Projectable And Retractable Tool Patents (Class 401/99)
  • Patent number: 6860667
    Abstract: A writing instrument is provided having an elongated shell having a longitudinal axis and an elongated assembly having a writing tip disposed at a first end of the elongated assembly. The elongated assembly is disposed at least partially in the elongated shell. The elongated assembly moves relative to the elongated shell between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis, a surface of the elongated assembly abutting a surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the first position and the surface of the elongated assembly spaced from the surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the second position. The writing instrument also includes a flexible bushing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible bushing is secured to the elongated shell and the second end of the flexible bushing secured to the elongated assembly. The flexible bushing biases the elongated assembly toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: William Dowst, Vitaly Pesikov, Andrew Szczepanowski, Neville E. Andrews, Jim Salemme
  • Patent number: 6837638
    Abstract: A capless holding device which does not use any removable caps but which can reliably move a medium between a projected position and a housed position is provided. The capless holding device includes a cylinder holding a refill that is movable between a projected position and a housed position. The cylinder includes a tip opening out of which a pen tip of the refill located at the projected position is projected and a housing section that seals the pen tip of the refill located at the housed position. A rotating cylinder is connected to the axial cylinder so as to relatively rotatively movable, an engaging projection integrally provided on the refill, a cam groove formed in the rotating cylinder to guide the engaging projection forward and backward in unison with rotation of the rotating cylinder, and a guide groove formed in the axial cylinder to guide the engaging projection in a rotating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Kotobuki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6837639
    Abstract: An illuminable writing instrument includes a hollow elongated body having a first end, an opposed second end, and a receiving cavity, wherein the elongated body is adapted for a light passing from the receiving cavity to outside, a writing unit, having a writing tip, disposed in the receiving cavity, an actuator mounted at the second end of the elongated body to move the writing unit from a normal unemployed position to an operation position, and an illumination arrangement including an illuminating unit supported within the receiving cavity of the elongated body and a switch control which is electrically connected to the illuminator and is arranged to activate the illuminating unit for providing a lighting effect throughout the elongated body while actuating the writing unit via the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Ve-Chung Hui
  • Patent number: 6832868
    Abstract: A writing implement comprising a housing (2), a writing cartridge (4) arranged in the housing in a movable manner, and a control unit that displaces the writing cartridge between a first position in which the cartridge tip (6) protrudes from the housing for writing, and a second position in which the cartridge is retracted into the housing. In the first position the writing implement has a total length suitable for writing, and in the second position the writing implement is contracted. The writing implement exhibits improved handling without major structural modification, so that the writing implement can be brought into the writing position and also extended in a single hand movement. To achieve this the implement is provided with a depressor (8) which is configured as an extension of the housing and can be actuated to move the writing cartridge between the first and second positions, and which in the first position extends out from the rear end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: C. Josef Lamy GmbH
    Inventors: Andre Hertwig, Wolfgang Nestlen
  • Patent number: 6793427
    Abstract: A writing aid for helping to steady a hand of an individual to allow the individual to write in a more steady manner has a writing pad. The writing pad has a magnetic layer. A writing instrument is provided wherein the writing instrument has at least one magnet coupled to a bottom section of the writing instrument. The magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic layer will steady the hand of the individual using the writing aid. The writing instrument is adjustable so that the individual can adjust a distance a writing tip of the writing instrument is deployed. By adjusting the length of the writing tip that is deployed, the individual can adjust the magnetic attraction between the magnet at the bottom section of the writing instrument and the magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Remko C. Sterling
  • Patent number: 6755584
