DE8625307U1 - Writing instrument - Google Patents

Description

(069) D-6050 OFFENBACH (MAIN) · AM WIESENGRUND 35 · TELEPHONE (007Ji 864006 - CABLE EWOPAT

Dieter Lokai 19 September 1986

Talstraße 18 Op/sch

6057 Dietzenbach-267/1

Writing instrument

The innovation relates to a writing instrument consisting of a writing lead and a holder for the writing lead made of plastic, which is elongated, has a flattened cross-sectional shape of low thickness in the area of the writing lead and has a receiving channel for the writing lead which is shorter than the latter and from which the writing lead with its writing tip permanently protrudes over the holder, while the rear end of the writing lead is supported by the holder in the axial direction.

While the writing lead in the known writing instrument, which has the above generic features and is described in more detail below, is a ballpoint pen lead, the term "writing lead" used throughout the following is intended to include all writing leads that are provided with or can be provided with a writing tip within the scope of the innovation.* In addition to ballpoint pen leads, this also includes

Dieter Lokai 267/1

Felt-tip pen refills, fibre-tip pen refills and lead or graphite refills.

The well-known writing instrument on which the type mentioned at the beginning is based, which is available on the market under the name "LOVE PEN", is a ruler-shaped holder in which the receiving channel is formed as a U-shaped groove in cross-section. The depth of this groove corresponds approximately to the diameter of the writing lead to be inserted into it, but is considerably less than the thickness of the holder itself, which makes it relatively thick and therefore still requires a considerable amount of space despite its flattened cross-sectional shape, which is in itself ideal for accommodating the writing instrument.

The attachment of the writing lead in the known writing instrument is carried out at the front end of the holder by an eyelet closing off the receiving channel at the front, through which the writing lead with its writing tip, which is stepped in comparison to the diameter of the shaft part of the writing lead, is passed. At its rear end, the writing lead is attached by a clamping rib protruding from a side wall of the groove-shaped receiving channel. The disadvantage of this design of the fastening elements is, on the one hand, the necessary use of a ballpoint pen lead that is stepped at the front and, on the other hand, the inadequate attachment of the writing lead to a single clamping point at the rear end of the lead. The writing lead is held at this clamping point only by friction, so that when forces act on the writing tip from the side, it can easily detach from its rear clamping point and exit the receiving channel, whereby the holder loses the function assigned to it on the writing instrument. In addition, the

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known writing instrument does not contain any elements that would allow a detachable attachment to another object, for example a notebook or the opening edge of a shirt or jacket pocket.

The innovation is based on the task of providing a writing instrument based on the type specified at the beginning, the holder of which is only very thin. aid nevertheless reliably holds the writing lead in its position defined in the receiving channel without the need for a stepped writing tip at the front, whereby the writing instrument should be detachably attached to another object.

The stated problem is solved according to the innovation in that the thickness of the holder corresponds approximately only to the outer diameter of the writing lead, which is held over at least part of its length by wall surfaces of the receiving channel, which enclose the writing lead over a circumferential angle that is greater than 180°, and in that the holder is rigidly connected at its rear end to a surface structure to which fastening means are attached.

By reducing the thickness of the holder to approximately the outside diameter of the writing lead, the writing instrument is practically as thin as possible, which allows the writing instrument to be easily accommodated with minimal space requirements in the direction of the thickness, for example between the pages of a notebook. Despite the extremely small thickness of the holder, the wall surfaces of the receiving channel enclose the writing lead over a circumferential angle that is greater than 180° , which means that the writing lead, which is to be inserted axially into the receiving channel, can be inserted under all circumstances when used as intended.

Dieter Lokai 267/1

The holder is held securely in the receiving channel under all conditions that may occur during use. By attaching a surface structure ■ to the rear end of the holder that is not required to hold the writing lead, the conditions for attaching suitable fastening devices are created.

In continuation of the innovative idea, the wall surfaces of the receiving channel that hold the writing lead only touch the writing lead in that part of the length of the writing lead that has a constant outer diameter throughout. This ensures that even writing leads that do not have a constant diameter throughout can be inserted into the receiving channel in an axial direction. In addition, this design also makes it possible for the writing lead to be pulled out of the receiving channel after use and pushed back into the receiving channel in the opposite direction, i.e. with the writing tip first, which prevents items of clothing from being accidentally soiled by the writing lead. This option is not available with the known generic writing instrument because of the attachment of the eyelet that closes off the receiving channel at the front, the opening of which has a smaller diameter than the shaft part of the ballpoint pen lead.

The term I used to describe the innovation

Circumferential angle with which the wall surfaces of the receiving channel &igr;

the writing lead and which is greater than 180°, f

should focus on the axial projection of the g

Writing lead or recording channel and not necessarily |

refer to any cross-section along the central axis of the receiving channel and on the other hand to the

Specify the angular distance between two points on a

Dieter Lokai

267/1

In the writing instrument according to the state of the art specified at the beginning, in which the receiving channel is formed by a U-shaped groove in cross-section, the outer walls of which are aligned plane-parallel to one another, the circumferential angle is exactly 180° according to this definition. In the limiting case of a circumferential angle of 360° covered by the innovation concept, the wall surfaces of the receiving channel enclose the writing lead over its full circumference, i.e. the contact points which are spaced apart by a circumferential angle of 360° coincide at one point.

20

It is advantageous if the receiving channel has a consistent cross-sectional profile throughout its length. However, to implement the innovation, it is sufficient if the receiving channel only has wall surfaces that hold the writing lead at at least two points in the axial direction at a distance from each other*

A particularly reliable lead holder is achieved if the receiving channel for holding the writing lead is designed to be form-fit. If the holder is appropriately dimensioned, a satisfactory holding of the writing lead can also be achieved if the receiving channel is limited by flat wall surfaces, at least three of which are tangential to the outer circumference of the writing lead for its holder when viewed in cross-section.

For many embodiments of the innovation it is useful if the

Dietei Lokai 267/1

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The surface structure is formed in one piece with the holder.

The surface structure at the rear end of the holder is particularly suitable for the formation of fastening means through incisions or recesses in the form of elastically bendable tongues or the like, which are directed towards the writing tip of the writing lead. However, it is also possible for a clip or pin or a snap fastener to be attached to the surface structure at the rear end of the holder as a fastening means.

For many applications, however, it can be advantageous if a flexible tab is formed on the surface structure at the rear end of the holder, on which at least one fastening element is provided, to which a fastening element attached to the surface structure in a complementary manner is assigned. In this embodiment of the writing instrument, the flexible tab can be detachably connected to the surface structure in the manner of a garter belt with an interposition of textile material, for example the patch pocket of a shirt.

For many applications it can also be advantageous if a hanging opening or similar is provided in the surface structure located at the rear end of the holder.

A particular advantage of the new writing instrument is that the surface structure at the rear end of the holder can be designed as an advertising medium. The outer contour of the surface structure can be used for this purpose in accordance with the desired advertising message. In addition, the surface structure itself can be labeled or printed in a suitable manner. Embossed or recessed advertising information in the surface structure is also possible.

Dieter Local 267/1

In an advantageous embodiment of the writing instrument, the holder - as is known per se (LOVE PEN) = has the shape of a strip with essentially the same thickness across its width and length, on the central axis of which the receiving channel is arranged, which opens out unconstricted at one end of the strip.

In the interest of further reducing the thickness, the thickness of the strip may be less than the outer diameter of the writing lead, with the receiving channel § 10 being open on at least one side along its length by a slot.

However, the thickness of the strip can also be slightly larger than the outer diameter, whereby the receiving channel is limited in cross-section by a closed wall surface.

A variant of the last-mentioned embodiment consists in that the thickness of the strip is less than the outer diameter of the writing lead, and that the receiving channel is delimited in cross-section by a closed wall surface in which at least one wall region thinned to the thickness of the film is provided, which, when the writing lead is inserted, is curved outwards with the closed wall surface positively locking with the outer circumference of the writing lead.

According to another embodiment of the writing instrument, the holder has a strip of uniform width and thickness in the area of the writing lead, onto which the receiving channel is formed on the side. The arrangement can be such that the thickness of the strip is less than the outside diameter of the writing lead, and that the receiving channel is formed by two springy wall parts formed on the strip, which delimit a lateral slot with their outer end edges.

Dieter Lokai 267/1 &Lgr;/

According to another original embodiment, the strip forming the holder is divided into three surface sections of approximately the same width by two folding notches running along its length, parallel to one another and aligned with the writing lead, between which the receiving channel is arranged, the two outer surface sections of which are designed to be able to lock together at their outer edges. After locking, this writing instrument has an approximately triangular cross-section, which makes the writing instrument particularly easy to handle. By releasing the locking mechanism, the writing instrument can be unfolded again to form a structure of very little thickness.

Advantageously, the surface structure located at the rear end of the holder has a smaller thickness than the strip located in the area of the writing lead. Since the surface structure is not involved in holding the writing lead, it is not necessary to maintain the holder thickness in the area of the surface structure.

In a further embodiment of the innovation, it is provided that the holder is made from a section made of rigid plastic film, which is guided around the outer circumference of the writing lead to form a receiving channel located on the side of the holder.

However, it is also possible to manufacture the holder from two sections made of rigid plastic film, which are firmly connected to each other on both sides to form the receiving channel.

The holder can also be made from a circumferentially closed or open profile with a film wall thickness. This gives the writing instrument a particularly slim shape.

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Manufacturing from a plastic film offers the advantageous possibility that a receiving sleeve, terminal strip or similar can be molded onto the holder laterally adjacent to the receiving channel for attaching or for attaching to card-shaped objects or similar.

A particularly simple film version of the writing instrument is obtained if the holder is made from a section made of rigid plastic film, which is provided with several cuts running transversely to the receiving channel to hold the writing lead in the open, molded-in receiving channel, with the adjacent sections of the receiving channel between the cuts being formed in the opposite direction from the plane of the plastic film section to form the wall surfaces holding the writing lead. In this case, the plastic film section can be provided with complementary plug-in elements on both sides of the receiving channel, which can be releasably locked together when the section is rolled up. In this way, a writing instrument with a handy cross-section can be achieved for writing use, but which can be unfolded flat for carrying or storage.

In a continuation of the innovative idea, the holder can also be made of wire that is wound into a wire screw body to form the receiving channel and that is bent at the rear end of the holder to form a planar structure outline while simultaneously forming a paper clip-like fastening means. In this embodiment, the wire can be wound in two turns starting from the rear end of the holder.

In line with the innovative idea, the holder can also be formed as a profile sleeve along its length, the

Dieter Lokai 267/1

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The inner wall defines the receiving channel, into the rear end of which the separately manufactured surface structure is firmly inserted and with its inserted part supports the rear end of the writing lead in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the separate manufacturing form of the surface structure, which can possibly consist of a different material, is advantageous.

The innovation is now explained in more detail below using the drawings showing various examples. They show:

Fig. 1 the front view of a first

Design of the writing instrument,

Fig. 2 is a side view of the writing instrument according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 to 7 alternative cross-sectional designs

of the writing instrument according to Fig. 1 and 2, each in a section along the line III-III in Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 differently designed surface structures, ^1S holder shown broken off at the rear end, partly in front view and partly in side view, whereby Fig. 9, and 11, 12 each relate to the same surface structure,

Fig. 14 the front view of a second

Design of the writing instrument,

Dieter Lokai 267/1

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Fig. 15 is a side view of the writing instrument according to Fig. 14,

Fig. 16 the cross-section through the writing instrument according to the line XVI-XVI in Fig. 14,

Fig. 17 shows a cross-section similar to Fig. 16,

but with not inserted.' writing lead,

Fig. 18 a cross section through a third embodiment of the writing instrument,

Fig. 19 the front view of a fourth

Design of the writing instrument in its flat position,

Fig. 20 is a side view of the writing instrument according to Fig. 19,

Fig. 21 the rear view of the also in

Writing instrument shown in flat position according to Fig. 19,

Fig. 22 a section through the flat writing instrument along the line XXII-XXIJ. in Fig. 21

Fig. 23 another section through the

Writing instrument according to Fig. 19 to 22, but in its folded and locked position,

Fig· 24 a fragmentary view of the

Locking elements of the writing instrument

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according to Fig. 19 to 23,

Fig. 25 the front view of a fifth

Embodiment of the writing instrument in which it is made of rigid plastic film,

i 26 a side view of the writing instrument according to Fig* 25,

Fig. 26a a broken-off alternative design in a partially sectioned side view,

Fig. .26b another alternative design in partially sectioned side view,

Fig. 2 7 the section through the writing instrument

according to Fig. 2 5 and 26 corresponding to the line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 25,

Fig. to

Fig.

further cross-sections of different writing instruments made of rigid plastic film,

the front view of a sixth embodiment of the writing instrument, which in this case is also made of rigid plastic film,

Fig. 38 the cross section through the writing instrument according to Fig. 37 along the line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in Fig. 37,

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13

Fig* 39 the front view of a seventh

also made of rigid plastic film, the writing instrument in its flat position,

Fig. 40 a side view of the flat writing instrument according to Fig. 39,

Fig. 41 the cross section through the writing instrument according to Fig. 39 along the line XLI-XLI in Fig. 39,

Fig. 42 another cross section through the

Writing instrument according to Fig. 39 to 41, but with the writing instrument rolled up and locked in position,

Fig. 43 a broken side view of a

alternative design of the locking elements for the writing instrument according to Fig. 39 to 42,

Fig. 44 the front view of an eighth

Design of the writing instrument,

Fig. 45 is a side view of the writing instrument according to Fig. 44,

Fig. 46a the cross section through the writing instrument according to Fig. 44 and 45 according to the line XLVIa-XLVIa of Fig. 44,

Fig. 46b and 46c

alternative cross-sectional designs _{for the} writing instrument according to Fig. 44 and 45,

Dieter Lokai 267/1

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Fig. 47 the front view of a ninth

Design of the writing instrument,

Fig. 48 is a side view of the writing instrument according to Fig. 47,

Figs 49 a similar to Figs 1 and 2

Design of the writing instrument in

front view,

However, if the

Recording channel and

Fig. 50 the cross section through the writing instrument

according to Fig. 49 along the line L-L in Fig. 49.

While the front and side views of the writing instruments shown in the drawings are each shown in approximately natural size, the corresponding cross-sectional views are drawn enlarged.

To explain the first embodiment of the writing instrument in more detail, reference is first made to Figs. 1 to 3. As can be seen from these, the injection-molded writing instrument made of plastic has a holder 1 in the form of a strip with a constant thickness over its width and length and a flat structure 2 molded onto its rear end. In the central axis of the holder 1 there is the receiving channel 3 (Fig. 3) for the writing lead 4, which in this case is a ballpoint pen lead that is essentially cylindrical throughout its length. The writing lead 4 protrudes with its writing tip permanently over the tapered front end of the holder 1 and rests with its rear

Dieter Lökäi . 267/1

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End at the inner end of the receiving channel 3 for its axial fixation in the holder* As can be seen, the writing lead 4 can be easily pulled out of the writing instrument and inserted back into the receiving channel with its tip first.

S As can be seen from Fig. 2 and 3, the thickness of the strip-shaped holder 1 is less than the outer diameter

s of the writing lead, in addition, the receiving channel 3 is open on both sides along its length through a slot. The holder 1 therefore forms a fork-like strip, the two halves of which hold the inserted writing lead 4 in place by friction by means of form-fitting curved wall surfaces 5 and 6 that delimit the receiving channel 3. The writing instrument formed in this way is characterized by a very low thickness and can therefore be stored in the pockets of clothing, for example, without adding much bulk.

The flat structure 2, which in this case is of the same thickness as the holder 1, has a slot-shaped recess 7 which forms an elastically bendable tongue 8 directed towards the writing tip of the writing lead. With the help of this tongue, the writing instrument can be easily and detachably attached to the opening edges of pockets in items of clothing, but also to the edges of sheets of paper and ^the like.

At the outer end of the surface structure there is an opening 9, with the help of which the writing instrument can be hung on a wire-shaped rod, for example, in a sales shelf. The opening 9 also allows a thread to be passed through, with which the writing instrument can be attached to another object. Further design options for the fastening means on the surface structure will be referred to in the explanation of further embodiments.

Dieter Lokai 267/1

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The other cross-sectional alternatives for the holder 1 shown in Fig. 4 to 7, like the cross-section shown in Fig. 3, each have a receiving channel 3 which has a consistent cross-sectional profile over its length and, in the cases according to Fig. 5 and 6, is designed in a similar way to Fig. 3 to hold the writing lead in a form-fitting manner. In the embodiments according to Fig. 4 and 7, the receiving channel 3 is delimited by flat wall surfaces 10, 11 (Fig. 4) and 12 (Fig. 7) respectively. In the cross-section according to Fig. 4, the flat wall surface pairs 10 and 11 are arranged at an angle and touch the writing lead at four points (as seen in the cross-section), whereby the lead is held securely in a frictional engagement. The cross-sectional example according to Fig. 7 is a closed receiving channel 3 which is delimited by eight flat wall surfaces 12 which, when the cross-section is formed as a regular octagon, touch the writing lead at eight points (also viewed in cross-section), whereby the writing lead is held in frictional engagement. The cross-sectional shape according to Fig. 4 is similar to the cross-section shown in Fig. 1, so that the thickness of the strip-shaped holder is less than the outer diameter of the writing lead. In the cross-sections according to Fig. 6 and 7, the thickness of the strip forming the holder 1 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the writing lead. In the cross-section example according to Fig. 5, however, the thickness of the strip can be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the writing lead. In the cross-sections according to Fig. 6 and 7, the receiving channel 3 is delimited by a closed wall surface.

All cross-sectional shapes according to Fig. 3 to 7 have in common that the wall surfaces of the receiving channel 3 enclose the writing lead over circumferential angles that are greater than 180°, which prevents the writing lead from emerging sideways from the

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Dieter Lokai 267/1

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Writing instruments are excluded. The slots 13, which open outwards along the length of the receiving channel in the cross-sectional examples according to Fig. 3 to 5, are in any case smaller in width than the external diameter of the writing lead 4.

In the second embodiment of the writing instrument according to Figs. 14 to 17, it is first demonstrated that the flat structure 2 located at the rear end of the holder 1 can also have a smaller thickness than the plastic strip located in the area of the writing lead 4 and forming the holder 1. In addition, the thickness of the holder 1 is less than the outer diameter of the writing lead 4, as is illustrated in particular in Figs. 16 and 17. The special feature of this embodiment of the writing instrument is that the receiving channel 3, which is closed on all sides, has the elongated shape in cross section as shown in Fig. 17 before the writing lead 4 is inserted. Here, two circular wall surfaces 14 and 15 are provided from the start, which are intended for form-fitting with the outer circumference of the writing lead 4. The two wall surfaces 14 and 15 are connected to one another on opposite sides by initially flat wall surfaces, which are formed by wall areas 16 and 17 of the holder 1 that have been thinned out to the thickness of the film. If the writing lead 4 is now inserted into the receiving channel formed in this way, the wall areas 16 and 17 also form-fit against the outer circumference of the writing lead 4 while bulging outwards, as shown in Fig. 16. In order to enable the mutual approach of the circular wall surfaces 14 and 15 in the upper area of the receiving channel, the holder 1 has a constriction point through lateral notches 18 (Fig. 14) attached to its upper end, where elastic deformation is enabled by springy connecting webs 19, which also establish the connection of the holder 1 to the flat structure 2. The flat structure 2

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Dieter Lokai 267/1

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In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment of the writing instrument according to Fig. 1 to 3, it also has a slot-shaped recess 7 which delimits an elastically bendable tongue 8 directed towards the writing tip of the writing lead 4.

In the modified embodiment shown only in cross-section in Fig. 18, the holder 1, which is again continuous in the form of a strip with a constant width and whose thickness is less than the diameter of the writing lead, is provided with the receiving channel 3 on the side. The receiving channel is formed by two wall parts 20 and 21 which are spring-mounted on the holder 1 and which delimit a lateral slot 22 with their outer end edges. In this case too, use is made of the basic feature of the innovation, according to which the writing lead is enclosed by the wall surfaces of the receiving channel over a circumferential angle which is greater than 180°. This is expressed in the embodiment shown in Fig. 18 in that the width of the slot 22 is significantly smaller than the diameter of the writing lead. When the writing lead is inserted in the axial direction of the receiving channel 3, the wall parts 20 and 21 spring slightly outwards, resulting in a positive frictional connection between the continuous wall surface of the receiving channel and the outer peripheral surface of the writing lead.

For the formation of the surface structure 2 and the fastening means attached to it, a variety of design options are available within the framework of the innovation concept. In the representations according to Figs. 1 and 14, elastically bendable tongues are created by attaching corresponding slot-shaped recesses 7. In a design modifying this embodiment according to Fig. 8, a slot-shaped recess 23 is attached, which opens outwards with one end, which in turn has a

Dieter Lokai 26 7/1 *if-

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with its tip pointing in the direction of the writing tip of the writing lead, forms an elastically bendable tongue 24 which can be pushed onto the edge of a pocket or the edge of a sheet of paper to fix the writing instrument. A projection 24a ensures that the writing instrument cannot twist under the influence of the restoring force of the tongue 24.

In the version of the surface structure 2 shown in two views in Fig. 9 and 10, a clip 25 extends from the outer edge of the surface structure, pointing in the direction of the writing tip of the writing lead, and its free end rests against the surface structure 2 with pre-tension. The way in which clips of this type work is so well known that a more detailed explanation is unnecessary. The clip 25 can be molded from the same material during the injection molding of the plastic writing instrument, or can consist, for example, of a metal strip embedded in the surface structure 2.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 11 and 12, the flat structure 2 adjoining the holder 1 is designed to be less thick than the holder and is folded at the upper end by 180° towards the writing tip of the writing lead to form a clip 26 which, together with the rest of the flat structure 2, defines an inner gap 27 that opens downwards. The clip 26 has a function similar to the clip 25.

Finally, in the embodiment according to Fig. 13, a pin 28 and a suspension eyelet 29 for the outer end of the pin 28 are firmly attached to the surface structure 2. The function of such a pin is also so common that a more detailed explanation is superfluous.

Further design options for the surface structure from the number of available

Dieter Lökäi 267/1

t · * · t · H H-I

Possibilities will be discussed further below with reference to further
Examples of implementation are described in more detail. For the innovation
It is essential that the surface structure 2 in all cases
is suitable to be designed as an advertising medium.
The outer contour shape can also be used for this purpose
such as those available for printing, coating or gluing

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The fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 19 to 24
of the writing instrument agrees with the previously explained

Embodiments agree that the writing instrument
is formed from a strip of material whose
Thickness in the order of magnitude with the outer diameter of the
Writing lead 4. The unspecified
The receiving channel for the writing lead 4 is in the strips approximately

shaped as shown in Fig. 5. The strip

is connected by two parallel lines to each other and to the writing lead 4 |

aligned folding notches 30 and 31, which extend not only ff; over the area of the holder 1, but also over the area I

of the surface structure 2, into three surface sections fi

approximately the same width as Fig. 19, 21 and 22 j

to be recognized. Between the folding notches 30 and 31, the |

already during the injection molding of the writing instrument from i

Plastic can be provided, the |

Receiving channel, which is connected to the outside in Fig. 19 only by the J

Slot 13 appears. The middle one the receiving |

The surface section having a channel has, in the area of _the surface structure 2, a molded-on attachment

tab 32, which approximately corresponds to the tab 26 according to Fig. 11 p

and 12. The two outer surface sections are designed to be interlocked at their outer edges. For this purpose, the outer edges of the two outer
Surface sections each have a strip-shaped projection 33 | and a corresponding cutout 34. I

Dieter Lokai - As from the Fit and • * 21 ·· · * »· 267/1 ice 21 hrs« srvoree ht. stands iev t/partly pairw &idr;. 19

a strip-shaped projection 33 on one outer edge opposite a cutout 34 on the other outer edge. On the strip-shaped projections 33 there are inclined locking surfaces 35 and 36, which can be brought into a releasable locking engagement with one another (Fig. 24) when the two outer surface sections are bent towards one another along the folding notches 30 and 31 until their outer edges engage. This situation is shown in Figs. 23 and 24. In this way a handy writing instrument is achieved which can nevertheless be laid flat in its original position (Fig. 22) to make it easier to store.

The writing instrument according to the fourth embodiment of the innovation explained above is again provided with an opening 9 for hanging in the upper area of the surface structure 2. Corresponding openings can of course be provided in all embodiments of the innovation.

The following describes in more detail the embodiments of the innovation shown in Figs. 25 to 43, in which the writing instrument is made of rigid plastic film. For this purpose, reference is first made to the fifth embodiment of the innovation according to Figs. 25 to 27. Here, the holder 1, but also the flat structure 2 adjoining it, consists of two sections of plastic film that match in their outer contour, as can best be seen from the cross-sectional view according to Fig. 27. In each of these sections, the receiving channel 3 is half-formed in the area of the holder 1. On both sides of the receiving channel 3, the sections of the plastic film are laid flat on top of one another and inseparably connected to one another, for example by thermal welding or

Diöte* Local 267/1

Adhesive bonding. In this way, an extremely thin writing instrument is achieved, the thickness of which in the area of the receiving channel is only twice the thickness of the film larger than the outside diameter of the writing lead 4, but outside the receiving channel 3 it is only twice the thickness of the film.

Of course, the flat structure 2 can be equipped with fastening means, as have already been described with reference to other embodiments. In the example shown in Figs. 25 and 26, however, the flat structure 2 is approximately circular in its outer contour and has in its central area a recess 37 formed from one of the film sections or from both film sections, with an undercut on its outer edge, which can be detachably buttoned into the hole opening 38 of, for example, the cardboard part 39 of a checkbook, like the inner part of a snap fastener. For this purpose, the diameter of the hole opening 38 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the recess 37, so that during the buttoning process the edge of the hole opening snaps into the undercut edge area of the recess 37. In this way, for example, the writing instrument can be permanently attached to the checkbook and is immediately available when needed.

Modifications of the fifth embodiment of the innovation described above are shown in Figs. 26a and 26b. These figures make it clear that a flexible tab 40 can be formed on the sheet 2, for example as a direct continuation of one of the two plastic film sections. In this flexible tab, a hole opening 38 complementary to the formation 37 can also be made, which allows the flexible tab 40 to be buttoned to the formation 37. In this case, during the buttoning process, a gap can be formed between the formation 37 and the flexible tab 40.

Dieter Local 267/1

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A textile surface can be inserted into the tab 40, for example the pocket fabric of a shirt, whereby the writing instrument can be buttoned to the textile part like a garter belt.

The arrangement of the fastening elements of the snap fastener can also be swapped, as shown in Fig. 26b. Here, the hole opening 38 is in the surface structure 2, while the formation 37 is present on the bendable tab 4Ö. For all of the snap fastener-like fastening devices shown!! of course, several formations 37 of correspondingly smaller diameter and accordingly several complementary hole openings can be provided*

In a variant of the fifth embodiment described above, shown in Fig. 28, the two sections made of plastic film, which have the same dimensions, are designed in such a way that a receiving sleeve 41, for example for accommodating a check card or credit card, is formed on one side of the receiving channel 3. The receiving sleeve can be opened on one side to insert or remove the card.

be.

In the design variants according to Fig. 29, 30, 32, 34, 35 and also in the embodiment to be described in more detail according to Fig. 37 and 38, the writing instrument is made only from a section made of rigid plastic film, which is completely or partially guided around the outer circumference of the writing lead to form a receiving channel 3 located on the side of the holder 1. The cross-sectional shape shown broken off in Fig. 29 represents a modification of the cross-sectional shape described with reference to Fig. 28. In this case too, a

Dieter I,okai 267/1 -,

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Holder 4.1 for storing a card-like
As with the previous
Fig. 28, the holder 1 for the lateral closure of the
The holder 1 can also be made of a circumferentially opened profile of

Foil wall thickness, as can be seen from Fig. 30, 32, _; 34 and 35. In the cross-sectional variant according to |

Fig. 30, the foil profile | delimiting the receiving channel 3 is offset with its peripheral slot relative to the connected ' | receiving sleeve 41, so that neither the card to be accommodated in the receiving sleeve can enter the area of the receiving channel
3 can penetrate, nor the writing lead from the side of the i

receiving channel 3 can emerge. Of course, the receiving channel 3 could also be made closed by welding or gluing the (' film in the offset area. ! Fig. 31 shows a possibility for the one-piece design
the outer end of the receiving sleeve 41, as used in each of the | cross-sectional examples 28, 29 and 30 f

I ^s can. In the case of the application in Figs. 29 and 30, \ would.

In practice, the manufacturing of the writing instrument is based on a closed foil tube.

In the cross-sectional variant shown in Fig. 32, the jjj receiving channel 3 can be opened both laterally (as shown)
or closed. In both cases

connects to the side of the holder 1 to the receiving channel 3
adjacent to a terminal block made of the foil material
42, which has a slot 43 on the side,
by means of which the terminal block 42 is placed on the edge of a card
or similar can be attached like a rider. To

To improve the adhesion to the card edge, the

Receiving slot 43 delimiting edges 44 in longitudinal direction
of the writing instrument.

Dieter Lokai 267/1

In Fig. 34, the holder 1 of a writing instrument is shown in cross-section, in which the receiving channel 3 is open at the side and is connected to a cavity 45. In this cross-sectional modification, the receiving channel 3 and the cavity 45 are enclosed by a one-piece plastic part of film thickness, so that the holder can be made from a tube-like structure. The diameter of the receiving channel 3 can be made somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of the writing lead to be inserted into it, so that the side walls delimiting the cavity 45 give way laterally in a spring-loaded manner when the writing lead is inserted. In this way, the writing lead is held securely in the receiving channel 3 by friction. In the variant according to Fig. 35, the cavity 45 is open at the side, i.e. this holder 1 is made from a film strip. The writing lead can also be held in the holder 1 by a clamping effect.

In the cross-sectional variant according to Fig. 36, the holder is made from three sections 46, 47 and 48 made of plastic film. The two outer sections 46 and 47 are connected at their edges to the edges of section 48 by gluing or thermal welding. Starting from the connection points, sections 46 and 47 are bent outwards and, together with section 48, limit the receiving channel 3. The arrangement is such that when the writing lead 4 is inserted into the receiving channel, the free areas of sections 46 and 47 spring outwards so that the writing lead 4 is held in the receiving channel by a clamping effect. In this case, sections 46 to 48 lie tangentially against the outer circumference of the writing lead 4.

To explain a sixth embodiment of the innovation, reference is now made to Fig. 37 and 38. Here too, the holder consists of a rigid plastic

Dieter Lokai 267/1

foil, which is guided in a loop-like manner around the outer circumference of the writing lead 4 to be accommodated in order to form a receiving channel 3 located on the side of the holder 1. The receiving channel 3 is closed by tabs 49 and 50 made from the section, which are of the same size and glued or welded together, the matching outer contour of which allows for many modifications to be made to adapt it to an advertising task to be fulfilled with the writing instrument. The flat structure arranged at the rear end of the holder 1 can also be used to design this outer contour. In the example shown, the flat structure 2 again contains an elastically bendable tongue 8, which is achieved by a corresponding slot-shaped recess 7.

xA. In addition, an opening 9 can be provided at the outer end for attaching or hanging the writing instrument.

To explain a seventh embodiment, reference is made to Figs. 39 to 43. As can be seen from Figs. 39 and 40, the writing instrument consists of a single, initially flat section or cut-out made of plastic film, the outer contour of which is diamond-shaped in the example shown. This embodiment demonstrates that a firm holding of the writing lead 4 can be achieved in a very simple manner, even if the wall surfaces holding the writing lead are arranged one behind the other or even at a distance from one another in the axial direction. For this purpose, the holder 1 in the example shown has four short incisions 51 to 54 arranged transversely to the receiving channel 3 and parallel to one another. As is clear from Fig. 40, the incisions 51 to 54 allow the adjacent sections located between the incisions to be formed in opposite directions out of the plane of the plastic film section, thereby forming the receiving channel 3* In the example shown, the sections 55 and 56 are

Dieter Lokai &o&igr;/\

S ■ 27

between the incisions 51 and 52 or 53 and 54 are formed on one side, while the narrower sections 57 and 58 in the example shown between the incisions 52 and 53 or 54 and the lower edge of the plastic film cut are formed on the other side. In this way, a secure clamping of the writing lead 4 is achieved. The incision 51 simultaneously forms the stop for the rear end of the writing lead 4.

On both sides of the receiving channel, the plastic film section is provided with complementary insertion elements, in the example according to Fig. 39 and 42 in the form of slots 59 and 60 open in opposite directions and in the example according to Fig. 43 in the form of a slot opening 61 and an insertion tab 62 associated with it, which can be releasably locked together when the section is rolled up. For this purpose, in the embodiment according to Fig. 39 and 42 the slots 59 and 60 are pushed into one another and in the embodiment according to Fig. 43 the insertion tab 62 is inserted into the slot opening 61. The result is a rolled and handy form of the writing instrument, as shown in Fig. 42. Nevertheless, the writing instrument can be laid flat by releasing the locking elements and in this state requires very little storage space in its thickness direction. Snap fasteners can also be used as locking elements.

In the eighth embodiment of the innovation shown in Fig. 44 to 46, the holder 1 is formed as a profile sleeve throughout its length, the inner wall of which delimits the receiving channel 3. The profile sleeve has a wall thickness in the order of magnitude of a plastic film and can be manufactured as an extruder profile. As the cross-sectional variants according to Fig. 46a to 46c show, the profile sleeve can have almost any shape in cross-section if

• · · &igr;

4 · · &ogr;

Dieter Lökäi 267/1

»UNO MM ·&Mgr; «b Il »»

it is only ensured that a receiving channel 3 is created that reliably holds the writing lead 4 in frictional engagement. In the case of Fig. 46a and 46c, these are polygonal cross sections in which at least three flat surface areas lie tangentially against the outer circumference of the writing lead 4. In the embodiment according to Fig. 46b, a circular cross section is provided, the diameter of which corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the writing lead 4. In this embodiment, the surface structure 2 does not have to be manufactured in one piece with the holder 1. A separately manufactured flat structure 2 can be inserted into the receiving channel 3 from the rear end of the holder 1 by means of an anchoring extension 63 indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 44. The inner end of the anchoring extension 63 simultaneously forms the stop for the rear end of the writing lead 4. The flat structure 2 can also be glued or welded to the holder 1 exclusively or in addition to the anchoring extension 63. In the example shown, the flat structure 2 is provided on both sides of the holder 1 with recesses 64 that open towards the writing tip of the writing lead, creating two elastically bendable fastening tongues 65 on the sides. The possibility of separately manufacturing the flat structure 2 gives it a great deal of design freedom for advertising purposes.

The ninth embodiment of the innovation shown in Figs. 47 and 48 is formed exclusively from a relatively thin wire, which is wound cylindrically into a wire screw body 66 to form the receiving channel located in the holder 1 and not designated in more detail. In the example shown, the wire is wound in two turns starting from the rear end of the holder 1. At the rear end of the holder 1, the wire is in the form of a closed loop to form the outline of a flat structure 2

Dieter Lökäi 267/1

• a ·* r im im it * #

• A H 4 » · «B4M*

bent, whereby at the same time a paper clip-like elastically bendable fastening tongue 67 is formed pointing in the direction of the writing tip of the writing lead 4, which enables the writing instrument to be attached to the edge of a clothing pocket or a sheet of paper*

49 and 50 show an embodiment of the writing instrument similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, the receiving channel 3 in the holder 1 has matching wall surfaces 68, 69 and 70 which hold the writing lead 4 at three locations spaced apart in the axial direction. The receiving channel 3 is designed as a slot-shaped recess with parallel side walls 71 and 72 from which the wall surfaces 68 to 70 protrude. The wall surfaces 68 to 70 have a circular arc-shaped curvature which corresponds to the outer circumference of the writing lead, whereby the writing lead is held in a form-fitting manner by friction after it has been introduced into the receiving channel. For this purpose, the _wall surfaces 68 to 70 can be closer together, viewed in the axial projection direction of the receiving channel 3 (Fig. 50), than would correspond to the outer diameter of the writing lead 4. When the writing lead is inserted, the two legs of the holder formed by the receiving channel 3 then give way in a springy manner.

Although in the preceding description with regard to the holder 1 and, apart from the eighth embodiment of the innovation according to Figs. 44 and 45, also with regard to the flat structure 2, it was always assumed that an injection-moldable plastic or a rigid plastic film was used as the material, the holder and/or flat structure can also be made of other suitable materials.

Wood, metals, cardboard and composite materials can be suitable for this. However, in the interest of inexpensive production, thermoplastics are preferred.

Thistle· Lokai

267/1

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• · · ♦ «III»

it ii tin Ii ti it it

The wide range of design options for the surface structure 2 and its fastening means within the scope of the innovation have already been mentioned. In the writing instrument according to Fig. 49, a further advantageous variant is shown in which the surface structure 2 essentially has the external shape of a ring 71 interrupted at one point. The interruption point of the ring 71, which serves to attach the writing instrument to another object, can be closed by a spring latch 72. For this purpose, the spring latch 72 in the example shown is attached to one leg 73 of a disk 75 which is designed to be spring-loaded by a recess 74 and which is firmly attached to the ring 71 with its other leg 76. The leg 73 protrudes beyond the outer circumference of the ring 71 as an actuating attachment. As shown, the spring latch 72 can, in its closed position, engage with its outer end in a recess in the ring 71.

Another possibility for attaching it to another flat object, such as a sheet of paper or a textile material, is that the disk 75 can be bent elastically like the inner tongue of a paper clip and can be clipped onto the edge of the flat object. The object is then clamped between the ring 71 and the disk 75. In this respect, this embodiment of the fastening means is similar in function to those shown in Figs. 1, 14 and 47, for example.

Protection claims

Claims (7)

·„ EWiWLD. OPP-ERJfIAN N (069) D-6050 OFFENBACH (MAIN) · AM WIESENGRUND 35 · TELEPHONE ($$fYl 864006 · CABLE EWOPAT Dieter Lokai 19 September 1986 Talstrasse 18 Op/sch 6057 Dietzenbach 267/1 Protection claims 1. Writing instrument, consisting of a writing lead and a holder for the writing lead made of plastic, which is elongated, has a flattened cross-sectional shape of little thickness in the area of the writing lead and has a receiving channel for the writing lead which is shorter than the latter and from which the writing lead with its writing tip permanently protrudes over the holder, while the rear end of the writing lead is supported by the holder in the axial direction, characterized in that the thickness of the holder (1) corresponds approximately only to the outer diameter of the writing lead (4), which is held at least over part of its length by wall surfaces of the receiving channel (3) which enclose the writing lead over a circumferential angle which is greater than 180°, and that the holder (1) is rigidly connected at its rear end to a flat structure (2) to which fastening means (8, 24, 25, 26, 28, 32, 65, 67) are attached. 2. Writing instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall surfaces of the receiving channel (3) of the writing lead (4) holding the writing lead only in the length Dieter Lokai 267/1 ie it &agr; · ·· «&bgr; · · area of the writing lead, which has a consistent outer diameter throughout. 3. Writing instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving channel (3) has a constant cross-sectional profile throughout its length. 4. Writing instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving channel (3) is only provided at at least two axially spaced apart _g Places the writing lead C4) has holding wall surfaces (e.g. 68 j 10 to 70) (Fig. 39, 40; 49, 50). 5. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving channel (3) for holding the writing lead (4) is designed in a form-fitting manner. 6. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving channel (3) is delimited by flat wall surfaces (e.g. 10, 11; 12), of which at least three lie tangentially to the outer circumference of the writing lead (4) for holding it in cross-section (Fig. 4, 7, 36, 46a, 46c). 20 7. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder (1) is formed in one piece with the holder. 8. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder (1) has fastening means formed by incisions or recesses (7, 23, 64) in the form of elastically bendable tongues or the like (8, 24, 65) which are aligned towards the writing tip of the writing lead (4). Dieter Lokai 267/1 9. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a clip (25, 27, 32) or a pin (28) or a push button (37) is attached as a fastening means to the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder CO. 10. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a flexible tab (4Ö) is formed on the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder (1), to which at least one fastening element (e.g. 38) is provided, to which a fastening element (e.g. 37) attached complementarily to the surface structure (2) is assigned (Fig. 26b, 26c). 11. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a hanging opening or the like (9) is provided in the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder (1). 12. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder (1) is designed as an advertising medium. 13. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (1) - as is known per se - has the shape of a strip with a substantially constant thickness over its width and length, on the central axis of which the receiving channel (3) opening out unconstricted at one end of the strip is arranged. 14. Writing instrument according to claim 13, characterized in that the thickness of the strip is less than the outer diameter of the writing lead (4), and that the receiving channel (3) Dieter Lökai 267/1 ttiis opened at least on one side along its length through a slot (13, 22) (Fig. 1 to 5, 18, 19, 33). 15. Writing instrument according to claim 13, characterized in that the thickness of the strip is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the writing lead (4), and that the receiving channel (3) •in the OimrorliTii+t nrDcnlion �Lgr;μgr;&iacgr;-γ&EEacgr; oino OBtchlnsSfinfi Wancl£1. iiche is limited (e.g. B, Fig. 6, 7). 16. Writing instrument according to claim 13, characterized in that the thickness of the strip is less than the outer diameter of the writing lead (4), and that the receiving channel (3) is delimited in cross-section by a closed wall surface in which at least one wall region (16, 17) thinned to the thickness of a film is provided, which is curved outwards when the writing lead (4) is inserted with the closed wall surface positively locking with the outer circumference of the writing lead (Fig. 14 to 17)* 17. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (1) has a strip of uniform width and thickness in the area of the writing lead (4), onto which the receiving channel is formed laterally (Fig. 18). 18. Writing instrument according to claim 17, characterized in that the thickness of the strip is less than the outer diameter of the writing lead (4), and that the receiving channel (3) is formed by two resilient wall parts (20, 21) molded onto the strip, which delimit a lateral slot (22) with their outer end edges (Fig. 18). 19. Writing instrument according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the strip forming the holder (1) is formed by two folding elements extending along its length and parallel to one another and aligned with the writing lead (4). Dieter Lokai 267/1 notches (30, 31D * between which the receiving channel (3) is arranged, is divided into three surface sections of approximately the same width, of which the two outer surface sections are designed to be able to lock together at their outer edges (Fig. 19 to 24). t according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the flat structure (2) located at the rear end of the holder (1) has a smaller thickness than the strip located in the area of the writing lead (4) (e.g. Fig. 14, 15). 21. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (1) is made from a section consisting of rigid plastic film, which is guided around the outer circumference of the writing lead (4) to form a receiving channel (3) located on the side of the holder (e.g. Fig. 37, 38). 22. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (1) is made of two sections consisting of rigid plastic film, which are firmly connected to one another on both sides to form the receiving channel (3) (Fig. 25 to 28). 23. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (1) is formed from a profile of film wall thickness which is closed or opened in the circumferential direction (Fig. 44 to 46; 32 to 35). 24. Writing instrument according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that a fine receiving sleeve (41), clamping strip or the like (42) for attaching or for attaching to the holder (1) is provided laterally adjacent to the receiving channel (3). &iacgr; Dieter Lokai 6 * · a 267/1 *■ , 28 &PSgr; ! eenstände od. del I . requested rmt is (Fie I card-shaped Ge to 33). 25. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holder (1) is made from a section made of rigid plastic film, which is provided with several incisions (51 to 54) running transversely to the receiving channel for holding the writing lead (4) in the openly molded-in receiving channel (3), the adjacent sections (55 to 58) of the receiving channel located between the incisions being formed in the opposite direction from the plane of the plastic film section to form the wall surfaces holding the writing lead (Fig. 39, 40). 26. Writing instrument according to claim 25, characterized in that the plastic film section is provided on both sides of the receiving channel (3) with complementary insertion elements (59, 60; 61, 62) which can be releasably locked together when the section is rolled up (Fig. 39 to 43). 27. Writing instrument according to claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that the holder is made of wire which is wound into a wire screw body (66) to form the receiving channel and which is bent at the rear end of the holder (1) to form a planar outline while simultaneously forming a paper clip-like fastening means (67). 28. Writing instrument according to claim 27, characterized in that the wire is wound in two turns starting from the rear end of the holder (1). Dieter Lokai 267/1 ■ · β ■· e
• · ■ ft * ··· 29. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, S, 6, § 8, 9, 10 to 12 and 23, characterized in that the J holder CD is formed over its length continuously as a profile sleeve j], the inner wall of which forms the receiving channel (3) limited, into the rear end of which the separately manufactured sheet-like structure (2) is firmly inserted and with | its inserted part (63) the rear end of the | Writing lead (4) is supported in the axial direction (Fig. 44 to 46). | 30. Writing instrument according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized
characterized in that the rear end of the holder (1) located surface structure (2) essentially has the outer shape of a ring (71) interrupted at one point, the point of interruption of which is provided by a spring latch
or the like (72) can be closed.