CA2882313C - Locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking mechanism is able to secure a generic writing instrument to a tether that may be fixed to a surface such as on store-front or office-front counters. The locking mechanism allows the writing instrument to be released from the locking mechanism, and as such, a defective, broken, or out-of-ink writing instrument may be easily replaced. Further, the locking mechanism is able to secure generic writing instruments such as common ball point pens pencils and the like. The locking mechanism may also be used to secure non-traditional writing instruments such as styluses for writing on a touch sensitive surface.

Description

LOCKING MECHANISM FOR RELEASABLY SECURING A WRITING INSTRUMENT
TO A TETHER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The current disclosure relates to a device for securing a writing instrument to a tether, and more particularly to a device for releasably securing a writing instrument to the tether.
BACKGROUND
Writing instruments such as the ubiquitous ball point pens are used extensively in banks, offices, department stores, and in most customer service kiosks where they are used for filling out forms and documents, and signing receipts for purchases. Many of these pens end up missing or lost and must be replaced. A common way to secure a writing device such as a pen is to tether it to a fixed base by means of a flexible cable or chain. One of the earliest examples can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,284 granted to Hendircks on Mar. 16, 1971. The writing pen lock or variations of this invention can be found in a large number of institutions. However, it is not uncommon to find the pen lock out of ink, damaged, or detached from the cable or chain.
It would be desirable to have a device capable of releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether, the locking mechanism comprising:
a housing having an opening at a first end for receiving an end portion of the writing instrument, the housing couplable to the tether; a plurality of resilient teeth within the housing, the plurality of resilient teeth extending radially inwards and away from the first end of the housing in a longitudinal direction when the writing instrument is received within the locking mechanism; and a slidable collar at least partially within the housing to displace the plurality of resilient teeth radially outwards for releasing at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth from the writing instrument.
In an embodiment, the plurality of resilient teeth are located on a locking washer.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of resilient teeth are located on at least a first and second locking washer.
In a further embodiment, the first and second locking washers have different bore sizes to secure writing instruments having different widths, the first locking washer having a larger bore size than the second locking washer, and the first locking washer located between the second locking washer and the opening of the housing.
In a further embodiment, the slidable collar comprises a first portion for displacing resilient teeth on the first locking washer and a second portion for displacing resilient teeth on the second locking washer.
In a further embodiment, the first portion of the collar comprises a first set of prongs for expanding the resilient teeth on the first locking washer and the second portion comprises a second set of prongs, extending past the first set of prongs, for expanding the resilient teeth on the second locking washer.
In a further embodiment, a contact portion of the slidable collar extends past the housing, the contact portion providing a contact surface for moving the slidable collar in order to displace the at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth.
In a further embodiment, the contact portion extends at least partially about a portion of the housing.
In a further embodiment, the slidable collar is adapted to be engaged by a release key for moving the slidable collar in order to displace the at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth.
In a further embodiment, the housing comprises an upper housing and lower housing coupled together.
In a further embodiment, the upper and lower housing are coupled together using one or more of: a snap-fit connection; a friction-fit connection; a threaded connection; and an adhesive.

2 In a further embodiment, the slidable collar is moveable between: a first position in which the slidable collar allows the plurality of resilient teeth to contact the writing instrument to prevent withdrawal of the writing instrument from the opening of the housing; and a second position in which the slidable collar displaces the plurality of teeth from the writing instrument.
In a further embodiment, the plurality of resilient teeth provide a biasing force for biasing the slidable collar to the first position.
In accordance with the present disclosure there is further provided a releasable tether assembly for a writing instrument comprising: a locking mechanism for releasably securing: a housing having an opening at a first end for receiving an end portion of the writing instrument; a plurality of resilient teeth within the housing, the plurality of resilient teeth extending radially inwards and away from the first end of the housing in a longitudinal direction when the writing instrument is received within the locking mechanism; and a slidable collar at least partially within the housing to displace the plurality of resilient teeth radially outwards for releasing at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth from the writing instrument; a tether securable to a surface;
and a tether connector connecting the locking mechanism to the tether.
In an embodiment, the tether connector comprises a chain, wire or cable.
In a further embodiment, the tether comprises an opening for receiving the writing instrument.
In a further embodiment, the tether includes a release key for engaging the slidable collar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments are described herein with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of the components of a locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether;
Figure 2 is an enlarged section view of the locking mechanism of Figure 1;

