KR20060108708A - Combination writing instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

A writing instrument, which has an inner and outer writing element with separate writing medium reservoirs. The writing elements are coaxially mounted in an outer barrel and axially moveable with respect to one another. A driving mechanism may be actuated to allow a user to selectively extend one writing element. The inner and outer writing elements may have an inner sleeve therebetween to improve, for instance, rigidity of the outer writing element and to prevent contamination of the writing medium reservoirs. An outer sleeve may also be provided over the outer writing element. The outer sleeve can function to hold various components of the outer writing element together, and to allow for clean and easy refill of the outer writing element, especially when the outer writing element is a porous nib with a filler-type writing medium reservoir. The writing instruments is designed so that a user can replace the inner and/or outer writing elements when their respective writing medium have been expended.

Description

Combination Recording Tool {COMBINATION WRITING INSTRUMENT}

Cross-Reference to the Related Application

This application is partly filed in US application Ser. No. 10 / 706,315, filed November 11, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a recording tool, and more particularly, to a recording tool having at least two recording elements in which one recording element is axially movable relative to each other, in particular one recording element is disposed in another recording element. The present invention also relates to an improvement on a rechargeable recording tool.

Recording tools with multiple recording elements are known in the art. In most cases, such a recording tool has a plurality of recording elements disposed adjacent to each other (side by side) in the pen barrel. Prior art recording tools have combined various types of recording elements, including ballpoint pens, highlighters, markers, in various combinations (eg, all of the same type, one type each, or several one or more types). The drive mechanism is operated to displace the recording tip of one of the recording elements to a position outside the barrel. In some cases, one recording tool is already in a fixed position outside the barrel and the second recording element is movable.

The movable recording element must project out of the barrel past the distal end of the stationary recording element in order to be used for recording. In other known recording tools, the distal end of the movable recording element is in the same plane as the distal end of the stationary recording element when fully protruded. Therefore, the two recording elements can produce two lines, or one line having a larger thickness than the individual recording elements. Also, if the recording elements are supplied by two different recording media, two different lines can be generated.

A disadvantage of the side-by-side configuration is that the diameter of the pen barrel containing the recording elements must be larger than the diameter of a standard pen having only one recording element. In order to make a smaller recording tool, the prior art apparatus has mounted the recording elements coaxially (ie, one recording element is disposed within another recording element), at which time the inner recording element is movable relative to the outer recording element. Do.

Various small multiple recording element recording tools currently exist. These tools have several distinctive features. For example, US Pat. No. 5,026,189, filed May 5, 1990 and issued to George Kale on June 25, 1991, discloses a recording tool having a pen barrel with two recording elements coaxially mounted therein. do. The inner recording element moves axially with respect to the outer recording element. In one embodiment, each recording element has its own ink reservoir. However, a drive mechanism for moving the inner recording element relative to the outer recording element is located towards the center of the pen barrel. As a result, the recording tips must be separated from their respective ink reservoirs. Therefore, the configuration of such a recording tool is complicated and difficult to assemble in large quantities. Another prior art device has inner and outer recording elements that share a common ink reservoir, as shown in US Pat. No. 4,580,918 to Baker et al. Such a configuration is undesirable if the operator wants to use different types of recording media.

In addition, prior art recording tools with multiple recording elements have not been successful in providing heterogeneous recording elements in a compact body having an outer diameter that is not significantly larger than the outer diameter of a standard single recording element recording tool. Thus, in order to provide a recording element such as a pen with a display element such as a marker or a highlighter, recording tips were provided on opposite ends of the recording tool to maintain a streamlined appearance and a relatively standard outer diameter for the recording tool. . The use of such a recording tool results in motion wasted when manipulating the orientation of the recording tool to switch between recording ends to achieve different recording or display aspects. In addition, each recording element is typically covered by a separate plug. Thus, the use of two recording elements during a single recording / displaying operation requires a more wasted movement of removing and replacing the two plugs, instead of having one or no plugs. In addition, the user should make sure not to miss the two plugs, instead of one or the plugs.

The recording tool according to one aspect of the present invention has an outer barrel for receiving an inner recording element mounted coaxially within the outer recording element. The recording elements are movable in the axial direction with respect to each other. Preferably, the inner recording element is made of a material selected for its rigidity and corrosion resistance.

In order to operate the recording tool of the present invention, at least one recording element is connected to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism causes an axial movement of one recording element relative to the other recording element. In operation, one recording element can be fixed such that at least a portion of its recording tip is held outside the barrel, allowing the recording tool to be used to mark the recording surface. The other recording element is movable in the axial direction. In operation of the drive mechanism, the movable recording element extends from the barrel such that its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the stationary recording element. Now, the movable recording element can be used to mark on the recording surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the recording tool comprises a rechargeable recording medium reservoir and a replaceable rechargeable recording element having a porous peak. The fluid impermeable sleeve preferably covers at least a portion of the porous peak and / or the filling recording medium reservoir of the recording element. The sleeve allows the user to handle the rechargeable recording media reservoir and porous tip without having the recording media on their hands and / or fingers. In order to enable the filling of the recording element, the outer barrel of the recording tool is designed to allow access to the recording element.

The configuration of the recording tool as described herein satisfies the needs of modern recording tool users. Such a configuration allows two different recording elements (eg pen and highlighter / marker) to be used. For example, those who edit a documentary work can perform two separate functions, annotating and emphasizing, with the same recording tool.

The invention may be better understood by reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements. The drawings are illustrative only and the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

1 is an elevational view of an exemplary recording tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of two recording elements that can be used in a recording tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the recording elements are shown separated with one recording element inserted over another.

3 is an exploded view of a recording tool as in FIG.

4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear barrel of the recording tool as in FIG.

5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary porous peak for an outer recording element in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 6 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary porous tip for an outer recording element in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary outer recording element in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary outer recording element along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

Figure 9 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a front barrel engaged with an exemplary drive mechanism of a recording tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a front barrel in engagement with a second exemplary drive mechanism of a recording tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

11 is another exploded view of the components constituting the third embodiment of the drive mechanism of the recording tool.

12 is an exploded view of an exemplary drive mechanism and recording tool.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary recording tool with another embodiment of a drive mechanism.

Figure 14 is an exploded view of an exemplary stopper that can be used on a recording tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 15 is an exploded view of another exemplary stopper that can be used on a recording tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

16 is an exploded view of the components of an exemplary replacement mechanism.

17 is a perspective view of an exemplary fill set.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary recording tool 10 formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, an outer barrel 12 containing an inner recording element 20 and an outer recording element 22, as shown in FIG. 2. Has It is to be understood that the term " recording element " is not limited to a recording element in its literal sense, but instead includes any element having any medium that can be applied to a substrate, including glue or calibration fluid. Similarly, reference to "record" or "indication", or other such term, is made for convenience. The term "recording" or "indication" is not to be limited to the recording and marking of their literal meaning, but should instead be understood to include the application of other media to a substrate, such as a pool or calibration fluid. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the outer barrel 12 preferably includes a front barrel 14, a rear barrel 16, and a front nose cone 23 that extend along the longitudinal axis 11. It may include. The front and rear barrels 14, 16 may be movably coupled to each other for the purpose of becoming apparent. The front barrel 14 is located above the recording elements 20, 22 at the distal end 41, and the rear barrel 16 is located above the recording elements 20, 22 at the base end 43. In addition, the recording tool 10 may have a gripping portion (not shown) on the front barrel 14, which may be made of, for example, soft rubberized paint or a separately formed elastic gripping element.

The front and rear barrels 14, 16 can be made of the same or different materials. For example, the front barrel 14 may be made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and the rear barrel 16 may be made of polypropylene. Various factors such as strength, ease of manufacture, and decorative / paintability (eg, the ability to receive rubberized paint to form a grip) select the materials that can be used for the front barrel 14. Can be considered. Furthermore, resistance or airtightness to vapor permeation (i.e., the selected material does not allow vapor / air to flow into or out of the recording tool 10), cost, ease of manufacture, and lubricity (i.e. smoothness; front) And various factors such as minimum friction to no friction to easily move the rear barrels 14 and 16 relative to each other can be considered when selecting a material that can be used for the rear barrel 16.

