CA2115264C - Marking instruments - Google Patents
Marking instrumentsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2115264C CA2115264C CA002115264A CA2115264A CA2115264C CA 2115264 C CA2115264 C CA 2115264C CA 002115264 A CA002115264 A CA 002115264A CA 2115264 A CA2115264 A CA 2115264A CA 2115264 C CA2115264 C CA 2115264C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tip
- feed device
- instrument according
- reservoir chamber
- reservoir
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K5/00—Pens with ink reservoirs in holders, e.g. fountain-pens
- B43K5/18—Arrangements for feeding the ink to the nibs
- B43K5/1818—Mechanical feeding means, e.g. valves; Pumps
- B43K5/1827—Valves
- B43K5/1836—Valves automatically closing
- B43K5/1845—Valves automatically closing opened by actuation of the writing point
Abstract
A marking instrument, e.g. a fibre tip pen, roller ball pen, or highlighter pen, has a feed device which conducts marking liquid from the reservoir chamber (17) to the marking tip supported by an elastomeric diaphragm (6) which partly confines the reservoir chamber and forms a valve with the feed device so that when the tip is applied against a surface the feed device retracts causing the diaphragm (6) to pressurise the liquid in the reservoir and open the valve whereby liquid is pumped to the tip.
Description
MARKING INSTRUMENTS ,'-This invention relates to marking instrwments and is especially concerned with such instruments, e.g.
pens and markers, having a tip to which a liquid is supplied from a reservoir to be applied onto a substrate, such as a sheet of paper, by means of the tip which is moved over the surface of the substrate ~o leave a liquid t~ace.
: In the case of pens, a variety of different tip forms are known in the art and include rolling balls, nlbs, wire nibs, fibre tips, felt tips and others. For markers broad blade felt or fibre tips are most common due to the desire to lay down a wide b~nd of liquid.
Many of the kno~n tips and the feed mechanisms which deliver and control the flow of liquid to the tips ~ suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks:-;~ i) dry-out as a result of liquid drying up at the tip E : ~ andjor in ~he feed mechanism, with the result that the marker is slow and/or difficult to prime, which can be ! ~ very inconvenient to the user;
; ii) drops of liquid-can be thrown from the tip if the instrument is dropped or subjected to a flicking actioni : ::
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
W093~059S~ PCT/GB92/016;
iii) ink leakage can occur if the pen is subjected to temperatures and/or pressure changes;
iv) unless the surface of the substrate is ~mooth, there can be a harsh feel due to the tip being rigidly fixed relative to the body which is gripped in the hand of the user.
The pr~sent invention aims to provide a marking instrument ~hich alleviates these drawbacks and an instrument according to the invention comprises a body, a liquid r~servoir chamber defined within the body, a liquid feed device defining a channel for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a marki~g tip, valve means for controlling communica~ion between the reservoir chamber and the feed channel, and an elastomeric member partly confining the reservoir chamber and supporting the feed device with respect to the body, whereby the feed device is retractable relative to the body under a force exerted against the tip by applying the tip against a substrate and in response to such retraction the reservoir chamber is pressurised by deflection of ~he elastomeric member and the valve means is opened to allow liquid to enter the feed channel from the reservoir.
In the normal condition, iOe. when there is no force exerted on the tip to retxact the feed device, the valve means is closed and flow of liquid from the reservoir to the tip is positively precluded. The retraction of the feed device caused by applying the tip against a suhstrate lightly pressurises the reservoir and has the effect of pumping liquid into the feed channel to ensure a rapid supply of ink to the tip even SU BSTITUTE SH EET
W093/05966 ~ 6 ~ PCr/GBg2/01691 in a situation where liquid may have dried up in the delivery system between the reservoir and the tip. The elastomeric member provides an effective hydraulically damped spring suspension for the tip so that the tip is easily able to follow surface irregularit~e~rwith the result tha~ the instrument has an improved feel compared with prior art instruments with fixed tips.
In accordance with a preferred and especially advantageous feature the valve means is defined by direct cooperation between the elastomeric member and the feed device. The feed device may have a seat with at least one port which is normally closed by the elastomeric member and which is opened upon the elastomeric member flexing under displacement of the feed device. A valve arrangement o~ this form is simple in operation and inexpensive to manufacture. The elastomeric member serves several functions including that of the valve me~ber.
In a particularly convenilent construction the feed.
device defines a radially directed valve part and the elastomeric member has an aperture through which the.
feed device extends so that an inner peripheral surface of the elastomeric member cooperates with the valve seat.
Marking instruments constructed in accordance with the invention may be equipped with a variety of different tips and the invention is not limited to any particular type of tip.
