Abstract: A writing instrument is disclosed which includes a cartridge having a writing tip portion and a unique barrel having a generally elongated tubular configuration and an outer surface portion having a plurality of spiral shaped surface irregularities in the form of surface grooves which enhance the gripping of the barrel by the user. The barrel also includes a multisided inner opening which, combined with the outer grooved surface, provides a unique array of light transmission and diffusion which distorts the appearance of the cartridge and the barrel thus causing the barrel to have a translucent character. A method of producing barrel stock from which the barrels may be cut is also disclosed.

Abstract: "Lock" for this impel/repel lipstick container comprises a downward extension at the lower end of the slot in the inner body. The extension is adapted to receive the pomade cup lug and is partly defined by a margin portion facing in opposition to the direction in which the lug is moved when the cam is turned to raise the cup. When a user attempts to propel the pomade upward by turning the cam relative to the inner body, the cam track merely forces the lug against the margin portion of the extension. To unlock, the salesperson applies a tool upward into the base of the lipstick container to raise the pomade cup so that the lug moves upward out of the extension.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced crayon that has a core of crayon material and a surrounding sheath of flexible and cuttable material that structurally reinforces the crayon material to prevent premature breakage.

Abstract: A shielded writing apparatus for preventing cross-contamination between a writer's hand and the writing surface and a writing instrument. The apparatus comprises a plate, a finger handle protruding outwardly from the upper surface of the plate and a sheath attached by a flexible cord to the finger handle, such that the sheath is maintained by the cord in a substantially vertical position. The sheath is adapted to receive a writing instrument and maintains the writing instrument in a generally vertical position when not in use. The finger handle is grasped by the last finger and the adjacent finger/s of the writing hand, while the thumb and forefinger holds the sheath containing the writing instrument, in a customary writing fashion. As the writer writes with the writing instrument, the apparatus moves along the writing surface along with the hand such that the plate forms a barrier between the butt of the hand and the writing surface.

Abstract: A new chalk holding device for marking a tire of a vehicle. The inventive device includes an elongate shaft having an upper straight portion and a lower arcuate portion which curves away from the longitudinal axis of the straight portion such that the lower end of the shaft is extended at obtuse angle from the longitudinal axis of the straight portion. The lower end of said shaft has an attachment device for attaching a stick of chalk to the lower end of the shaft. An elongate handle rod is extended through the straight portion such that the ends of the handle rod outwardly extend away from the straight portion.

Abstract: A writing instrument having a ergonomic configuration and methods for making the instrument are provided. The instrument is elongated having an equilateral triangular cross-section and having a uniform partial twist along the length thereof. The partial twist permits flat surface engagement for the index finger, middle finger and for the hand between the base of thumb and the base of the index finger of the user. The uniform twist in combination with the equilateral cross-sectional shape also permits tight packing in bulk, and the partial twist permits flat sided engagement with the resting surface (desk top). A method for making the instrument in the form of a rigid pencil is also provided.

Abstract: The soap applicator holds a bar of soap for application to areas of the body of a person, particularly those which are hard to reach. The soap applicator is in the form of a hand shaped soap holder with an elongate handle attached at its base. A recess in the soap holder receives the bar of soap and secures the soap with the use of two serrated flanges. Water is delivered through a tube to the soap holder from a reservoir in the handle. Curved massaging fingers extend from the soap holder in a direction out of the palm for lathering the soap and massaging the body.

Abstract: A stick holder cup (3) intended to be slidably mounted in a case (1) includes a closed transverse bottom (31) for supporting a stick of solid product liable to crumble. A cylindrical sidewall (32) of the cup is joined to this bottom, and the cup is moved axially by drive (33). The cylindrical sidewall has at least one axial microgroove (34) for creating an air escape route when the stick of the product is being positioned in the cup.

Abstract: A finger-manipulated article (e.g., a pen) includes a foam grip. The foam preferably is made from a foamable polyurethane prepolymer and a filler, or a latex, or both. The preferred foam has a recovery rate of less than 5 cm per minute. The foam may include a surface coating on its outer surface.