In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the inner recording element 20 has a first recording tip 30 located outside the outer barrel 12 and usable for display work, the outer recording element 22 being The second recording tip 32 is movable from the position where the second recording tip 32 is generally within the outer barrel 12 to the position outside the outer barrel 12. In such a configuration, the inner recording element 20 can be used to mark on the surface. Conversely, in another embodiment, a portion of the outer recording element 22 may be fixed, and the inner recording element 20 is from the position where the recording tip 30 is generally within the outer barrel 12 entirely. ) May be movable to a location outside the outer barrel 12. In another embodiment, the two recording elements 20, 22 may be movable from a position where each recording tip is generally within the outer barrel 12 to a position where each recording tip is outside the outer barrel 12. .

Exemplary relative positions and configurations of the recording elements 20, 22 can be understood with reference to FIG. 2, in which the exemplary recording elements 20, 22 are shown mounted coaxially. However, this configuration does not necessarily indicate the position of the recording elements 20, 22 in the outer barrel 12. The inner recording element 20 has a smaller outer diameter dimension than the inner axial passage 24 of the outer recording element 22 such that the inner recording element 20 has an inner axial passage 24 of the outer recording element 20. Can be fitted within. Thus, as shown by arrow 26, the recording elements 20, 22 can move axially with respect to each other.

The inner recording element 20 can be a highlighter, marker, ballpoint pen, roller ballpoint pen, felt tip pen, fountain pen, or any other type of recording element using a liquid recording medium. In other embodiments, the inner recording element 20 may be a pencil, stylus, chalk, charcoal, graphite, or any other type of recording element using a solid recording medium. If necessary, in order to limit the overall outer diameter of the recording tool 10, the inner recording element 20 may be selected to have the smallest outer diameter possible. In such a case, the inner recording element 20 typically does not have a rechargeable recording medium storage, because such storage tends to take up more space than the tubular recording medium storage to hold a given amount of recording medium. For example, any recording element using a tubular reservoir to hold the recording medium, or any solid recording medium may be used to keep the entire diameter of the recording tool 10 close to the diameter of a standard single recording element recording tool. . Preferably, such a recording element is rigid or semi-rigid for the purpose as it becomes apparent. For the sake of simplicity, such a recording element herein uses a rechargeable recording element, such as a rechargeable recording medium storage or the like, which results in a large recording element resulting in an overall increase in the outer diameter of the recording tool 10 upon insertion into the outer recording element 22. In contrast, it is referred to as "structurally stable thin recording element". As used herein, a rechargeable recording medium reservoir does not allow the recording medium to flow freely, but allows the recording medium to be extracted (by wicks using capillary forces) to be applied to the surface when needed (within the pores). Storage medium containing a porous material (made of polymer (natural or synthetic), ceramic, metal, etc.) for retention. The pores can be formed in one of a variety of ways by blow molding, sintering, or fiber binding. It will be appreciated that these examples of recording elements are illustrative only and that the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. It will also be understood that the term "recording medium" is used for simplicity and does not limit the "recording element" to a specific "recording operation", since the present invention is not limited to the "recording" operation as described above.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the inner recording element 20 is formed from two separate members, the first recording tip 30 and the first recording medium storage 28. However, it should be understood that the recording tip 30 and the first recording medium storage 28 may be one unitary piece. In a preferred embodiment, the first recording tip 30 of the inner recording element 20 is in direct operative contact with the first recording medium reservoir 28 when a liquid recording medium is used.

The first recording medium reservoir 28 may be a recording medium tube or an ink tube (ie, a hollow tube capable of holding ink), as is known in the art. Unlike a filling recording medium reservoir known in the art, the recording medium tube does not have a filler material for holding the recording medium. Nevertheless, the first recording medium storage 28 may be a filling material saturated with a rechargeable recording medium storage (not shown), for example a display medium.

In one embodiment, the outer recording element 22 has two separate members, a second recording tip 32 and a second recording medium storage 34. The second recording tip 32 may also be in direct operative contact with the second recording medium reservoir 34. It should be appreciated that the second recording tip 32 and the second recording medium storage 34 may instead be one single piece. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the outer recording element 22 has an inner axial passage 24 through it, preferably through the second recording tip 32 and the second recording medium reservoir 34. In order to facilitate the insertion of the inner recording element 20 through the outer recording element 22, the second recording medium reservoir 34 is preferably filled with a filler material (not shown) for holding the recording medium. It's a repository. The filler may be made of materials such as polyester, acrylic, acetate, and may have a porosity of approximately 80% and a fiber density of approximately 0.18 gr / cm ³ . However, the porosity can be as low as about 75% or as high as about 95% and the fiber density can be as low as about 0.16 gr / cm ³ or as high as about 0.2 gr / cm ³ . Specifically, the fillers are purchased from polyester, acrylic, or acetate fibers, or from Filtona, such as those available from De Martini SPA (Santa Doriopa, Via Via Italy) or Filtrona (London, UK). Biocompatible fibers (eg, containing polypropylene and polyethylene), such as possible. Various factors such as cost, density, porosity, chemical stability, the time the filler material dries, and ease of manufacture can be considered when selecting a material that can be used for the filler. However, the second recording medium reservoir 34 may be free of filler, similar to the recording medium tube. In one embodiment, the outer recording element can be a highlighter or marker. However, other recording elements can be used instead.

The second recording tip 32 is preferably formed and configured to have a wall thickness thick enough to allow the formation of the inner axial passage 24 therethrough without collapsing during recording. In addition, the second recording tip 32 should be formed so that a constant line can be drawn each time it is used.

Preferably, the second recording tip 32 may be porous tip. As used herein, “porous peak” is typically rod-shaped with a pointed or chisel-shaped free end and is flexurally resistant, which typically transports recording media from the reservoir to the surface (eg, paper) by capillary action. Porous application tip. Porous peaks can be formed from any desired porous material, such as polymer (natural or synthetic) or ceramic, using conventional molding processes such as sintering, blow molding, extrusion, fiber binding, and the like. Thus, such porous peaks are solid recording media (as described above) and other nonporous peaks, such as fountain pen peaks, roller ball points, and ball points, or recording media onto or onto the coated substrate on or around the outside of the recording tip. It is distinguished from other writing tips or peaks that flow. Porous peak elements may include, but are not limited to, highlighters, markers, or felt peaks. Such porous peaks are typically relatively wider than other recording tips, are not used for fine and sophisticated recording, and may be chisel-shaped to allow for the display of broad lines. As a porous tip, the second recording tip 32 is made of sintered polyethylene powder or polyester fiber having a porosity of approximately 50%, for example as sold by Porex Products of Fairburn, GA. Can lose. Porous peaks may be made from acrylic or polyamide (eg nylon) fibers having approximately 60% porosity, although porosities as low as about 50% or as high as about 70% may be used. Polyester fiber porous peaks such as those sold by Teibow or Aubex (of Japan) may instead be used to provide potentially longer plug opening times (ie, reduce evaporation of the recording medium). Can be done). The fiber density of the porous peak may be as low as about 0.1 gr / cm ³ or as high as about 0.3 gr / cm ³ . In addition, the density can vary along the longitudinal axis if desired. For example, higher density at the recording end may be desirable to prevent shaking. However, although a lower density may be better for immediate ink flow (i.e., the initial ink flow when the recording element is in contact with the recording surface), this may be the case for the entire ink flow (i.e. the entire time the recording element is used). It is not necessarily better for the flow of ink). Nevertheless, the shaking and ink flow can be taken into account when determining for the density of the peak material. In addition, costs, strength, stiffness, density, porosity, chemical stability (eg, resistance to corrosion or breakage of the recording medium or components in contact with the recording medium), the time the peak material dries, and the ease of manufacture Various factors such as can be considered when selecting a material that can be used for porous peaks.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the terminal porous peak portion 33 may have different profiles. For example, the terminal porous peak portion 33 can be angled or straight. The angle 35 between the recording surface (not shown) and the terminal porous peak portion 33 is known as the angle of the chisel, which can be any angle that typically exceeds approximately 0 ° and typically less than approximately 90 °. (0 ° forms a straight terminal porous peak portion 33 as shown in FIG. 5, and 90 ° forms a flat porous peak portion (not shown)). A preferred exemplary angle of the terminal porous peak portion 33 is approximately 30 °. The second recording tip 32 may also have a cross section that is circular, square, conical, truncated conical, or the like. Such profiles and cross sections are merely exemplary and do not limit the range of possible profiles and / or cross sections. Preferably, the terminal porous peak portion 33 is shaped and configured to allow uniform marking without the “railway” effect, such as two lines with no marking in between (eg, by selecting the appropriate angle and thickness). .

