RU2350475C2 - Combined typewriter - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: printing production.

SUBSTANCE: typewriter with distal and proximal ends includes external case with open distal end close to distal end of writing tool and proximal end close to proximal end of writing tool; internal point with first stylus and first print medium tank; and external point with second stylus and second print medium tank. Internal and external points are positioned in internal axial passageway running through second stylus and second printing medium tank. Internal point is mounted in internal axial passageway running through second stylus and second printing medium tank, first stylus is in direct work contact with first printing medium tank, second stylus is in direct work contact with second printing medium tank, and external point can shift against external case.

EFFECT: possible use of two different typewriters.

35 cl, 17 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a partial continuation of application for US patent 10/706 315, filed November 11, 2003, which is fully incorporated into this description by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a writing instrument and, in particular, to a writing instrument having at least two writing elements, which are arranged to move in the axial direction relative to each other, and, more specifically, to a writing instrument with one writing element located inside another writing element. The present invention also relates to improvements in filling type writing instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Writing instruments having many writing elements are well known in the art. For the most part, these writing instruments have many writing elements located next to each other (side by side) inside the pen body. In prior art writing instruments, many different types of writing elements have been combined, including ballpoint pens, felt-tip pens, and markers, in various combinations (for example, all elements of the same type, one element of each type, or more than one element of another type). The drive mechanism is actuated to bias the writing tip of one of the writing elements to a position outside the housing. In some cases, one writing instrument is already in a fixed position outside the housing, and the second writing element is movable.

To use the movable writing element for writing, it must be pulled out of the housing beyond the distal portion of the stationary writing element. In other well-known writing instruments, the distal part of the movable writing element, when this element is fully extended, is in the same plane as the distal part of the stationary writing element. Therefore, two writing elements can form two lines or one line with a thickness exceeding the thickness of the line formed by either of the two writing elements individually. In addition, if different writing means are supplied to the writing elements, two different lines may be formed.

The disadvantage of the design with the placement of the writing elements side by side is that the diameter of the pen body in which the writing elements are placed should be larger than the diameter of a standard pen with only one writing element. To create a more compact writing instrument in prior art devices, the writing elements were mounted coaxially (that is, one writing element was located inside another writing element), while the internal writing element is arranged to move it relative to the external writing element.

Currently, there are a variety of compact writing instruments with many writing elements. These tools have a number of distinguishing features. For example, US Pat. No. 5,026,189, filed April 5, 1990, and issued to George Keil on June 25, 1991, discloses a writing instrument having a pen body with two writing elements mounted coaxially therein. The inner writing element moves axially relative to the outer writing element. In one embodiment, each writing element has its own ink can. However, a drive mechanism for moving the internal writing element relative to the external writing element is located toward the center of the pen body. Therefore, the writing tips should be separated from their respective ink cans. Thus, the design of such a writing instrument is complex and difficult to assemble. Other prior art devices have internal and external writing elements that share a common ink bottle, similar to that shown in US Pat. No. 4,580,918 to Baker et al. Such a configuration is undesirable if the user wants to use different types of writing means.

In addition, prior art writing instruments made with several writing elements have not been successful in obtaining radically excellent writing elements in a compact housing having an outer diameter that is not much larger than the outer diameter of a standard writing instrument with one writing element. Thus, to create a writing element, such as a pen, with a marking element, such as a marker or felt-tip pen, writing tips were provided at opposite ends of the writing tool to maintain a streamlined appearance and maintain a relatively standard outer diameter of the writing tool. The use of such writing instruments leads to unnecessary movement during manipulation in order to change the orientation of the writing instrument to move from one to the other writing end to achieve various writing or marking possibilities. In addition, each writing element is usually closed with a separate cap. Thus, the use of both writing elements during the performance of one task using writing / marking requires additional unnecessary movements associated with removing and reinstalling two caps in place of one cap or lack of a cap. In addition, the user must monitor two caps instead of one cap or the absence of a cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A writing instrument in accordance with one aspect of the present invention has an outer casing that houses an inner writing element mounted coaxially inside the outer writing element. The writing elements are arranged to move them axially relative to each other. Preferably, the internal writing element is made of a material selected because of its stiffness and corrosion resistance.

To actuate the writing instrument of the present invention, at least one writing element is connected to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism provides axial movement of one writing element relative to another writing element. During operation, one writing element can be fixed so that at least part of its writing tip remains outside the housing, which allows the use of a writing tool to mark the surface for recording. The other writing element is axially movable. When the drive mechanism is actuated, the movable writing element extends from the housing so that its distal part extends beyond the distal part of the fixed writing element. Now the movable writing element can be used to mark the surface for recording.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a writing instrument is provided with a replaceable writing element of a filling type having a filling type reservoir with writing medium and a porous pointed tip. The fluid impermeable sleeve preferably closes at least a portion of the porous pointed tip and / or filling type reservoir with a writing medium provided in the writing element. The sleeve allows the user to manipulate the filling-type reservoir with the writing medium and the porous pointed tip without contacting the writing medium on his / her hands and / or fingers. To enable re-filling the writing element, the outer casing of the writing tool is configured to provide access to the writing element.

A writing instrument design similar to that described here meets the requirements of modern writing instrument users. This design allows the use of two different writing elements (e.g., pen and felt-tip pen / marker). For example, those who edit written works can perform two independent functions — commenting and highlighting — with the same writing tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be better understood by studying it with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements. The drawings are provided merely by way of example, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

Figure 1 is a vertical view of an exemplary writing instrument made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

figure 2 is a perspective view of two writing elements that can be used in a writing instrument made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, while the writing elements are shown separately, and one writing element is shown mounted on top of another writing element;

figure 3 - made with a spatial separation of the elements of the type of writing instrument of figure 1;

figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the rear housing of the writing instrument of figure 1;

5 is a longitudinal section of an exemplary porous pointed tip for an external writing element in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

6 is another longitudinal section of an exemplary porous pointed tip for an external writing element in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary external writing element in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary external writing element taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 2; FIG.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a front housing cooperating with an example writing instrument drive mechanism constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a front housing cooperating with a second exemplary writing instrument drive mechanism constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; FIG.

11 - performed with a spatial separation of the elements of an alternative form of components forming a third embodiment of the drive mechanism of a writing instrument;

Fig - performed with a spatial separation of the elements is shown as an example of a drive mechanism and a writing instrument;

13 is a cross-sectional view of an example writing instrument with yet another embodiment of a drive mechanism;

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of an example cap that can be used on a writing instrument made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig - performed with a spatial separation of the elements of the view of another shown as an example of a cap that can be used on a writing instrument made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the components of an exemplary interchangeable mechanism; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example apparatus refilled. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, an example writing instrument 10 made in accordance with the principles of the present invention has an outer casing 12 in which an inner writing element 20 and an outer writing element 22 are provided, such as illustrated in FIG. 2. It should be noted that the term "writing element" is not limited to a writing element in its literal meaning, but instead covers any element that has any means that can be applied to the base, including glue or correction fluid. Likewise, the mention of "scripture" or "marking" or other similar terms is for convenience. The terms “writing” or “marking” are not limited to writing or marking in their literal meaning, but should instead be understood as terms involving the application of other substances or substrates, such as glue or correction fluid. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the outer casing 12 may include a front casing 14, a rear casing 16 and a front safety cone 23, preferably extending along the longitudinal axis 11. The front and rear casing 14, 16 can be connected together with the possibility movements for purposes that will become apparent further. The front housing 14 is located on top of the writing elements 20, 22 at the distal end 41, and the rear housing 16 is located on top of the writing elements 20, 22 at the proximal end 43. In addition, the writing element 10 may have a gripping element (not shown) on the front housing 14, which can be made, for example, from a soft gummed coloring material or from a separately formed elastomeric grip element.

The front and rear housings 14, 16 can be made of the same material or of different materials. For example, the front housing 14 may be made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene, and the rear housing 16 may be made of polypropylene. Various factors, such as strength, ease of manufacture, and ability to trim / dye (that is, the ability to “receive” a gummed coloring material to form a grip member) can be taken into account when choosing a material that can be used for the front housing 14 In addition, various factors, such as resistance to vapor transmission or airtightness (ie, the selected material should not allow the passage of steam / air into the writing instrument 10 or from the writing and tool 10), cost, ease of manufacture and slippage (i.e. smoothness; the presence of friction from minimal to no to ensure ease of movement of the front and rear cases 14, 16 relative to each other) can be taken into account when choosing a material that can be used for rear housing 16.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the inner writing element 20 is formed with a first writing tip 30 located outside the outer casing 12 and suitable for marking operations, and the outer writing element 22 is configured to move it from a position where the second writing tip 32 is located at substantially completely inside the outer casing 12, in a position in which the second writing tip 32 is located outside the outer casing 12. With this configuration, the inner writing element 20 m can be used for marking the surface. In contrast, in another embodiment, the portion of the outer writing element 22 may be fixed, and the inner writing element 20 may be configured to move it from a position where the writing tip 30 is substantially completely inside the outer casing 12, to a position in which the writing tip 30 is located outside the outer casing 12. In yet another embodiment, both writing elements 20, 22 can be arranged to move them from a position in which the corresponding writing the tip is essentially completely inside the outer case 12, in a position in which the corresponding writing tip is outside the outer case 12.