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel having a channel with an open end, and a writing element disposed in the channel. The writing element is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. At least a portion of the writing element is resilient and may be resiliently deflected in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. The resilient deflection of the writing element biases the writing element to engage the channel and to retain the writing element in the extended position. Various other features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or actuator member may be provided separately or in combination. In example, the actuator may be mounted for non-linear movement to extend or retract a writing element. Also a release member may be provided along a side of the barrel to move the writing element out of engagement with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. O'Brien, Donald A. DeLuca, Michael Kent
  • Patent number: 6718990
    Abstract: A cosmetics container (10) is adapted for one hand operation. The body (12) of the container (10) defines a reservoir (14) with cosmetics therein and further defines a passage (24) from the reservoir (14) and container (10). A resilient wiper (16) is mounted adjacent to the passage (24). A cosmetics applicator (18) is slidably supported within the reservoir (14) for movement from a loading position to a use position extending through the passage (24). A drive assembly including a knob (26) on the exterior of the container (10) adapted for one hand manipulation slides a drive belt (22) having one end connected to the applicator (18) in the reservoir (14) and the other end connected to a cover (23). Operation of the knob (26) in a first direction simultaneously withdraws the cover (23) and propels the applicator (18) from the reservoir (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Bridgeport Metal Goods Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David P. Chastain, Gauray Rohatgi, Kevin Robert Young, Thorben Neu, Stephanie Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20040037611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held device for applying a film of, for example, adhesive, covering, or colored material onto a substrate. The device includes a housing, in which a film material supply is disposed, and an application member with an application end to which the film material can be supplied. The application member is moveable back and forth between a retracted position in the housing and an application position projecting out of the housing through a housing opening. An actuating element is manually moveable between a stand-by position and an active position and activates the application member to move into its application position when it moves into the active position. To improve the operability and handling of the hand-held device, the actuating element is arranged on a side surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Franck Rolion
  • Patent number: 6688794
    Abstract: An amusement pen with a turnable decoration. A turnable device is formed by pulling wires, a U shape swingable rod and a decoration. By operating the pulling wires, the decoration will turn around the two pulling wires. A driven device has two linkages for winding the pulling wires. A driving active piece is buckled to the two linkages and an elastomer is located in the driven seat and above the driving active piece. A driving seat is formed by two seat covers. A guide groove serves for pivotally installing the driving active piece. The pen body is installed at a lower end of the driven seat. The pen body comprises a filler and a cover. By operating the two linkages, pulling wires will be tightened or released; and at the same time, the turnable device will turn around the rope sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Tay Hsu
  • Patent number: 6616365
    Abstract: The telescopic writing instrument has adjustable length for comfortable writing when extended and ease of transport when contracted. It consists of a pen or pencil cartridge fixed inside the inner substrate of three concentric substrates that slide within each other. In its extended length, the instrument is standard length with the fingers holding one end of the instrument, and the other end leaning comfortably against the base of the hand. In its contracted configuration, the instrument is about half-length with the outer substrate extended over the pen or pencil cartridge to prevent unintended markings. The instrument is simple and easy to use, reconfiguring in about one second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Charles S. Vann
  • Patent number: 6607324
    Abstract: A makeup pencil is made variable in length by use of rack shafts and a pinion. The pencil has three housings which interact to extend the brush when in use. The brush is projected out of one of the housings through a through-hole. The pencil structure has a flexible piece which seals the inside of the pencil over the through-hole when the pencil is not being used in order to prevent penetration of foreign materials in the air such as powder and dust into the pencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Man Su Choi
  • Publication number: 20030143014
    Abstract: A handheld marking instrument includes a body having a substantially flat shape, a first chamber formed within the body and having an inner surface configured to receive and contain a marking substance within the body, and a first marking device configured to deliver the marking substance to a desired surface during marking. The first marking device is incorporated in the body and in communication with the first chamber to access the marking substance contained by the inner surface. At least a part of the first marking device is moveable between an exposed position for marking on the desired surface, and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the body has a form factor of a financial transaction card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Andre R. Steinschaden
