GB2288150A

GB2288150A - A paen retainer.

Info

Publication number: GB2288150A
Application number: GB9406892A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eric North
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-04-07
Filing date: 1994-04-07
Publication date: 1995-10-11
Also published as: GB9406892D0

Abstract

A tether 1 for retaining a writing implement 21 comprises: a flexible cord 6, pen attachment means 20 located at an end of the cord 6, and a spring-reel retractor 3 connected to the other end of the cord 6. The retractor reel has a pawl-and-ratchet type catch to allow the cord to be withdrawn but which prevents rewinding until the catch is released. A brake between the reel and the housing prevents over-rapid rewinding. The device may be incorporated into a desktop accessory. <IMAGE>

Description

A PEN RETAINbK This invention relates to a pen retainer for writing instruments. The pen retainer of the invention is particularly, though not exclusively, suitable for securing a writing implement to another object in order to prevent the writing implement from being mislaid or taken.

Pens and other writing implements, for example pencils or crayons, often go missing as a result of carelessness or thoughtlessness. Although the average pen or pencil is cheap its loss can be a nuisance and replacement wastes time.

To overcome this problem the writing implement concerned can be secured to a fixed object or surface. One known type of pen retainer frequently used at counters at, for example banks, building societies and post offices, generally comprises a pen secured by a chain. The chain is fixed to the counter by a bolt or screw, or to a base which in turn is secured to the counter. The chain provides an element of security and prevents users from accidentally taking the pen or losing it.

However, known pen retainers are far from satisfactory. The chain limits freedom of movement and often gets in the way when writing. These two problems are complementary. If a long chain or cord is used then freedom of movement is increased but the longer chain is more likely to tangle and get in the way when writing. Conversely, a shorter chain is less likely to be a hindrance when writing but freedom of movement is limited.

According to the invention there is provided a pen retainer for retaining a writing implement which comprises: a flexible cord; pen gripping means located at an end of the cord; a retractor connected to the other end of the cord; said retractor being arranged to be moveable from a first position in which the cord is wound on the retractor to a second position in which a user selectively extends the cord for writing; wherein the retractor withdraws the cord once the user has finished writing.

The pen retainer of the invention has the advantage that the cord secured to a pen can be selectively extended to a desired distance for writing. The freedom of movement for writing can be determined by the user for the particular task at hand. The cord and pen are retracted once the user has finished writing.

This ensures that a length of cord is not lying on the desk or counter surface where it may become caught or tangled.

Furthermore, as the user can select the length of cord extended from the device there is less risk that the cord will be broken. Known pen retainers use a fixed length of chain and a frustrated or careless user attempting to write beyond the distance permitted by the cord may inadvertently snap the chain.

The retractor may comprise a reel for storing the cord and a resilient member for rotating the reel. The resilient member rotates the reel and causes the cord to be wound onto the reel once a user has finished writing.

Preferably, the resilient member is a coiled spring.

Withdrawal of the cord by a user causes rotation of the reel which in turn winds the coiled spring. The energy stored in the spring is used to rewind the cord onto the reel when a user has finished writing.

The retractor may further include a catch which locks the reel and prevents the reel from withdrawing the cord until manually released. The catch permits a user to withdraw a length of cord without the cord and pen being withdrawn until the user has finished writing. The catch may be released by, for example, a push button.

Preferably, the catch comprises a pawl and ratchet mechanism.

A length of cord can be withdrawn from the reel and the catch operates to prevent the retractor withdrawing the cord until the user releases the catch by a short pull or tug on the cord.

A friction plate may be provided adjacent the reel to control the rate at which the cord is wound onto the reel. The friction plate prevents the cord from returning into the retractor too rapidly. Rapid and uncontrolled return of the cord and pen towards the retractor can be hazardous.

The pen gripping means may comprise a resilient clip. In an alternative construction the pen gripping means may comprise an adhesive bond for securing the cord to the pen. The clip can be used with a range of sizes of pen thereby eliminating the need to use a specific type or size of pen with the device.

This has the advantage that a particular type of pen does not need to be used with the device. Known pen retainers often use a specially adapted pen to permit a chain to be secured to its end.

Preferably, the cord is a plastic material. An example of a suitable plastic material is nylon.

The cord may be stiffened or preshaped so that on withdrawal from the retractor it does not obstruct use of a pen. Known pen retainers use a chain which rests on the surface of a desk or counter and invariably impedes use of a pen.

Preferably, the cord is coloured. Coloured cord enhances the aesthetic appearance of the device and makes the cord more visible to a user. This is more important for fine filament cords which are difficult to see.

Preferably, attachment means is provided to facilitate attachment of the pen retainer to a desk, counter or other surface.

Preferably the attachment means is a self adhesive pad or adhesive tape. The attachment means allows the pen retainer of the invention to be secured to virtually any surface.

Preferably, the attachment means is a clip. A clip is more suitable for securing the device to an article of clothing, for example, a jacket or overall. The pen retainer of the invention can also be conveniently secured to a clipboard, folder or binder. The attachment means may comprise a clamp for securing the device to a surface or object.

The retractor may be fixed to a weighted base. A weighted base has the advantage that the pen retainer is portable and can be easily moved to any desired location on a desk or counter.

This construction also has the advantage that it can be used as a paperweight.

Preferably, the pen retainer includes a guide member for guiding the cord as it is withdrawn from, or returns to, the retractor. The guide member assists movement of the cord in or out of the retractor and minimises frictional wear of the cord.