Abstract: A new writing instrument attachment for attaching to a common writing instrument. The inventive device includes a case having opposite first and second ends, The first end of the case has a first bore therein and the second end of the case has a second bore therein. The second bore is designed for receiving a writing tip of a writing instrument therein. A receiving member is inserted into the first bore such that a hole provided in the receiving member faces away from the first end of the case. One end of an insert member is inserted in the hole of the receiving member. The other end of the insert member has a generally cylindrical marking compound outwardly extending therefrom. The marking compound is designed for making a mark on a writing surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder cup for a stick-type product that prevents the release of the stick-type product from the holder cup. The holder cup comprises a hollow housing which is closed at one end and configured to receive a stick-type product at the other end, said hollow housing having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall containing one or more longitudinal grooves, each longitudinal groove having a first end which is tapered towards the center of the holder cup and a second end which passes through the closed end of the housing to form an aperture. A push-up is then provided, which comprises a base and one or more rods projecting axially outwardly from the base, said rods being positioned to align and dimensioned to fit within the longitudinal groove, and said rods having a length greater than that of the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder cup for a stick-type product which comprises a hollow housing which is configured to receive a stick-type product. The hollow housing has a wall which contains at least one aperture. A tab capable of occupying a first open position or second locked position is pivotally mounted within an aperture. The tab has an outer cam surface which extends past the outside of the wall of the housing, and has a notch which fits the wall of the housing when the tab is in the second position. When the tab is caused to pivot toward the center of the holder cup the tab punctures the product and locks in place, thus preventing the release of the product from the holder cup.

Abstract: A bar of soap in combination with a sponge for use in washing a persons body. The bar of soap is either adhesively bonded to the sponge or may be mechanically bonded to a plate or substrate which is in turn adhesively bonded to the sponge.

Abstract: A dispenser for a cosmetic stick comprising (a) a removable cap in the form of a sleeve having an open upper end, for containing the cosmetic stick, (b) a base in the form of a sleeve having an open upper end, (c) fitted inside the base sleeve, an internal sleeve open at both ends for containing the cosmetic stick, (d) a product advancing mechanism comprising a platform which forms the bottom closure of the internal tubular sleeve, the platform having an upper surface having two protrusions affixed thereto, and a lower surface, and (e) a porous material affixed to the upper surface of the platform and securing the cosmetic stick to the platform.

Abstract: A dispenser for a cosmetic stick comprising (a) a removable cap in the form of a sleeve having an open upper end, for containing the cosmetic stick, (b) a base in the form of a sleeve having an open upper end, (c) fitted inside the base sleeve, an internal sleeve open at both ends for containing the cosmetic stick, (d) a product advancing mechanism comprising a platform which forms the bottom closure of the internal tubular sleeve, the platform having an upper surface and a lower surface, and (e) a porous material affixed to the upper surface of the platform and securing the cosmetic stick to the platform.

Abstract: A solid deodorant sampler package and method of making wherein the package includes a plastic body having an open upper end, an open lower end, an integral upwardly and outwardly curved base wall in the form of a grid, and a peripheral wall. The grid is positioned between the upper and lower edges of the peripheral wall, and supports a solid deodorant. A plastic cover includes a base wall and a peripheral skirt telescoped over the peripheral wall of the body. The solid deodorant substantially fills the space between the base wall of the plastic cover and the base wall of the plastic body.

Abstract: Gripping holders are described for cigarette lighters. The embodiments include small rubber hollow shaped cylinders, oblong shaped cylinders and oval bands that have pre-selected lengths, diameters and thicknesses sized to stretch about and tightly grip outer circumferences of cigarette lighters. Another version of the gripping holder has two rectangular rubber sheets creating a sandwich about two side-by-side magnets. Folding sandwich sheets about money bills so that the magnets attract one another creates a money clip gripper holder. The pocket type items with gripping holders do not slide out of shirt pockets nor slide from a pants pockets. The outer surfaces of the small rubber gripping holders can be smooth, have ridges, raised rings, finger shaped indentions and have other grooved shapes. The nonslip rubberized surfaces of the gripper holder are an aid against pickpockets. An extra option includes adhering Velcro.RTM.

