EP2004422B1 - Writing nib for producing lines with different widths and writing implement comprising such a nib - Google Patents

Abstract

A capillary writing tip that includes a body extending from a base along a central axis (Z) to a peak, the body having a main face with a maximum dimension (L) measured transversally with respect to the central axis and delimited by a main base edge adjacent to the base, as well as by a first and a second substantially straight peak edge, which meet at the peak and are of respective lengths (l) less than the maximum length. The body also has a first secondary face delimited by, among other things, the first peak edge; a second secondary face delimited by, among other things, the second peak edge; the first and second secondary faces presenting a substantially straight common edge extending from the peak to a lower end adjacent to the base, the common edge having a length (m) which is different from the maximum width (L) and from the length (l) of the first and second peak edges.

Description

The present invention relates to a writing tip adapted to draw lines of various determined widths.

More particularly, it relates to a writing capillary tip comprising a body extending from a base along a central axis to a vertex, said body having a main face having a maximum dimension measured transversely with respect to the central axis, said maximum width, and delimited by a main base edge adjacent to the base, and a first and a second substantially rectilinear crown edges, which are concurrent at the top and respective lengths less than said maximum width. In addition, the body has a first secondary face delimited inter alia by the first summit ridge and a second secondary face delimited inter alia by the second ridge. Writing tips of this type are known from the documents US Patent 3639070 and JP-A-2001018575 .

The writing tips, known for example from the document DE-A-33 36 664 , are commonly used in felted pen writing instruments, marker or highlighter. The top of the tip allows you to write or highlight by making a fine line. The main face, is usually two opposite main faces, allows positioning them against the plane of the sheet of paper, to make a large width, for example to emphasize or highlight a text. The summit ridge of greater length, which is often substantially equal to the maximum length of the main face as in the case of the figure 2 of the document DE-A-33 36 664 , also makes it possible to perform a wide-width plot by contacting this edge against the paper sheet and while allowing a greater freedom of the angular position of the instrument.

It is possible to make intermediate width plots by positioning the top edge obliquely to the direction of travel, but this requires some dexterity that inevitably leads to variations in width during a curved path.

In order to achieve writing tips for writing in multiple different widths, various solutions have been proposed, including making frustoconical tips with an eccentric vertex relative to the central axis as described in the document. US-A-5,897,264 . However, if such a point makes it possible to vary the width of the plot continuously between two extremes, it requires a precise positioning to make a plot of given width. It is therefore inconvenient to move quickly and easily from one track width to another.

There is therefore a need for writing tips allowing different plots of precise and determined width, and in particular allowing a fine line to write, a plot of average thickness to emphasize and a wide thickness to highlight.

The present invention therefore aims to provide a writing tip for performing plots in different precise and determined widths, namely at least three widths, and this by providing an easy and comfortable use.

• lesdites première et deuxième faces secondaires présentent une arête commune sensiblement rectiligne s'étendant depuis le sommet jusqu'à une extrémité inférieure adjacente à la base, ladite arête commune ayant une longueur différente de la largeur maximale et de la longueur des première et deuxième arêtes sommitales.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a writing tip of the aforementioned type, characterized in that

• said first and second secondary faces have a substantially rectilinear common edge extending from the vertex to a lower end adjacent the base, said common edge having a length different from the maximum width and the length of the first and second top edges .

The maximum width, the lengths of the top edges and the length of the common edge, allow plots to be made in three different widths, and even four different widths if the first and second top edges are of different length. Indeed, the common edge extending towards the base creates an additional tracing zone of clearly defined length, and this in a similar manner to the first and second summit edges. With respect to the spikes of the prior art which generally comprise only two summit edges, or two pairs of summit ridges, in the case of a non-point vertex extending towards the base, one obtains thanks to the point such as as defined above a third edge extending towards the base. The possibilities of writing widths are increased while maintaining a very good writing comfort. These widths of course add course to the fine line that can be obtained with the top by positioning the writing tip substantially perpendicular to the sheet.

• les première et deuxième arêtes sommitales présentent une même longueur, ainsi la pointe d'écriture peut être utilisée aussi aisément par les droitiers que par les gauchers ;
• la première arête sommitale présente une longueur comprise entre 40 et 80% de la largeur maximale, l'arête commune présente une longueur comprise entre 30 et 60% de la largeur maximale et au moins inférieure de 15% à la longueur de la première arête sommitale ; ces rapports entre la longueur permettent des largeurs d'écriture nettement différenciées tout en conférant un confort d'écriture pour l'utilisateur ;
• l'arête de base principale est sensiblement rectiligne, et de préférence de longueur sensiblement égale à la largeur maximale, ainsi le tracé de largeur maximale peut également être obtenu à l'aide d'une arête, ce qui autorise une plus grande liberté d'inclinaison de l'instrument d'écriture ;
• la face principale est plane, ce qui permet de déposer une grande quantité d'encre rapidement,
• la base présente une section transversale par rapport à l'axe central qui est globalement rectangulaire, cette disposition permettant une grande amplitude entre la largeur des différents tracés sans augmenter excessivement l'encombrement de la pointe ;
• le sommet de la pointe d'écriture est décalé par rapport à l'axe central, et de préférence décalé du côté de l'arête commune, cette disposition permettant d'augmenter la différence entre la largeur maximale et la longueur de l'arête commune ;
• les première et deuxième arêtes sommitales forment entre elles un angle dans le plan de la face principale, qui est compris entre 150 et 90 degrés, l'expérience montrant de conserver un bon confort d'écriture ;
• l'arête commune forme avec l'axe central un angle compris entre 30 et 60 degrés, également pour le confort d'écriture ;
• des arêtes présentent un profil arrondi ;
• le corps et la base sont intégralement formés par frittage d'un matériau granulaire en résine synthétique, et de préférence en polypropylène.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following arrangements may be used:

• the first and second summit edges have the same length, so the writing tip can be used as easily by right-handed people as by left-handed
• the first top edge has a length between 40 and 80% of the maximum width, the common edge has a length of between 30 and 60% of the maximum width and at least 15% less than the length of the first top ridge ; these ratios between the length allow clearly differentiated writing widths while conferring a writing comfort for the user;
• the main base edge is substantially rectilinear, and preferably of length substantially equal to the maximum width, thus the maximum width pattern can also be obtained using an edge, which allows greater freedom of movement. tilting of the writing instrument;
• the main face is flat, which allows to deposit a large amount of ink quickly,
• the base has a cross section relative to the central axis which is generally rectangular, this arrangement allowing a large amplitude between the width of the different paths without excessively increasing the size of the tip;
• the top of the writing tip is offset from the central axis, and preferably offset from the side of the common edge, this arrangement to increase the difference between the maximum width and the length of the common edge ;
• the first and second top edges form between them an angle in the plane of the main face, which is between 150 and 90 degrees, the experiment showing to maintain a good writing comfort;
• the common edge forms with the central axis an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees, also for comfort writing;
• edges have a rounded profile;
• the body and the base are integrally formed by sintering a granular material of synthetic resin, and preferably of polypropylene.

The invention also relates to a writing instrument comprising a drum containing ink and having at one front end an opening on which a tip as defined above is mounted, the base of the tip preferably projecting from the barrel of the instrument.

• la figure 1 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un instrument d'écriture comportant une pointe d'écriture selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue agrandie de face de la pointe d'écriture ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus de la pointe représentée à la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessous ;
• la figure 5 est une vue partielle de côté.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a writing instrument comprising a writing tip according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is an enlarged front view of the writing tip;
• the figure 3 is a top view of the tip shown in the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a view from below;
• the figure 5 is a partial side view.

To the figure 1 , there is shown a writing instrument 1 having a shank 2 inside which is arranged an ink tank and having, at a front end 2a, an opening in which is mounted a writing tip 4.

The ink tank 3, schematically shown in broken lines, is a fibrous pad impregnated with ink in a well known manner. But it could be any other type of ink supply, and especially a tank containing free ink.

The writing tip 4 comprises a tip body 5 and a connector 6 integral with the body 5 which, in known manner, allows the writing tip to be mounted in the opening of the barrel 2 and the supply of the ink up to at the front end of the writing tip, i.e. the body 5 thereof. The body 5 and the connector 6 are made of capillary material for delivering the ink in a regular manner, and formed in one piece. It is however perfectly possible to provide a tip body and a connector in two elements or to provide an additional intermediate connector, according to the structure of the front end of the barrel and the nature of the liquid to be applied.

As it appears better to Figures 2 to 5 , the body 5 of the tip comprises a base 8 from which extend a main face 10, a first secondary face 20 and a second secondary face 30, to a vertex 9. The body 5 thus extends globally along a central axis Z coaxial with the center of the base 8, and in the embodiment shown, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the connector 6.

The base 8 is formed by a volume delimited by a flat rear face 8b, an annular side wall 8c and a front face, not referenced, of more or less complex shape, which is defined by the connecting edges between the annular wall 8c and the main and secondary faces (10, 20, 30). However, it is conceivable that the base 8 is in the form of a more flattened volume, or even a plan.

As is best seen on the figure 4 , the main face 10 is delimited by a rectilinear main base edge 11, by a first and a second also rectilinear and concurrent crown edges (13, 14) at the apex 9. Complementary base edges 15 of reduced length make it possible to connect the ends of the main base edge 11 to the lower ends of the first and second summit edges (13, 14). ). These complementary base edges 15 are mainly due to the cross section of the base 8 which is in the shape of a rectangle with short sides in an arc of a circle as is clearly visible on the figure 2 . But it is perfectly possible to provide that the first and second top edges (13, 14) extend to a rectilinear main base edge.

The main face 10 thus defined is flat to allow a pattern by applying this face integrally against a sheet of paper, which allows to deposit a large amount of ink.

The main face 10 has a maximum dimension L measured transversely with respect to the central axis Z which is called the maximum width L. In the configuration shown, this maximum width L corresponds to the distance separating the lower end of the summit edges (13, 14). Note that this distance L is only slightly greater than the length of the main base edge 11 given the reduced length of the complementary base edges 15.

The top edges (13, 14) have an identical length l in this preferred embodiment to allow easy tracing in a given length corresponding to this edge length 1 .

The first secondary face 20 better visible at the figure 2 is delimited in part by the first summit ridge 13 and a ridge 23 common with the second secondary face 30. The common ridge 23 extends from the top 9 up to the base 8, and is rectilinear over a length m so as to allow a wide line with it. The first secondary face 20 is also delimited by a base ridge 24, rectilinear and inclined relative to the transverse plane of the body 5, and a complementary base edge 25 in an arc of a circle due to the end faces in an arc of a circle. the annular wall 8c of the base. In this embodiment, the first secondary face 20 is not quite flat, therefore it is not expressly intended to draw lines by contact with the whole of this face.

Similarly, the second secondary face 30 is delimited by the second summit edge 14, the common edge 23 and the main base edges 34 and complementary 35. The second secondary face is therefore symmetrical to the first secondary face 20 with respect to a plane passing through the central axis Z and comprising the common edge 23. However, it is perfectly possible that the second secondary face 30 is substantially different from the first secondary face 20, for example to provide a second summit ridge 14 in length different from the first.

The first and second summit edges (13, 14) and the common edge 23 are concurrent at the same point which forms the vertex 9 of the writing tip 4. Thus, this vertex has a point surface, arranged near the central axis, and is therefore particularly well suited for fine and precise tracing. It will be understood that the rounded point surface of the vertex allows a fine plot of constant width, that is to say without full and untied, holding the writing instrument almost vertical but regardless of the angular orientation of the tip around its central axis with respect to the writing direction.

Thus configured, the body 5 provides in addition to the vertex 9, different faces and edges for performing a given width of widths. Namely, a width chosen from the maximum width L and / or the main base edge 11 of the main face 10, the first and second summit edges (13, 14) of the same length l , or the common edge 23 which has the length m visible on the figure 5 . To allow plots in three different widths, the maximum width L, the length l of the first and second top edges (13, 14), and the length m of the common edge 23 are different, the last two lengths being preferably less than at the maximum width L.

In order that the different possible plots have visibly different widths, the length l of the top edges is between 40 and 80% of the maximum width L and preferably close to 50% of this width L. The common edge 23 has length m between 30 and 60% of the maximum width and preferably a little more than 40% thereof. On the other hand, for the width of the traces produced by the summit edges and the common edge 23 to be visibly distinct, it is sufficient if the length m of the common edge is at least 15% smaller than the length l of the edges summits (133, 144). But, of course, these proportions can be substantially different depending on the desired result, for example by changing the geometry of the base 8 and inclination angles of the faces or edges.

On the other hand, it is still possible to multiply the predetermined writing widths offered by the writing tip made according to the invention. For example, it is quite possible to adopt a different length between the first and second peak ridge (13, 14), or provide a width L substantially different from the length of the main base edge 11 and thus obtain two different writing widths by applying either the main face 10 against the sheet or only the main base edge 11 thereof . Finally, it is still conceivable that the other basic edges provide identical or different writing widths.

However, it must be ensured that each edge or face designed to be written has a clearance with respect to the rest of the writing tip 4 and the barrel 2 of the instrument so that writing is possible, and to ensure that that the angle of inclination of the writing instrument, that is to say the central axis Z, relative to the paper or any other medium, remains acceptable to the user. For this purpose, the angle of inclination of the common edge 23 with respect to the central axis Z is between 30 and 60 degrees. The angle formed by the main face 10 with the central axis Z is also included in this range. The angle formed between the first summit edge 13 and the second summit edge 14 is preferably between 150 and 90 degrees. For writing comfort left-handed and right-handed, it is also desirable that the angle formed by each of the summit edges (13; 14) with the central axis Z is identical, and therefore between 45 and 75 degrees. The set of angular values indicated corresponds to angles measured on the side of the body 5 of the writing tip.

Other arrangements are provided to differentiate substantially the lengths of the different edges and the maximum width L. It may be noted for example that the top 9 is slightly offset on the side of the common edge 23 relative to the central axis Z, in order to increase the surface of the main face 10 and reduce the length m of the common edge 23. On the other hand, a base 8 of generally rectangular cross section is adopted and the main face 10 is arranged so that the main base edge 11 corresponds to one of the long sides of this rectangular section to obtain a maximum width L the largest possible, but also to obtain summit ridges (13, 14) of considerable length relative to the dimensions of the body 5.

It should be noted that the edges for making a path, namely the main base edge 11, the summit edges (13, 14) and the common edge 23, have a rounded profile. This allows a tangential contact with the paper sheet on a significant surface, makes the tip less sensitive to deterioration and allows a significant variation in the angle of inclination of the writing instrument around the axis formed by this fish bone.

The body of the writing tip is made by sintering a granular material in a mold. Thus, it is possible to achieve a complex and very precise form, even on productions in very large series. The granular material is advantageously a synthetic resin and especially a resin composed mainly of polypropylene, with which the hot sintering operation is easy.

To make plots of different widths, it is sufficient for the user to angularly orient the writing tip 4 about its central axis Z in the direction of the path that it wants to achieve, that is to say essentially by report to his hand, and tilt the writing instrument 1 relative to the sheet of paper so as to contact the edge or the face he wants to use. This inclination is maintained during the course of the plot because of the pressure exerted on the tip by the user. Attempts show that the use of a tip like that of the embodiment shown which allows a total of four writing widths, is intuitive for the user. In addition, this use is relatively easy due to the angular movement that allows this tip relative to a nominal inclination.

Claims (13)

1. Capillary writing lip comprising a body (5) extending from a base (8) along a central axis (Z) to a peak (9), said body (5) having:

   - a main face (10) with a maximum dimension (L) measured transversally with respect to the central axis, called maximum width, and delimited by a main base edge (11) adjacent to the base, as well as by a first and a second substantially straight peak edges (13, 14), which meet at the peak and are of respective lengths (l) less than said maximum length;

   - a first secondary face (20) delimited notably by the first peak edge (13);

   - a second secondary face (30) delimited notably by the second peak edge (14),

   characterized in that:

   - said first and second secondary faces (20, 30) have a substantially straight common edge (23) extending from the peak (9) to a lower end adjacent to the base (8), said common edge having a length (m) which is different from the maximum width (L) and from the length (l) of the first and second peak edges.
2. Writing tip according to claim 1, wherein the first and second peak edges (13, 14) have the same length (l).
3. Writing tip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first peak edge (13) has a length (l) comprised between 40 and 80% of the maximum width (L), the common edge (23) has a length (m) comprised between 30 and 60% of the maximum width and at least 15% less than the length of the first peak edge.
4. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main base edge (11) is substantially straight, and preferably substantially equal in length to the maximum width (L).
5. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main face (10) is plane.
6. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the base (8) has a cross-section with respect to the central axis (Z) which is globally rectangular.
7. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peak (9) of the writing tip is offset with respect to the central axis (Z), and preferably offset on the side of the common edge (23).
8. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second peak edges (13, 14) form between them an angle in the plane of the main face which is comprised between 150 and 90 degrees.
9. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the common edge (23) forms with the central axis (Z) an angle comprised between 30 and 60 degrees.
10. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein edges (13, 14, 23) have a rounded profile.
11. Writing tip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (5) and the base (8) are integrally formed by sintering a granular material comprising synthetic resin, and preferably polypropylene.
12. Writing implement comprising a barrel (2) containing ink and having at a front end (2a) a opening on which a writing tip (4), according to any one of the preceding claims, is mounted.
13. Writing implement according to claim 12, in which the base (8) of the tip projects from the body of the implement.

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