GB861165A - Ball-point pens - Google Patents

Abstract

861,165. Reservoir pens. MEIER, G. April 10, 1958, No. 11431/58. Class 146(3). In a plunger-actuated, retractable ball-point pen the ball-point is locked in the projected position by the user's placing the writing end of the pen against a firm object, pressing the plunger against the action of a spring until the plunger is checked at a given distance from the writing end by the ball-point still within the writing end bearing against the firm object, and then drawing the pen away from the object, whereupon the ball-point will spring out and be locked in the projected position. As shown the pen comprises a two part -barrel 1, 2 in which a writing unit 3, biased rearwards by a spring 4, is slidable. The plunger is formed as a cap 7 slidably mounted on the rear end of the barrel and connected to a tube 5 in which the rear end of the writing unit 3 is slidable. The tube 5 contains, a spring 6 which urges the writing unit 3 and cap 7 apart. The writing unit is formed with a frusto-conical portion 5<SP>1</SP> behind which engage two leaf springs 9 to lock the writing unit in the projected position. To retract the writing unit the cap 7 is pressed forwards until a slidable sleeve 12 on the tube 5 is engaged by a ridge 13 formed on the tube and pushed forwards between the leaf springs 9. When pressure on the cap is released the sleeve 12 is carried forward by the springs. 9 until it abuts the rear end of the portion 5<SP>1</SP> and allows the springs to slide over the rear end of the portion. In a modification, Fig. 3, the rear end of the tube 5 is open and is spaced from the rear end of the cap 7. The writing unit 3 is extended rearwards beyond the rear end of the tube 5 and a spring 6<SP>1</SP> is partially enclosed in the rear end of the unit. Forward movement of the cap 7 in the projecting operation is thus limited by the abutment of the rear end of the tube with the rear end of the cap.