The examples of the arrangement of the writing elements 20, 22 with respect to each other and the design of the writing elements 20, 22 can be considered with reference to FIG. 2, in which the example writing elements 20, 22 are shown mounted coaxially. However, this configuration does not indicate the only possible position of the writing elements 20, 22 inside the outer casing 12. The inner writing element 20 has a smaller outer diameter than the inner axial bore 24 of the outer writing element 22, so that the inner writing element 20 can be inserted into the inner axial bore 24 of the outer writing element 20. Thus, as shown by arrow 26, the writing elements 20, 22 can move axially relative to each other specifically a friend.

The inner writing element 20 may be a marker, marker, ballpoint pen, roller pen, fountain pen, or any other type of writing element that uses a writing medium based on a fluid. In other embodiments, the internal writing element 20 may be a pencil, writing pen, chalk, charcoal pencil (rashkul), a stylus or writing element of any other type that uses a solid type writing medium. If desired, to limit the largest outer diameter of the writing instrument 10, the inner writing element 20 may be selected so that it has the smallest possible outer diameter. In this case, the inner writing element 20, as a rule, will not have a filling-type reservoir with writing medium, since such reservoirs tend to occupy more space compared to the tubular-type writing-tank, while holding a predetermined amount of writing medium. For example, any writing element that uses a tubular reservoir to hold the writing medium, or any solid type writing medium, can be used to keep the largest outer diameter of the writing instrument 10 as close as possible to the maximum outer diameter of a standard writing instrument with one writing element. Preferably, such a writing element is rigid or semi-rigid for purposes that will become apparent hereinafter. For the sake of convenience, such writing elements are here called "structurally stable thin writing elements" in contrast to filling type writing elements, in which filling type tanks with writing means and the like are used. and which lead to the formation of volumetric writing elements, which cause a general increase in the outer diameter of the writing instrument 10 when inserted into the outer writing element 22. In the sense used here, a filling-type reservoir with writing medium is a reservoir with writing medium that contains porous material (formed from polymers (natural or synthetic), ceramic materials, metals or the like) designed to hold the writing medium (for example, inside its pores) without both sintering the possibility of free flowing of the writing medium, but with the possibility of isolating the writing medium (for example, using a wick using capillary forces) for application to the surface as desired. Pores can be formed in any of a variety of different ways — for example, by blow molding, by sintering, or by forming bundles of fibers. It should be understood that these examples of writing elements are illustrative only and the present invention is not necessarily limited to them. In addition, it should be understood that the term “writing medium” is used for convenience and is not intended to limit the use of the “writing element” to the “writing” operations, since the invention is not limited to the “writing” operations, as noted above.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the inner writing element 20 is formed of two separate elements — the first writing tip 30 and the first writing medium reservoir 28. However, it should be understood that the writing tip (end) 30 and the first reservoir 28 with writing means can be a single, integral part. In a preferred embodiment, the first writing tip 30 of the internal writing element 20 is in direct working contact with the first writing medium reservoir 28 when using a writing medium based on a fluid.

The first writing medium reservoir 28 may be a writing tube or an ink tube (i.e., a hollow tube capable of holding ink) similar to tubes known in the art. Unlike a filler type reservoir with writing medium, which is also generally known in the art, the writing tube does not have a filler material designed to hold the writing medium. However, the first writing medium reservoir 28 may also be a filling type reservoir with writing medium (not shown) —for example, a material that is a filler saturated with marking agent.

In one embodiment, the outer writing element 22 has two separate elements — a second writing tip 32 and a second writing reservoir 34. In addition, the second writing tip 32 may be in direct working contact with the second writing means reservoir 34. It should be noted that instead, the second writing tip 32 and the second reservoir 34 with writing means can be one forming a single piece. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the outer writing element 22 has a through axial through-hole 24, preferably extending through the second writing tip 32 and the second writing medium reservoir 34. To facilitate insertion of the inner writing element 20 through the outer writing element 22, the second writing medium reservoir 34 is preferably a filling type reservoir having a filler (not shown) for holding the writing medium. The filler may be formed from a material such as polyester, acrylic material, acetate, and may have a porosity of approximately 80% and a fiber density of approximately 0.18 g / cm ³ . However, the porosity may be a minimum of approximately 75% or may be a maximum of approximately 95%, and the density of the fibers may be a minimum of approximately 0.16 g / cm ³ or a maximum of approximately 0.2 g / cm ³ . More specifically, the filler may contain polyester, acrylic or acetate fibers, such as those supplied by De Martini SPA (Via Santuario d'Oropa, Italy) or Filtrona (London, England) - or a two-component fiber (for example, containing both polypropylene and polyethylene), such as supplied by Filtrona. Various factors, such as cost, density, porosity, chemical stability, the amount of time required to dry the filler, and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when choosing materials that can be used to make the filler. However, the second reservoir 34 with writing means can also be made without filler - similarly to a tube with writing means. In one embodiment, the outer writing element may be a marker or marker. But other writing elements may be used in return.

The second writing tip 32 is preferably formed and configured to have a wall thickness large enough to allow a through axial bore 24 to be formed therein without collapsing during writing. In addition, the second writing tip 32 should be formed so that every time you use it you can draw a solid line.

Preferably, the second writing tip 32 may be a porous pointed tip. As used herein, a “porous pointed tip” is a bend-resistant, porous applying tip that is typically rod-shaped with a pointed or chisel-free end and which provides writing medium from the reservoir to the surface (eg, paper), typically due to capillary action. The porous pointed tip can be formed from any suitable porous material, such as polymers (natural or synthetic) or ceramic materials, using conventional shaping processes such as sintering, blow molding, extrusion, fiber bundle formation or the like. Thus, such a porous pointed tip is different from solid type pens (as defined above) and other non-porous nibs, such as fountain pen nibs, ballpoint pens and writing units for viscous, oil-based ink pens, or other similar writing tips or pens in which the writing medium extends over or around the outer periphery of the writing tip and onto the substrate for application. Elements such as a porous pointed tip may include the pointed tips of a felt-tip pen or marker. Such porous pointed tips are generally relatively wider than other writing tips and are not used for fine-writing in fine lines and can be chisel-shaped to allow wide lines to be applied when marking. As a porous pointed tip, the second writing tip 32 can be made, for example, of sintered powder polyethylene or of polyester fibers having a porosity of approximately 50%, such as those sold by Porex Products, Fairburn, Georgia. The porous pointed tip may also be made of acrylic or polyamide (eg, nylon) fibers having a porosity of approximately 60%; however, a porosity of at least about 50% or at most about 70% can also be used. Instead, a porous, pointed tip made of polyester fiber, such as sold by Teibow or Aubex (both from Japan), can be used to provide a potentially longer residence time without a cap (that is, allowing the writing medium to decrease evaporation). The density of the fibers of the porous pointed tip may be a minimum of approximately 0.1 g / cm ³ or a maximum of approximately 0.3 g / cm ³ . In addition, if desired, the density may vary along the longitudinal axis. For example, a higher density at the writing end may be desirable to prevent wobble. However, it should be noted that although a lower density can provide better ink flow immediately (i.e., the original ink flow at about the moment the writing element comes into contact with the writing surface), this does not necessarily provide better ink flow in overall (i.e. ink flow over the entire use of the writing element). However, both wobbling and fluidity of the ink can be taken into account when deciding on the density of the material of the pointed tip. In addition, various factors, such as cost, strength, stiffness, density, porosity, chemical resistance (for example, resistance to corrosion or destruction of the writing medium or components in contact with the writing medium), the length of time it takes for the tip material to dry out and ease of manufacture can be taken into account when choosing materials that can be used for a porous pointed tip.