3 Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the components of a further locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether;
Figure 4 is an enlarged section view of the locking mechanism of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective exploded rear view of a further locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether;
Figure 6 is an enlarged section view of the locking mechanism of Figure 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of the components of a further locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether;
Figure 8 is an enlarged section view of the locking mechanism of Figure 7 shown securing a small writing instrument in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 is an enlarged section view of the locking mechanism of Figure 7 shown securing a large writing instrument;
Figure 10 is a perspective exploded rear view of a further locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether;
Figure 11 is an enlarged section view of the locking mechanism of Figure 10;
and Figure 12 illustrates possible profiles of a lock washer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A locking mechanism is described that is able to secure a generic writing instrument to a tether that may be fixed to a surface such as on store-front or office-front counters.
The locking mechanism allows the writing instrument to be released from the locking mechanism, and as such, a defective, broken, or out-of-ink writing instrument may be easily replaced. Further, the locking mechanism is able to secure generic writing instruments such as common ball point pens pencils and the like. The locking mechanism may also be used to secure non-traditional writing instruments such as styluses for writing on a touch sensitive surface.
The locking mechanism includes a number of internal teeth for gripping the writing instrument within the mechanism. A sliding collar can be pressed against one or more of the teeth in order to displace the tooth or teeth from the writing instrument and allow

4 the writing instrument to be removed from the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can hold multiple different types of writing instruments. Further, the locking mechanism allows the secured writing instrument to be quickly replaced without requiring assembly or disassembly of the writing instrument of locking mechanism.
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a locking mechanism 100. The locking mechanism 100 comprises a plurality of resilient teeth 102 within a housing 104, comprised of a first housing section 106 and a second housing section 108. The two housing sections may be coupled together using a snap-fit comprising a protrusion 110 and corresponding detent 112 as depicted in Figure 2. Other connections between the two housing sections are possible. The housing 104 may be secured to a tether 114, which in turn may be secured to a surface. The locking mechanism 100 may be secured to the tether 114 by a chain, wire or cable 116. A chain sleeve 118 may retain one end of the chain 116 within the housing 104 The resilient teeth 102 extend radially inwards and extend from an end of the housing through which the writing instrument 10 is inserted. The resilient teeth 102 prevent the writing instrument 10 from being removed without first displacing at least one of the resilient teeth 102 from the writing instrument 10. As depicted, the resilient teeth 102 may be provided by a lock washer 120 that has the plurality of resilient teeth angled and expanding inwards for gripping the writing instrument 10. Although depicted as a separate component, the plurality of teeth 102 may be provided as part of the housing 104.
A sliding collar 122 is located within the housing 104 and can be moved in order to displace at least one of the plurality of resilient teeth 102 outwards from the writing instrument 10 in order to release the writing instrument and allow it to be retracted from the locking mechanism 100. The housing 104 may be formed from a first housing section 106 and a second housing section 108. The first and second housing sections may be coupled together in various ways, including for example a snap-fit connection, a friction-fit connection, a threaded connection and/or an adhesive. The separation of the housing into two sections may simplify the assembly process of the locking mechanism