A more complete understanding of the invention will be had from the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-~ igure l is an axial section through a markinginstrument embodying the invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged scale cross-section of the forward end part of the instrument;
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
W093/05966 ~ PCT/GB92/016g Figures 3 and 4 are views similar to Figure 2 and illustrating modified forms of elastomeric mem~er;
Figure 5 is an axial cross~section through a forward end portion of a fibre tip pen according to the invention, the valve being shown in a closed~condition;
Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Fiyure 5 but with the valve shown open;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-section throu~h a forward end part of a fibre tip highlighting marker in accordance with the invention, the valve being shown closed;
Figure 8 shows the fibre tip marker of Figure 7 with the valve opened;
Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-section through forward end part of another pen embodying the invention;
Figure 10 is a cross-secti.on through the feed device of the pen shown in Figure 9, taken in the plane X--X
Figure 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 illustrating a modified pen construction;
Figure 12 in scrap cross-section showing a modified porting arrangement;
Figure 13,shows the device of Fig. 12 partly in plan; and Flgures 14/ 15 and 16 illustrate alternative ~ip constructions.
The marking instrument shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a ~ody comprising a cylindrical barrel 1 closed at its rear end by a plug 2 provided with an air venting hole 3. At its forward end the barrel has a counterbore terminating in a forwardly directed radial shoulder 5 which defines a seat for the peripheral portion of an elastomeric member 6 which has the form of a circular disc washer or diaphragm made of silicone rubber. The washer is held clamped against the shoulder 5 by a SUBSTITUTE SHEET
, . . . ..
W093~05966 ~ fi ~ PCT/GB92/01691 sleeve insert 8 fitted tightly into the end of the barrel. Received in the sleeve and guided thereby for axial sliding movement is a piston 9 having opposed frustoconical ends, the forward end defining a marking tip lO for contact with a substrate surface~and the inner end defining a reduced central surface for contact with the washer 6. A capillary restrictor 12 extends through an axial bore formed in the piston to define a capillary channel 14 for delivering a controlled flow of marking liquid to the tip lO, this restrictor projecting rearwardly of the piston. Closely surrounding a rear end portion of the restrictor is a sleeve 15 which acts as a valve seat for cooperation with a valve member constituted by an inner edge of the washer 6. Thus, the sections of the restrictor 12 and sleeve 15 protruding from the rear end of the piston extend through a central aperture in the washer, and these sections are provided with a plurality, e.gO four raclial ports 16 which co~m11nicate with the capillary channel of the restrictor and open at the surface of the valve sleeve. The inner end of the channel 14 is sealecl off ~y a plug 13. In the normal condition when the marker is not being used, ~ the washer 6 covers and closes the ports 16 from comm11nication with a liquîd reservoir ch~er 17 for : marker fluid defined in the barrel and confined at the forward end by the washer 6. The rear end of the reservoir chamber is closed by an ink follower 20, such as a grease plug or an elastomeric member, which moves along the barrel behind the fluid as it is used up so that measures to allow air to enter the reservoir : chamber are not necessary. In the normal condition of the pen the valve is tightly closed and the fluid within the reservoir chamber 17 is protected against drying out. In addition, if the instrument is flicked or dropped fluid is prevented from passing from the reservoir chamber.
SUBSTITUTE SH~ET
.... .. . . . ... . ... .. . . .
W093/05966 ~ ~ i3 ~ ~ PCT/GB92/016 When the instrument is to be used and the tip lO is applied against a substrate surface, the piston 9 retracts into the barrel against the resilience of the washer 6, the rear end of the piston pressing on the inner ed~e region of the washer and causi~-the washer to flex inwardly. The resilient deflection of the washer has two impor-tant effects. Firstly, the aperture in the washer expands and the ports 16 are uncovered to open up communication between the reservoir chamber 17 and the capillary channel 14, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir to the tip to be laid down onto the substrate. Secondly, the movement of the washer lightly pressurises the fluid within the reservoir chamber producing a pumping action to ensure a rapid delivery of fluid to the tip. Of course, when the force on the tip is removed e.g. due to it being lifted away from the su~strate, the restoring force applied by the elastomeric washer displaces the piston forwardly and ensures the valve closes again.
As shown in Figure 2 the washer 6 has the form of a plain disc, but this is not essential and the - elastomeric me~ber may be configuxed as required to obtain the desired flexing characteristics for opening and closi~g the valve and the resista~ce against tip retr~ction. In Figures 3 and 4 for axample the washers are shown to have annular grooves 20, in the first case located near the outer edge and in the s~cond case nearer the inner edge.
Shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a fibre tip pen embodying the invention. The construction is largely the same as that of the marker described above. The washer is held in the barrel by a nose co~e 25 fitted in the forward end and having an axial bore in which a cylindrical piston 26 is accommodated. Extending SUBSTITUTE SHEET
' W0~3/0~966 ~ 6 ~ PCr/GB92/01691 through the piston is a fibre rod 27 with a free end protruding through the leading end of the nose cone to define a writing tip. The ports 16 in the valve sleeve 15 serve to deliver ink from the resexvoir chamber to the rear end of the fibre rod when the va~v~ is opened by a force exerted on the writing tip causing the feed assembly consisting of the fibre rod, piston and valve sleeve to retract and the washer 6 to flex, as shown in Figure 6.
Illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is a fibre tip highlighter constructed according to the invention.
Again the valve arrangement is essentially as described with reference to Figs. l to 4. The washer 6 is trapped within the forward end of the barrel by a tubular nose piece 30 fitted to the barrel. A fibre core 33 is located within the nose piece and includes a head portion which is slidably guided relative to the nose piece by a bearing 34, the free end of the head being arranged to protrude from the nose piece and being shaped to define a broad ~dge for laying down a wide line of marker fluid. The rear end of the core bears on the central region of the washer 6 and is recessed to accom~odate a ~central tube defining a feed channel 14 and the valve sleeve 15 surrounding the tube. When the marker tip is pressed against a surface, the core 33 retracts and causes the elastomeric washer 6 to flex rearwardly so that the valve is opened and the reservoir chamber is pressurised, ~hereby fluid is supplied to the core via the ports 16 and feed channel 14 and flows along the ducts in the core to the tip to be laid down thereby.
Figure 9 shows a pen embodying the invention with the tip enclosed by a detachable cap 40. As in the previous embodiments the barrel 1 is counterbored and receives an elastomeric washer 6. Between the washer SUBSTITUT~ 5HEET
WOg3/059~6 ~ 4 PCT/GB9~/016!~
and the barrel shoulder, however, is held the flange of a stop memb~r 41, the form and function o~ which are described further below. The washer is retained in the barrel by a nose cone 42 which has a central hole at its apex. Slidably guided in this hole is a r0~-43 having an axial capillary duct 44. The leading end of the rod projecting from the nose cone defines a writing tip, although the rod may in alternative embodiments serve to deliver ink to a further tip component located at its end. The rear end of the rod 43 is engaged in a sleeve 4S having a stepped ~ore and an ex-ternal shoulder which abuts the washer 6 around its central aperture. Fitted into the rear end of the sleeve which extends about half way through the washer 6 is a pin 46 having a stem portion received in the sleeve bore and an enlarged head. Yormed on the radial shoulder between the stem and head are spacer pips 48 (Fig. 10) so that a gap defining a radially directed port is defined between this shoulder and the confronting end face of the sleeve. Furthermore, the stem of the pin has longitudinal ribs 49 spaced therearound so that longitudinal channels are de~ined between the stem and ~he inner surface (indicated ~y broken line 50 in Fig.
10) of the sleeve for conducting ink from the radial port to the axial duct of the rod 43. The sleeve 45 and pin 46 combine to form a ~alve seat with which the inner peripheral portion of the washer 6 cooperates to control ink flow to the writing tip from the reservoir cha~ber 17 enclosed in the barrel immediately behind the washer 6. The head of the pin projects rearwardly of the washer and its rearward movement is limited by the stop member 41 which is generally cup-shaped with holes 47 in its planar end wall for passage of ink.
When the writing tip is pressed against a surface SUBSTITUTE StlEET
WO93J05966 PCT/GB~2/01691 6 ~
to be written on, the rod 43 retracts slightly moving with it the valve sea~ formed by the sleeve 45 and pin 46 so that the inner periphery of the washer is deflected rearwardly thereby pressurising the ink in the reservoir chamber and opening the valve $o permit the ink to pass to the writing tip. sy limiting the rearward displacement, the stop mem~er 41 provides some control over the pumping effect and hence the delivery of ink to the tip. As shown the stop member is rigid and defines a fixed stop, but it could be made resilient to allow some additional rearward displacement under increased forces applied against the writing tip.
Alternatively, resilient spring means may be provided on the pin 46 for engaging the s-top member to provide a gradually increasing resistance to further rearward displacement of the writing tip as the pin 46 approaches the stop member. In this way a sudden stop to retraction of the writing tip will be avoided. The em~odlment shown in Fig. ll is provided with such spring means in the form of leaf spring elements 55 integral with the pin 46 and projecting outwardly therefrom in rearwardly inclined directions. In this embo~iment the periphery of the washer 6 is held between the forward end of the stop me~ber 4l and an internal shoulder of the nose piece 42 which extends over a front end por~ion of the barrel 1. The stop member has a rearward extension 57 within which is housed a porous pad 58 which serves as a damper. Thus, when the writing tip is retracted and the central portion of the washer is deflected rearwardly, flow of marker fluid from the sub-chamber 59 defined between the pad 58 and the washer to the main chamber 17 behind the pad is impeded by the pad to enhance the initial pressurisation of the fluid in the sub-chamber and hence flow of this fluid to the writing tip through $he opened val~e. It will be 5UBSTITUTE SH~ET
wo 93,05g66 ~ 1 1 a ~ ~ 4 PCT/GB92/0165 appreciated that other means, such as a valve could be used instead of the pad to enhance fluid pressurisation and flow to the tip.