As illustrated in both figures 5 and 6, the distal portion 33 of the porous pointed tip may have different profiles. For example, the distal portion 33 of the porous pointed tip may be inclined or straight. The angle 35 between the writing surface (not shown) and the distal portion 33 of the porous pointed tip is known as the angle of the bit (chisel), which can be any angle, usually approximately greater than 0 °, or, as a rule, approximately smaller than 90 ° (at 0 °, the rectilinear distal portion 33 of the porous pointed tip is obtained, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and at 90 °, a flat distal portion of the porous pointed tip (not shown) is obtained. Preferred exemplary ugo the distal portion 33 of the porous pointed tip is approximately 30 °. In addition, the second writing tip 32 may have a cross section that is round, square, conical, truncated in the shape of a cone, etc. Such profiles and sections are illustrative only and not limiting. the range of possible profiles and / or sections: Preferably, the distal portion 33 of the porous pointed tip is shaped and configured (for example, by selecting an appropriate angle and thickness) so that to provide the possibility of uniform marking without the effect of the "railway", for example, in the form of two lines with no marking between them.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second writing tip 32 may have various connecting elements. For example, the second writing tip 32 may have one or more teeth 40 protruding from it to engage the second reservoir 34 with the writing means. In another embodiment, an open end cylinder 42 may be used in the second writing tip 32 to engage the second reservoir 34 with the writing means.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, at least a portion of the outer writing element 22 may have a circular cross section 49 or a non-circular (e.g. oval) cross section 50, and an inner opening 54, 56 (respectively) of the outer writing element 22 has a circular cross section. In another embodiment not shown, at least a portion of the internal writing element 20 may have a non-circular (e.g., oval) cross section. The cross section of the outer writing element 22 can be selected so as to provide increased resistance to bending or wobbling (i.e., bending of the writing element that occurs during writing) compared to a writing element with an internal axial bore and a circular cross section. A circular inner hole 54, 56 facilitates axial movement of the writing elements 20, 22 relative to each other. However, in another embodiment, the inner hole 54, 56 may be oval or have a different shape.

Despite the fact that one reservoir can be used to supply writing medium to both writing elements 20, 22, it is desirable that the second recording medium reservoir 34 is separate and separate from the first recording medium reservoir 28. Thus, the reservoirs 28, 34 may contain different writing means or have different characteristics, for example, different colors.

It should be noted that the first and second writing reservoirs 28, 34 can be selected so that they have a writing ability that is slightly less than the writing ability of a writing instrument with one writing element having the same type of writing medium reservoir. For example, if the inner writing element 20 is a ballpoint pen, and the outer writing element 22 is a marker, the inner writing element 20 and the outer writing element 22 preferably have the same writing power as the standard ballpoint pen and standard felt-tip pen, respectively. A ballpoint pen in accordance with current industry standards can “draw” a line with a length of approximately 1800 meters; a felt-tip pen in accordance with modern industry standards can “draw” a line with a length of approximately 120 meters. Since the inner axial bore 24 "takes away" valuable space from the outer writing element 22, this requirement affects the maximum desired outer diameter of the outer writing element 22 and, therefore, the maximum desired outer diameter of the writing tool 10. The writing ability can be optimized while maintaining reservoirs within specified size limits through the skillful use of various factors, such as the combination of materials from which the outer th writing element, the wall thickness of elements and overall size of the handle. Based on the average frequency of use of a ballpoint pen and felt-tip pens, a writing ability ratio of about 10: 1 is desirable, that is, preferably the writing tool 10 provides about 10 meters of a line drawn with a ballpoint pen for every about 1 meter of a line drawn with a felt-tip pen. It should be understood that the desired external diameter and / or length of the finished writing instrument and other similar factors recognized by those skilled in the art may affect the desired reservoir capacity.

To actuate the writing tool 10, it is desirable to have a drive mechanism coupled in operative position to the at least one writing element 20, 22 to allow at least one writing element 20, 22 to move relative to the other writing element 20, 22. The drive mechanism may be actuated by moving at least a portion of the drive mechanism or other component connected to the drive mechanism. When actuating the drive mechanism, the desired writing element advances to the use position. Such a drive mechanism can be driven by twisting (i.e., a driving mechanism driven by twisting) a portion of the writing tool 10 or an element connected to it, or by pressing the push-button driving element in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the writing tool 10.

One exemplary drive mechanism 60 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The drive mechanism 60 includes two drive elements — a movable female cam 62 and an axial fixed cam male 64. It should be understood that the interactions of the various elements of the drive mechanism 60 with the elements of the writing tool 10 are applicable to other embodiments of the drive mechanism described herein. The movable cam 62 may be made of polyamide (e.g., nylon) or polyacetal (e.g., Delrin), and the male cam 64 may be made of polyacetal (e.g., Delrin). However, other materials can be used to make the movable cam 62 and the male cam 64. Various factors, such as strength, stiffness, and slipperiness (ie, smoothness), can be taken into account when choosing materials that can be used for the cams 62 and 64. Generally speaking, one writing element 20, 22 can be attached to the movable cam 62, and another writing element 20, 22 can be attached to the male cam 64, as described below with further details. The male cam 64 can be inserted into the hole 63 at the proximal end 65 of the movable cam 62. Although other insertion methods are possible, with the illustrated configuration of the cams 62, 64, insertion can be made by inserting the male cam 64 into the hole 63 at an angle (e.g. from approximately 35 ° to approximately 45 °) and subsequent alignment of the male cam 64 in a straight line when it is further inserted into the movable cam 62. The male cam 64 has a pin 68, which can be entirely tavlen in a spiral curved groove 66 of the movable cam 62.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism 60 is operable to provide movement of the outer writing element 22 relative to the inner writing element 20. The inner writing element 20 may be fixed relative to the outer casing 12 or may also be mounted axially movable. In such an embodiment, the outer writing element 22 can be connected in working position with the movable cam 62, and the inner writing element 20 can be attached to the male cam 64 or the outer casing 12. The outer writing element 22 can be held by longitudinal ribs (not shown) in the movable cam 62 For example, if the outer writing element 22 comprises a filling-type reservoir with writing medium, longitudinal ribs may cut into the filling-type reservoir with writing medium and / or into the filler. The proximal end 73 (FIG. 2) of the inner writing element 20 can be inserted into the hole (not shown) in the male cam 64 or can be attached to the outer casing 12 in another way to allow axial movement relative to the outer writing element 22. The inner writing element 20 may be located in male cam 64 so that the proximal end 73 of inner writing element 20 will not protrude from male cam 64.

In addition, a possible pressing element, such as a coil spring 61 (FIG. 3), may be located around the second writing tip 32 between the step 37 (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6) of the second writing tip 32 and the front safety cone 23. Thus thus, it is possible to push the outer writing element 22 back into the movable cam 62. It should be understood that when the outer writing element 22 is pulled into the writing or marking position, the spring 61 is compressed. Being compressed, the spring 61 essentially functions as an external tubular support for the second writing tip 32. Thus, the presence of the spring increases the structural stability of the second writing tip 32 and thereby further contributes to the hollow writing tip 32 being sufficiently structurally stable to provide effective writing or labeling. In addition, by pressing the outer writing element 22 into the movable cam 62, the spring 61 prevents weakening of the connection and / or separation of the outer writing element 22 and the movable cam 62 from each other, if this loosening and / or separation is not prevented at all, if if, for example, the writing instrument 10 is impacted, for example, when dropped / dropped, and the external writing element 22 hits the surface (for example, the surface of the floor, table, etc.). Various factors, such as strength and chemical resistance, can be taken into account when choosing the material to be used for the manufacture of the spring 61. For example, the spring 61 may be made of stainless steel 316 or any other suitable material. In addition, the spring 61 must be flexible enough to allow the operation of the drive mechanism 60, and at the same time strong enough to hold the outer writing element 22 in the movable cam 62. In addition, a sealing ring (not shown) around the second writing can be provided tip 32 between the second writing tip 32 and the front safety cone 23. This design can prevent / reduce the evaporation of the writing medium.

In one embodiment, the male cam 64 may be attached to the rear housing 16 so that the rotation of the rear housing 16 will cause the male cam 64 to rotate (preferably substantially corresponding to the rotation of the rear housing 16) and will not cause axial movement of the male cam 64 Although the male cam 64 can be attached to the rear housing 16 in a variety of ways, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the insertion member 70 can be pressed into the inner receiving e ement 29 (Figure 4). On the male cam 64, contact flats 169 may be provided for contacting the receiving flanges 69 of the rear housing (FIG. 4). As described in more detail below, FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment in which the male cam 364 is fixed relative to the rear housing 316 by inserting the protrusions 385 into the grooves 386 by contacting the surfaces of these elements and by bringing the flats 369 into contact with the receiving flats 391 of the rear corps. The movable cam 62, 362 can freely move relative to the rear housing 16, 316. The movable cam 62, 362 can also move freely in the axial direction, but not rotate, relative to the front housing 14 to extend or retract the writing element 20, 22.