  • Publication number: 20030138283
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel having a channel with an open end, and a writing element disposed in the channel. The writing element is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. At least a portion of the writing element is resilient and may be resiliently deflected in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. The resilient deflection of the writing element biases the writing element to engage the channel and to retain the writing element in the extended position. Various other features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or actuator member may be provided separately or in combination. In example, the actuator may be mounted for non-linear movement to extend or retract a writing element. Also a release member may be provided along a side of the barrel to move the writing element out of engagement with the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Richard C. O'Brien, Donald A. DeLuca, Michael Kent
  • Patent number: 6592279
    Abstract: A pop up writing implement that includes a pump handle, an outer sleeve, an inner pen casing, a spring, a pen cartridge and a connector, which in one embodiment is U-shaped. The pen is expandable and contractible, making it small enough to easily carry in any typical pocket. The design of the pen protects against inadvertent markings, making it unnecessary for it to have a detached pen cap. The pen of the present invention also incorporates no screws, making it immune to screw loosening problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Perfect Promotional Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Kagel
  • Publication number: 20030118391
    Abstract: A writing implement 1 includes a sensor 11 and control circuitry 13 so that when the writing implement is brought into close proximity with the input screen of an electronic device, the input screen being of the type that requires an input stylus, the writing tip 3 of the writing implement 1 is prevented from delivering ink to the input screen. This may be achieved by retracting the writing tip within the body of the writing implement, or by extending a stylus tip 20 beyond the writing tip 3 by the means of preventing ink being delivered to the input screen include a mechanism to disengage a ink reservoir 5 from the writing tip 3 of the writing implement 1 and, in the case of a ball-point pen type writing tip 3, having means such as electromagnets 26 arranged to prevent rotation of an ink delivery ball 22 on actuation of the electromagnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Guy de Warrenne Bruce Adams
  • Publication number: 20030113155
    Abstract: A writing instrument is provided having an elongated shell having a longitudinal axis and an elongated assembly having a writing tip disposed at a first end of the elongated assembly. The elongated assembly is disposed at least partially in the elongated shell. The elongated assembly moves relative to the elongated shell between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis, a surface of the elongated assembly abutting a surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the first position and the surface of the elongated assembly spaced from the surface of the elongated shell with the elongated assembly in the second position. The writing instrument also includes a flexible bushing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible bushing is secured to the elongated shell and the second end of the flexible bushing secured to the elongated assembly. The flexible bushing biases the elongated assembly toward the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: William Dowst, Vitaly Pesikov, Andrew Szczepanowski, Neville E. Andrews, Jim Salemme
  • Patent number: 6568866
    Abstract: A mechanical penholder preventing the refill from direct impact when falling on the ground and preventing the refill from being retracted in use is comprised of upper and lower holders engaged to contain a refill, which penetrates through the lower holder characterized by that a recess at the top inside the upper holder to accommodate a coil, the lower holder being inserted into a collet; and multiple stubs disposed on the collet penetrating and protruding from multiple corresponding holes in the lower holder; the refill mildly retracts into the holder and restores to its original position to prevent it from being broken due to head-on crash against the ground; and the user may hold the lower holder by pressing against it so to allow those stubs sticking out to hold against the outer side of the refill to prevent is from retracting into the lower holder while writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jung Lin Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030095825