5 100 by allowing the sliding collar 122 and the lock washer 120 to be inserted into one of the sections and then connecting the other housing section to secure the sliding collar 122 and lock washer 120 within the housing 104. The locking mechanism 100 is depicted as being connected to a tether 114 with a chain 116 which a chain slip 118 which may pass through a hole in the housing 104 of the locking mechanism. The tether 114 may be attached to a surface such as a desk or counter to prevent the theft or loss of the writing instrument 10. Alternatively, the chain 116 may be connected directly to a surface.
Referring to the section view of the mechanism 100 shown in Figure 2, the end of the writing instrument 10 may be inserted into an opening in the first housing section 106.
The writing instrument 10 passes through the sliding collar 122 and the lock washer 120, until a butt end 12 of the writing instrument 10 contacts flanges 124 of the second housing section 108. The flanges 124 are angled such that the writing instrument 10 is aligned with the center axis of the resilient teeth 102 of the lock washer 120. The flanges 124 may help to prevent or reduce lateral motion that could allow the writing instrument 10 to be removed from the locking mechanism 100 without engaging the sliding collar 122 to release the resilient teeth 102. As depicted, the writing instrument 10 presses against the resilient teeth 102 of the lock washer 120. The inward projection of the resilient teeth 102 prevent the writing instrument 10 from being withdrawn from the locking mechanism 100.
Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, a removal key 126 may be used to extract of the writing instrument 10 from the locking mechanism 100. The removal key 60 slides onto the body of the writing instrument 10, an internal face 128 aligns with the locking mechanism's housing 106 and a flange 130 that is adjacent the writing instrument contacts the sliding collar 122. Applying pressure to the removal key 126 pushes the sliding collar 122 into the locking mechanism 100 and into the plurality of resilient teeth 102. As the sliding collar 122 moves into the housing 104, angled surface 132 of the sliding collar 122 contacts the resilient teeth and expands the diameter of the lock washer teeth 102 by displacing the teeth outwards. Pressing the release key 126 into the sliding collar 122 enables the release of the writing instrument 10.

6 Referring now to Figure 3, a further locking mechanism 200 is depicted. The locking mechanism 200 comprises a lock washer 202 with a plurality of teeth 204 for gripping the writing instrument 20, a sliding collar 206, and a housing body 208 comprised of a first housing section 210 and a second housing section 212. The two housing sections 210, 212 may be connected in various ways as described above with regard to the locking mechanism 100. The housing body 208 of the locking mechanism 200 is connected to a tether fixture 214 with a chain 216 via a chain sleeve 218. The tether fixture 214 may be attached to a solid body such as a desk or counter to prevent the loss or theft of the locking mechanism 200 and the generic writing instrument 20. The tether fixture 214 may also provide an opening which may serve as a holder for the writing instrument 20 when not in use.
Referring now to section view of the locking mechanism 200 shown in Figure 4, the end of the writing instrument 20 is inserted in the housing 208, through a sliding collar 206 and the lock washer 202, until a butt end 22 of the writing instrument 20 contacts the flanges 220 of the housing 208. The flanges 220 inside the second housing section 212 are angled such that the writing instrument 20 is aligned with the center axis of the lock washer 202. Aligning the writing instrument 20 with the center axis of the lock washer 202 may help prevent or reduce any lateral motion capable of forcing out the writing instrument 20 from the locking mechanism 200.
The writing instrument 20 may be removed from the locking mechanism 200 by inserting the tip of the writing instrument 20 into a flanged hole 222 of the base fixture 214 shown in Figure 4. By pulling on the tip of the writing instrument 20 through the hole, flange 222 pushes the sliding collar 206 into the locking mechanism 202 in order to displace the plurality of resilient teeth 204 outward away from the writing instrument 20. As the sliding collar 206 moves into the housing 208, an angled surface expands the diameter of the plurality of resilient teeth 202 of the lock washer 204, which enables the release of the writing instrument 20. Once released from the locking mechanism, the writing instrument 20 can be pulled through the hole 222 and a new writing instrument inserted into the locking mechanism 200.