In the operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 9, the rotation of the rear housing 16 (or any other component connected to the drive mechanism 60) causes the male cam 64 to rotate (preferably mainly corresponding to the rotation of the rear housing 16) and therefore the rotation the pin 68 in the curved groove 66. Since the movable cam 62 is locked against rotation, the rotation of the pin 68 in the curved groove 66 results in the axial movement of the movable cam 62 and the corresponding axial movement of one writing element nta 20, 22 relative to the other writing element 20, 22. Thus, if the movable cam 62 and the male cam 64 move axially relative to each other, the writing elements 20, 22 respectively connected to them also move axially relative to each other . The curved groove 66 can end in the locking grooves 67 or the like, in which the pin 68 can be positioned to prevent further turning of the male cam 64. The locking grooves 67 are extensions of the curved groove 66 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11 (FIG. one). Thus, the locking grooves 67 can ensure that the movable writing element 20, 22 is held in an extended or retracted position. The male cam 64 may also have a locking portion protruding radially outward, for example in the form of a locking element 72, which actually increases the outer diameter of the male cam 64, thereby preventing the male cam 64 from moving too far into the movable cam 62 when the proximal end 65 comes into contact with the locking element 72. However, there is a possibility that the pin 68 can reach the end of the groove 66 essentially at the same time that the locking element 72 comes into contact with the movable cam 62. K where the pin 68 reaches the end of the groove 66 or the locking element 72 comes into contact with the proximal end 65 of the movable cam 62, the rear housing 16 cannot be further turned so that the movable writing element 20, 22 will be fully extended and its distal end will protrude ( or, if desired, will be in the same plane as) the distal end of the stationary writing element 20, 22.

To enable movement of the inner and outer writing elements 20, 22 relative to each other, the drive mechanism 60 may be movably connected to the front housing 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the movable cam 62 may have two teeth 173, 174 that come into contact with the corresponding teeth 175, 176 of the front housing so that the movable cam 62 can move in the axial direction, but not rotate relative to the front housing 14. The teeth 173, 174 and 175, 176 can be made of the same material as the cam 62 and the front housing 14, respectively. Various factors, such as stiffness, strength and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when choosing the material to be used forteeth 173, 174, 175 and 176. It should be understood that other quantities and configurations of teeth are within the scope of the invention. For example, the movable cam 62 may have one tooth in contact with one tooth receiving component (not shown) made in the front housing 14. Alternatively, the front housing 14 may have one tooth coming in contact with one tooth receiving structure (not shown) made on the movable cam 62. Furthermore, for the drive means 60 illustrated in FIG. 9, any means of attaching the movable cam 62 to the front housing 14 can be used. Preferably, if the conf uracil driving mechanism at least allows movement of mobile cam 62 along the axis of front barrel 14.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the teeth 173, 174 on the movable cam 62 may be provided with respective guides 177, 178. The guide elements 179, 180 are provided on the front housing 14, for example, on the teeth 175, 176 of the housing. The rails 177 can come into contact with the rails 179, and the rails 178 can come in contact with the rails 180 so that the movable cam 62 can move in the axial direction, but not rotate relative to the front housing 14. When the rear housing 16 is rotated, the male cam 64 rotates to allow the movable cam 62 to move axially relative to the front housing 14 in the direction of the distal or proximal end. Therefore, the guides 177, 178 move along the guiding elements 179, 180. The teeth 173, 174, 175 and 176 can be located between the second reservoir 34 with writing medium (for example, a reservoir type filler with writing medium) and the outer casing 12. Thus, the teeth 173, 174 and 175, 176 will not come out of contact with each other and may break. It should be understood that configurations of mating elements other than those illustrated but configured to move the movable cam 62 are within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative mechanism with teeth. The drive mechanism 160 of FIG. 10 is similar to the drive mechanism 60 of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the movable cam 162 may have two teeth 273, 274 that come into contact with the corresponding teeth 275, 276 of the front housing so that the movable cam 162 can move axially but not rotate relative to the front housing 14. The teeth 273, 274 and 275, 276 can be made of the same material as the cam 162 and the front housing 14, respectively. Various factors, such as stiffness, strength and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when choosing the material to be used for I the manufacture of teeth 273, 274, 275 and 276. However, the material used for the teeth 273, 274, 275 and 276 is preferably brittle.

If desired, contacting elements can be provided for controlling the axial movement of the movable cam 162. Such contacting elements can be used, for example, to prevent the cam 152 from being pulled out too far. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, at least one of the teeth 273, 274 on the movable cam 162 can be made with protrusions 277, and the front housing 14 can be made with receiving elements 278, 279, for example, on the teeth 275, 276 of the housing. In the retracted position of the movable cam 162, the protrusions 277 interact with the first group of receiving elements 278 at the proximal end 281 of the teeth 275, 276 of the front housing. When the rear housing 16 is rotated, the male cam 164 rotates to allow the movable cam 162 to move axially relative to the front housing 14 in the direction of the distal end 282. Therefore, the protrusions 277 come out of contact with the first group of receiving elements 278, and when the movable cam 162 moves to in the axial direction for advancing one of the writing elements 20, 22, the protrusions 277 come into contact with the second group of receiving elements 279. Such an interaction prevents further the movement of at least one writing element 20, 22 outside the other writing element 20, 22. It should be understood that the configuration of the contacting elements, other than illustrated, but made to implement the movement of the movable cam 162, are within the scope of the present invention.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the exemplary drive mechanism 260 includes a movable female cam 262 and a male cam 264. The drive mechanism 260 may operate substantially similarly to the drive mechanism 60 or 160 to achieve a similar result. The male cam 264 can be inserted into the hole 263 at the proximal end 265 of the movable cam 262. Although other insertion methods are within the scope of the present invention, insertion can be made by inserting the male cam 264 at an angle (e.g., from about 35 ° to approximately 45 °) relative to female cam 262 and subsequent alignment of male cam 264 in a straight line when it is further inserted into female cam 262. Male cam 264 has a pin 268, which can be inserted into the spiral curved groove 266 of the movable cam 262. The curved groove 266 can end with locking grooves 267 (similar to the locking grooves 67 described above) or the like, in which the pin 268 can be positioned to prevent further turning of the male cam 264 and movable cam 262 relative to each other and to prevent further axial movement of the movable cam 262. This can provide a means of fixing the movable writing element 20, 22 in the extension whether or retracted position. The male cam 264 may also have a locking part, for example in the form of locking ribs 272 that actually increase the outer diameter of the male cam 264, thereby preventing the male cam 264 from moving into the movable cam 262 when the proximal end 265 comes into contact with the locking ribs 272. However, there is the possibility that the pin 268 can reach the end of the groove 266 essentially at the same time that the locking ribs 272 come into contact with the movable cam 262. Although the male cam 264 may be fixed to back barrel 16 in numerous ways, insertion member 270 may be press-fitted into inner receiving member 29 (Figure 4). On the male cam 264, contact flats 269 may also be provided for contacting the receiving flanges 69 of the rear housing (FIG. 4) to secure the male cam 264 relative to the rear housing 16.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism 260 is operable to provide movement of the outer writing element 22 relative to the inner writing element 20. The inner writing element 20 may be fixed relative to the outer case 12 or may also be mounted axially movable. In such an embodiment, the outer writing element 22 can be connected in working position with the movable cam 262, and the inner writing element 20 can be connected in working position with the male cam 264 or with the outer casing 12. The outer writing element 22 can be held in the movable cam 262 by means of longitudinal ribs 271 (shown by dashed lines in FIG. 11). For example, if the outer writing element 22 comprises a filler type reservoir with writing medium, ribs 271 may cut into the filler type reservoir with writing medium and / or into the filler. The proximal end 73 (FIG. 2) of the inner writing element 20 can be inserted into an opening (not shown) in the male cam 264 or can be connected in working position to the outer casing 12 in another way to allow axial movement relative to the outer writing element 22. The inner writing element 20 may be located in the male cam 264 so that the proximal end 73 of the internal writing element 20 will not protrude from the male cam 264.