Another difference bPtween the pen of Flgure 11 and that of Figure 9 is that the rod 43 is fitted with a relatively short fibre rod 60 which defines the writing tip. This construction allows the feed channels on the upstream of the tip 60, i.e. the channel 44 and the channels defined between the sleeve 45 and ~he pin 46 to have larger flow areas, which facilitates effective pumping of fluid all the way to the tip and which can help to avoid any risk of the channels becoming blocked due to dry out of marking fluid in the channels during extended periods of non-use. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a modified pin and sleeve assembly in which large porting is conveniently provided for. The stem portion of the pin 46 has a close fit in the sleeve and is provided with two diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves 62 running the full length of the stem. The forward ends of these grooves are interconnected by a groove 63 extending across the end face of the pin, this groove also being in co~mllnication with the channel 44 passing through the ex~ruded rod 43. The rear ends of the longitudinaï grooves 62 connect with radial grs~ ves 54 in the shoulder of the pin, these grooves defining the valve ports which are con~rolled by the washer 6.
It will be appreciated that the precise form of the tip and the feed mechanism for delivering fluid to the tip from the valve are not important and hence the invention is applicable to a wide variety of different types of marking instrument. Shown in Figure 14 is a roller ball tip assembly which may be fitted in~o the sleeve 45 of the pens shown in Figs. 9 and 11 in place of the rod 43. A ball housing 6S is telescoped together with a feed rod 66 within a tubular case 67. The feed SUBSTOTUTE SHEET
~ W093/05966 ~ 6 4 PCT/GBg2/0l6gl rod has an axial bore 68 which conducts marker fluid to the ball 69. As shown a small secondary reservoir 70 is defined by the ball housing immediately behind the ball, but this may not be needed or could be given a greater volume if required. Figure 15 shows an alternative tip construction for a highlighter pen. The rod 43 has a counterbore at its forward end and a fibre tip 72 has a spigot inserted into the counterbore and an enlarged head with a chisel blade edge for laying down a broad line. An even more simple construction is depicted in Figure 16 where the forward end of the rod 43 is fitted with an overcap 74 of porous material forming a pad for applying fluid to a substrate surface.
SlJBSTITUTE SHEET
pens and markers, having a tip to which a liquid is supplied from a reservoir to be applied onto a substrate, such as a sheet of paper, by means of the tip which is moved over the surface of the substrate ~o leave a liquid t~ace.
: In the case of pens, a variety of different tip forms are known in the art and include rolling balls, nlbs, wire nibs, fibre tips, felt tips and others. For markers broad blade felt or fibre tips are most common due to the desire to lay down a wide b~nd of liquid.
Many of the kno~n tips and the feed mechanisms which deliver and control the flow of liquid to the tips ~ suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks:-;~ i) dry-out as a result of liquid drying up at the tip E : ~ andjor in ~he feed mechanism, with the result that the marker is slow and/or difficult to prime, which can be ! ~ very inconvenient to the user;
; ii) drops of liquid-can be thrown from the tip if the instrument is dropped or subjected to a flicking actioni : ::
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
W093~059S~ PCT/GB92/016;
iii) ink leakage can occur if the pen is subjected to temperatures and/or pressure changes;
iv) unless the surface of the substrate is ~mooth, there can be a harsh feel due to the tip being rigidly fixed relative to the body which is gripped in the hand of the user.
The pr~sent invention aims to provide a marking instrument ~hich alleviates these drawbacks and an instrument according to the invention comprises a body, a liquid r~servoir chamber defined within the body, a liquid feed device defining a channel for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a marki~g tip, valve means for controlling communica~ion between the reservoir chamber and the feed channel, and an elastomeric member partly confining the reservoir chamber and supporting the feed device with respect to the body, whereby the feed device is retractable relative to the body under a force exerted against the tip by applying the tip against a substrate and in response to such retraction the reservoir chamber is pressurised by deflection of ~he elastomeric member and the valve means is opened to allow liquid to enter the feed channel from the reservoir.
In the normal condition, iOe. when there is no force exerted on the tip to retxact the feed device, the valve means is closed and flow of liquid from the reservoir to the tip is positively precluded. The retraction of the feed device caused by applying the tip against a suhstrate lightly pressurises the reservoir and has the effect of pumping liquid into the feed channel to ensure a rapid supply of ink to the tip even SU BSTITUTE SH EET
W093/05966 ~ 6 ~ PCr/GBg2/01691 in a situation where liquid may have dried up in the delivery system between the reservoir and the tip. The elastomeric member provides an effective hydraulically damped spring suspension for the tip so that the tip is easily able to follow surface irregularit~e~rwith the result tha~ the instrument has an improved feel compared with prior art instruments with fixed tips.
In accordance with a preferred and especially advantageous feature the valve means is defined by direct cooperation between the elastomeric member and the feed device. The feed device may have a seat with at least one port which is normally closed by the elastomeric member and which is opened upon the elastomeric member flexing under displacement of the feed device. A valve arrangement o~ this form is simple in operation and inexpensive to manufacture. The elastomeric member serves several functions including that of the valve me~ber.