7 Figure 5 depicts a further locking mechanism 300. The locking mechanism 300 performs the same functions of locking and securing writing instruments without the need for a removal key as described above with regard to the locking mechanisms 100 200. The locking mechanism 300 comprises a lock washer 302 with a plurality of teeth 304 for gripping the writing instrument 30, a sliding collar 306, and a housing body 308 comprising a first housing section 310 couplable to a second housing section 312. The housing body 308 of the locking mechanism 300 may be connected to a tether fixture 314 with a chain 316 and a chain sleeve 318. The tether fixture 314 may be attached to a solid body such as a desk or counter to prevent the loss or theft of the locking mechanism 300 and the generic writing instrument 30.
Referring to section view of the locking mechanism 300 shown in Figure 6, a butt end 32 of the writing instrument 30 is inserted in the housing 308, through the sliding collar 306, and the lock washer 302, until the butt end 32 of the writing instrument 30 contacts flanges 320 of the housing 308. The flanges 320 inside the second housing section 312 are angled such that the writing instrument 30 is aligned with the center axis of the lock washer 302. The flanges 320 help to prevent or reduce any lateral motion capable of forcing out the writing instrument 30 from the locking mechanism 300.
In contrast to the locking mechanisms 100, 200 described above, the sliding collar 306 protrudes from, and partially surrounds, the housing 308 and is used to displace the resilient teeth 304 of the lock washer 302 outward from the writing instrument 30 as shown in Figure 6. Manually pushing the sliding collar 306 into the locking mechanism 300 forces the face of the collar 322 to widen the lock washer teeth 304 and enables the releases the writing instrument 30.
Referring now to Figure 7, a further locking mechanism 400 is depicted. The locking mechanism 400 is similar to the locking mechanisms 100, 200, 300 described above;
however, the locking mechanism includes a plurality of lock washers. The locking mechanism 400 is composed of two lock washers 402, 404. Each of the two lock washers 402, 404 comprise a plurality of resilient teeth 406, 408. The two lock washers 402, 404 may have different internal bores. The two locking washers 402, 404 may be

8 spaced apart from each other by a spacer 410. A sliding collar 412 includes a first portion and a second portion for engaging the first lock washer 402 and the second lock washer 404 respectively. The sliding collar 412, first lock washer 402, spacer 410 and the second lock washer 404 may be located within a housing 414. The housing may be provided by a first housing section 416 and a second housing section 418 that may be coupled together, for example using a snap-fit connection or other techniques as described above. The housing 414 of the locking mechanism 400 may be tethered to a tether fixture, such as tether fixture 214 described above, with a chain 216 and a chain sleeve 218. As described above, the base fixture 218 may be attached to a solid body such as a desk or counter to prevent the loss or theft of the locking mechanism 400 and the writing instrument 40.
Referring to the section view of the locking mechanism 400 shown in Figure 8, a butt end 42 of a smaller diameter writing instrument 40 is inserted into the housing 414 through an opening in an end of the first housing section 416, through the sliding collar 412, the first lock washer 402, the spacer 410, and the second lock washer 404 until the butt end 42 of the writing instrument 40 contacts flanges 420 of the second housing section 418. The flanges 420 center the writing instrument with the axis of the first and second locking rings 402, 404 as described with regard to the flanges of the locking mechanisms 100, 200, 300. In addition to the flanges 420 located on the second housing section 418, the locking mechanism also includes flanges 422 located on the spacer 410 located between the first and second lock washers. The flanges 422 on the spacer may be sized to engage with larger diameter writing instruments that may pass through the first lock washer 402 but not the second lock washer 404 as depicted in Figure 9.
Figure 9 depicts the locking mechanism 400 with a larger diameter writing instrument 44. As depicted, a butt end 46 of the writing instrument 44 is inserted into the housing 414, through the sliding collar 412, and the first lock washer 402 until the butt end 46 contacts the set of flanges 422 of the spacer 410. The flanges 420, 422 are angled such that writing instruments of various sizes, such as writing instruments 40 or 44, are aligned with the center axis of the lock washers 402, 404. This feature prevents any

9 lateral motion capable of forcing out the writing instruments from the locking mechanism 400, regardless of their diameter.
The writing instruments 40 or 44 are removed from the locking mechanism 400 using the same method as described above with regard to locking mechanism 200. The writing instrument is inserted through the flanged hole 222 in the tether fixture 214. The flange of the hole engages the sliding collar 412 and moves the sliding collar further into the housing 414 of the locking mechanism 400. The sliding collar 412 has two sections for engaging the first and second lock washers respectively. The first and second sections of the sliding collar may comprise respective sets of prongs, with the second set of prongs extending past the first set of prongs. Each of the sets of prongs of the sliding collar 412 contact the respective lock washer and expand the diameter of the respective teeth 406, 408 of the lock washers by displacing the teeth outwards. The displaced teeth allow the writing instrument to be extracted from the locking mechanism.
Figures 10 and 11 depict a further locking mechanism 500. The locking mechanism 500 is similar to the locking mechanisms described above; however, rather than having a housing assembled from two separate components, the locking mechanism 500 comprises a single-piece housing 502. A lock washer 504 comprises a plurality of teeth 506 for gripping a writing instrument 50. In order to facilitate insertion of the lock washer 504 into the single-piece housing 502, the lock washer may have a slotted-ring shape, allowing the ring to be deformed and inserted into the housing 502 through the opening for receiving the writing instrument 50. Once the lock washer 504 is inserted, a sliding collar 506 may be inserted into the opening. As with the other locking mechanisms described above, the housing 502 of the locking mechanism 500 may be connected to a tether fixture, such as the tether fixture 114 described above, with a chain 116 and chain sleeve 118.
The insertion and removal of the writing instrument 50 from the locking mechanism 500 may be substantially similar to the process described above with regard to locking mechanisms 100 01 200.
From the above, it will be apparent that the various locking mechanisms include a housing having an opening at a first end for receiving an end portion of the writing instrument. A plurality of resilient teeth are located within the housing and the plurality of resilient teeth extend radially inwards and away from the first end of the housing in a longitudinal direction when the writing instrument is received within the locking mechanism. Additionally, the locking mechanisms include a slidable collar that is at least partially located within the housing. The sliding collar can displace at least one of the plurality of resilient teeth radially outwards for releasing the writing instrument.
The sliding collars described above may have an angled surface on one or more prongs that contact one or more of the resilient teeth in order to displace the tooth, or teeth, away from the writing instrument. The angle of the radially outwardly expanding surfaces of the sliding collars may be smaller than an inward angle of the lock washers, or more particularly the resilient teeth of the lock washers. The smaller angle on the sliding collar's surface causes the internal diameter of the teeth of the lock washer to increase when pressure is applied to the sliding collar, for example from the flanges on a tether or removal key or directly to a portion of the sliding collar extending past the housing. The internal diameter of the resilient teeth must be smaller than the diameter of the writing instrument when no writing instrument is present so that the teeth will grip into the body of the writing instrument once inserted and prevent its removal without first disengaging the teeth by engaging the teeth with the sliding collar.
The housings described above may be fabricated in plastic or another material of sufficiently high-strength to prevent the tear out of the chain sleeve or other wire or cable retaining part or assembly. The two-part housing assembly may be secured with the annular snap-fit but could be joined using other methods such as adhesives, friction fit, threaded connection and/or adhesives. The lock washer may be made from a stiff material resistant to abrasion such as metal, and resistant to the buckling loads applied to the teeth if a person attempts to remove the writing instrument without applying pressure to the sliding collars. Although depicted as a separate component from the housings, it is possible for the plurality of teeth to be formed integrally with the housing.
Alternative the housing could contain slots into which individual teeth could be inserted.
The slots could be of the same shape as the cross section of the teeth and could prevent the extraction of the individual teeth by the user. The particular shape of the teeth may vary to provide different gripping ability. Various variations thereof could incorporate locking teeth or different cross sections and different tip shape to maximize gripping ability of the writing instrument as shown in Figure 12. The resilient teeth may have a rectangular or circular cross section. The tips of the teeth may be flat or may be rounded in or angled.
The removal key, the tether fixtures, and the sliding collars can be made of the same or different materials. The tether fixture can be affixed to a flat and solid surface using two-sided adhesive tape or other adhesive with sufficient strength for preventing its removal under normal use, or can be replaced by another retention device appropriate to the type of cable or chain used such as a screw-in type D' coupling for the chain or other type of wire or cable of sufficient strength.
Various embodiments of locking embodiments have been described above. The embodiments depicted in the Figures include various methods for fabricating, assembling, and locking the writing instrument in device although other methods may be employed. For example, lock washers portrayed as distinct components may be incorporated into other components of the device. Further, the present invention and the alternate embodiments can be fixed to the solid surface by means of chain or other type of cable of sufficient strength.
The above described locking mechanisms provide the ability to securely fasten generic writing instruments such as pens and pencils to a fixed base with no modifications to the writing instruments, as well as the ability to remove and replace defective writing instruments. The minimalistic design and the location of the locking mechanism on the writing instrument may also secure the writing instruments with minimal interference to the end user.
Although described above as being applicable to writing instruments, the locking mechanism described above could be used for securing various instruments that have a generally cylindrical body. Further, the shape of the components, including the lock washers may be adapted in order to retain objects that do not have a cylindrical body.