The guide member may comprise a wire or other elongate element with a loop or aperture through which the cord passes.

The retractor may be located in a housing. The housing enhances the aesthetic appearance of the device and protects the moving parts of the retractor. This minimises the risk of injury and ensures that dirt or office items such as staples or paper clips do not foul on the retractor mechanism.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a pen retainer according to the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on line AA in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a detailed diagram of the cord secured to a pen; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a pen retainer for mounting on a desk or other surface; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal mechanism of the pen retainer shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a side elevation of the pen retainer shown in Figures 1 and 2 with a guide member extending from the retainer.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a pen retainer according to the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, which comprises a casing 2 which houses a retractor 3 comprising a reel 4 and coiled spring 5. A flexible cord 6 of a plastic or polymeric material is fixed to the reel 4. The cord passes through an aperture 7 in the casing 2 and is then secured to a pen or other writing implement by a clip. The edges of the aperture 7 have rounded edges 8 to ensure that the cord 6 is not damaged as it is withdrawn from the pen retainer.

An annular friction plate 9 is fixed to the internal surface of the casing 2 to control the rate at which a cord is retracted into the casing 2 by the coiled spring 5. The reel 4 rotates about a shaft 10.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pen retainer shown in Figure 1. The coiled spring 5 is located between the reel 4 and casing 2. The spring could be located in the recess 11 of the reel 4 for a more compact construction. Reel 4 is provided with radially extending side walls 12 which guide the cord 6 onto the reel 4 as it is withdrawn. This reduces the risk of the cord of fouling on the coiled spring 5. A recess (not shown) can be provided on the external surface of the casing 2 which is adapted to accept an adhesive label. The label can be used to identify the owner of the device or for advertising information.

Figure 3 depicts a clip 20 secured to the cord 6 for gripping the end of a pen or other writing implement 21. The clip can be releasably secured to the end of the pen to facilitate replacement of the writing implement when its reservoir of ink has been exhausted. The clip is manufactured from a resilient material so that a range of sizes of pen can be used with the pen retainer. A more permanent bond could be achieved with an adhesive.

Figures 4 and 5 show the pen retainer of the invention incorporated in a housing 30 comprising an upwardly extending body 31 mounted to a base 32. The surface 32 of the body 31 is recessed to accommodate a writing implement.34 in use. The retractor and associated mechanism for withdrawing the cord 6 is located within the body 31 with the cord exiting the body 31 through an aperture 35. The base 32 can be adhesively bonded to, for example, a surface of a desk or counter. The base could be secured by means of one or more fasteners, for example, screws or bolts. The retractor 36 is fixed to the base 32 by a bracket or mounting 39. The cord 6 passes over a rotatable wheel 37 to facilitate withdrawal of the cord from the retractor 36. The pen retainer shown in Figure 4 can have a weighted base. This enables the device to be moved to any location on a desk or counter, and has the additional advantage that it can also be used as a paperweight.

Figure 6 depicts a pen retainer, generally indicated by the reference numeral 60, with a guide member 61 extending from the retainer 60. The cord 62 of the retainer passes through a loop 63 which guides the movement of the cord to or from the retractor. The guide member comprises a length of resilient material with a loop at one end. An example of a suitable resilient or springy material is steel wire. The wire is In a preferred embodiment the guide member 61 comprises a plastic material which can be moulded integrally with the body of the retainer 60.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pen retainer for retaining a writing implement which comprises: a flexible cord; pen gripping means located at an end of the cord; a retractor connected to the other end of the cord; said retractor being arranged to be moveable from a first position in which the cord is wound on the retractor to a second position in which a user selectively extends the cord for writing; wherein the retractor withdraws the cord once the user has finished writing.

2. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 1, in which the retractor comprises a reel for storing the cord and a resilient member for rotating the reel.

3. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 2, in which the resilient member is a coiled spring.

4. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the retractor further includes a catch which locks the reel and prevents the reel from withdrawing the cord until manually released.

5. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 4, in which the catch comprises a pawl and ratchet mechanism.

6. A pen retainer as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, in which a friction plate is provided adjacent the reel to control the rate at which the cord is wound onto the reel.

7. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pen gripping means comprises a resilient clip.

8. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cord is a plastic material.

9. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 8, in which the cord is nylon.

10. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cord is stiffened or preshaped so that on withdrawal from the retractor it does not obstruct use of a pen.

11. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cord is coloured.

12. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which attachment means is provided to facilitate attachment of the pen retainer to a desk, counter or other surface.

13. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 12, in which the attachment means is a self adhesive pad or adhesive tape.

14. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 12, in which the attachment means is a clip.

15. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 12, in which the attachment means comprises a clamp for securing the device to a surface or object.

16. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the retractor is fixed to a weighted base.

17. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pen retainer includes a guide member for guiding the cord as it is withdrawn from, or returns to, the retractor.

18. A pen retainer as claimed in claim 17, in which the guide member comprises a wire or other elongate element with a loop or aperture through which the cord passes.

19. A pen retainer as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the retractor is located in a housing.

20. A pen retainer as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of retaining a writing implement which comprises: securing a writing implement to an end of a flexible cord; securing the other end of the cord to a retractor; said retractor being arranged to be moveable from a first position in which the cord is wound on the retractor to a second position in which a user selectively extends the cord for writing; wherein the retractor withdraws the cord once the user has finished writing.