In a particularly convenilent construction the feed.
device defines a radially directed valve part and the elastomeric member has an aperture through which the.
feed device extends so that an inner peripheral surface of the elastomeric member cooperates with the valve seat.
Marking instruments constructed in accordance with the invention may be equipped with a variety of different tips and the invention is not limited to any particular type of tip.
A more complete understanding of the invention will be had from the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-~ igure l is an axial section through a markinginstrument embodying the invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged scale cross-section of the forward end part of the instrument;
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
W093/05966 ~ PCT/GB92/016g Figures 3 and 4 are views similar to Figure 2 and illustrating modified forms of elastomeric mem~er;
Figure 5 is an axial cross~section through a forward end portion of a fibre tip pen according to the invention, the valve being shown in a closed~condition;
Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Fiyure 5 but with the valve shown open;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-section throu~h a forward end part of a fibre tip highlighting marker in accordance with the invention, the valve being shown closed;
Figure 8 shows the fibre tip marker of Figure 7 with the valve opened;
Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-section through forward end part of another pen embodying the invention;
Figure 10 is a cross-secti.on through the feed device of the pen shown in Figure 9, taken in the plane X--X
Figure 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 illustrating a modified pen construction;
Figure 12 in scrap cross-section showing a modified porting arrangement;
Figure 13,shows the device of Fig. 12 partly in plan; and Flgures 14/ 15 and 16 illustrate alternative ~ip constructions.
The marking instrument shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a ~ody comprising a cylindrical barrel 1 closed at its rear end by a plug 2 provided with an air venting hole 3. At its forward end the barrel has a counterbore terminating in a forwardly directed radial shoulder 5 which defines a seat for the peripheral portion of an elastomeric member 6 which has the form of a circular disc washer or diaphragm made of silicone rubber. The washer is held clamped against the shoulder 5 by a SUBSTITUTE SHEET
, . . . ..
W093~05966 ~ fi ~ PCT/GB92/01691 sleeve insert 8 fitted tightly into the end of the barrel. Received in the sleeve and guided thereby for axial sliding movement is a piston 9 having opposed frustoconical ends, the forward end defining a marking tip lO for contact with a substrate surface~and the inner end defining a reduced central surface for contact with the washer 6. A capillary restrictor 12 extends through an axial bore formed in the piston to define a capillary channel 14 for delivering a controlled flow of marking liquid to the tip lO, this restrictor projecting rearwardly of the piston. Closely surrounding a rear end portion of the restrictor is a sleeve 15 which acts as a valve seat for cooperation with a valve member constituted by an inner edge of the washer 6. Thus, the sections of the restrictor 12 and sleeve 15 protruding from the rear end of the piston extend through a central aperture in the washer, and these sections are provided with a plurality, e.gO four raclial ports 16 which co~m11nicate with the capillary channel of the restrictor and open at the surface of the valve sleeve. The inner end of the channel 14 is sealecl off ~y a plug 13. In the normal condition when the marker is not being used, ~ the washer 6 covers and closes the ports 16 from comm11nication with a liquîd reservoir ch~er 17 for : marker fluid defined in the barrel and confined at the forward end by the washer 6. The rear end of the reservoir chamber is closed by an ink follower 20, such as a grease plug or an elastomeric member, which moves along the barrel behind the fluid as it is used up so that measures to allow air to enter the reservoir : chamber are not necessary. In the normal condition of the pen the valve is tightly closed and the fluid within the reservoir chamber 17 is protected against drying out. In addition, if the instrument is flicked or dropped fluid is prevented from passing from the reservoir chamber.
SUBSTITUTE SH~ET
.... .. . . . ... . ... .. . . .
W093/05966 ~ ~ i3 ~ ~ PCT/GB92/016 When the instrument is to be used and the tip lO is applied against a substrate surface, the piston 9 retracts into the barrel against the resilience of the washer 6, the rear end of the piston pressing on the inner ed~e region of the washer and causi~-the washer to flex inwardly. The resilient deflection of the washer has two impor-tant effects. Firstly, the aperture in the washer expands and the ports 16 are uncovered to open up communication between the reservoir chamber 17 and the capillary channel 14, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir to the tip to be laid down onto the substrate. Secondly, the movement of the washer lightly pressurises the fluid within the reservoir chamber producing a pumping action to ensure a rapid delivery of fluid to the tip. Of course, when the force on the tip is removed e.g. due to it being lifted away from the su~strate, the restoring force applied by the elastomeric washer displaces the piston forwardly and ensures the valve closes again.
As shown in Figure 2 the washer 6 has the form of a plain disc, but this is not essential and the - elastomeric me~ber may be configuxed as required to obtain the desired flexing characteristics for opening and closi~g the valve and the resista~ce against tip retr~ction. In Figures 3 and 4 for axample the washers are shown to have annular grooves 20, in the first case located near the outer edge and in the s~cond case nearer the inner edge.
Shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a fibre tip pen embodying the invention. The construction is largely the same as that of the marker described above. The washer is held in the barrel by a nose co~e 25 fitted in the forward end and having an axial bore in which a cylindrical piston 26 is accommodated. Extending SUBSTITUTE SHEET
' W0~3/0~966 ~ 6 ~ PCr/GB92/01691 through the piston is a fibre rod 27 with a free end protruding through the leading end of the nose cone to define a writing tip. The ports 16 in the valve sleeve 15 serve to deliver ink from the resexvoir chamber to the rear end of the fibre rod when the va~v~ is opened by a force exerted on the writing tip causing the feed assembly consisting of the fibre rod, piston and valve sleeve to retract and the washer 6 to flex, as shown in Figure 6.
Illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is a fibre tip highlighter constructed according to the invention.
Again the valve arrangement is essentially as described with reference to Figs. l to 4. The washer 6 is trapped within the forward end of the barrel by a tubular nose piece 30 fitted to the barrel. A fibre core 33 is located within the nose piece and includes a head portion which is slidably guided relative to the nose piece by a bearing 34, the free end of the head being arranged to protrude from the nose piece and being shaped to define a broad ~dge for laying down a wide line of marker fluid. The rear end of the core bears on the central region of the washer 6 and is recessed to accom~odate a ~central tube defining a feed channel 14 and the valve sleeve 15 surrounding the tube. When the marker tip is pressed against a surface, the core 33 retracts and causes the elastomeric washer 6 to flex rearwardly so that the valve is opened and the reservoir chamber is pressurised, ~hereby fluid is supplied to the core via the ports 16 and feed channel 14 and flows along the ducts in the core to the tip to be laid down thereby.
Figure 9 shows a pen embodying the invention with the tip enclosed by a detachable cap 40. As in the previous embodiments the barrel 1 is counterbored and receives an elastomeric washer 6. Between the washer SUBSTITUT~ 5HEET
WOg3/059~6 ~ 4 PCT/GB9~/016!~
and the barrel shoulder, however, is held the flange of a stop memb~r 41, the form and function o~ which are described further below. The washer is retained in the barrel by a nose cone 42 which has a central hole at its apex. Slidably guided in this hole is a r0~-43 having an axial capillary duct 44. The leading end of the rod projecting from the nose cone defines a writing tip, although the rod may in alternative embodiments serve to deliver ink to a further tip component located at its end. The rear end of the rod 43 is engaged in a sleeve 4S having a stepped ~ore and an ex-ternal shoulder which abuts the washer 6 around its central aperture. Fitted into the rear end of the sleeve which extends about half way through the washer 6 is a pin 46 having a stem portion received in the sleeve bore and an enlarged head. Yormed on the radial shoulder between the stem and head are spacer pips 48 (Fig. 10) so that a gap defining a radially directed port is defined between this shoulder and the confronting end face of the sleeve. Furthermore, the stem of the pin has longitudinal ribs 49 spaced therearound so that longitudinal channels are de~ined between the stem and ~he inner surface (indicated ~y broken line 50 in Fig.
10) of the sleeve for conducting ink from the radial port to the axial duct of the rod 43. The sleeve 45 and pin 46 combine to form a ~alve seat with which the inner peripheral portion of the washer 6 cooperates to control ink flow to the writing tip from the reservoir cha~ber 17 enclosed in the barrel immediately behind the washer 6. The head of the pin projects rearwardly of the washer and its rearward movement is limited by the stop member 41 which is generally cup-shaped with holes 47 in its planar end wall for passage of ink.
When the writing tip is pressed against a surface SUBSTITUTE StlEET
WO93J05966 PCT/GB~2/01691 6 ~
to be written on, the rod 43 retracts slightly moving with it the valve sea~ formed by the sleeve 45 and pin 46 so that the inner periphery of the washer is deflected rearwardly thereby pressurising the ink in the reservoir chamber and opening the valve $o permit the ink to pass to the writing tip. sy limiting the rearward displacement, the stop mem~er 41 provides some control over the pumping effect and hence the delivery of ink to the tip. As shown the stop member is rigid and defines a fixed stop, but it could be made resilient to allow some additional rearward displacement under increased forces applied against the writing tip.
Alternatively, resilient spring means may be provided on the pin 46 for engaging the s-top member to provide a gradually increasing resistance to further rearward displacement of the writing tip as the pin 46 approaches the stop member. In this way a sudden stop to retraction of the writing tip will be avoided. The em~odlment shown in Fig. ll is provided with such spring means in the form of leaf spring elements 55 integral with the pin 46 and projecting outwardly therefrom in rearwardly inclined directions. In this embo~iment the periphery of the washer 6 is held between the forward end of the stop me~ber 4l and an internal shoulder of the nose piece 42 which extends over a front end por~ion of the barrel 1. The stop member has a rearward extension 57 within which is housed a porous pad 58 which serves as a damper. Thus, when the writing tip is retracted and the central portion of the washer is deflected rearwardly, flow of marker fluid from the sub-chamber 59 defined between the pad 58 and the washer to the main chamber 17 behind the pad is impeded by the pad to enhance the initial pressurisation of the fluid in the sub-chamber and hence flow of this fluid to the writing tip through $he opened val~e. It will be 5UBSTITUTE SH~ET
wo 93,05g66 ~ 1 1 a ~ ~ 4 PCT/GB92/0165 appreciated that other means, such as a valve could be used instead of the pad to enhance fluid pressurisation and flow to the tip.