Abstract: A hand-held implement, is provided with a body including an elongated snap-fit post and an elongated snap-fit cartridge housing. The snap-fit cartridge housing includes a coaxial recessed groove and readily snap-fits into the body of the pen by the resilient engagement of the tip of the snap-fit post into the coaxial recessed groove of the snap-fit cartridge housing. The cartridge housing can be readily removed from the body of the pen and replaced with another cartridge housing inserted in its place. The body of the implement has external surfaces which define contours which match and ergonomically engage the surfaces of a user's thumb and fingers when the user grasps the implement, so as to provide a large surface area of contact between the user's hand and the implement.

Abstract: A shielded writing system includes a hand shield and a shielded writing instrument. The hand shield comprises a thin plate having a pillar projecting from one side thereof and appropriately contoured to be grasped by the two free fingers of writing hand. The plate extends outwardly in all directions from the connection therewith of the pillar to fully underlie the butt of the hand (held in a loose fist of the writing position) as a barrier to contact with the writing surface. In the direction from the pillar that the thumb and forefinger are to project, the plate terminates short of the tips of the thumb and forefinger. The pillar has a cavity to serve as a receptacle for a writing instrument. A tubular shield of resilient material is provided into which a writing instrument is inserted to protect the user from cross-contamination with the instrument. The tubular shield is longitudinally slit, and open at either end to permit the instrument to extend therethrough.

Abstract: An outer body surrounds a main body and is rotatable with respect to the main body to move up and down a cosmetic holder received in the main body. An insert sleeve is coupled integrally to the upper end portion of the outer body, by welding, integral-forming or any other suitable coupling device. The main body has an annular projection on its outer peripheral surface, which rotatably and elastically contacts with a lower portion of the insert sleeve. In an embodiment, the insert sleeve has a downwardly extending tongue which may be deformed elastically and contact with the projection of the main body. The projection is spaced apart from the outer body.

Abstract: A stick cosmetic container is constructed so that a medium holder is moved into or out of a casing by a driving mechanism. The medium holder has first and second holding members which can be moved relative to each other. The two holding members may be moved in one axial direction relative to each other so that the stick cosmetic is forced forward from one of the holding members. A stopper is provided in association with the two holding members so as to directly restrict the beginning and/or the continuation of the relative movement of the two holding members in the one axial direction.

Abstract: An improved writing instrument and method for manufacture thereof wherein a coating of a varnish mixture including a hardening component is applied by spraying or dipping or being force fed through a lacquer pot and squeegee to coat the external housing of the writing instrument to provide it with a compressible polyurethane friction coating thereon which is soft to grasp to greatly facilitate grasping and holding thereof. The compressible friction coating is more compressible than the conventional plastic, wood or composite material normally used for the external housing of a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil and provides a high friction surface to facilitate grasping and aid in accurately writing or drawing as desired. The external housing can include one or two coatings of the compressible polyurethane friction coating such as to provide additional compressibility thereof.

Abstract: A writing utensil structure includes a housing having an upper end portion with a neck extending upwardly and two diametrically opposite lugs each protruding from the neck. A passage is defined in the upper end portion of the housing and extends through the neck. A cap is mounted on the upper end portion of the housing and includes an inner wall having a first recess defined in a lower portion thereof for receiving the neck, a second recess defined in an intermediate portion thereof for receiving each of the two lugs, and a third recess defined in an upper portion thereof and aligning with the passage. A writing utensil is received in the passage and has an upper end with a tip extending upwardly and received in the third recess.

Abstract: A tubular eraser for erasing ink or pencil marks comprises an elongated body of a rubber material. The elongated body has an insertion hole of a predetermined length and extending along the direction of the axis of the elongated body for accommodating an ink reservoir of a ball-point pen.