    Abstract: The invention provides a variable length pencil which comprises: a vertically opened rectangular inner housing; a power transmission unit fixedly provided inside the inner housing; a head unit having a head fixed to one end of the first outer housing, a rack shaft inside thereof for cooperating with the power transmission unit and a flexible piece provided at a leading end of the rack shaft; a second outer housing fixedly provided around a lower end of the inner housing and having a closed lower end and a through hole in the closed lower end; and a movable unit movably provided inside the inner housing and having a rack shaft extended in a position opposed to the rack shaft of the head unit for cooperating with the power transmission unit and a fixed portion provided at a lower end for being exposed out of the second outer housing, wherein the rack shaft of the head unit and the rack shaft of the movable unit are respectively guided by the guides of the power transmission unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Man Su Choi
  • Patent number: 6561710
    Abstract: A stylized writing instrument shaped like a proprietary and/or familiar object. Embodiments include a housing shaped like the proprietary and/or familiar object, a writing implement, and internal mechanisms provided within the housing for extending the writing implement from, and retracting the writing implement into, the housing. The internal mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of actuation systems for extending and retracting the writing implement, including a cam actuation assembly, an edge slide actuation assembly, a gravity actuation assembly, a pressure actuation assembly and a push button actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joel B. Shamitoff
  • Patent number: 6554519
    Abstract: A notepad holder with an integrated writing instrument which includes a writing instrument disposed in a generally rectangular housing having a base section and a hingedly connected lid section. The base section has a top surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing front and rear surfaces. The top surface includes a rectangular recess which cooperates with the lid section to form an accessible interior compartment within the housing. The writing instrument is disposed in the housing in an interior chamber proximate to one of the opposing side surfaces. The front surface of the base section has an aperture axially aligned with said writing instrument so that the tip of the writing instrument can project from the housing. The device includes a means to alternatively selectively position the writing tip between a retracted position enclosed within the housing and a projected position extending through the aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a notepad disposed in the rectangular recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Kaplan
  • Publication number: 20030072598
    Abstract: A notepad holder with an integrated writing instrument is provided which includes a writing instrument disposed in a generally rectangular housing having a base section and a hingedly connected lid section. The base section has a top surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing front and rear surfaces. The top surface includes a rectangular recess which cooperates with the lid section to form an accessible interior compartment within the housing. The writing instrument is disposed in the housing in an interior chamber proximate to one of the opposing side surfaces. The front surface of the base section has an aperture axially aligned with said writing instrument so that the tip of the writing instrument can project from the housing. The device includes a means to alternatively selectively position the writing tip between a retracted position enclosed within the housing and a projected position extending through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6547470
    Abstract: A combination tool capable of being clipped into a pocket which incorporates an outwardly biased writing implement, e.g., pen, into a tip of a removable Phillips-head screwdriver tip at one end of a hexagonal tube while having a removable second tip, e.g., regular screwdriver tip at an opposed end. The handle, an inwardly biased clip affixed thereto for fastening into a shirt or pant pocket, is used for facilitating rotational movement of the hexagonal tube with screw tips attached, and is insertable over either tip and at least partially onto the hexagonal tube, an interior hole within the handle being dimensioned so as to permit sliding frictional engagement between the handle and the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the pen has a selectively retractable tip, retracting effected by converting inward radial force into compressive longitudinal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Legg
  • Patent number: 6536973
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel defining a channel, an arcuate cam member coupled to the barrel and a writing element in communication with the cam member. The cam member is rotatable between a first position in which a writing end of the writing element is retracted within the channel and a second position in which the writing end of the writing element is extended out of the channel. The cam member rotates about an axis of rotation that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the writing instrument. Various features which improve the functioning of the writing instrument or cam member may be provided separately or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. DeLuca, Daniel A. Ferrara, Jr.