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second recording tip 32 may have various connection components. For example, the second recording tip 32 may have one or more branches 40 extending therefrom to engage the second recording medium reservoir 34. In another embodiment, the second recording tip 32 may use the open end cylinder 42 to engage the second recording medium reservoir 34.

7 and 8, at least a portion of the outer recording element 22 can have a circular cross section 49 or a non-circular (eg elliptical) cross section 50, and the outer recording element ( (Each) inner diameters 54, 56 have a circular cross section. In another embodiment, not shown, at least a portion of the inner recording element 20 may have a non-circular (eg elliptical) cross section. The cross section of the outer recording element 22 may be selected to provide improved resistance to bending or rocking (i.e., bending of the recording element issued during recording) compared to a recording element having an inner axial passageway and a circular cross section. . Circular inner diameters 54, 56 facilitate the axial movement of the recording elements 20, 22 relative to one another. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, the inner diameters 54, 56 may be elliptical or other shapes.

Although one reservoir may be used to supply the recording medium to the two recording elements 20, 22, it is preferred that the second recording medium reservoir 34 is separated from the first recording medium reservoir 28 and separated. In this way, the reservoirs 28, 34 may contain different recording media or exhibit different characteristics, such as different colors.

It should be appreciated that the first and second recording medium reservoirs 28, 34 may be selected to have a recording capacity not significantly lower than a recording tool having a single recording element having the same type of recording medium storage. For example, if the inner recording element 20 is a ballpoint pen and the outer recording element 22 is a highlighter, the inner recording element 20 and the outer recording element 22 preferably have the same recording capacity as the standard ballpoint pen and the standard highlighter, respectively. Has Ballpoint pens according to current industry standards can draw lines approximately 1800 m long, and highlighter pens according to current industry standards can draw lines approximately 120 m long. Since the outer recording element 22 loses the available space for the inner axial passage 24, such a requirement is such that the desired maximum outer diameter of the outer recording element 22 and, consequently, the maximum maximum outer diameter of the recording tool 10. Affects. The recording capacity can be optimized while maintaining the reservoir within the desired size limit by manipulating various factors such as the combination of materials constituting the outer recording element, the wall thickness of the elements, and the overall dimensions of the pen. Based on the average use of the ballpoint pen and the highlighter, a recording capacity ratio of approximately 10: 1 is preferred, ie preferably the recording tool 10 provides a ballpoint line of approximately 10 m for a approximately 1 m highlighter line. It will be appreciated that the desired storage capacity may be influenced by the desired outer diameter and / or length of the final recording tool and other such factors as understood by those skilled in the art.

A drive operatively connected to the at least one recording element 20, 22 to move the at least one recording element 20, 22 relative to the other recording element 20, 22 to operate the recording tool 10. It is desirable to have a mechanism. The drive mechanism can be actuated by moving at least some of the drive mechanism or other components coupled thereto. In operation of the drive mechanism, the desired recording element is extended to the use position. Such a drive mechanism may be actuated by twisting a portion of the recording tool 10 or an element connected thereto (ie, a torsionally actuated drive mechanism), or by pressing a pushbutton actuator axially along the longitudinal axis of the recording tool 10. have.

One exemplary drive mechanism 60 is shown in FIG. The drive mechanism 60 includes two drive components, a movable female cam 62 and an axially fixed male cam 64. It will be appreciated that the interaction of the various components of the drive mechanism 60 with the components of the recording tool 10 may be applied to other drive mechanism embodiments described herein. The movable cam 62 may be made of polyamide (eg nylon) or polyacetal (eg delrin), and the male cam 64 may be made of polyacetal (eg delrin). have. However, other materials may be used to make the movable cam 62 and the male cam 64. Various factors such as strength, stiffness, and lubricity (ie, smoothness) can be considered when selecting a material that can be used for the cams 62, 64. In general, as described in more detail below, one recording element 20, 22 may be coupled to the movable cam 62, and the other recording element 20, 22 may be coupled to the male cam 64. Can be. The male cam 64 may be inserted into the bore 63 at the base end 65 of the movable cam 62. While other insertion methods are possible, in the illustrated configuration of the cams 62, 64, the insertion inserts the male cam 64 into the bore 63 at an angle (eg, approximately 35 ° to approximately 45 °). The next male cam 64 can be achieved by standing up as he continues to be inserted into the movable cam 62. The male cam 64 has a pin 68 that can be fitted into the helical cam slot 66 of the movable cam 62.

In one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism 60 operates to move the outer recording element 22 relative to the inner recording element 20. The inner recording element 20 may be fixed relative to the outer barrel 12 or may be arranged to move axially. In such embodiments, the outer recording element 22 can be operatively coupled to the movable cam 62 and the inner recording element 20 can be coupled to the male cam 64 or the outer barrel 12. The outer recording element 22 can be held by longitudinal ribs (not shown) in the male cam 62. For example, if the outer recording element 22 includes a rechargeable recording medium reservoir, the longitudinal ribs can be cut into the rechargeable recording medium reservoir and / or filler material. The base end 73 (FIG. 2) of the inner recording element 20 may be inserted into a bore (not shown) in the male cam 64, or in another manner to allow axial movement relative to the outer recording element 22. FIG. To the outer barrel 12. The inner recording element 20 may be arranged in the male cam 64 such that the base end 73 of the inner recording element 20 does not extend beyond the male cam 64.

In addition, an optional biasing element, such as coil spring 61 (FIG. 3), allows a second recording tip between the shoulder 37 of the second recording tip 32 (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6) and the front nose cone 23. FIG. 32 can be located around. Thus, the outer recording element 22 can be pushed back into the movable cam 62. It will be appreciated that when the outer recording element 22 extends to the recording or marking position, the spring 61 is compressed. The spring 61, when compressed, essentially functions as an outer tubular support for the second writing tip 32. Thus, provision of the spring adds structural stability to the second recording tip 32, thereby further addressing the need to ensure that the hollow recording tip 32 is structurally stable enough to effectively record or display. . In addition, by pressing the outer recording element 22 into the movable cam 62, the spring 61 is impacted, for example, by the fall / fall of the recording tool 10 and the outer recording element 22 has a surface (e.g., For example, a floor, a table, etc.) prevents or inhibits loosening and / or detachment of the outer recording element 22 and the movable cam 62. Various factors such as strength and chemical stability can be considered when selecting the material used for the spring 61. For example, the spring 61 may be made of 316 stainless steel or any other suitable material. In addition, the spring 61 should be flexible enough to allow operation of the drive mechanism 60 and strong enough to hold the outer recording element 22 in the movable cam 62. Additionally, there may be an O-ring (not shown) around the second recording tip 32 between the second recording tip 32 and the front nose cone 23. Such a configuration can prevent / reduce evaporation of the recording medium.

In one embodiment, the male cam 64 has a male cam (preferably generally corresponding to the rotation of the rear barrel 16) without rotation of the rear barrel 16 causing axial movement of the male cam 64. It may be fixed to the rear barrel 16 to cause rotation of 64. Although the male cam 64 can be secured to the rear barrel 16 in many ways, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the insertion member 70 can be press fit into the inner receiving member 29 (FIG. 4). An engagement plane 169 may be provided on the male cam 64 to engage the rear barrel receiving plane 69 (FIG. 4). As will be explained in more detail below, FIG. 16 shows that the male cam 364 engages the protrusion 385 in the notch 386 and the plane 369 engages in the rear barrel receiving plane 391. Another embodiment is shown fixed to 316. The movable cams 62, 362 move freely with respect to the rear barrels 16, 316. The movable cams 62, 362 also move freely in the axial direction so as not to rotate relative to the front barrel 14 to extend or retract the recording elements 20, 22.