Abstract: An integrated feather ink pen enables one to enjoy all of the benefits of the historic form of writing without the disadvantages. A shaped grip provides a comfortable means of operating the pen. A feather is attached to the grip to provide balance and a reservoir for ink or a compartment for an ink cartridge. The grip, together with an ink transport mechanism, serve to bind the nib to the feather. The ink transport mechanism is an ink feeder tube or a fibrous filament. Alternatively, the nib is dipped in ink.

Abstract: An improved release agent delivery apparatus is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.

Abstract: A writing utensil structure includes an upper body having an upper end portion with a first neck having two first lugs, and a lower end portion with a second neck having two second lugs. A cap has an inner wall defining a first recess for receiving the first neck, and a second recess for receiving the two first lugs. An intermediate body includes an upper end portion having an inner wall defining a first socket for receiving the second neck, and a second socket for receiving the two second lugs, and includes a lower end portion having an inner wall with a first space defined in a lower portion thereof, and a second space defined in a mediate portion thereof. A lower body includes an upper end portion having a third neck received in the first space. Two third lugs each protrude from the third neck and are each received in the second space. A first writing utensil is received in a first passage defined in the upper body, and a second writing utensil is received in a second passage defined in the lower body.

Abstract: A held writing instrument holder for persons with or without physical disabilities. A central bore with several flat slits enables insertion of instruments of varying shapes. One version has an hour glass-shaped body with a truncated periphery forming a gripping surface with a curved concave surface portion enabling a variety of grips to accommodate the user.

Abstract: There is provided a device for dispensing a semi-solid or highly viscous product, such as a cosmetic product or pomade, which tends to vaporize and shrink with the passage of time. The device includes a support member to prevent the product from moving axially, radially or otherwise undesirably within the support member. The inner wall of the support member includes a plurality of radially curved and inwardly extending ribs that support the product therein without fracturing the product when it is inserted into the support member. The ribs support the product to prevent the product from moving axially and orbitally with respect to the support member.

Abstract: A massaging, cleansing apparatus comprises a vibratory massaging portion and a formed soap bar. The massaging portion is dimensioned and configured to releasably receive the soap bar. The apparatus provides a vibratory massage during use of the soap bar, and also allows for non-destructive changing of soap bars, replacement of used soap bars, and continued use of the massaging portion after depletion of the soap bar.

Abstract: The glue stick apparatus for a ring binder comprises a housing having a peripheral edge with at least one hole being sized so as to accommodate a ring of a ring binder. The housing has a chamber formed therein. A glue stick support assembly is supported within the chamber of the housing. A glue stick is supported by the glue stick support assembly. The glue stick support assembly includes a rotatable knob and a threaded rod integrally connected to the knob and extending along a longitudinal axis of the chamber within the housing. A glue stick support member has an opening for threadable engagement with the threaded rod.

Abstract: A curved ergonomic pen which facilitates writing on vertical surfaces comprises a housing having a barrel portion and a web portion. The barrel has curved inner and outer edges and substantially flat sides. The web is substantially flat and extends along the curved inner edge of the barrel. A curved channel is formed in the barrel in communication with openings in opposite ends of the barrel. A pair of ink cartridges each comprising an ink tube and a tip secured to one end thereof are retractably secured within the channel such that the respective tips generally extend toward opposite ends of the barrel. The pen tips are selectively extendable and retractable through the associated openings in the opposite ends of the barrel. In one embodiment, a note pocket for receiving relatively small sheets of paper is removably securable within a slot extending into an outer edge of the web.

Abstract: An eraser device has an elongated cylindrical finger grip section with an internal bore defined therethrough. An internal conical bore section is aligned with the internal bore so that the device can be slid or fitted onto the writing end of a writing instrument. At least one eraser arm extends radially outward from the finger grip section and angled forward towards the front end of the device. An eraser is configured at the end of the eraser arm so that an operator can use the eraser by merely tilting and rotating the finger grip section to bring the eraser arm and eraser into contact with a writing surface.

Abstract: A device for supporting a wax pencil for writing. The inventive device includes a main body for receiving a wax pencil therewithin. A knob is rotatably mounted to an end of the main body and supports a threaded rod projecting thereinto. A plunger is engaged to the threaded rod and can be advanced therefrom to bias a desired portion of the wax pencil from the main body for use in a writing procedure.

Abstract: An ergonomic writing instrument comprising a writing instrument and a shell. The shell has a longitudinal axis and opposite ends and a hollow interior. The writing instrument is positioned within the shell with its operational end extending from one end of the shell. The portion of the shell furthest from the operational end is heel or "D" shaped, thus providing an ergonomically superior shape for a writing instrument. One can pick up this writing instrument and very easily grip the writing instrument correctly. Due to the comfortable conformity of the writing instrument to the natural arch between the thumb and the index finger, one can write for long periods without the fatigue or writing cramps which ordinarily accompany prolonged handwriting with conventionally shaped writing instruments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package for a solid stick product (e.g., antiperspirant or deodorant product), wherein the product is completely exposed on a retaining member so as not to require an elevating mechanism. The package has three components: a cover, the retaining member and a handle. The handle is removably connected to the retaining member, so that upon using up the product on the retaining member the handle can be removed and attached to another retaining member filled with product (which is, e.g., sold as a refill assembly). Molten product is filled through a fill hole in the retaining member into a cavity defined between the retaining member and cover; the retaining member has bosses for anchoring the product on the retaining member, and has vent channels extending between the bosses and the fill hole to displace trapped air from the bosses when filling the cavity.

Abstract: A hand-held implement which is sufficiently small so that it does not extend beyond the hand of the user and has forward and side surfaces which are oriented so that the implement in use extends in a direction which is no further toward the thumb of the user than the index finger of the user. The forward and side surfaces can be provided with concave contours which engage the thumb and fingers of the user.

Abstract: A writing instrument hand grip to facilitate gripping ease and comfort and to improve handwriting for people with a hand and finger dexterity disability. A pyramidal tetrahedron has a writing material detachably mounted to one or more of its apexes. Its faces may be concavely contoured and provided with friction enhancing surfaces.

Abstract: A marker pen having a clear plastic disk at one end and a clear plastic hemispheric shaped member at the other end, proximate the nib whereby a small child can write or draw in a normal fashion, see through the plastic the results of his endeavors but is unable to place either end of the marker into the mouth. A cover is provided for storage and the ink is a non toxic water color.

Abstract: An writing instrument having an elongated tubular body formed from a thin sheet of material being rolled upon itself. A marking substance positioned within a bore of the body is prevented from leaking through the body by the application of a coating to at least one side of the sheet so that a lining is formed in the bore.

Abstract: A holder is provided for a bar of soap, which consists of a structure for affixing firmly into a surrounding mass on an outer surface of the bar of soap. A component is for holding a hand of a person. An element is for attaching the holding component to the affixing structure, so that the hand of the person can conveniently hold onto the bar of soap when it becomes wet and slippery.

Abstract: A coloring or drawing board for use by children comprising a central planar surface upon which may be placed and held a coloring book or a paper pad and having a plurality of receptacles along the upper edge for receiving a plurality of crayons. Each of the crayons is tethered to the board permitting use for drawing and coloring on the board, but precluding improper use elsewhere such as on walls of a building.

Abstract: A writing implement (10) has a hollow housing (11) having a front end (12) and back end (13) wrapped with at least one strand (18) having a leading end (21) and a trailing end (22), which strand ends are retained within the housing (11). The writing implement (10) is thereby decorated, while also being durable, easy to use, and having an improved covered grip surface (14). The wrapping of at least one strand (18), or a plurality of strands (18, 19), around the housing (11) is accomplished in an inexpensive and simple method.

