It includes (a) a barrel portion having opposing first and second ends, an exterior grip surface in between, and a first internal cavity; (b) a marking element extending from the first end of the barrel portion and disposed in the first internal cavity; and (c) a dispensing portion having opposing first and second ends, the first end in communication with the second end of the barrel portion.