Another difference bPtween the pen of Flgure 11 and that of Figure 9 is that the rod 43 is fitted with a relatively short fibre rod 60 which defines the writing tip. This construction allows the feed channels on the upstream of the tip 60, i.e. the channel 44 and the channels defined between the sleeve 45 and ~he pin 46 to have larger flow areas, which facilitates effective pumping of fluid all the way to the tip and which can help to avoid any risk of the channels becoming blocked due to dry out of marking fluid in the channels during extended periods of non-use. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a modified pin and sleeve assembly in which large porting is conveniently provided for. The stem portion of the pin 46 has a close fit in the sleeve and is provided with two diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves 62 running the full length of the stem. The forward ends of these grooves are interconnected by a groove 63 extending across the end face of the pin, this groove also being in co~mllnication with the channel 44 passing through the ex~ruded rod 43. The rear ends of the longitudinaï grooves 62 connect with radial grs~ ves 54 in the shoulder of the pin, these grooves defining the valve ports which are con~rolled by the washer 6.
It will be appreciated that the precise form of the tip and the feed mechanism for delivering fluid to the tip from the valve are not important and hence the invention is applicable to a wide variety of different types of marking instrument. Shown in Figure 14 is a roller ball tip assembly which may be fitted in~o the sleeve 45 of the pens shown in Figs. 9 and 11 in place of the rod 43. A ball housing 6S is telescoped together with a feed rod 66 within a tubular case 67. The feed SUBSTOTUTE SHEET
~ W093/05966 ~ 6 4 PCT/GBg2/0l6gl rod has an axial bore 68 which conducts marker fluid to the ball 69. As shown a small secondary reservoir 70 is defined by the ball housing immediately behind the ball, but this may not be needed or could be given a greater volume if required. Figure 15 shows an alternative tip construction for a highlighter pen. The rod 43 has a counterbore at its forward end and a fibre tip 72 has a spigot inserted into the counterbore and an enlarged head with a chisel blade edge for laying down a broad line. An even more simple construction is depicted in Figure 16 where the forward end of the rod 43 is fitted with an overcap 74 of porous material forming a pad for applying fluid to a substrate surface.
SlJBSTITUTE SHEET
Claims (13)
1. A marking instrument comprising a body (1), a reservoir chamber (17) defined within the body, a liquid feed device (12, 15; 43, 45, 46) having a channel for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a marking tip, and valve means (6, 15; 6, 45, 46) for controlling communication between the reservoir chamber and the feed channel, characterised in that an elastomeric member (6) partly confines the reservoir chamber and supports the feed device (12, 15; 43, 45, 46) with respect to the body, whereby the feed device is retractable relative to the body under a force exerted against the tip, and in response to such retraction the reservoir chamber is pressurised by deflection of the elastomeric member and the valve means is opened to allow liquid to enter the feed channel from the reservoir.
2. An instrument according to claim 1, wherein the valve means comprises a seat and a part of the elastomeric member (6) arranged to cooperate with the seat.
3. An instrument according to claim 2, wherein the elastomeric member comprises a disc with an aperture, and the seat is arranged in said aperture.
4. An instrument according to claim 3, wherein the seat has at least one radial port (16) opening at the surface thereof positioned within the aperture.
5. An instrument according to claim 4, wherein the at least one port communicates with an axial feed channel (14; 44).
6. An instrument according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the tip is fixed relative to a member (9; 26; 33; 45) guided for axial movement relative to the body and having a rear surface arranged to bear against the disc around the aperture therein.
7. An instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feed device includes a sleeve member (45) having an external shoulder in abutment with the elastomeric member (6).
8. An instrument according to claim 7, wherein the feed device includes a pin (46) inserted into the rear end of the sleeve member (45) and defining the valve seat therewith.
9. An instrument according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a part (43; 66) is fitted into the forward end of the sleeve member and has an axial channel (44; 68) for conducting fluid to the tip (60; 69; 72; 74) fixed at the forward end of said part.
10. An instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9, including stop means (41) to limit retraction of the feed device.
11. An instrument according to claim 10, wherein spring means (55) are provided to act between the feed device and the stop means (41).
12. An instrument according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the stop means comprises a stop member (41) disposed in the reservoir chamber.