Abstract: A package for dispensing solid products, such as solid crystal deodorant, includes a first hollow main body portion having a uniform cross section throughout its length. Both ends of the package are open; and a slide member is located within the main body portion. The bottom end of the main body portion of the package has an inwardly turned flange to prevent the movement of the slide member outwardly from the main body portion through the bottom end. The solid crystal deodorant is mounted on the slide member, and is configured to freely move from the bottom end of the main body portion outwardly through the upper end. Drain holes are placed through the slide member to permit fluid, such as water, to pass downwardly from the sides of the crystal deodorant and out through the holes when the package is stored in an upright position. A chamber in the slide member is filled with a sponge-like material for receiving fluid which passes from the crystal deodorant through the holes in the slide member.

Abstract: An ergonomic, hand held instrument comprising an instrument and a shell. The shell has a longitudinal axis and opposite ends and a hollow interior. The instrument is positioned within the shell with its operational end extending from one end of the shell. The shell has a groove therein extending from adjacent the one end at least a partial revolution about said shell to adjacent the other end. The groove has a bottom and an upstanding wall. The groove spirals around the shell. The bottom has a width greater than the size of one's fingers. The spiral may have one or more partial turns or a single continuous turn or partial turn between the opposite ends of the shell.

Abstract: A sample/trial size package for cosmetic stick-form products, such as deodorants. The package is especially adapted for use with the fill/invert method of manufacture. The product is secured within the package in a fixed position throughout its use. The package has a base for holding the product. The base comprises an enclosed body, a closed bottom and an open top. The base further includes a stalk axially oriented within it. The stalk defines a trough along the inside perimeter of the base between the stalk and the body. Lastly, the package has a cap for sealing the open top of the base when the package is not in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grip for writing implements and in particular to one including a tubular member having a spherical stock at an end, a swelling at an intermediate portion, a recess between the spherical stock and the swelling, and a converging end, the tubular member further having a longitudinal hole and a slot in communication with the longitudinal hole, the slot being formed with two aligned holes and two aligned recesses, and an adjusting member provided with two aligned pins and two aligned protuberances engageable with the aligned holes and the aligned recesses of the slot respectively, the adjusting member further having a rubber projection in an inner side, whereby the grip may facilitate the holding of a writing implement.

Abstract: A package for dispensing solid products, such as solid crystal deodorant, includes a first hollow main body portion having a uniform cross section throughout its length. Both ends of the package are open; and a slide member is located within the main body portion. The bottom end of the main body portion of the package has an inwardly turned flange to prevent the movement of the slide member outwardly from the main body portion through the bottom end. The solid crystal deodorant is mounted on the slide member, and is configured to freely move from the bottom end of the main body portion outwardly through the upper end. Drain holes are placed through the slide member to permit fluid, such as water, to pass downwardly from the sides of the crystal deodorant and out through the holes when the package is stored in an upright position. A chamber in the slide member is filled with a sponge-like material for receiving fluid which passes from the crystal deodorant through the holes in the slide member.

Abstract: An ergonomic writing instrument comprising a writing instrument and a shell. The shell has a longitudinal axis and opposite ends and a hollow interior. The writing instrument is positioned within the shell with its operational end extending from one end of the shell. The shell has a groove therein extending from adjacent the one end to adjacent the other end. The groove has a bottom and an upstanding wall. The groove spirals around the shell. The bottom has a width greater than the size of one's fingers. The spiral has at least two turns between the opposite ends of the shell.

Abstract: A cosmetic tester (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) comprises a base (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) and a cap or matrix (14, 414). The base includes a pedestal (18, 418), a support (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) and an intermediate portion (22, 122, 222, 322, 422) which connects the support to the pedestal. A sample (16, 116, 216, 316, 416) of lip creme or other cosmetic, which is configured as a shell, is secured to the support. The matrix/cap is disposed over the shell and includes a tubular wall (32, 432) which is configured to mate closely with the intermediate portion sufficient for essentially preventing passage of any of the sample between the wall and the intermediate portion, but for permitting escape of air therebetween. The matrix terminates in opposed open (34, 434) and closed (36, 136, 436) ends. The closed end is provided with an inner surface (38, 138, 438) in intimate contact with the sample to provide the it with an external surface whose configuration matches that of the matrix's inner surface.