  • Pen
    Publication number: 20030002911
    Abstract: A pen is described, comprising a pen body (1) and a pen point (3) releasably arranged in the pen body, and a part (4) which is removably arranged on the pen body (1). The part (4) is arranged for squeezing engagement with the pen point (3), for removing the same by the action of forces between the part (4) and the pen point (3). A method for removing the pen point and a clip for holding the pen are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Johan Berhin
  • Publication number: 20020192007
    Abstract: All tip retractable pens have no caps to cover their pen tips, instead their pen tips or tip protection covers are retractable such as mechanical ball pens, twisted ball pens or telescopic ball pens. Theirs pen tips will be same direction to theirs clips, and always point to ground either in writing or any time unused. Because theirs structure as retractable pen, they don't need caps. To make retractable pen be able to use liquid ink, this invention use spool valves inside the liquid ink cartridge, which also applies on the pen tip is same direction with its pen clip or has no cap to cover its pen tip. Using an air valve, a pen tip valve, a valve rod, and a pushing or twist action to change valves result as unused state: the pen tip valve close ink path and the air valve opens to vent expansion air. And as writing state: the air valve closed to create a vacuum to hold ink in tube and the pen tip valve open the ink to pen tips and air vents through an outlet at top of valve rod to balance pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Rocky Jenlon Lee
  • Patent number: 6488426
    Abstract: A writing instrument is provided including a gripping section arranged along a portion of the writing instrument normally used for gripping and a writing tip extending from the gripping section. The gripping section may be provided on a replaceable cartridge element which is inserted into a cartridge-receiving cavity in the writing instrument body. A soft, resiliently deformable gripping member is provided on the gripping section and is preferably tubular in shape. The gripping member includes a smooth surface which may include a slightly elevated or raised pattern. The elevated pattern may comprise a plurality of interconnected parts so as to form a continuous lattice or pattern such as hexagons. The pattern is preferably continuous over the entire smooth surface. The elevated pattern is resiliently compressible with respect to the smooth surface so that a user's fingers may deform the elevated pattern to provide additional traction during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Perry, Marc W. Lovejoy, Craig M. Stevens, Roger F. Lockshier
  • Patent number: 6464419
    Abstract: A ball point pen has a elongate shank 10 that supports a ball point element inside. A handle 11 can pivot and fold over and be held closed against the shank 10. This allows the pen to be maintained in a folded-up configuration and easily carried in a breast pocket or purse. The pen is biassed towards a writing configuration with the shank and handle connected end-to-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: C. C. & L Company Limited
    Inventor: Sik-Leung Chan
  • Patent number: 6435751
    Abstract: A click type writing implement includes: a ball-pen refill composed of a point assembly at the front end thereof, an ink storage at the rear thereof and a pressurizing mechanism of a pumping type at the rear of the ink storage; an arrangement for holding the refill and engaging it so as to allow the tip of the point assembly to be projected from and retracted into the front end; and a clicking mechanism for keeping the tip of the point assembly projected, the clicking mechanism comprising: a first clicking mechanism for advancing and contracting ink by a short stroke and a second clicking mechanism for advancing and contracting ink by a large stroke, so that the rear end of ink can be pressurized at two levels so as to promote flow of ink toward the point assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Ono, Hitoshi Nakamura, Tadashi Koriki, Tamotsu Eguchi, Seiichi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20020110402
    Abstract: A telescopic ball-point pen comprising a front case and a rear case capable of slidably engaged in the front case and the rear case can be adjusted to make a telescopic motion to reach respective steps, wherein the front case comprises a mouth ring, a front case body, a cylindrical member, a telescopic ball-point pen refill, a coil spring, a slidable tip fitting, a short rod-like member, an engaging concave, of which the front case body, the cylindrical member, a sliding portion of the slidable tip fitting, and the engaging concave are respectively made of synthetic resin, and wherein the rear case comprises a rear case body, a short rod-like member and an engaging convex of which the rear case body and the engaging convex are respectively made of synthetic resin, and wherein the rear case can press the short rod-like member and slidable tip fitting when the rear case body is pushed into the front case body, while the engaging convex of the rear case head cap can be engaged in or disengaged from the engaging
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Kato