To enable movement of the inner and outer writing elements 20, 22 relative to each other, the drive mechanism 260 may be movably attached to the front housing 14. For example, the surface of the hole with a non-circular cross section 50 (for example, oval) (Fig. 8) of the outer writing element 22 can contact the outer casing 12. The cross section 50 allows axial movement, but not rotation, of the movable cam 262 and the outer writing element 22 in an embodiment in which the inner surface of the front housing 14 also has a non-circular cross section. However, it should be noted that any other method of preventing rotation of the movable cam 262 relative to the front housing 14 can also be implemented. Thus, rotation of the rear housing 16 (or part of the outer housing 12 connected to the drive mechanism 260) causes the male cam 264 to rotate, which forces the pin 268 moves in the groove 266 in a spiral direction. Even though it may be possible to keep the movable cam 262 from turning, the movable cam 262 can still move in the axial direction. This leads to axial movement of the writing elements 20, 22 relative to each other.

12 shows another embodiment of the drive mechanism 460 with exemplary writing elements 20, 22. The drive mechanism 460 is formed of a cam 402, a counter-cam 404, and a closure member 406 that is for the cartridge and has a drive member 408 cam and preferably formed on the closure member 406. Although the cam 402 and the counter cam 404 are shown as two separate parts, it should be noted that they can be one complex part. The cam 402 and the counter-cam 404 can be made as a single part with their articulation together, as a result of which it is possible to open the cam 402 and the counter-cam 404, like a bivalve element (mollusk shell). A cartridge closing member 406 with a cam-driven member 408 is fitted onto the proximal end 409 of the outer writing element 22, and the closing member 406 may be a bivalve member to facilitate such fitting. Cam 402 and / or counter-cam 404 can be closed around the cartridge-oriented closing member 406. In particular, the cam-driven member 408 can be inserted into a spiral curved groove 410 (i.e., the space between the cam 402 and the counter-cam 404). Alternatively, the cartridge closing member 406 and the cam-driven member 408 may be pressed into the cam 402 and / or the counter-cam 404.

Cam 402, counter-cam 404, and inner writing element 20 can be locked against axial movement and rotation relative to the rear housing 416. As shown in FIG. 12, the cam 402 and the counter-cam 404 can be locked by mating the longitudinal rear ribs 412 in the rear housing 416 and grooves 415 of the cams made on the cam 402 and the counter-cam 404. The outer writing element 22 can freely move in the axial direction, but not rotate, along the longitudinal front ribs 420. Because intended for cards ridge the closing element 406 with the cam-driven element 408 can be attached to the outer writing element 22, it can also move freely in the axial direction.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 may also have a cartridge case 418 for guiding the movement of the outer writing element 22. The cartridge case 418 may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or any other suitable material. The cartridge housing 418 may have grooves 419 into which the longitudinal front ribs 420 of the front housing 41 are inserted. Rotating the rear housing 416 (or any part of the outer housing 12 connected to the drive mechanism 460) causes the cam 402 and the counter cam 404 to rotate, which, in turn, causes a movement of the cam-driven member 408 along the curved groove 410. The movement of the cam-driven member 408 is converted to axial movement of the cartridge closing member 406. Thus, while the inner writing element 20 remains stationary, the outer writing element 22 moves axially relative to it. The grooves 419 provide the axial movement direction of the outer writing element 22 due to the fact that the groove 419 moves along the longitudinal front ribs 420.

Another exemplary drive mechanism 560 is illustrated in FIG. 13. The drive mechanism 560 may be located in the outer housing 512. The drive mechanism 560 includes a fixed cam 564 in the form of a rotator with a spiral curved surface 580 (similar to those used in spin-driven retractable writing instruments) and a movable cam 562 as a follower an element having a protrusion 582 of the element driven by a cam, wherein said protrusion 582 moves along a spiral curved surface 580. The protrusion 582 of the element, driven by the cam com, is fixed from rotation relative to the outer casing 512 by holding this protrusion inside the slot 584 in the sleeve 586 in which the movable cam 562 is located. Thus, the rotation of the outer casing 512 causes the fixed cam 564 to rotate, which in turn causes the protrusion to move 512 elements driven by a cam along a spiral curved surface 580 and thus moving it axially along slot 584. The writing element 20, 22 is supported by a blanking cap 587 at the distal end of 588 of the movable cam 562 and thereby retracts or extends when the fixed cam 564 is rotated. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the fixed cam 564 differs from the rotators in the prior art in that a recess 589 is formed in it for holding the inner writing element 20 (and more precisely , - the first reservoir 28 with writing medium). The outer writing element 22 is in contact with the plug 587 for axial movement with it during axial movement of the movable cam 562. The spring 561, which is located between the front safety cone 592 and the step 594 of the outer writing element 22, presses the outer writing element 22 against the plug 587 (i.e. a spring 561 holds the plug 589 in constant contact with the outer writing element 22). The spring 561 can also hold the protrusion 582 of the driven member in contact with the spiral curved surface 580. Maintaining contact between the protrusion 582 and the curved surface 580 allows the drive mechanism 560 to work properly for the reasons described above with reference to the spring 61.

The drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 can be actuated by moving (for example, in the axial direction or rotational) the component forming the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 or attached to the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, as described above. When actuating any of the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, the movable writing element extends from the outer casing 12 so that its distal part extends beyond the distal part of the stationary writing element 20, 22. Therefore, the movable writing element can be used for marking the surface. Thus, the drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 provide the ability to select a given writing element 20, 22 through a simple operation. The drive mechanisms 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 allow the user to use one writing element 20, 22 one at a time or, if desired, even simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment in which the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 is actuated by moving the outer casing 12 (or part thereof), the proximal part 21 of the front casing can be connected to the distal part 18 the rear housing with the possibility of rotation of the buildings 14, 16 relative to each other, but with the provision of obstruction of their axial movement relative to each other. To prevent separation of the front housing 14 and the rear housing 16 from each other, the front housing 14 may have outer circumferential ribs 15. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 and more clearly in FIG. 4, the rear housing 16 may have inner circumferential ribs 17. It is desirable that the ribs 15, 17 are arranged so as to prevent axial movement of the bodies 14, 16 relative to each other, but at the same time, however, it should be possible to rotate the bodies 14, 16 relative to each other. To accomplish this, each outer circumferential rib 15 may be located adjacent to the inner circumferential rib 17. In one embodiment, at least one outer fin 15 may be located between the two inner ribs 17. Or at least one inner fin 17 may be located between two outer ribs 15. This configuration prevents the front housing 14 and the rear housing 16 from moving away from each other. In addition, the o-ring (not shown) may be located inside the distal portion 18 of the rear housing (other locations are also possible). The seal ring can provide smooth movement of the housings 14, 16 relative to each other and help prevent the writing medium from evaporating (i.e., prevent the writing elements 20, 22 from drying out). For example, the rear housing 16 may have a pair of inner circumferential ribs 17 with a sealing ring or one circumferential rib 17 with a sealing ring. The o-ring may be made of silicone rubber or any other suitable material. Various factors — for example, the ability to provide good sealing between the front and rear housings 14, 16 and their smooth movement relative to each other — can be taken into account when choosing the right material for the manufacture of the o-ring. In addition, a rib 19 (FIG. 3) may be provided on the proximal portion 21 of the front housing to provide abutment contact with the distal portion 18 of the rear housing and thereby prevent excessive movement of the rear housing 16 toward the distal end. It should be noted that the writing instrument cover (for example, cap 90 or 290, shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively, and described in more detail below) can interact with the rib 19 so that the writing instrument closure is held at the distal writing end of the writing instrument 10.

An exemplary drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 may be located at or near the proximal end 43 or distal end 41 of the writing instrument 10 (FIG. 1). Preferably, the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 is located at the proximal end 43 of the writing tool 10 so that it does not adversely affect the components and design of the writing elements 20, 22. Direct access to the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 or its driving elements can be provided, for example, either with a hole in the outer casing 12, or due to the fact that the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 is not closed at all by the outer casing 12. By at least one writing element 20,22 may be connected not in working position with the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560. Another writing element 20, 22 is made and arranged to move independently of at least one writing element connected to the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560, and can be connected, for example, with the outer casing 12. In another embodiment, both writing elements 20, 22 can be connected to the drive mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560. It should be noted that none of the two writing elements 20, 22 need not be directly connected to the drive m nism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560. Preferably, there are no intervening elements (not shown) connecting the actuating mechanism 60, 160, 260, 460, 560 to one or both writing elements 20, 22.