In operation, in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 9, the rotation of the rear barrel 16 (or any other component coupled to the drive mechanism 60) is (preferably with rotation of the rear barrel 16). Generally corresponding) rotation of the male cam 64 and consequently rotation of the pin 68 in the cam slot 66. Since the movable cam 62 is fixed against rotational movement, the rotation of the pin 68 in the cam slot 66 causes the axial movement of the movable cam 62 and the movement of one recording element 20, 22. This results in a corresponding axial movement with respect to the other recording elements 20, 22. Thus, when the movable cam 62 and the male cam 64 are moved axially with respect to each other, the recording elements 20 and 22 respectively coupled thereto also move axially with respect to each other. The cam slot 66 may terminate in a locking notch 67 or the like where the pin 68 may be arranged to prevent further rotation of the male cam 64. The locking notch 67 is an extension of the cam slot 66 extending generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 11 (FIG. 1). Thus, the locking notches 67 can retain the movable recording elements 20, 22 in the extended or retracted position. The male cam 64 may also have a radially outwardly extending stop section, such as in the form of a stop element 72, which effectively increases the outer diameter of the male cam 64 so that the base end 65 stops. The male cam 64 is prevented from moving too far into the movable cam 62 when in contact with the 72. However, it is possible for the pin 68 to reach the end of the slot 66 at substantially the same time as the stop element 72 is in contact with the movable cam 62. When the pin 68 reaches the end of the slot 66 or the stop element 72 contacts the base end 65 of the movable cam 62, the rear barrel 16 can no longer be rotated and moved The recording element 20, 22 which is fully extended and the distal end thereof extends beyond the distal end of the stationary recording element 20, 22 (or, if necessary, into the same plane).

In order to enable movement of the inner and outer recording elements 20, 22 relative to each other, the drive mechanism 60 can be movably coupled to the front barrel 14. As shown in Fig. 9, the movable cam 62 may have two branches 173, 174 that engage the corresponding front barrel branches 175, 176, such that the movable cam 62 has a front barrel. It can move in the axial direction without being rotated with respect to (14). Branches 173, 175, 176 can be made of the same material as cam 62 and front barrel 14, respectively. Various factors such as stiffness, strength, and ease of manufacture can be considered when selecting the material used for the branches 173, 174, 175, 176. It will be appreciated that other numbers and configurations of branches are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the movable cam 62 may have a single branch that engages with a single branch receiving structure (not shown) of the front barrel 14. Alternatively, the front barrel 14 may have a single branch that engages with a single branch receiving structure (not shown) of the movable cam 62. Also, for the drive mechanism 60 shown in Fig. 9, any means of attaching the movable cam 62 to the front barrel 14 can be used. Preferably, the configuration of the drive mechanism allows movement of the movable cam 62 along at least the axis of the front barrel 14.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, the branches 173, 174 on the movable cam 62 may have guides 177, 178, respectively. Rail members 179, 180 are provided on barrel branches 175, 176 on front barrel 14. Guide 177 may engage rail member 179 and guide 178 may engage rail member 180 such that movable cam 62 is axially unrotated relative to front barrel 14. I can move it. Upon rotation of the rear barrel 16, the male cam 64 rotates to move the movable cam 62 in the axial direction or the distal direction relative to the front barrel 14. As a result, the guides 177 and 178 move along the rail members 178 and 180. Branches 173, 174, 175, 176 may be located between the second recording medium reservoir 34 (eg, rechargeable recording medium storage) and the outer barrel 12. Thus, the branches 173, 175, 176 are not separated from each other and will not break. It will be appreciated that the configuration of mating elements formed to achieve movement of the movable cam 62 is within the scope of the present invention, although different from that shown.

Figure 10 shows another branch mechanism. The drive mechanism 160 of FIG. 10 is similar to the drive mechanism 60 of FIG. As shown in Fig. 10, the movable cam 162 may have two branches 273, 274 that engage the corresponding front barrel branches 275, 276, such that the movable cam 162 has a front barrel. It can move axially without being rotated with respect to (14). Branches 273, 274; 275, 276 may be made of the same material as cam 162 and front barrel 14, respectively. Various factors such as stiffness, strength, and ease of manufacture can be considered when selecting the material used for the branches 273, 274, 275, 276. However, the material used for the branches 273, 274, 275, 276 is preferably not brittle.

If desired, engagement elements may be provided to adjust the range of axial movement of the movable cam 162. Such engagement members can be used, for example, to prevent overextension of the movable cam 162. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, at least one of the branches 273, 274 on the movable cam 162 may have a protrusion 277, and the front barrel 14 is on the barrel branches 275, 276. The housing members 278 and 279 can be provided. In the retracted position of the movable cam 162, the protrusion 277 engages with the first group of receiving members 278 at the base end 281 of the front barrel branches 275, 276. Upon rotation of the rear barrel 16, the male cam 164 rotates to move the movable cam 162 axially relative to the front barrel 14 in the distal direction 282. As a result, the protrusions 277 are engaged with the first group of receiving members 278, and when the movable cam 162 moves in the axial direction to extend one of the recording elements 20, 22, the protrusions 277 Are engaged with the second group of receiving members 279. Such engagement stops further extension beyond the other recording elements 20, 22 of the at least one recording element 20, 22. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the engagement elements other than those shown, which are configured to achieve movement of the movable cam 162, is within the scope of the present invention.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the exemplary drive mechanism 260 includes a movable female cam 262 and a male cam 264. Drive mechanism 260 may operate to achieve similar results very similarly to drive mechanism 60 or 160. The male cam 264 may be inserted into the bore 263 at the base end 265 of the movable cam 262. While other insertion methods are within the scope of the present invention, insertion inserts the male cam 264 at an angle (eg, approximately 35 ° to about 45 °) relative to the female cam 262 and then the male cam 264. Can be achieved by standing up as he continues to be inserted into female cam 262. The male cam 264 has a pin 268 that can fit into the helical cam slot 266 of the movable cam 262. The cam slot 266 may be arranged such that the pin 268 prevents further relative rotation of the male cam 264 and the movable cam 262 and prevents further axial movement of the movable cam 262 ( May be terminated within the locking notch 267 (similar to the locking notch 67 described above). This may provide a means for locking the movable recording element 20, 22 in the extended or retracted position. The male cam 264 can also have a stop section, such as in the form of a stop rib 272, which effectively increases the outer diameter of the male cam 264, whereby the base end 265 is in contact with the stop rib 272. The male cam 264 is prevented from moving into the movable cam 262. However, it is possible for pin 268 to reach the end of slot 266 at approximately the same time as stop rib 272 is in contact with movable cam 262. Although the male cam 264 can be secured to the rear barrel 16 in many ways, the insertion member 270 can be forcibly fit into the inner receiving member 29 (FIG. 4). An engagement plane 269 may be provided on the male cam 264 to engage the rear barrel receiving plane 69 (FIG. 4) to secure the male cam 264 to the rear barrel 16.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism 260 operates to move the outer recording element 22 relative to the inner recording element 20. The inner recording element 20 may be fixed relative to the outer barrel 12 or may be arranged to move axially. In such embodiments, the outer recording element 22 may be operatively coupled to the movable cam 262, and the inner recording element 20 may be operatively coupled to the male cam 264 or the outer barrel 12. Can be. The outer recording element 22 can be held in the movable cam 262 by the longitudinal ribs 271 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 11). For example, if the outer recording element 22 includes a rechargeable recording medium reservoir, the ribs 271 may cut into the rechargeable recording medium reservoir and / or filler material. The base end 73 (FIG. 2) of the inner recording element 20 may be inserted into a bore (not shown) in the male cam 264, or in another manner to allow axial movement relative to the outer recording element 22. FIG. Can be operatively coupled to the outer barrel 12. The inner recording element 20 may be arranged in the male cam 264 such that the base end 73 of the inner recording element 20 does not extend beyond the male cam 264.

To enable movement of the inner and outer writing tools 20, 22 relative to each other, the drive mechanism 260 can be movably coupled to the front barrel 14. For example, a non-circular cross section 50 (eg, oval, FIG. 8) of the outer recording element 22 may contact the outer barrel 12. The cross section 50 will allow unrotated axial movement of the movable cam 262 and the outer recording element 22 even in embodiments where the inner surface of the front barrel 12 has a non-circular cross section. However, it should be appreciated that any other manner of preventing rotation of the movable cam 262 relative to the front barrel 14 may be implemented. Thus, rotation of the rear barrel 16 (or a portion of the outer barrel 12 connected to the drive mechanism 260) rotates the male cam 264 so that the pin 268 spirals in the slot 266. Let it move While the movable cam 262 can be constrained against rotational movement, the movable cam 262 can still move axially. This results in axial movement of the recording elements 20, 22 relative to each other.