13. A marking instrument comprising a body (1), a reservoir chamber (17) within the body, a liquid feed device (12, 15; 43, 45, 46) having a channel for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a marking tip, and valve means (6, 15; 6, 45, 46) for controlling communication between the reservoir chamber and the feed channel, characterised in that an elastomeric member (6) partly confines the reservoir chamber, and the elastomeric member (6) supports the feed device (12, 15;
43, 45, 46) with respect to the body and cooperates with a valve seat provided on the feed device to form the valve means, whereby the feed device is retractable relative to the body under a force exerted against the tip, and in response to such retraction elastomeric member is deflected to pressurise the reservoir chamber and to open the valve means to allow liquid to enter the feed channel from the reservoir.
43, 45, 46) with respect to the body and cooperates with a valve seat provided on the feed device to form the valve means, whereby the feed device is retractable relative to the body under a force exerted against the tip, and in response to such retraction elastomeric member is deflected to pressurise the reservoir chamber and to open the valve means to allow liquid to enter the feed channel from the reservoir.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB919120517A GB9120517D0 (en) | 1991-09-26 | 1991-09-26 | Marking instruments |
| GB9120517.9 | 1991-09-26 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2115264A1 CA2115264A1 (en) | 1993-04-01 |
| CA2115264C true CA2115264C (en) | 1998-09-15 |
Family
ID=10702028
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002115264A Expired - Fee Related CA2115264C (en) | 1991-09-26 | 1992-09-15 | Marking instruments |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0605476B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2679874B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU659675B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9206516A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2115264C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69223254T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2109371T3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9120517D0 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1004912A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9205430A (en) |
| MY (1) | MY109323A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993005966A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2679918B2 (en) * | 1992-02-17 | 1997-11-19 | 二郎 堀 | Writing implement |
| IL111305A (en) | 1993-10-18 | 2000-02-17 | Gillette Co | Non-erasable liquid ink and marking instrument containing it |
| US5888007A (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1999-03-30 | The Gillette Company | Marking instrument |
| GB9422906D0 (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1995-01-04 | Gillette Co | Writing/marking instrument |
| GB9513391D0 (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1995-09-06 | Gillette Co | Marking instrument |
| US6004058A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1999-12-21 | The Gillette Company | Marking instrument |
| GB9525695D0 (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1996-02-14 | Gillette Co | Marking instruments |
| GB0007287D0 (en) | 2000-03-24 | 2000-05-17 | Gillette Co | Marking instruments |
| CN2744517Y (en) * | 2004-07-16 | 2005-12-07 | 王良 | Marking instrument |
| DE102005022462B4 (en) * | 2005-05-14 | 2011-08-18 | edding Aktiengesellschaft, 22926 | writing implement |
| CN101844363B (en) * | 2010-06-22 | 2012-08-29 | 青岛森麒麟轮胎有限公司 | Awl |
| KR101653327B1 (en) * | 2015-01-20 | 2016-09-01 | 최태민 | A pen |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3468611A (en) * | 1966-05-10 | 1969-09-23 | Lawrence T Ward | Liquid applicator |
| FR2216125B1 (en) * | 1973-02-05 | 1976-11-05 | Scal Gp Condit Aluminium | |
| US4364684A (en) * | 1979-06-21 | 1982-12-21 | Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha | Writing instrument |
| EP0331843A1 (en) * | 1988-03-08 | 1989-09-13 | Ruymar Andrade | Adhesive dispensers |
| EP0476492B1 (en) * | 1990-09-11 | 1997-04-23 | Jiro Hori | Marker |
-
1991
- 1991-09-26 GB GB919120517A patent/GB9120517D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-09-15 CA CA002115264A patent/CA2115264C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-09-15 EP EP92919133A patent/EP0605476B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-15 AU AU25515/92A patent/AU659675B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-09-15 BR BR9206516A patent/BR9206516A/en active Search and Examination
- 1992-09-15 DE DE69223254T patent/DE69223254T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-15 WO PCT/GB1992/001691 patent/WO1993005966A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-09-15 ES ES92919133T patent/ES2109371T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-15 JP JP5505891A patent/JP2679874B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-17 MY MYPI92001655A patent/MY109323A/en unknown
- 1992-09-24 MX MX9205430A patent/MX9205430A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1998
- 1998-04-22 HK HK98103344A patent/HK1004912A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0605476A1 (en) | 1994-07-13 |
| MX9205430A (en) | 1993-03-01 |
| CA2115264A1 (en) | 1993-04-01 |
| JP2679874B2 (en) | 1997-11-19 |
| AU2551592A (en) | 1993-04-27 |
| DE69223254T2 (en) | 1998-03-19 |
| GB9120517D0 (en) | 1991-11-06 |
| DE69223254D1 (en) | 1998-01-02 |
| EP0605476B1 (en) | 1997-11-19 |
| AU659675B2 (en) | 1995-05-25 |
| MY109323A (en) | 1997-01-31 |
| BR9206516A (en) | 1995-10-24 |
| JPH06510713A (en) | 1994-12-01 |
| HK1004912A1 (en) | 1998-12-11 |
| WO1993005966A1 (en) | 1993-04-01 |
| ES2109371T3 (en) | 1998-01-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |