EP2643165A1

EP2643165A1 - Multipurpose writing instrument

Info

Publication number: EP2643165A1
Application number: EP11843063.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jason Ryan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-26
Filing date: 2011-11-28
Publication date: 2013-10-02
Also published as: WO2012068676A1; EP2643165A4; CA2721487A1; AU2011334517A1

Abstract

A disposable writing instrument is provided for carpenters, masons and other tradesmen. The instrument is a lead pencil which comprises one or more functional accessories, including a level, a magnet and a clip. The functional accessory is positioned about the center of the instrument such that it is viewable from top and side angles. Either or both ends of the instrument are adapted to be used to mark a surface.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE WRITING INSTRUMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The invention herein pertains to a writing instrument for use by carpenters, masons and other tradesmen for marking surfaces, leveling and measuring short distances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Carpenters, masons, other tradespeople and residential homeowners require quick, access to a marking instrument and a level for brief periods several times during a job. The job can vary from carpentry to stone masonry to construction to general fixing or maintenance around the house. Often, a disposable carpenter's pencil is used to mark a surface and a bubble level to level the surface. As bubble levels are available in multiple sizes, for jobs in smaller spaces, smaller levels typically are used.

[003] A carpenter's pencil is the standard writing instrument in the trade because it is sturdy, reliable, inexpensive, widely available and disposable. Typically, the user sharpens the pencil with a utility or other knife and writes with one or either end of the pencil until the overall length of the pencil is too short to hold without difficulty, at which time the remaining pencil bit is discarded and another pencil is used. Other pencils are comprised entirely or almost entirely of lead or a graphite composition and therefore do not require sharpening.

[004] When not being used, the pencil is typically kept in the same place proximate the user so as to be located easily when needed, such as in the user's pocket, tool belt or even positioned behind the user's ear.

[005] Typically, users do not use writing instruments during construction or other projects which are not intended to be disposable, given the environment and demands of the trade. Furthermore, non-disposable writing instruments typically cost more than disposable writing instruments, which hinders adoption by tradespeople, given the cost of losing or misplacing a non- disposable writing instrument.

[006] Writing instruments that have functions in addition to writing, such as rulers and bubble levels exist in the prior art, however they suffer from several deficiencies. Some writing instruments comprise bubble levels which need to be twisted or turned prior to use. Other writing instruments are only adapted to write on one end. Still other writing instruments are not integral devices as they have multiple parts which require assembly by the user. Most, if not all, writing instruments of the prior art which incorporate other functions are not intended to be disposable.

[007] A writing instrument is required in order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] It is an object of the invention to provide a writing instrument for marking a surface. The instrument comprises a generally longitudinal shaft with a space generally in the center. A complementary functional accessory is engagingly secured within the space. The functional accessory is one or more of a level, a magnet and a clip. When the functional accessory is a level, it has a full view for ease of reading. The instrument has the capacity to write with one or either end of the instrument.

[009] It is a further object of the invention to provide a writing instrument where the functional accessory is exposed by about 180 degrees.

[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a writing instrument which has ruler graduations along its length. [0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide a writing instrument which has a magnet for removably coupling the writing instrument to a metal surface. The magnet is positioned at about the center of the writing instrument.

[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide a writing instrument which has a clip for removably clipping the writing instrument to a surface for temporary storage when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Fig .1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a wide octagonal-shaped writing instrument comprising a complementary bubble level and ruler graduations;

[0014] Fig. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a wide octagonal-shaped writing instrument comprising a complementary bubble level;

[0015] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 2;

[0016] Fig. 4 is a top view of the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0017] Fig. 5A is one embodiment of a bottom view of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0018] Fig. 5B is another embodiment of a bottom view of Fig. 2, which includes an embedded magnet at about the center;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a right end view of the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a left end view of the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2; [0021] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating an elliptic cylinder or oval-shaped writing instrument comprising a complementary bubble level and ruler;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention showing an elliptic cylinder or oval-shaped writing instrument comprising a complementary bubble level;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 9;

[0024] Fig. 1 is a top view of the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9;

[0025] Fig. 12A is one embodiment of a bottom view of Figs. 8 and 9;

[0026] Fig. 12B is another embodiment of a bottom view of Fig. 9, which includes an embedded magnet at about the center;

[0027] Fig. 13 is a right end view of the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9;

[0028] Fig. 14 is a left end view of the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9;

[0029] Fig. 15A is a front view of a hexagonal-shaped bubble level, prior to integration in the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0030] Fig. 15B is a rear view of the bubble level of Fig. 15A;

[0031] Fig. 16 is a top view of the bubble level of Fig. 15A;

[0032] Fig 17 is a right end view of the bubble level of Fig. 15A;

[0033] Fig 18 is a left end view of the bubble level of Fig. 15A;

[0034] Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the bubble level of Fig. 15A; [0035] Figs. 20A, B and C illustrate writing instruments having shafts made of a material other than lead and including a lead within the shaft. Fig. 20A is a wide octagonal-shaped instrument comprising a rectangular lead. Fig 20B is an octagonal-shaped instrument comprising a circular lead. Fig. 20C is an oval-shaped instrument comprising a rectangular lead.

[0036] Figs. 20D, E and F illustrate writing instruments wherein the lead is the entire or almost the entire shaft. Fig 20D is a wide octagonal-shaped instrument composed entirely or almost entirely of lead. Fig 20E is an octagonal shaped instrument composed entirely or almost entirely of lead. Fig. 20F is an oval- shaped instrument composed entirely or almost entirely of lead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Throughout the specification, the following definitions are used, unless specifically noted otherwise:

[0038] Marking includes writing, and making marks or other indicia to identify measurements, letters, numbers, text, other symbols and notations.

[0039] Writing instrument means any instrument for manual marking on a surface and includes a carpenter's pencil.

[0040] Carpenter's pencil includes those disposable writing instruments typically used by users when doing carpentry, stone masonry, construction, general fixing or maintenance.

[0041] User includes carpenters, masons, other tradespeople, residential homeowners and others who use writing instruments.

[0042] Surface includes any surface irrespective of the surface size, roughness or orientation, which is capable or being marked with a writing instrument. [0043] Storage location means any place where a writing instrument is located when not in operational use, including but not limited to a pocket, tool box or tool belt, proximate a head covering, behind a user's ear, in a user's hand and adjacent a metal surface.

[0044] Functional accessory includes a level, magnet, clip and any other accessory which has a function that is useful for a user, other than marking. Levels include bubble levels and digital levels.

[0045] Lead includes one or more graphite compositions. The lead is the marking element in a writing instrument.

[0046] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. A writing instrument 10 comprises a longitudinal unitary shaft 12, ranging from seven to ten inches in length. The illustrated embodiment is about seven inches in length. The instrument can be various shapes, including having generally round, oval, hexagonal and octagonal cross-sections. Instruments having other cross-sections are comtemplated. The illustrated embodiment is wide octagonal (8 sides) comprising two parallel faces which are wider than the six other faces. Other embodiments of wide octagonal shaped writing instruments of the present invention comprise two parallel faces of about the same width, which are the wide sides, two pairs of faces that are diagonally opposed which are about the same width and two opposite faces (top and bottom) which have different widths. As illustrated, within the shaft 12 is a lead. The lead can be of any shape including rectangular as illustrated, and circular. The lead generally runs the length of the shaft.

[0047] In one embodiment, the shaft 12 has a width ranging from about 6.5 to 8.0mm. In one embodiment, the shaft has a width of 7.5mm. In another embodiment, the shaft has a width of 7.0mm. Shafts with other ranges of widths are contemplated.

[0048] In about the center of the shaft 12 is a recess or space, ranging from about 20 to 25 mm in length and over half the depth of the shaft 12. In one embodiment the space is about 22mm along the length of the shaft 12. The space can be cut out from a portion of the shaft using conventional tools, as is the case with a wood shaft, or it can be preformed in the shaft, as is the case with a plastic shaft. In either case there is a space generally about the center of the shaft. The depth of the space can range from about 6 to 10 mm. In one embodiment, the space is about 8 mm deep. The purpose of the space is to accept a complementary functional accessory therein.

[0049] A functional accessory is inserted into and secured within the space. The functional accessory can be secured in a removable or permanent manner, depending on the accessory.

[0050] A removably securable accessory may be press fit and locked into the space, or removed and replaced with another removably securable accessory, based on user requirements. For instance a magnet is removably secured within the space of the instrument. The instrument is capable of being removably attached to a metal surface when not in use. The magnet can be removed and replaced with another functional accessory such as a level or a clip.

[0051] In some embodiments, the accessory is exposed from one perspective only, such as the top perspective. In other embodiments, the accessory is exposed from more than one perspective. As illustrated, the accessory can be exposed by about 180 degrees around said accessory in a manner that it is unobstructed and accessible to use from the front, rear and top of the writing instrument. This is shown for the bubble level embodiment at Figs. 2 - 4 (wide octagonal-shaped instrument) and Figs. 9 - 11 (oval-shaped instrument). As such, the accessory may be exposed on and usable from more than one perspective. For this embodiment, the user can use the accessory from any of three perspectives of the instrument, as required.

[0052] For example, when the accessory is a magnet, more than one perspective may be used to secure the instrument to a metal surface. This allows the user to more quickly secure the instrument to the surface as the instrument does not have to be oriented in only one manner prior to positioning against the surface. As such, the user does not need to look at the instrument when the magnet accessory is being used.

[0053] When the accessory is a bubble level, it is viewable from the top, front and rear of the instrument, thereby allowing the user to view the level accessory from more than one perspective, depending on the surface that needs to be levelled.

[0054] When the accessory is a clip, it can be used on any of the top, right or left side of the instrument to secure the instrument, as needed.

[0055] Another functional accessory illustrated in Fig. 1 is a ruler having graduations 25 along the length of the shaft 12. The illustrated embodiment shows a 7- inch scale. Other scales and other lengths are contemplated, including milimeters and a masonry mreasurement scale. At about the center, proximate the space, the graduations 30 are adapted accordingly so as to maintain their functionality (ie: readability for a ruler) given the space restrictions.

[0056] A permanently affixed accessory may be glued to one or more faces in the space. In one embodiment, clear glue is used. In the illustrated embodiment, a bubble level 20 is affixed within the space. The shape of the bubble level 20 complements the shape of the instrument 10 in that the outside walls of the bubble level are flush or almost flush with the instrument's shaft 12. In other words the accessory is adapted to fit within the space. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the level is a digital level.

[0057] When the functional accessory is assembled within the shaft, the writing instrument looks and functions as a one-piece unit. No twisting or turning is required by the user in order to use the functional accessory since the functional accessory is accessible on the surface of the writing instrument. Advantages of working as a one-piece unit include ease of manufacture and use, as well as enhanced functional reliability. Multiple parts are not at risk of failing or coming apart, particular in a carpentry or construction environment. [0058] The embodiments of Figs. 1 -7 correspond to an octagonal-shaped instrument wherein two parallel faces are wider than six other faces, referred to as a wide octagonal instrument. Fig. 1 comprises one or more rulers on one or more faces. Front, rear, top, bottom and end views of one embodiment, which does not comprise a ruler, are shown in Figs. 2-7 respectively.

[0059] Two embodiments of the bottom view are illustrated. Fig. 5A shows a bottom view with no additional feature. Fig. 5B shows a bottom view with an additional magnet 39 located about the center of the shaft 12. As such, the magnet is embedded into the shaft at the opposite side of the space. The illustrated magnet 39 is oval in shape. Other magnet shapes are contemplated. The magnet is permanently coupled to a small complementary space in the shaft such as by press-fit or glue. The surface of the magnet is flush or almost flush with the instrument's shaft 12. The magnet is strong enough to hold the weight of the instrument when it is positioned adjacent a metal surface storage location.

[0060] The embodiments of Figs. 8-14 correspond to an elliptic cylinder or oval- shaped instrument. The embodiment of Fig. 8 comprises one or more rulers whereas the embodiments of Figs. 9-14 do not comprise a ruler. Optional magnet 39' is illustrated in Fig.12B.

[0061] Both distal and proximal ends 18, 18' of writing instruments 10, 10' are capable of being sharpened and shaved by the user so as to access the lead 15, 15' for marking a surface.

[0062] One example of a bubble level 20 which is complementary to the writing instrument embodiment of Figs. 1-7 is illustrated in Figs. 15A (front view), 15B (rear view), 16 (top view), 17 and 18 (end views) and 19 (bottom view). In this embodiment the bubble level 20 has a hexagonal-shaped cross section as depicted in Figs. 17 and 18. In one embodiment, the bubble level 20 is composed of generally clear or translucent plastic comprising a clear or relatively clear liquid and bubble 37. Level lines 35 are positioned evenly so that the bubble 37 is centered therebetween when the bubble level 20 is level.

[0063] In embodiments where the writing instrument 10' has an oval shape, the bubble level has a semi-oval shaped cross section such that it is flush with the instrument's shaft 12'.

[0064] When the bubble level 20, 20' is secured in the writing instrument 10, 10' a user has at least a 180 degree unobstructed, exposed view of the bubble from the top and sides. This of course permits the user to view the bubble level from various angles.

[0065] In one embodiment, the space in the shaft 12 is cut so that a part of the lead is cut. A writing instrument 10 having a partly cut lead and space, into which a bubble level 20 or other functional accessory is secured provides strength to the writing instrument 10 with a reduction in breaks during the manufacturing process.

[0066] Various shapes of writing instruments, wherein the shaft is made of wood or plastic, are contemplated including wide octagonal 40, octagonal 50 and oval 60 as illustrated in Figs. 20A, 20B and 20C. Various shapes of leads are also contemplated including rectangular and circular as illustrated. Writing instruments of the present invention include shafts made from recycled plastics.

[0067] In other embodiments, the shaft is composed entirely or almost entirely of lead, and can have various shapes including wide octagonal 45, octagonal 55 and oval 65 as illustrated in Figs. 20D, 20E and 20F.

[0068] When the functional accessory is a level such as a bubble level 20, it can be shaped so that its external faces complement the faces of the shaft, so as to be flush or almost flush with the shaft. [0069] In one embodiment, not illustrated, a magnet is located at the bottom of the space, between the bubble level 20 and the shaft. When not in use, the writing instrument is capable of being temporarily secured to a metal surface storage location. This embodiment does not require the additional magnet shown in Fig. 5B.

[0070] In other embodiments, the functional accessory is a clip, such as a plastic clip, which allows the writing instrument to be temporarily secured to a variety of surfaces in a storage location. In other embodiments, the functional accessory is a magnet which allows the writing instrument to be temporarily secured to a metal surface storage location.

[0071] In operation, a user often needs to mark and level a surface, such as bricks.

The user retrieves the writing instrument of the present invention from a storage location and marks the surface and/or takes a measurement and/or measures whether the grade is level as needed with the writing instrument in one quick action, prior to storing the writing instrument in the same or a different storage location. Two or more actions are performed with the writing instrument by the user in successive movements. The speed of movements which is achieved by a user with the writing instrument of the present invention is very quick and results in quicker tasks being accomplished and obviates the requirement of switching between multiple tools. All movements, including measuring a distance, marking, levelling, clipping or storing with a magnet are capable of being performed with one hand.

[0072] Carpenter pencil writing instruments of the present invention are intended to be disposable, which is particularly important for users including in the construction industry.

[0073] Although the description above contains many specific details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A disposable writing instrument for marking a surface, comprising: a. a generally longitudinal, unitary shaft having two ends and a center, each of said ends adapted to mark said surface; b. a space in a portion of said shaft generally in the center, said space adapted to accept a complementary functional accessory therein; and c. a complementary functional accessory engagingly secured within said space; wherein said functional accessory is one or more of a level, a magnet and a clip.

2. The writing instrument of claim 1 wherein each of said two ends is capable of being sharpened in order to mark said surface.

3. The writing instrument of claim 1 or 2 wherein said shaft has a length ranging from 7 to 10 inches.

4. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said shaft has a width ranging from about 6.5 to 8.0 mm.

5. The writing instrument of claim 4 wherein said shaft has a width of about 7.5 mm.

6. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said space is about 20 to 25 mm along the length of said shaft.

7. The writing instrument of claim 6 wherein said space is about 22 mm along the length of said shaft.

8. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said space ranges from about 6 to 10 mm deep.

9. The writing instrument of claim 8 wherein said space is about 8 mm deep.

10. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said shaft has a cross-section which is generally octagonal.

11 . The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said shaft has a cross-section which is generally oval.

12. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said functional accessory is a level.

13. The writing instrument of claim 12 wherein said level is chosen from the group consisting of a digital level and a bubble level comprising a bubble in liquid.

14. The writing instrument of claim 13 wherein said bubble level comprises generally clear or translucent plastic and wherein said bubble and said liquid are clearly visible at least 180 degrees around said bubble level.

15. The writing instrument of any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein a view of said level is unobstructed from top, front and rear views of said writing instrument.

16. The writing instrument of any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein said level has a cross-section which is generally hexagonal.

17. The writing instrument of any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein said level has a cross-section which is generally semi-oval.

18. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said functional accessory is secured in said space and is flush or almost flush with said shaft.

19. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 18 further comprising one or more rulers along the length of said shaft; wherein said one or more rulers is graduated in one or more of inches, millimeters or a masonry measurement scale.

20. The writing instrument of claims 1 to 11 , 18 or 19 wherein said functional accessory is a magnet.

21 . The writing instrument of claims 1 to 11 , 18 or 19 wherein said functional accessory comprises a level and a magnet, said magnet engagingly secured within said space under said level.

22. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 21 further comprising a generally uniform lead along the length of the shaft generally within the center of the shaft, wherein said space includes a portion cut out of said lead.

23. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 22 comprising an integral lead located longitudinally within the center of the shaft.

24. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein said shaft is composed entirely or almost entirely of lead, wherein said lead comprises one or more graphite compositions.

25. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein said shaft is made of wood.

26. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein said shaft is composed of a material other than lead.

27. The writing instrument of claim 26 wherein said shaft is composed of plastic.

28. The writing instrument of claim 27 wherein said plastic is molded from recycled plastics.

29. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 26 wherein said space is cut in said shaft.

30. The writing instrument of any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein said space is preformed in said shaft.

31 . The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 30 further comprising a magnet embedded in and at about the center of the shaft on the opposite side of the space.

32. The writing instrument of any one of claims 1 to 31 wherein said functional accessory is exposed by about 180 degrees around said functional accessory.