12 shows another embodiment of a drive mechanism 460 with exemplary recording elements 20, 22. The drive mechanism 460 consists of a cam 402, a counter cam 404, and preferably a cartridge closure 406 with a cam follower 408 formed thereon. Although cam 402 and counter cam 404 are shown in two segments, it should be appreciated that they may be a single composite piece. The cam 402 and counter cam 404 may be formed in a single piece hinged to each other, allowing the cam 402 and the counter cam 404 to open like a clam shell. The cartridge closure 406 with the cam follower 408 is inserted into the base end 409 of the outer recording element 22 and may be in the form of a clam shell to facilitate such insertion. Cam 402 and / or counter cam 404 may be closed around cartridge closure 406. Specifically, the cam follower 408 can be inserted into the helical camming slot 410 (ie, the space between the cam 402 and the counter cam 404). Alternatively, cartridge closure 406 and cam follower 408 may be press fit into cam 402 and / or counter cam 404.

The cam 402, the counter cam 404, and the inner recording element 20 can be fixed for axial and rotational movement relative to the rear barrel 16. As shown in Fig. 12, the fixing of the cam 402 and the counter cam 404 is the longitudinal rear rib 412 in the rear barrel 416 and the cam groove 415 in the cam 402 and the counter cam 404. Can be achieved by matching). The outer recording element 22 moves freely in the axial direction without being rotated along the longitudinal front ribs 420. Since the cartridge closure 406 with the cam follower 408 can be fixed to the outer recording element 22, it may be moved freely in the axial direction.

12 may have a cartridge case 418 for guiding the movement of the outer recording element 22. Cartridge case 418 can be made from polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or any other suitable material. The cartridge case 418 may have a groove 419 for receiving the longitudinal end ribs 420 of the front barrel 14. Rotation of the rear barrel 416 (or any portion of the outer barrel 12 connected to the drive mechanism 460) rotates the cam 402 and the counter cam 404, which in turn causes the cam follower 408 to To move along the camming slot 410. Movement of the cam follower 408 translates into axial movement of the cartridge closure 406. Thus, the inner recording element 20 remains fixed, and the outer recording element 22 moves axially with respect to it. The groove 419 guides the axial movement of the outer recording element 22 by the groove 419 moving along the longitudinal front rib 420.

Another exemplary drive mechanism 560 is shown in FIG. The drive mechanism 560 moves along the helical cam surface 580 and the fixed cam 564 in the form of a rotating device with a helical cam surface 580 (similar to that used in a torsionally retractable recording tool). And a movable cam 562 in the form of a follower having a cam follower protrusion 582. The cam follower protrusion 582 is held in rotation against the outer barrel 512 by being held in the slit 586 in the bushing 586 in which the movable cam 562 is located. Thus, the rotation of the outer barrel 512 causes the rotation of the stationary cam 564, which in turn causes the cam follower protrusion 582 to move along the helical cam surface 580 and to move axially along the slit 584. Let's do it. The recording elements 20, 22 lie against the plug 587 at the distal end 588 of the movable cam 562, thereby retracting or extending when the stationary cam 564 is rotated. In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the fixed cam 564 is conventional in that the recess 589 is formed therein for holding the inner recording element 20 (and more specifically the first recording medium storage 28). Is different from the rotating device. The outer recording element 22 abuts against the plug 587 and moves axially by the axial movement of the movable cam 562 therewith. A spring 561 located between the front nose cone 592 and the shoulder 594 of the outer recording element 22 presses the outer recording element 22 against the plug 587 (ie, the spring 561 is a plug). 587 is kept in continuous contact with the outer recording element 22). The spring 561 can also keep the follower protrusion 582 in contact with the helical cam surface 580. Maintaining contact between the protrusion 582 and the cam surface 580 allows for proper operation of the drive mechanism 560, for the reasons described above for the spring 61.

The drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, as described above, rotates (eg, axially or rotates) a component constituting or coupled to the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560. Possibly move). In operation of one of the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, the movable recording element has an outer barrel (so that its farthest part extends beyond the farthest part of the stationary recording element 20, 22). 12). Therefore, the movable recording element can be used to mark on the surface. Thus, the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 allow the selection of the desired recording elements 20, 22 with a simple operation. The drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 allow the user to use one recording element 20, 22 at the same time or simultaneously if necessary.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment in which the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 are operated by the outer barrel 12 or a portion thereof, the front barrel base 21 is a barrel 14. , 16 may be coupled to the rear barrel distal end 18 to allow relative rotational movement and prevent relative axial movement. In order to prevent the front barrel 14 and the rear barrel 16 from separating, the front barrel 14 may have an outer circumferential rib 15. Also, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4, the rear barrel 16 may have an inner circumferential rib 17. The ribs 15, 17 are preferably positioned to prevent axial movement of the barrels 14, 16 relative to each other but to allow rotational movement of the barrels 14, 16 relative to each other. To achieve this, each outer circumferential rib 15 can be located adjacent to the inner circumferential rib 17. In one embodiment, at least one outer rib 15 may be located between two inner ribs 17. Alternatively, at least one inner rib 17 may be located between two outer ribs 15. Such a configuration prevents the front barrel 14 and the rear barrel 16 from being spaced apart. In addition, an O-ring (not shown) may be located inside the rear barrel end 18 (other locations are contemplated). The O-ring can provide smooth movement of the barrels 14, 16 with respect to each other and can help prevent evaporation of the recording medium (ie, the recording elements 20, 22 being dried). For example, the rear barrel 16 may have a pair of inner circumferential ribs 17 with O-rings or one circumferential rib 17 with O-rings. The O-ring can be made of silicone rubber or any other suitable material. Various factors, for example the ability to provide good sealing and smooth movement between the front and rear barrels 14, 16 can be considered when selecting a suitable material to be used for the O-ring. Ribs 19 (FIG. 3) may also be provided on the front barrel base 21 to abut the rear barrel end 18 to prevent excessive distal movement of the rear barrel 16. FIG. The recording tool cover (e.g., a stopper 90 or 290 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively, and described in more detail below) is provided with a rib (Fig. Should be able to engage with

Exemplary drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 may be located at or at any location between or at base end 43 or distal end 41 of recording tool 10 (FIG. 1). Preferably, the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 are located at the base end 43 of the recording tool 10 so as not to interfere with the components and arrangement of the recording elements 20, 22. Drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 or components thereof, for example, drive mechanism 60, 160, 260 not covered by an opening in outer barrel 12 or by outer barrel 12. 460, 560 may be directly accessible for operation. At least one recording element 20, 22 may be operatively coupled to the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560. The other recording elements 20, 22 are arranged so as to be movable independently of at least one recording element connected to the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, for example connected to the outer barrel 12. . In another embodiment, two recording elements 20, 22 may be connected to drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560. Note that the recording elements 20, 22 need not be connected directly to the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, for example. Preferably, there is no intermediate element (not shown) that connects the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 to one or two recording elements 20, 22.

Again for the recording elements 20, 22, since the inner recording element 20 is mounted in the outer recording element 22, the inner recording element 20 is moved from the outer barrel 12 (in the radial direction) more than in a standard recording tool. ) Farther away (radially) from the distal opening in the front nose cone 23. In one embodiment, the front nose cone 23 may be made of a transparent material for aesthetic purposes. By using a transparent material, the gap between the outer recording element 22 and the front nose cone 23 is not so easy to see. Nevertheless, the front nose cone 23 and, in rare cases, any other component of the recording tool 10 may be made of a transparent material so that the internal operation of the recording tool 10 can be seen. The front nose cone 23 may be made of polypropylene or other plastic or polymer. The material selected for the front nose cone 23 can be selected based on cost, ease of manufacture, and resistance or airtightness to vapor permeation, for example.