Returning to the consideration of the writing elements 20, 22, it can be pointed out that since the internal writing element 20 is mounted inside the external writing element 22, the internal writing element 20 is further (in the radial direction) from the outer casing 12 and further (in the radial direction) from the distal holes in the front safety cone 23 than in conventional writing instruments. In one embodiment, the front safety cone 23 may be made of a transparent material, for example, for aesthetic reasons. When using a transparent material, the gap between the outer writing element 22 and the front safety cone 23 is not so obvious. However, the front safety cone 23 and essentially any other part of the writing tool 10 can be made of transparent material, so that you can see the actions performed inside the writing tool 10. The front safety cone 23 can be made of polypropylene or other plastic or polymer. The material selected for the front safety cone 23 can be selected, for example, based on cost, ease of manufacture and resistance to vapor transmission or air tightness.

In addition, in one embodiment, to enable axial movement of the writing elements 20, 22 relative to each other, the external writing element 22 has an internal axial bore 24 (FIG. 2), the diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the internal writing element 20. This configuration may result to the heartbeat. Accordingly, it is desirable to solve the problem of any increased runout resulting from this. Thus, the stiffness of the inner writing element 20 and the support created by the outer writing element 22, individually or in combination, are preferably selected so as to minimize runout. While the inner axial bore 24 of the outer writing element 22 can provide some support for the inner writing element 20, the outer writing element 22 can provide only minimal resistance to backward runout. Therefore, it is desirable to exercise caution when choosing the stiffness of the writing elements 20, 22.

Rigidity may depend on various characteristics, such as wall thickness or material. Ideally, the inner writing element 20 has an outer diameter small enough to be able to be inserted into the inner axial bore 24 of the outer writing element 22, and at the same time, such a wall thickness that the inner writing element 20 can hold a sufficient amount writing medium. Such factors may affect the choice of material used for the internal writing element 20. The material may be metal and / or plastic. In addition, the first writing medium reservoir 28 may be formed from a material different from the material of the first writing tip 30. In one embodiment, the first writing medium reservoir 28 and the first writing tip 30 are made of plastic. To ensure maximum stability of the inner writing element 20 and to give stability also to the outer writing element 22, the first reservoir 28 with writing means can be made of metal. Combinations of materials other than those described herein may be used. In addition, other materials currently known, and those that will still be discovered, can be used instead of those described. Composite materials (i.e., a combination of two or more materials) can likewise be used.

It should be understood that since the internal writing element 20 may be in contact with the external writing element 22, it may also be desirable to select a material that is corrosion resistant, especially when the external writing element 22 has a filling-type writing reservoir means. Corrosion resistance is important because the first reservoir 28 with writing medium is located inside the internal axial bore 24. If the walls of the internal axial bore 24 are made of porous material that allows the writing medium contained in the outer writing element 22 to penetrate through it, the writing means from the outer writing element 22 may come into contact with the first reservoir 28 with the writing means. Over time, corrosion of the first writing medium reservoir 28 can cause the writing medium inside the first writing medium reservoir 28 to leak into the outer writing element 22, and vice versa. In addition, corrosion can adversely affect the performance of the writing tool 10 due to the resulting loss of writing medium.

Additionally or alternatively, an inner sleeve (not shown) may be provided in the inner axial bore 24 of the outer writing element 22, thereby reducing, if not eliminating at all, the severity of the problems associated with the selection of a corrosion-resistant material. Such a sleeve can also contribute to reducing, if not eliminating, the leakage of the writing medium from the second writing medium reservoir 34 through the internal axial bore 24 to the internal writing element 20. The internal sleeve may be provided in the internal axial bore 24. The inner sleeve may be made of polypropylene and may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm or a maximum of about 0.5 mm. However, other materials and thicknesses may be used. For example, if the inner sleeve is made of polypropylene, it may have a thickness of at least about 0.4 mm or at most about 1 mm. The inner sleeve can also be made from any shrinkable thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in which case the thickness of the inner sleeve can be at least about 0.05 mm or at most about 0.8 mm. Various factors, such as stiffness, chemical resistance and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when choosing materials that can be used for the inner sleeve.

The minimum and maximum values of the thickness of the inner sleeve made of polypropylene, respectively, depend on the extrusion process and writing ability. A thickness of approximately 0.4 mm is the minimum thickness that can typically be obtained by extrusion. Therefore, there is a possibility that the minimum thickness will be less than 0.4 mm, depending on the manufacturing process and other relevant factors, provided that the sleeve will still be able to perform its above functions. In addition, the maximum thickness may be more than 1 mm. However, it should be understood that using the inner sleeve or increasing the thickness of the inner sleeve may affect various characteristics of the remaining components of the writing tool 10, such as the dimensions of the elements. For example, resizing the outer writing element 22 can affect the ability of the outer writing element 22 to hold the writing means. In order to maintain the capacity of the outer writing element 22 (i.e., the amount of writing medium held therein), various changes can be made in the writing tool 10 to compensate for the presence of the inner sleeve or the increased thickness of the inner sleeve (for example, an increase in the outer diameter, or reducing the wall thickness of the outer casing 12, or reducing the thickness of the outer tubular casing 80 (Fig.3, 5 and 6), discussed below).

The outer writing element 22 may comprise a porous pointed tip and a filler type reservoir with writing means that includes a filler surrounded by a filler casing. A filler casing, such as filler casing 78, can generally be designed to maintain stiffness (i.e., by preventing the side walls of the second reservoir 34 of writing medium from flattening when squeezing it) and straightness (i.e. by allowing smooth movement of the outdoor recording medium element 22 inside the writing instrument 10). The filler casing 78 may also serve to hold the filler within the filler casing 78. In addition, the filler casing 78 may serve as a barrier to prevent the writing medium from passing through it and getting into the user's hands and / or fingers. The filler casing 78 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide (e.g. nylon), polyester or acetate and may have a minimum thickness of approximately 0.01 mm or a maximum thickness, which may depend on the size of the space within the writing medium tool 10, and manufacturing restrictions. Various factors, such as stiffness, chemical resistance and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when choosing the materials to be used. A sleeve (cuff) or other type of coating can also be provided on the outer surface of the outer writing element 22 (especially if the outer writing element 22 has a filling type reservoir with writing medium) to prevent leaks, unintentional marking and / or evaporation of the writing medium contained in it.

As shown in FIG. 3, at least the outer portion of the outer writing element 22 may be covered by a tubular casing 80, which may be non-porous or impermeable to fluids (or at least not impervious to writing means). In the event that the tubular casing 80 is non-porous or impermeable to fluids, the tubular casing 80 can protect the user from writing or marking means on his / her hands and / or fingers when handling the external writing element 22. Furthermore, in the case where the outer writing element 22 comprises a filling-type reservoir with writing medium similar to that shown in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the filler casing 78 may be closed by a tubular casing 80 (FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the tubular casing 80 can also cover part of the second writing tip 32 (especially if it is made in the form of a porous pointed tip). This design prevents the evaporation of the writing medium (since the smaller surface area of the second writing tip 32 is open to air) and, therefore, allows to increase the service life - both the shelf life and useful life of the external writing element 22. In addition, 5 and 6, a tubular casing 80 may also be provided above the second writing tip 32 (especially if this tip is made in the form of a porous pointed tip a) and can serve as a connecting member, for example, to hold second writing tip 32 and second tank 34 together with the writing medium. Thus, the use of the tubular casing 80 creates the possibility of refilling and facilitates refilling of the outer writing element 22 due to the fact that this casing "combines" the second writing tip 32 and the second reservoir 34 with writing means in one component or assembly. However, any construction or material that holds the second writing tip 32 together with the second writing reservoir 34 is possible, for example, stainless steel or a plastic rod, or a ring inside the tip 32 and / or reservoir 34; a clamp or ring crimped, squeezed or glued around the tip 32 or reservoir 34, or glue, or a bracket, or any other fastener.

A tubular casing 80 may be provided over the filler, filler shell 78 and / or porous pointed tip. The tubular casing 80 may be made of a shrink thermoplastic material, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polyamide (e.g. nylon) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropylene wrapping material. Various factors, such as cost, strength, chemical resistance, and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when selecting the material for manufacturing the tubular sheath 80. If the tubular sheath 80 is made of polypropylene, it may have a thickness of about 0.5 mm; however, a thickness of at least about 0.4 mm or a maximum of about 1.0 mm can be used. It should be understood that the greater the thickness of the tubular casing 80, the more similar to the structural element becomes the tubular casing 80. As a rule, it is desirable to form a tubular casing 80 of material that provides the ability to obtain the thinnest tubular casing 80 so that the presence the tubular casing 80 did not significantly affect the maximum outer diameter of the writing instrument 10. More preferably, the tubular casing 80 is of such a thickness that is necessary only to give a given it is resistant and / or leakproof with respect to the writing medium, and does not play any constructive role other than holding the external writing element 22 and the second writing tip 32 together. In other words, the tubular casing 80 can be so thin that it will not constitute a structurally stable element regardless of the outer writing element 22, and it simply provides a barrier to the fluid in relation to the reservoir 34 filling type with writing means. The tubular casing 80 may be flexible.