  • Publication number: 20020081139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination tool capable of being clipped into a pocket which incorporates an outwardly biased writing implement, e.g., pen, into a tip of a removable Phillips-head screwdriver tip at one end of a hexagonal tube while having a removable second tip, e.g., regular screwdriver tip at an opposed end. The handle, an inwardly biased clip affixed thereto for fastening into a shirt or pant pocket, is used for facilitating rotational movement of the hexagonal tube with screw tips attached, and is insertable over either tip and at least partially onto the hexagonal tube, an interior hole within the handle being dimensioned so as to permit sliding frictional engagement between the handle and the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the pen has a selectively retractable tip, retracting effected by converting inward radial force into compressive longitudinal movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Legg
  • Patent number: 6390706
    Abstract: A retractable-type writing instrument has a tubular body having a longitudinal axis, a front end, a rear end, and a tip disposed at the front end. A writing medium is disposed in the tubular body for undergoing movement in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis. A clip has a first end portion is connected to the tubular body and a second end portion. An engagement member has a first surface connected to the second end portion of the clip, a second surface confronting the tubular body, and a pair of third surfaces extending from opposite sides of the second surface toward the first surface. Each of the third surfaces is inclined at a given angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Yokouchi, Shinya Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020039512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an appearing and disappearing core type writing instrument capable of appearing and disappearing a core based on a rotation operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Byung Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20020039511
    Abstract: A retractable tip writing implement according to the present invention includes a tip protecting member removably mounted in an opening formed in the body of the retractable tip writing implement. The tip protecting member serves to prevent drying of ink and to protect the end of the tip and of the writing implement. The tip protecting member may be made of a material with excellent chemical resistance and flexibility and includes a drawing unit for removing the tip protecting member through the opening, without disassembly of the front part of the body of the retractable tip writing implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Young-Saeng Park
  • Patent number: 6322267
    Abstract: An adjustable holder is disclosed for holding a marking material, such as a crayon, comprising an elongated housing with first and second end portions, a hollow cylindrical cavity for housing marking material and a centerline therethrough. A tubular interior portion having a threaded inner bore and an outer wall is coaxially positioned within the housing cavity. A collar adjacent to the first end portion is attached to the housing, rotatable about the centerline. The collar has a hole for insertion of the crayon therethrough. There is provided a device for advancing the tip of the crayon along the longitudinal centerline within the housing. A receptacle portion is coaxially positioned within the tubular interior portion for retentively receiving one end of the crayon. The crayon is rotated by rotation of the collar, which cooperate to linearly traverse the receptacle portion within the tube threaded bore along the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: James C. Shaffer-Bauck
  • Publication number: 20010024592
    Abstract: A roller ball pen (2) that permits a user to adjust the bias force that biases a roller ball cartridge (4) out of the pen (2) to suit the user's particular writing style. The pen (2) has a body (8) having distal and proximal ends, a roller ball cartridge (4) disposed in the body (8), a cap (10) removably disposed on the proximal end of the body (8), a control member (14) slidingly disposed in the cap (10), a spring (18) attached to the distal side of the control member (14) and abutting the roller ball cartridge (4), and a drive rod (16) engaged with the control member (14). Rotation of the drive rod (16) moves the control member (14) distally or proximally, thereby adjusting the bias force applied by the spring (18) to the roller ball cartridge (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: BIC Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. McCauley, Ryan S. Eddington, Michael Huneke
  • Publication number: 20010018004
    Abstract: A knocking writing utensil which automatically returns a writing medium to a withdrawn position when a clip is used, includes an engagingly-locking protrusion formed on an engagement body that moves inside an external cylinder together with a refill. An engaging-lock receiving protruding portion including an engaging-lock receiving portion at its front end is formed on the rear surface of a non-proximal end of a clip with its proximal end fixed to the external cylinder. A guide hole is formed in the external cylinder so as to correspond to the engaging-lock receiving protruding portion. A cam portion for abutting on the engagingly-locking protrusion is formed on a knock bar integrated with a knock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Hidehei Kageyama, Yoshio Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20010016140
    Abstract: A knocking writing utensil which automatically returns a writing medium to a withdrawn position when a clip is used, includes an engagingly-locking protrusion formed on an engagement body that moves inside an external cylinder together with a refill. An engaging-lock receiving protruding portion including an engaging-lock receiving portion at its front end is formed on the rear surface of a non-proximal end of a clip with its proximal end fixed to the external cylinder. A guide hole is formed in the external cylinder so as to correspond to the engaging-lock receiving protruding portion. A cam portion for abutting on the engagingly-locking protrusion is formed on a knock bar integrated with a knock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Hidehei Kageyama, Yoshio Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6273627