Also, in one embodiment, the outer recording element 22 has an inner axial passage 24 that is larger than the outer diameter of the inner recording element 20 in order to allow the axial movement of the recording elements 20, 22 relative to each other. 2). Such a configuration can result in shaking. Therefore, it is desirable to handle any resulting increased shaking. Thus, individually or in combination, the rigidity of the inner recording element 20 and the support provided by the outer recording element 22 are preferably selected to minimize shaking. While the inner recording element 20 can obtain some support from the inner axial passage 24 of the outer recording element 22, the outer recording element 22 can provide only minimal stabilization to counteract the shake. have. Therefore, it is generally desirable to pay attention to the selection of the stiffness of the recording elements 20, 22.

Stiffness can be a function of various features such as wall thickness or material. Ideally, the inner recording element 20 may have an outer diameter small enough to fit within the inner axial passage 24 of the outer recording element 22 and at the same time the inner recording element 20 may hold a sufficient amount of recording medium. Have a wall thickness. Such factors can influence the choice of material used for the inner recording element 20. The material may be metal and / or plastic. In addition, the first recording reservoir 28 may be formed from a material different from the material of the first recording tip 30. In one embodiment, the first recording medium reservoir 28 and the first recording tip 30 are made of plastic. For maximum stability of the inner recording element 20 and also to add stability to the outer recording element 22, the first recording medium reservoir 28 may be formed of metal. Combinations of materials other than those described herein can be used. In addition, currently known materials and materials not yet discovered may be used instead. Similarly, a composite material (ie a combination of two or more materials) can be employed.

Since the inner recording element 20 may be in contact with the outer recording element 22, it will be understood that it may be desirable to select a corrosion resistant material, especially when the outer recording element 22 has a rechargeable recording medium reservoir. . Corrosion resistance is important because the first recording medium reservoir 28 is located in the inner axial passage 24. If the inner axial passage 24 is made of a porous material that allows the recording medium contained in the outer recording element 22 to penetrate it, then the recording medium from the outer recording element 22 is in contact with the first recording medium storage 28. Can be contacted. Over time, corrosion of the first recording medium storage 28 can cause the recording medium in the first recording medium storage 28 to leak into the outer recording element 22 and vice versa. Corrosion may also affect the performance of the recording tool 10 because of the resulting recording medium loss.

Additionally or alternatively, the inner axial passage 24 of the outer recording element 22 may have an inner sleeve (not shown), thereby eliminating or reducing concerns in the selection of the corrosion resistant material. Such a sleeve may help to eliminate or reduce the seepage of the recording medium from the second recording medium reservoir 34 via the inner axial passage 24 onto the inner recording element 20. An inner sleeve can be provided in the inner axial passage 24. The inner sleeve may be made of polypropylene and may have a thickness as small as approximately 0.1 mm or as large as approximately 0.5 mm. However, other materials and thicknesses may be used. For example, if made of polypropylene, the inner sleeve can have a thickness of at least about 0.4 mm or at most about 1 mm. The inner sleeve may be made of any shrinkable thermoplastic material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), in which case the thickness of the inner sleeve may be at least about 0.5 mm or at most about 0.8 mm. Various factors such as stiffness, chemical stability, and ease of manufacture can be considered when selecting a material that can be used for the inner sleeve.

The minimum and maximum thicknesses of the inner sleeve formed of polypropylene are a function of the extrusion process and the recording capacity, respectively. A thickness of about 0.4 mm is typically the minimum thickness that can be extruded. Therefore, it is possible that the minimum thickness can be less than 0.4 mm depending on the manufacturing process and other related factors, as long as the sleeve can still perform its aforementioned functions. In addition, the maximum thickness may exceed 1 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the use of the inner sleeve or the increase in the thickness of the inner sleeve can affect various features of the other components of the recording tool 10 such as the dimensions of the elements. For example, changing the dimension of the outer recording element 22 can affect the capacity of the outer recording element 22 to hold the recording medium. Various changes to the recording tool 10 to compensate for the presence of the inner sleeve or the increased thickness of the inner sleeve, in order to maintain the capacity of the outer recording element 22 (ie the amount of recording medium held therein) That is, increasing the outer diameter of the outer barrel 12 or decreasing the wall thickness, or reducing the thickness of the outer sleeve 80 (FIGS. 3, 5, and 6) described below). Can be.

The outer recording element 22 may comprise a filling recording medium reservoir comprising a porous peak and a filler material surrounded by a filler wrap. Filler wraps, such as filler wrap 78, typically maintain rigidity (by preventing collapsing when the sidewalls of the second recording medium reservoir 34 are compressed) and retain the stiffness (outside recording elements within the recording tool 10). By allowing a smooth movement of 22). Filler wrap 78 may also function to retain filler material within filler wrap 78. In addition, the filler wrap 78 can act as a barrier to prevent the recording medium from passing through and sticking to the user's hands and / or fingers. Filler wrap 78 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide (eg, nylon), polyester, or acetate, and has a minimum thickness of approximately 0.01 mm or a space available within the recording tool 10. It can have a maximum thickness that can be a function of quantity and manufacturing limits. Various factors such as stiffness, chemical stability, and ease of manufacture can be considered when selecting the material used. The sleeve or other type of coating (e.g., if the outer recording element 22 has a rechargeable recording medium reservoir) prevents leakage, accidental marking, and / or evaporation of the recording medium therein, It may be provided on the outer surface.

Referring now to FIG. 3, at least an outer portion of the outer recording element 22 may be covered by a sleeve 80 which may be nonporous or fluid impermeable (or at least specifically impermeable to the recording medium). If the sleeve 80 is nonporous or fluid impermeable, the sleeve 80 may protect the user from recording or display media contact with the hands and / or fingers when manipulating the outer recording element 22. Moreover, when the outer recording element 22 comprises a rechargeable recording medium reservoir as shown in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the filler wrap 78 may be covered by a sleeve 80 (FIG. 3). As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the sleeve 80 may also cover a portion of the second recording tip 32 (especially when in the form of a porous peak). Such a configuration prevents the evaporation of the recording medium (because the less surface area of the second recording tip 32 is exposed to air), thus extending the shelf life and service life of the outer recording medium 12. 5 and 6, the sleeve 80 may also be provided over the second recording tip 32 (especially when in the form of a porous peak), and the second recording tip 32 and It can act as a coupling member for holding the two recording medium reservoirs 34 together. Thus, the use of the sleeve 80 allows and facilitates filling of the outer recording element 22 by combining the second recording tip 32 and the second recording medium storage 34 into a single component or unit. However, any structure or material that holds the second recording tip 32 together with the second recording medium reservoir 34, for example, stainless steel or plastic pegs or rings in the tip 32 and / or reservoir 34. Or clips or rings, or adhesives, staples or any other fasteners that are compressed, pressed, or glued around the tip 32 and reservoir 34.

Sleeve 80 may be provided over filler material, filler wrap 78, and / or porous peaks. The sleeve 80 may be made of a shrinkable thermoplastic material, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyethylene, polyamide (eg nylon), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or polypropylene wrap. Various factors such as cost, strength, chemical stability, and ease of manufacture can be considered when selecting the material used for the sleeve 80. If made of polypropylene 80, sleeve 80 may have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, but a thickness as small as approximately 0.4 mm or a thickness as large as approximately 1.0 mm may be used. It will be appreciated that the thicker the sleeve 80, the more similar the sleeve 80 is to the structural elements. Typically, it is desirable to form the sleeve 80 from a material that allows the sleeve 80 to be as thin as possible so that the presence of the sleeve 80 has a minor impact on the overall diameter of the recording tool 10. More preferably, the sleeve 80 is as thick as necessary to add the desired recording medium impermeability and / or impermeability, and is structurally other than holding the outer recording element 22 and the second recording tip 32 together. It doesn't play a role. In other words, the sleeve 80 may be thin so that it is not a structurally stable element independently of the outer recording element 22, and merely provides a fluid barrier to the rechargeable recording medium reservoir 34. Sleeve 80 may be flexible.