Thus, the tubular casing 80 can be made in the form of a wrapping material, such as a heat-shrink casing, which allows the formation of a tubular casing with the smallest achievable thickness, thereby contributing to the maintenance of a very small diameter of the writing instrument. If the tubular casing 80 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), it may have a thickness of approximately 0.15 mm. The minimum thickness may depend on the strength required to hold the second writing tip 32 in the second writing medium reservoir 34; on the amount of available space in the writing tool 10 to enable free movement of the drive mechanism (i.e., without seizing); from the ability to uniform shrinkage to a certain wall thickness; from resistance to tearing or splitting during shrinkage and from the speed with which shrinkage can occur. For example, the minimum thickness may be approximately 0.05 mm. The maximum thickness is mainly determined by the maximum thickness of the writing tool 10 and may be approximately 0.5 mm. Another advantage of the heat shrink tubular casing over the injection molded tubular casing is that the heat shrink tubular casing facilitates assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in another embodiment, the cartridge case 418 formed from a material that prevents the writing medium from leaking through it may be provided on top of the filling type outer writing element 22 instead of the tubular casing 80. The tubular casing 80 or cartridge case 418 may hold the second writing tip 32 and the second writing reservoir 34 together, that is, the second writing tip 32 will be attached to the second writing reservoir 34 and the tubular casing 80 or pus cartridge 418 will be located around them, thereby holding these elements together. Other advantages of the tubular housing 80 and the cartridge housing 418 may include: reduced evaporation of the writing medium from the outer writing element 22 and increased stability, thereby imparting to the writing elements 20, 22. In addition, the tubular housing 80 and the cartridge housing 418 allow easy refilling the outer writing element 22 without soiling.

Refilling can also be facilitated by creating the above-described writing instrument in such a way as to enable the replacement of any of the two writing elements 20, 22. Although devices of the prior art make it possible to refill writing elements, for example, ball-point pens, roller pens, no prior art device allows re-filling a writing element such as a porous pointed tip and a combination of a writing element t na porous nib and pen, pencil, marker, etc. A writing element such as a porous pointed tip can have a filler (for example, a filler type reservoir with writing medium) holding the writing medium, or it can be without filling (that is, ink is not contained in the filling). Therefore, another feature of the present invention that is independent of the above-described features is the formation of a writing instrument with a writing element such as a porous pointed tip so that the writing element such as a porous pointed tip can be replaced when the writing means contained therein is used up.

To enable replacement of one or both of the writing elements 20, 22, the outer casing 12 is preferably configured to allow access to one or both of the writing elements 20, 22. In addition, the writing elements 20, 22 are preferably retrievable inside the outer casing 12 to provide quick removal options if desired. Access to the writing elements 20, 22 can be provided either at the distal end 41, or at the proximal end 43 of the writing instrument 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the outer casing 12 has a removable front safety cone 23 configured to allow access to the outer writing element 22, which makes it possible to remove and replace the writing elements 20, 22. The front safety cone 23 may have an internal thread 27 designed to connect to the external thread 25 at the distal end of the pen the bottom housing 14, so that the front safety cone 23 can be screwed onto the front housing 14 and screwed onto the front housing 14. In addition, another embodiment may have both a removable front safety cone 23 and a removable button on the rear end. Alternatively, the front housing 14 and the rear housing 16 may be configured to separate them from each other to allow access to the writing elements 20, 22 located therein.

16, another replacement mechanism is illustrated. The male cam 364 may function together with the movable cam 62, 162, 262, 362 (shown as the movable cam 362) and the end button 380 to form a replacement mechanism, thereby facilitating re-filling of the writing elements 20, 22. The male cam 364 together with a movable cam 62, 162, 262, 362 attached to it can be inserted into the rear housing 316, while the contacting flats 369 come into contact with the receiving flats 391 of the rear housing (figure 4). The end button 380 is configured to facilitate fixing the male cam 364 relative to the rear housing 316. When the internal thread 382 of the end button 380 is screwed onto the external thread 381 of the male cam 364, the end button 380 approaches the rear housing 316. At the same time, the conical surface 383 is pressed against the inner surface 384 cam, resulting in a tight compression of the contacting flats 369 to the rear housing 316 and prevents axial movement of the male cam 364 rel relative to the rear housing 316. To prevent the male cam 364 from rotating relative to the rear housing 316, for example, while the writing tool 10 is operating, and to allow the end button 380 to be screwed onto it (i.e., to hold the male cam 364 stationary while the end button 380 is being screwed on) ) the protrusions 385 are inserted with sliding into the grooves 386 in the rear housing 316. When the end button 380 is further screwed onto the external thread 381, the conical surface 389 is “retracted” into the rear housing 316, which creates There is preferably an airtight fit between the rear housing 316 covered by the cam 364 and the end button 380. The rotation of the end button 380 on the male cam 364 stops when the contact surface 387 of the end button comes into contact with the contact surface 388 of the rear housing. In addition, male cam 364 may further include an o-ring 390 to provide an airtight seal between male cam 364 and the rear housing 316, thereby preventing the writing medium of writing elements 20, 22 from being vaporized. Such an airtight seal is especially important when one of writing elements or both writing elements carry a volatile writing medium.

By using the replacement mechanism of FIG. 16, the writing elements 20, 22 can be replaced when the writing means of the writing element 20 and / or 22 is used up. 17 illustrates one example of a refill device 400, which may include writing elements 20, 22, a movable cam 362, and a male cam 364. It should be noted that the movable cam 362 and / or male cam 364 can be used repeatedly when replacing writing elements only 20, 22.

If one of the writing elements 20,22 remains in the extended position (that is, the writing tip 30 or 32 cannot be pulled back to a position inside the outer casing 12) or if at least one of the writing elements 20, 22 contains a volatile writing means , it would be desirable to close the writing element 20, 22 to prevent evaporation of the volatile writing means. A cap 90 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 14 may be used. Cap 90 may be made from a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene, or from polypropylene (but other materials are also possible). Various factors, such as weldability or ability to stain / finish, resistance to vapor transmission or air tightness, cost and ease of manufacture, can be taken into account when choosing the material to be used. Through the opening 94 of the cap, it can be worn on the distal end 41 (FIG. 1) of the writing instrument 10 and can be fixed relative to it using the contacting rib 19 on the front housing 14 (FIG. 3). However, instead of a cap 90, any similar structural element can be used that appropriately covers the writing elements 20, 22. It should be noted that the cap may be purely decorative and / or may not be designed to prevent the writing medium from drying out. That is, there may be other reasons for putting the cap on the writing instrument 10. For example, the cap 90 can prevent the first writing tip 30 or the second writing tip 32 from malfunctioning. In addition, the cap 90 can prevent unintentional marking by unintentional use of any of two writing tips 30, 32.

If, as described above, the writing means of at least one of the writing elements 20, 22 is volatile, a vapor tight seal 92 is preferably provided within the cap 90 to prevent the writing means from evaporating. The vapor-tight seal 92 can be placed in the cap body 96 in such a place that it can be quickly and reliably connected to the outer case 12 to isolate the writing elements 20, 22. The vapor-tight seal 92 can be designed to seal the tight seal of both the first writing tip 30 and the second writing tip 32 due to the fact that it comes into contact with the distal end 93 (Fig.3) of the front safety cone 23. In another embodiment, the vapor tight seal Section 92 may be in contact with any distal part of the outer casing 12.

Although not necessary, a clip 100 can also be provided on the cap 90, so that the writing tool 10 can be attached to any item that the user desires. However, other fastening means may be used. The clip 100 can surround the vapor tight seal 92, while it can contact the cap body 96 and rest on the cap support portion 194. In addition, the clip 100 can be attached to the cap 90 by placing the clip between the cap body 96 and the upper cap 102. Although any means for connecting the cap body 96 and the upper cap 102 can be provided, the circumferential ribs are shown in FIG. 192 in contact with the circumferential ribs 190 to hold the cap body 96 and the upper cap 102 together.