    Abstract: An expandable pen has a pen barrel with an expanding middle section. The pen barrel holds a retractable ball point pen refill cartridge When the pen is expanded, the writing tip of the refill is extended from a retracted position inside the pen barrel to a writing position, while the barrel becomes full length for comfort when writing. The pen may be collapsed for storage, which simultaneously retracts the writing tip inside the pen barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: A.T.X. International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Mittersinker, Richard Joseph D'Amico, Kevin Lee Browning
  • Publication number: 20010010777
    Abstract: A system to make illustrations has at least one writable sheet of material with a first side and a second side, and at least an ink-producing writing device to write on the sheet of material. The sheet is secured in a thread-shaped frame. Provision is made for attachment devices in order to attach the frame to a vertical surface, such as one or more suckers, which are connected to the sheet of material and the frame. Further, provision is made for a writing material holder and erasers in order to erase an illustration made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventor: Edwin R. van der Heide
  • Patent number: 6264388
    Abstract: A rotary locator with differential position in a pen comprises an adapter head, a follower stem, and a cam. The adapter head is fixed at the top of the pen, an upper forked portion with a pivot device at the top thereof to form a groove seat, and a lower portion thereof has a central through hole. The follower stem is disposed in the central through hole and extends inward the pen. The cam is disposed in the groove seat, has two opposite flat planes on the contour thereof, an eccentric device between said two flat planes, and the eccentric device to align with the pivot device so as to rotate in the groove seat eccentrically. While the cam is turned, the follower stem displaces by way of a top thereof keeping contact with the contour of the cam. The follower stem can be located at one of two specific positions respectively because of the pivot device having different distances apart said two opposite flat planes respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Excel Rite Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Wang
  • Patent number: 6261016
    Abstract: A multi-functional pen has a tapered tube head connected to a lower pen tube which houses a rotary device. The rotary device projects from the lower pen tube at one end. An upper pen tube is connected to the projecting end of the rotary device so as to complete the pen when the tube head, lower pen tube, rotary device and upper pen tube are assembled together. A refill is disposed within the pen and can be replaced by unscrewing any one of the tube head, the upper pen tube or the lower pen tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Tsang-Jenn Liu
  • Publication number: 20010001026
    Abstract: A knocking writing utensil which automatically returns a writing medium to a withdrawn position when a clip is used, includes an engagingly-locking protrusion formed on an engagement body that moves inside an external cylinder together with a refill. An engaging-lock receiving protruding portion including an engaging-lock receiving portion at its front end is formed on the rear surface of a non-proximal end of a clip with its proximal end fixed to the external cylinder. A guide hole is formed in the external cylinder so as to correspond to the engaging-lock receiving protruding portion. A cam portion for abutting on the engagingly-locking protrusion is formed on a knock bar integrated with a knock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Hidehei Kageyama, Yoshio Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6186687
    Abstract: A fountain pen is provided with a tubular barrel, and ink guide with a nib on its front end and a cartridge on its rear end. The ink guide is mounted so that it is substantially linearly movable not only between a writing position in which the tip of the nib projects out of the front end of the barrel, and a storage position in which the nib is retracted within the barrel, but also a replacement position in which the rear end of the cartridge projects out of the open rear end of the barrel so that the cartridge can be readily grasped for replacement. A cover cap may be provided with an axially extending support pin having a free end which engages a pivotal closure cap to prevent it from opening the rear end of the barrel as a result of pressure exerted by the ink cartridge. The free end of the support pin also engages the ink guide, when the pen is in the writing position and the cover cap surrounds the front end of the barrel, to insure that the tip of the nib is spaced from all portions of the cover cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Montblanc-Simplo GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Fuchs, Rüdiger Weiss, Thomas Klössing, Dietmar Podszuweit, Heino Strehle
  • Patent number: 6135660
    Abstract: A retractable marking instrument has a seal arrangement for sealing the marking tip (3) when it is retracted within the barrel. The seal arrangement comprises a sealing element (6) shaped as a torus which rolls between the barrel (1) of the instrument and a refill unit (2) carrying the marking tip (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Christopher John Stevens, Graham John Simms
