GB2480697A

GB2480697A - Linking and storage system for writing instruments

Info

Publication number: GB2480697A
Application number: GB1009093A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gareth Tristan Evans
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-29
Filing date: 2010-05-29
Publication date: 2011-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-29
Also published as: GB2480697B; GB201009093D0

Abstract

A linking and storage system for writing instruments that utilises an interlocking clip 1 to hold the instruments together. The clip 1 may include flexible hoops (2, Fig.2). The writing instrument tops may be designed and shaped to complement the interlocking clip 1 e.g. via right angled surfaces (9, Fig. 5).

Description

Writing instrument storage system This invention relates to a linking and storage system that attaches two or multiple writing instrument tops to one another.

When a traditional set of writing instruments with traditional packaging is utilised there is a probability that over time, one or more of the writing instruments or the writing instrument tops will be mislaid. This can result in the set becoming incomplete or the individual instrument -having lost its protective top -becoming unusable through deterioration, such as the nib drying out'.

The traditional storage packaging of writing instrument sets is fixed in size, not allowing the set to be added to, beyond the original number of instruments intended for that set.

The traditional set storage system is also rigid and inflexible in that it can only be transported or displayed in limited ways according to its packaging.

Often the original packaging is discarded in favour of a hard or soft case that randomly bundles the writing instruments together. The advantage is that transportation is more practical, but the disadvantage is that the clear display of the instruments is not possible unless the instruments are wholly removed from the case. Removing the loose writing instruments from the case can lead to the loss of individual writing instruments or their tops as there is no integral storage system to keep them together.

To overcome this, the present invention proposes a flexible linking and storage system that attaches writing instruments covers I tops to one another.

The means of linking each writing instrument to one another is via an interlocking clip that sits between two writing instruments.

Interlocking the writing instruments together creates a storage system for a set of writing instruments.

By interlocking the writing instrument tops together will reduce the loss of individual writing instruments and respective tops.

By attaching and therefore retaining the tops reduces the possibility of the writing instrument's nib' to deteriorate.

Using the flexible interlocking cover / top clip system the writing instruments can be stored and transported in any number of shapes or configurations to fit most spaces whilst still retaining the original or preferred set structure.

The system also allows the writing instruments to be displayed in numerous configurations in numerous situations. An example of this is that the interlocking set can be placed on its end allowing a clear display of the instruments whilst minimising the surface space taken.

Using the flexible interlocking clip system, additional writing instruments -using additional clips -can be added to the original number of instruments in the set whilst retaining its structure.

The system lends itself to being used as a toy in that it is very tactile -fun to use and handle as well as having a practical purpose.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: -Figure 1' shows the writing instruments storage system linked using the interlocking clip -Figure 2' shows the interlocking clip with open hoops in angled view and two side views -Figure 3' shows the instrument cover I top being pushed through the three hoops of the clip -Figure 4' show views of how the interlocking covers / tops and the interlocking clips give the connection flexibility -Figure 4' shows the flexibility that the clips give to the storage system and of the numerous shapes that the connected instruments can take -Figure 5' demonstrates the right angled under surface of pen tops and resistance from clip when pulled in a downward motion -Figure 6' demonstrates the smooth upper surface of pen tops and upward movement through the clip hoops The covers / tops are linked together using a clip (1). Each individual clip (1) attaches to two writing instrument covers I tops via three flexible hoops (2).

The hoops are not closed (Figure 2)) and this allows them to expand and contract as the cover / top is pushed through them. The cover / top is pushed through two hoops from one clip (3) and one hoop from another clip (4) from one direction (Figure 3'). The interaction between cover I top (5) and the enclosing two hoops from one clip and one hoop from another clip (6) (Figure 4') allow there to be flexible movement between the covers I tops (7). A number of interlocking covers I tops replicate this flexibility (8) and the set can take on numerous configurations whilst still retaining the original combined structure of the set.

The cover I top is designed such that it can be pushed one way -up -through the hoops of the clips but cannot easily be returned -down -in the opposite direction (Figure 5'). This is achieved by the cover / top having two raised and resistant right angled surfaces (9) that resist against two of the clip hoops if pulled in the downward direction (10). This resistance allows the writing instrument to be removed from its cover I top, with the cover / top remaining within the interlocking system (11).

The cover I top consists of smooth & rounded surfacing (12) in the direction in which it can pass easily -up -through the hoops (13) This allows the cover I top to be removed if required (for cleaning, replacement, rearrangement of set etc).

Claims

Claims 1. A linking and storage system that attaches writing instruments to one another using an interlocking clip.
2. A linking and storage system according to claim I in which the interlocking clips attach two or multiple writing instrument tops together 3. A linking and storage system according to claim I in which the interlocking clips and tops can be released or added allowing an individual writing instrument to be removed or inserted 4. A linking and storage system according to claim 1 in which the clip I s attaching the writing instruments together allows the movement between the parallel linked writing instruments to be flexible in either direction.5. A linking and storage system in which the writing instrument top is designed and shaped to complement the interlocking clip 6. A linking system according to claim 5 in which the writing instrument can be removed from the instrument cover / top without the necessity to hold the individual cover I top Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A linking and storage system for elongate writing instruments characterised in that the system comprising at least one or more clips in which each clip comprises two open hoops mounted on the clip and extending laterally on opposite sides of the clip.2. A linking and storage system according to claim 1 according to claim 1 in which clips comprise two hoops extending laterally on one side and one hoop laterally on the other side.
3. A linking and storage system according to claim 2 in which the two hoops on one clip may engage with and hold a writing instrument, with the single hoop of an adjacent clip also engaging with and holding the writing instrument, the single hoop being engaged between the two hoops such that the clips interlock with one another.
4. A linking and storage system according to claim 3 containing two or more writing instruments are held together parallel to one another by the clips.
5. A linking and storage system according to claim 4 characterised in that the clip(s) attaching the writing instruments together allows relative rotational movement of one or more writing instruments about another writhing instrument.
6. A linking and storage system according to any preceding claim characterised in that individual clips and writing instruments can be * released from or added into the system.* ..**.

*
7. A linking and storage system according to any preceding claim 25 characterised in that the covers/tops of the writing instruments in the storage system are engaged by one or more hoops.

: *
8. A linking and storage system according to claim 7 characterised in that * the writing instruments' covers/tops are shaped to complement the interlocking clip.
9. A linking and storage system according any preceding claim characterised in that an individual writing instrument can be removed