Alternatively, a cap 290 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 15 may be used. Cap 290 may be made of a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene, or of polypropylene (but other materials may also be provided). Similarly to cap 90, various factors such as weldability or ability to stain / finish, resistance to vapor transmission or air tightness, cost and ease of manufacture can be taken into account when choosing the material to be used for cap 290. Through cap opening 294, it can be worn on the distal end 41 of the writing instrument 10 and can be fixed relative to it using the contact ribs 19 on the front housing 14 (figure 3). A vapor tight seal 292 may also be provided inside the cap 290 to prevent the writing medium from evaporating. The vapor-tight seal 292 can be placed in the cap body 296 in such a place that it can be quickly and reliably connected to the outer case 12 to isolate the writing elements 20, 22. The vapor-tight seal 292 can be designed to seal both the first writing tip 30 and the second writing tip 32 due to the fact that it comes into contact with the distal end 93 (Fig.3) of the front safety cone 23. In another embodiment, the vapor tight seal 292 can contact any distal part of the outer casing 12. The cap 290 can be made with an air passage element 298 and an opening 204 that allow air to pass through the cap body 296 to prevent choking (asphyxiation) if the cap 290 is swallowed. On the cap, it can also a clip 200 is provided, so that the writing tool 10 can be attached to any item to which the user desires. The clip 200 may surround venting means 298 and contact the cap body 296. In addition, the clip 200 can be attached to the cap body 296 by placing a clip between the cap body 296 and the upper cap 202.

Although the foregoing description and drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that various additions, modifications, and replacements can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from its essence or essential characteristics. A person skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be used with many modifications of the design, layout, proportions, materials and components used in the practice of the invention, which are especially adapted to certain environments and operating requirements, without departing from the principles of the present invention . Therefore, the embodiments disclosed now should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-limiting, while the scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims and is not limited to the above description.

Claims (35)

1. A writing instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, comprising an outer casing having an open distal end at the distal end of the writing instrument and a proximal end at the proximal end of the writing instrument; an internal writing element having a first writing tip and a first reservoir with writing means; and an external writing element having a second writing tip and a second reservoir with writing means; wherein the inner and outer writing elements are located in the inner axial passage opening extending through the second writing tip and the second reservoir with writing means; the internal writing element is located in the internal axial passage opening passing through the specified second writing tip and the second reservoir with writing means; the first writing tip is in direct working contact with the first reservoir with writing means; the second writing tip is in direct working contact with the second reservoir with writing means; and the outer writing element is movable relative to the outer casing. 2. The writing instrument according to claim 1, additionally containing a drive mechanism that is connected in working position with the external writing element. 3. The writing instrument according to claim 2, in which the drive mechanism is located at the proximal end of the writing instrument. 4. The writing instrument according to claim 1, in which the second writing tip is a porous pointed tip. 5. The writing instrument according to claim 4, in which the porous pointed tip contains a connecting element that connects in a working position the porous pointed tip with the first reservoir with writing means. 6. The writing instrument according to claim 5, in which the connecting element is at least one tooth. 7. The writing instrument according to claim 5, in which the connecting element is a cylinder with an open end. 8. The writing instrument according to claim 4, in which the second reservoir with writing medium is a reservoir of the filling type. 9. The writing instrument of claim 8, in which the second reservoir with writing medium has a non-circular cross section. 10. The writing instrument of claim 9, wherein the non-circular cross section is oval. 11. The writing instrument according to claim 4, in which the first writing tip is selected from the group consisting of a porous pointed tip, a ball writing element, a roller writing element, pen, chalk, charcoal pencil and stylus. 12. The writing instrument according to claim 1, in which the internal writing element is a writing element of a solid type. 13. The writing instrument according to claim 1, in which the internal writing element has a wall formed of non-corrosive material. 14. The writing instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a movable cam connected to the proximal end of the outer writing element; a fixed cam attached to the proximal end of the outer casing, wherein the movable cam moves along the fixed cam to allow the outer writing element to move axially relative to the outer casing; and a pressing element, pressing the outer writing element to bring it into contact with the movable cam. 15. The writing instrument according to claim 1, in which the internal writing element is a structurally stable thin writing element; the second writing tip is a porous pointed tip; and the second writing reservoir is a filling type reservoir. 16. The writing instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a coil spring located around the second writing tip for pressing the outer writing element in the direction of the proximal end. 17. A writing instrument having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, comprising an internal writing element having a first writing tip located adjacent to the distal end of the writing instrument, and a first reservoir with writing means, the first reservoir with writing means having a rear end ; an external writing element having a second writing tip located near the distal end of the writing instrument, and a second reservoir with writing means, the second reservoir with writing means having a rear end; and a drive mechanism that is connected in the working position, at least with the outer writing element; in which the internal axial bore passes through the second writing tip and the second reservoir with writing means; the inner writing element is located in the inner axial bore in the outer writing element; the inner and outer writing elements are arranged to move axially relative to each other; the drive mechanism is located at the rear end of the second reservoir with writing means; and actuating the drive mechanism causes axial movement of the outer writing element. 18. The writing instrument of claim 17, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a first drive element and a second drive element movably connected to each other. 19. The writing instrument according to claim 18, wherein the first drive element is connected in operative position to the internal writing element; the second drive element is connected in working position with the outer writing element; and one of the first and second drive elements is connected to at least a part of the outer casing so that moving a part of the outer casing enables the drive mechanism to move one of the writing elements in the axial direction. 20. The writing instrument according to claim 1, in which the inner and outer writing elements are located in the outer casing having an open distal end at the distal end of the writing instrument and a proximal end at the proximal end of the writing instrument; and the outer writing element is movable relative to the outer casing. 21. The writing instrument according to 17, in which the drive mechanism further comprises a movable cam attached to the proximal end of the outer writing element; and a fixed cam attached to the proximal end of the outer casing, wherein the movable cam moves along the fixed cam to allow the outer writing element to move axially relative to the outer casing; and the writing tool further comprises a pressing element, pressing the external writing element to bring it into contact with the movable cam. 22. The writing instrument according to 17, in which the internal writing element is a structurally stable thin writing element; the second writing tip is a porous pointed tip; and the second writing reservoir is a filling type reservoir. 23. The writing instrument according to 17, further comprising a coil spring located around the second writing tip for pressing the outer writing element in the direction of the proximal end. 24. A filling type writing instrument comprising an outer case; a filler type reservoir with writing medium located inside the outer casing and containing a filler saturated with writing medium; and a porous pointed tip connected to a filling-type reservoir with a writing medium; in which the outer casing includes a removable element that provides access to the reservoir filling type with writing means; and the filling-type reservoir with writing medium has an impermeable writing medium that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the filling-type reservoir with writing medium and a porous pointed tip to allow manipulation of the filling-type reservoir with writing medium and a porous pointed tip without getting dirty the writing agent contained in them. 25. The writing instrument according to paragraph 24, in which the impermeable to the writing medium element contains a polypropylene shell. 26. The writing instrument according to paragraph 24, in which the element impermeable to the writing medium is non-porous. 27. The writing instrument according to paragraph 24, in which the element impermeable to the writing medium is as thin as possible so that it has little effect on the maximum outer diameter of the writing instrument. 28. The writing instrument according to claim 27, wherein the element impermeable to the writing medium has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm. 29. The writing tool according to item 27, in which the porous pointed tip is held together with the reservoir type filler with writing medium through the specified element, not permeable to writing medium; and the element impermeable to the writing medium does not play any role as a structural element in the writing instrument, except for holding the filling-type reservoir with the writing means and the porous pointed tip together. 30. The writing instrument according to paragraph 24, in which the element impermeable to the writing medium is not structurally stable regardless of the filling type reservoir with the writing medium. 31. A writing instrument having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, wherein the writing instrument comprises an internal writing element having a first writing tip and a first reservoir with writing means; an external writing element having a second writing tip and a second reservoir with writing means; in which the first writing element is a structurally stable thin writing element; the second writing tip is a porous pointed tip; the second reservoir with writing medium is a reservoir of the filling type with writing medium; an internal axial bore passes through a second writing tip and a second reservoir with writing means; the inner writing element is located in the through inner axial bore of the second writing tip and the second reservoir with writing means; and the outer writing element is arranged to move it in the axial direction of the relative inner writing element. 32. The writing instrument according to p, in which the first reservoir with writing means is a tubular reservoir for holding writing means. 33. The writing instrument according to p. 31, in which the first reservoir with writing medium is a solid type writing medium. 34. The writing instrument according to p, in which the inner writing element and the outer writing element are located in the outer casing; and the outer writing element is configured to move in the axial direction when the part of the housing is rotated. 35. The writing instrument of claim 31, further comprising a fluid-impervious wrapping material on top of the outer writing element, wherein the writing tool further comprises an outer casing having a removable element providing access to the external writing element to remove and replace the external writing element .

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