The locking mechanism may be varied in size and materials in order to secure various instruments including writing instruments, hand tools, etc.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. The scope of the appended claims should therefore not be limited by the particularly described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by the teachings of the current application as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims (17)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A locking mechanism for releasably securing a writing instrument to a tether, the locking mechanism comprising:
a housing having an opening at a first end for receiving an end portion of the writing instrument, the housing couplable to the tether;
a plurality of resilient teeth within the housing, the plurality of resilient teeth extending radially inwards and away from the first end of the housing in a longitudinal direction when the writing instrument is received within the locking mechanism; and a slidable collar at least partially within the housing to displace the plurality of resilient teeth radially outwards for releasing at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth from the writing instrument.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resilient teeth are located on a locking washer.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resilient teeth are located on at least a first and second locking washer.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first and second locking washers have different bore sizes to secure writing instruments having different sizes, the first locking washer having a larger bore size than the second locking washer, and the first locking washer located between the second locking washer and the opening of the housing.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 3 or 4, wherein the slidable collar comprises a first portion for displacing the resilient teeth on the first locking washer and a second portion for displacing the resilient teeth on the second locking washer.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 5, wherein the first portion comprises a first set of prongs for contacting the resilient teeth on the first locking washer and the second portion comprises a second set of prongs, extending past the first set of prongs, for contacting the resilient teeth on the second locking washer.

7. The locking mechanism any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a contact portion of the slidable collar extends past the housing, the contact portion providing a contact surface for moving the slidable collar in order to displace the at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth.

8. The locking mechanism of claim 7, where the contact portion extends at least partially about a portion of the housing.

9. The locking mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the slidable collar is adapted to be engaged by a release key for moving the slidable collar in order to displace the at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth.

10. The locking mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises an upper housing and lower housing coupled together.

11. The locking mechanism of claim 10, wherein the upper and lower housing are coupled together using one or more of:
a snap-fit connection;
a friction-fit connection;
a threaded connection; and an adhesive.

12. The locking mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the slidable collar is moveable between:
a first position in which the slidable collar allows the plurality of resilient teeth to contact the writing instrument to prevent withdrawal of the writing instrument from the opening of the housing; and a second position in which the slidable collar displaces the plurality of teeth from the writing instrument.

13. The locking mechanism of claim 12, wherein the plurality of resilient teeth provide a biasing force for biasing the slidable collar to the first position.

14. A releasable tether assembly for a writing instrument comprising:
a locking mechanism for releasably securing:
a housing having an opening at a first end for receiving an end portion of the writing instrument;
a plurality of resilient teeth within the housing, the plurality of resilient teeth extending radially inwards and away from the first end of the housing in a longitudinal direction when the writing instrument is received within the locking mechanism; and a slidable collar at least partially within the housing to displace the plurality of resilient teeth radially outwards for releasing at least one resilient tooth of the plurality of resilient teeth from the writing instrument;
a tether securable to a surface; and a tether connector connecting the locking mechanism to the tether.

15. The releasable tether assembly of claim 14, wherein the tether connector comprises a chain, wire or cable.

16. The releasable tether assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the tether comprises an opening for receiving the writing instrument.

17. The releasable tether assembly of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the tether includes a release key for engaging the slidable collar.