  • Patent number: 6095706
    Abstract: A writing instrument operated by a finger at a holding position comprising a hollow body for containing at least one refill, in which each refill is always forced toward a retracted position in the hollow body, and is moved between the writing position and a resting position by means of a cam mechanism which is operated by an actuating knob provided at a position near the portion of the hollow body to be grasped by a user's finger-tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ancos Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Hashimoto, Haruo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6092951
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for causing a ball point pen cartridge and associated tip to automatically extend from its housing when an actuator switch located at the front end of the pen housing is pressed by the user's finger. The pen tip and associated cartridge automatically retract when the user releases the pen. A D.C. motor coupled to a gear reduction assembly inside the pen housing causes an attached threaded sleeve to rotate within a stationary nut within the housing thereby driving the pen assembly forward or backward depending on the polarity of the electrical supply to the motor. Limit switches within the housing cause the pen assembly to stop at the proper locations. An alternate embodiment of the design substitutes a non-moving, conductive switch that operates on skin contact instead of a moving, mechanical type actuation within a standard electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Michael Greene, Kenneth Tarlow, Kirk Langman
  • Patent number: 6089775
    Abstract: A slider type mechanical pencil has an outer tubular member having a front end and a rear end. An inner tubular member is disposed in the outer tubular member for axial movement therein and has a lead advancement mechanism for axial movement within the outer tubular member to advance a pencil lead toward the front end of the outer tubular member. A slider has a first end portion projecting from the rear end of the outer tubular member and a second end portion. The slider extends into the outer tubular member so that the first end portion of the slider can be pressed in the axial direction relative to the outer tubular member to move the inner tubular member and the lead advancement mechanism in the axial direction toward the front end of the outer tubular member. A pusher member extends into the outer tubular member for axial movement therein and has a first end portion projecting from the rear end of the outer tubular member and a second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuo Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 6066439
    Abstract: Applications of photoerasable colorant composition include photoerasable price markings for pricing goods, documents such as gaming tickets for securely communicating concealed information, photoerasable paint for temporary markings on terrain and structures such as signs, roadways, trees, and buildings, marking instruments such as pens, and wick or felt markers, ultraviolet light exposure indicators, and dry printing. The photoerasable or mutable colorant composition comprises a mutable colorant and an ultraviolet radiation transorber which, upon irradiation with ultraviolet radiation, interacts with the colorant to irreversibly mutate the colorant and thereby render the colorant substantially colorless. The mutable colorant composition may also include a molecular includant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6065889
    Abstract: A side-knock type mechanical pencil comprises a barrel having a front end, a rear end a lead feeding mechanism disposed in the barrel for axial movement within the barrel to feed a pencil lead toward the front end of the barrel. A knock button is disposed in a side portion of the barrel so that the knock button can be pressed inward in a radial direction of the barrel to move the lead feeding mechanism axially within the barrel to thereby feed the pencil lead toward the front end of the barrel. A lead passageway is disposed in the barrel for passing therethrough the pencil lead in a direction toward the front end of the barrel. The lead passageway has a diameter at least twice as large as a diameter of the pencil lead. At least one lead receiving member is disposed in the barrel between the lead passageway and the knock button for receiving the pencil lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeki Maruyama, Souji Onuki
  • Patent number: 6022161
    Abstract: A variable-length applicator which can extend and retract an applicator element by simple operation and does not require a separate cap. The invention comprises an inner housing, a power transmission part mounted in the inner housing, a first outer housing combined slidably on an outer circumference of an upper portion of the inner housing, a head part having a head fixed to an upper end of the first outer housing and a linear moving means fixed to a lower end of the head, the linear moving means being engaged with the power transmission part, a second outer housing fixed to outer circumference of lower portion of the inner housing, and a moving part mounted movably in the second outer housing, the moving part having a linear moving means engaged with the power transmission part opposite to the linear moving means of the head part and an applicator element fixed to the lower end of the linear moving means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Man Soo Choi