Thus, the sleeve 80 may be in the form of a wrap material such as a heat shrinkable sleeve that allows the formation of a sleeve with a minimum achievable thickness, contributing to maintaining a very small diameter of the recording tool 10. If made from PET, the sleeve 80 may have a thickness of approximately 0.15 mm. The minimum thickness is within the recording tool 10 that permits free movement of the drive mechanism (ie, without engagement) and the strength required to retain the second recording tip 32 in the second recording medium reservoir 34. It can be a function of the amount of space available, the ability to shrink uniformly to a certain wall thickness, the resistance to rupture or cracking upon shrinkage, and the rate at which shrinkage can occur. For example, the minimum thickness can be approximately 0.05 mm. The maximum thickness is usually determined by the maximum thickness of the recording tool 1 and may be approximately 0.5 mm. Another advantage of heat shrinkable sleeves over injection molded sleeves is that heat shrinkable sleeves facilitate assembly.

In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, a cartridge case 418 formed of a material for preventing the leakage of the recording medium may be provided on the rechargeable outer recording element 22 instead of the sleeve 80. As shown in Figs. The sleeve 80 or cartridge case 418 can hold the second recording tip 32 and the second recording medium reservoir 34 together. That is, the second recording tip 32 is attached to the second recording medium reservoir 34 and the sleeve 80 or cartridge 418 is positioned around it to hold these components together. Other advantages of the sleeve 80 and the cartridge case 418 may include reduced evaporation of the recording medium from the outer recording element 22 and the added stability added to the recording elements 20, 22. In addition, the sleeve 80 and the cartridge case 418 allow for a clean and easy filling of the outer recording element 22.

Filling can also be facilitated by configuring the recording tool described above to allow replacement of each recording element 20, 22. While the prior art device enables filling of the recording elements (e.g., ballpoint pens, roller ballpoint pens), the prior art devices may be made of porous peaked recording elements, or combination porous peaked recording elements and pens, pencils, markers and the like. Do not allow charging. The porous peak recording element may have a filler material (eg, a rechargeable recording medium reservoir) that holds the recording medium, or may be free of filler (ie, no ink is contained in the filler material). Therefore, another feature of the present invention independent of the above-mentioned features is the formation of a recording tool with a porous peak recording element which can be replaced when the recording medium contained therein is in contact with the porous peak recording element.

In order to enable the replacement of one or two recording elements 20, 22, the outer barrel 12 is preferably formed to allow access to one or two recording elements 20, 22. In addition, the recording elements 20, 22 are preferably removably located in the outer barrel 12 to allow easy removal if necessary. Access to the recording elements 20, 22 may be at the distal end 41 or the base end 43 of the recording tool 10. 1 and 3, the outer barrel 12 has a removable front nose cone 23 formed to allow access to the outer recording element 22, thereby removing the recording elements 20, 22. And allow replacement. The front nose cone 23 may have an internal screw 27 that engages with an external screw 25 at the distal end of the front barrel 14 such that the front nose cone 23 can be screwed onto and released from the front barrel 14. . However, other embodiments may have a removable front nose cone 23 and a removable rear end button. Alternatively, the front barrel 14 and rear barrel 16 may be detachable to allow access to the recording elements 20, 22 therein.

Figure 16 shows another replacement mechanism. The male cam 364 can function together with the movable cams 62, 162, 262, 362 (shown as the movable cam 362) and the end button 380 to thereby form a replacement mechanism, whereby the recording element ( 20, 22 to simplify the charging. The male cam 364, together with the movable cams 62, 162, 262 and 362 coupled thereto, is to be inserted into the rear barrel 316 with the engaging plane 369 engaged with the rear barrel receiving plane 391 (Fig. 4). Can be. End button 380 is configured to facilitate locking of male cam 364 to rear barrel 316. As the inner screw 382 of the end button 380 is screwed onto the outer screw 381 of the male cam 364, the end button 380 is pulled closer to the rear barrel 316. At the same time, the conical surface 383 is pushed against the cam inner surface 384 so that the engagement plane 369 is tightly pressed against the rear barrel 316 and the axial direction of the male cam 364 against the rear barrel 316. Prevent movement. For example, to prevent rotational movement of the male cam 364 relative to the rear barrel 316 during operation of the recording tool 10 and to allow the end button 380 to screw onto it (ie, button 380). Protrusions 385 slide into notches 386 in the rear barrel 316 to keep the male cam 364 fixed when the screw is screwed). As the end button 380 continues to screw onto the outer screw 381, the tapered surface 389 is pulled into the rear barrel 316, such that the rear barrel 316, male cam 364, and end button 380 preferably creates a gas tight fit. The rotation of the end button 380 onto the male cam 364 stops when the end button engagement surface 387 contacts the rear barrel engagement surface 388. In addition, the male cam 364 may further include a sealing ring 390 for creating an airtight seal between the male cam 364 and the rear barrel 316, thereby recording the recording elements 20, 22. Prevent the medium from evaporating. Such a confidential seal is particularly important when one or both of the recording elements hold a volatile recording medium.

Using the replacement mechanism of Fig. 16, the recording elements 20 and 22 can be replaced when the recording medium of the recording elements 20 and / or 22 is exhausted. 17 shows an example of a fill set 400, which may include recording elements 20, 22, a movable cam 362, and a male cam 364. It should be noted that the movable cam 362 and / or the male cam 364 can be reused and only the recording elements 20, 22 are replaced.

If one of the recording elements 20, 22 remains in the extended position (ie, the recording tip 30 or 32 does not retract to a position in the outer barrel 12), or one of the recording elements 20, 22. If at least one contains a volatile recording medium, it is preferable to cover the recording elements 20, 22 to prevent evaporation of the volatile recording medium. A stopper 90 as shown in FIG. 14 may be used. The stopper 90 may be made of ABS or polypropylene, although other materials are possible. Various factors can be considered in selecting the material to be used, such as welding or painting / decorating ability, resistance or airtightness to vapor permeation, cost, and ease of manufacture. The closure opening 94 may be located above the distal end 41 (FIG. 1) of the recording tool 10 and secured thereto by the engagement ribs 19 on the front barrel 14 (FIG. 3). However, any similar structure that suitably covers the recording elements 20, 22 may be used in place of the stopper 90. It should be appreciated that the plug may be purely decorative and / or may not be intended to prevent drying of the recording medium. That is, there may be other reasons why the stopper is positioned above the recording tool 10. For example, the stopper 90 can prevent the breaking of the first recording tip 30 or the second recording tip 32. Also, the stopper 90 can avoid accidental display caused by the recording tips 30, 32.

As described above, if at least one of the recording elements 20, 22 of the recording medium is volatile, the vapor seal 92 is preferably provided in the stopper 90 to prevent evaporation of the recording medium. The vapor seal 92 may be located in the closure body 96 in a position that allows easy fixed engagement with the outer barrel 12 to seal the recording elements 20, 22. The vapor seal 92 may be designed to seal the first recording tip 30 and the second recording tip 32 by engaging the distal end 93 (FIG. 3) of the front nose cone 23. In other embodiments, the vapor seal 92 may engage any distal end of the outer barrel 12.

Although not required, a clip 100 may be provided on the stopper 90 such that the recording tool 10 may be attached to any object desired by the user. Nevertheless, other attachment means may be used. The clip 100 may be in contact with the closure body 96 and placed on the closure support 194 to surround the vapor seal 92. In addition, the clip 100 may be fixed to the stopper 90 by being positioned between the stopper body 96 and the upper stopper 102. While any means of connecting the closure body 96 and the upper closure 102 is possible, FIG. 14 shows a circumference that engages with the circumferential rib 190 to hold the closure body 96 and the upper closure 102 together. The directional rib 192 is shown.

Alternatively, a stopper 290 as shown in FIG. 15 may be used. The stopper 290 may be made of ABS or polypropylene, although other materials are possible. Similar to the stopper 90, various factors such as welding or painting / decorating ability, resistance or airtightness to vapor permeation, cost, and ease of manufacture may be considered in selecting the material used for the stopper 290. Can be. The closure opening 294 may be positioned over the distal end 41 of the recording tool 10 and secured thereto by engaging the rib 19 on the front barrel 14 (FIG. 3). A vapor seal 292 may be provided in the stopper 290 to prevent evaporation of the recording medium. The vapor seal 292 may be located in the closure body 296 in a position that allows easy fixed engagement with the outer barrel 12 to seal the recording elements 20, 22. The vapor seal 292 may be designed to seal the first recording tip 30 and the second recording tip 32 by engaging the distal end 93 (FIG. 3) of the front nose cone 23. In other embodiments, the vapor seal 292 may engage any end of the outer barrel 12. The stopper 290 may be formed with the vent 298 and the opening 204, which allows air to flow through the stopper body 296 to prevent choking when the stopper 290 is swallowed. The clip 200 may also be provided on the stopper so that the recording tool 10 may be attached to any object desired by the user. The clip 200 may surround the vent means 298 while in contact with the closure body 296. In addition, the clip 200 may be secured to the closure body 296 by being positioned between the closure body 296 and the upper closure 202.

While the foregoing description and drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, or substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Those skilled in the art can use the invention in many variations of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components, or else in the practice of the invention that is specifically adapted to its particular environment and operating conditions without departing from the principles of the invention. I will understand. Therefore, the presently disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being limited by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description.

Claims (43)

A recording tool having a base end and a distal end, An outer barrel having an open end at the distal end of the recording tool and a base end at the base end of the recording tool; An inner recording element having a first recording tip and a first recording medium reservoir; An outer recording element having a second recording tip and a second recording medium reservoir, The inner and outer recording elements are located in an inner axial passage extending through the second recording tip and the second recording medium reservoir, The inner recording element is located in the inner axial passage through the second recording tip and the second recording medium reservoir, The first recording tip is in direct operative contact with the first recording medium reservoir, The second recording tip is in direct operative contact with the second recording medium reservoir, And the outer recording element is movable relative to the outer barrel. 2. The recording tool of claim 1 further comprising a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the outer recording element. 3. The recording tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism is located at the base end of the recording tool. The recording tool of claim 1, wherein the second recording tip is porous peak. 5. The recording tool of claim 4, wherein said porous tip includes a connecting component for operatively coupling said porous tip to said first recording medium reservoir. 6. The recording tool of claim 5, wherein the connection component is at least one branch. 6. A recording tool as claimed in claim 5, wherein the connecting component is an open end cylinder. 5. The recording tool of claim 4, wherein the second recording medium storage is a rechargeable storage. 9. The recording tool of claim 8, wherein the second recording medium reservoir has a non-circular cross section. 10. The recording tool of claim 9, wherein the non-circular cross section is elliptical. 5. The recording tool of claim 4, wherein the first recording tip is selected from the group consisting of porous peaks, ball points, roller balls, stylus, chalk, charcoal, and graphite. A recording tool according to claim 1, wherein the inner recording element is a solid recording element. The recording tool of claim 1, wherein the inner recording element has a wall formed of a corrosion resistant material. The method of claim 1, A movable cam coupled to the base end of the outer recording element, A fixed cam coupled to the base end of the outer barrel, A convenience element for biasing the outer recording element to engage the movable cam, And the movable cam moves along the fixed cam to move the outer recording element axially relative to the outer barrel. The method of claim 1, The inner recording element is a structurally stable thin recording element, The second recording tip is porous peak, And the second recording medium storage is a rechargeable storage. The recording tool of claim 1, further comprising a coil spring positioned around the second recording tip to bias the outer recording element in a base direction. A recording tool having a longitudinal axis, a base end, and a distal end, An inner recording element having a first recording tip adjacent the distal end of the recording tool and a first recording medium reservoir having a rear end; An outer recording element having a second recording tip adjacent the distal end of the recording tool and a second recording medium reservoir having a rear end; A drive mechanism operatively coupled to at least the outer recording element, An inner axial passage extends through the second recording tip and the second recording medium reservoir, The inner recording element is located in the inner axial passage in the outer recording element, The inner and outer recording elements are axially movable relative to one another, The drive mechanism is located at the rear end of the second recording medium reservoir, Operation of the drive mechanism causes an axial movement of the outer recording element. 18. The recording tool of claim 17, wherein the drive mechanism includes a first drive member and a second drive member movably coupled to each other. The method of claim 18, The first drive member is operatively coupled to the inner recording element, The second drive member is operatively coupled to the outer recording element, One of the first and second drive members is coupled to at least a portion of the outer barrel such that movement of the portion of the outer barrel actuates the drive mechanism to move one of the recording elements axially. tool. The method of claim 1, The inner and outer recording elements are located in an outer barrel having an open end at the distal end of the recording tool and a base end at the base end of the recording tool, And the outer recording element is movable relative to the outer barrel. The method of claim 17, The drive mechanism, A movable cam coupled to the base end of the outer recording element, A fixing cam coupled to the base end of the outer barrel, The movable cam moves along the fixed cam to move the outer recording element axially relative to the outer body, And the recording tool further comprises a convenience element for biasing the outer recording element with the movable cam. The method of claim 17, The inner recording element is a structurally stable thin recording element, The second recording tip is porous peak, And the second recording medium storage is a rechargeable storage. 18. The recording tool of claim 17, further comprising a coil spring positioned around the second recording tip to bias the outer recording element in the base direction. A recording tool having a base end and a distal end, With the outer barrel, A first recording element located in the outer barrel, A second recording element located within said outer barrel and having a porous peak; The inner and outer recording elements are axially movable relative to one another, The outer barrel is configured to allow access to at least one of the inner and outer recording elements for removing and replacing at least one of the inner and outer recording elements. 25. The recording tool of claim 24, wherein the outer barrel includes a removable member that allows access to at least one of the inner and outer recording elements when removing the removable member from the outer barrel. 26. The recording tool of claim 25, wherein the removable member is a front nose cone. 26. The recording tool of claim 25, wherein the outer barrel further comprises a front barrel detachable from the rear barrel. 25. The recording tool of claim 24, wherein the second recording element has a rechargeable recording medium storage. 29. The recording tool of claim 28, further comprising a recording medium impermeable sleeve covering at least a portion of the recording medium reservoir and the porous peak of the second recording element. 25. The recording tool of claim 24, wherein the first recording element extends through an inner axial passage formed through the second recording element. 25. The recording tool of claim 24, wherein the first and second recording elements are coaxially located within the outer barrel. Rechargeable recording tool With the outer barrel, A filling recording medium storage in said outer barrel comprising a filler material saturated with a recording medium; A porous tip coupled to the rechargeable recording medium reservoir, The outer barrel includes a removable member to allow access to the rechargeable recording medium reservoir, The rechargeable recording medium reservoir is impermeable to a recording medium covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the rechargeable recording medium reservoir and the porous peak to allow handling of the rechargeable recording medium reservoir and the porous peak without contamination by an internal recording medium. Rechargeable recording tool with elements. 33. The recording tool of claim 32, wherein the recording medium impermeable element comprises a polypropylene wrap. 33. The rechargeable recording tool of claim 32, wherein the recording medium impermeable element is nonporous. 33. The thin filling recording tool as claimed in claim 32, wherein the recording medium impermeable element is possible to have a slight influence on the overall diameter of the recording tool. 36. The rechargeable recording tool as claimed in claim 35, wherein the recording medium impermeable element has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The porous peak is maintained with the rechargeable recording medium reservoir by the recording medium impermeable element, And the recording medium impermeable element does not play a structural role other than keeping the rechargeable recording medium reservoir and the porous peak together in the recording tool. 33. The rechargeable recording tool of claim 32, wherein the recording medium impermeable element is not structurally stable independently of the rechargeable recording medium storage. A recording tool having a base end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, An inner recording element having a first recording tip and a first recording medium reservoir; An outer recording element having a second recording tip and a second recording medium reservoir, The first recording element is a structurally stable thin recording element, The second recording tip is porous peak, The second recording medium storage is a rechargeable recording medium storage, An inner axial passage extends through the second recording tip and the second recording medium reservoir, The inner recording element is located in the inner axial passage through the second recording tip and the second recording medium reservoir, And the outer recording element is axially movable relative to the inner recording element. 40. The recording tool of claim 39, wherein the first recording medium reservoir is a tubular reservoir for holding a recording medium. 40. The recording tool of claim 39, wherein the first recording medium storage is a solid recording medium. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the inner recording element and the outer recording element are located in an outer barrel, And the outer recording element is axially movable when rotating a portion of the barrel. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a fluid impermeable wrap material over the outer recording element, And the recording tool further comprises an outer barrel having a removable member allowing access to the outer recording element for removal and replacement of the outer recording element.

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