US2076470A

US2076470A - Magazine pencil

Info

Publication number: US2076470A
Application number: US95233A
Authority: US
Inventors: John A Leimer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-08-10
Filing date: 1936-08-10
Publication date: 1937-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 1954-04-06

Description

Ap 6, 1937. J; A. I EIMER MAGAZINE PENCIL Filed Aug. lO, 1956 7' mvx-:NToR

m ma m v HIS ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 6, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 15 Claims.

Iviy invention relates to writing instruments and includes among its objects and advantages the provision of an improved magazine .lead pencil.

An object of my invention is to provide a mechanical pencil in which a large number of sharpened writing points may be carried and sharpened writing points substituted for worn points by a simple manipulation of the pencil.

The invention also includes means for repelling writing points.

A further object is to provide a novel clutch for gripping the writing point projecting from the pencil, and in which the clutch is characterl ized by a shifting action longitudinally of the pencil only, thereby eliminating distortionV of the clutch.

Another object is to provide a simple and eflicient spring check and release cooperating with the clutch to prevent writing points from falling out of the pencil when the clutch is adjusted to a releasing position.

A further object is to provide a clutch designed to secure effective gripping action on the writing point projecting from the pencil so as to prevent any free movement of the writing point.

In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. l is a perspective View of the pencil;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view along the line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional View along the line 4-4 n, of Fig. 3; Y

"" Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing th pencil adjusted to eject the worn point;

Fig. 6 is a sectional vieW illustrating another adjustment of the pencil;

l, Fig. 7 is a sectional View along the line 'I-'I of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view along the line 8 8 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lead con- O trolling mechanism illustrating the parts in separated relation.

In the embodiment selected to illustrate my invention, I make use of a pencil I8 having a tapered end I2 and a cap i4 housing an eraser i8. The barrel of the pencil comprises a tubular part I8 xedly connected at 28 With an inner tube 22 slidably mounted within a tubular part 24 of the same diameter as the part I8 and normally positioned in end to end relation therewith, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

The tapered end I2 comprises an extension of a tube 26 connected as a unit with the tubular part 24 lthrough the medium of a coupling meinber 28. In Fig. 2, I illustrate the coupling member as having threaded relation at 38 with the

tubular parts

24 and 26. The

parts

24 and 26 are xedly connected as a unit When drawn into firm end to end relation upon the coupling member. In lieu of the threaded connection between the

parts

24, 26, and 28, part 26 may be made as an integral part of the tube 24 and the sleeve 28 iixedly connected therein by any suitable manner of keying.

The coupling member 28 is in the nature of a sleeve having internal threads 32 for the reception-of the threaded end 34 of a clutch head 36 xedly connected within one end of the tube 22. Thus, the clutch head 38 may be disconnected from 4the sleeve 28 by turning the tubular part I8 about the longitudinal axis of the pencil relative to the tube part 24.

Within the barrel of the pencil I mount a lead magazine 38 in the nature of a tube substantially coextensive in length withk a pencil proper. One end of the lead magazine 38 is slidably mounted Within a tubular support 48 including a lange- 42 welded about its periphery to the tubular part I8. I provide the tubular part I8 with internal threads 44 having threaded con' nection with a thimble 46 carrying the eraser I6. The inner end of the thimble 46 includes a wall 5I) carrying a pin 52 projecting into the lead magazine 38. The cap I4 encloses the eraser I6 illustrated'in Fig. 2. This cap has frictional relation with the thimble 46.

In Figs. 2, 4, and 5, I illustrate the lead magazine 38 as containing a plurality of writing points 58, each having a sharp point 60. These writing points are arranged in end to end relation, but are of such diameter as to move freely of their own Weight longitudinally of the magazine 38. The writing points 58 may comprise material such as is used in conventional lead pencils.

With a writing point 58 projecting from. the pencil according to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the writing point is held iirmly by a clutch 62 cooperating with the tapered end I2 for clamping the writing point. When the clutch 62 is opened for releasing the writing point held thereby, the Writing points are: restrained from falling through the clutch end of the pencil by two fingers 64 of a spring check and release 66 mounted on the clutch.`

Referring to Fig. 4, which illustrates the pencil adjusted for writing purposes, the lead magazine 38 extends loosely through a sleeve 68 loosely mounted within the bore 'I8 of the clutch head 36. Sleeve 68 is flared at 'I2 to extend over one end of the clutch head 36 while the opposite end of the sleeve carries a thrust collar 'I4 having abutting relation with the opposite end of the clutch head.

The thrust collar 'I4 is fixedly connected with the sleeve 88 and carries a thrust arm 16 terminating in a projector point I8 which extends partly across the path of the Writing points 58 .in the magazine 8S, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The

thrust arm l5 may be shifted longitudinally of the pencil by unscrewing the clutch head 36 from the coupling member 28, at which time the thrust collar 'M and its thrust arm 'l5 together with the sleeve 88 may be retracted and advanced with the clutch head 35.

The spring check and release 66 is U-shaped in cross section with its flat reaches 82 lying against the dat sides 84 of the clutch 62. Each reach 82 carries an extension 86 which is bent to lie over the clutch 62, as indicated at 81 in Fig. '7 for connecting purposes. The spring check and release is made of resilient material so that the reaches 82 may be separated sufficiently to permit the spring check and release to be pressed over the clutch 82 for assembly purposes. In Fig. 9, the clutch 62 is shown to include a plurality of spaced resilient gripping elements 88 arranged to dene a central opening 90 for receiving the writing points 58.

I lixedly connect one end of the lead magazine 38 with the clutch 62, which magazine is arranged in axial alignment with the opening 88 and communicates therewith for delivering the writing points 58 to the opening. The fingers 64 extend into the path of the writing points 58 through two of the spaces between the gripping elements 88 and comprise integral extensions of the side plates 82. The fingers are narrower than the spaces to permit free movement of the ngers 64, and the degree of gripping action of i the ngers upon the writing points 58 is determined by the spring tension of the lingers.

In Fig. 9, one end of the coupling member 28 is shown provided with a wall 8A having a recess 96 constituting a race for the thrust arm 16. The thrust arm 'l5 moves freely longitudinally of the coupling member 28 but is restrained from relative rotary movement because of the guiding relation between the walls of the recess 96 and the thrustarm. The thrust arm is slidably positioned between two of the gripping elements 88, as illustrated in Fig. 7. l

The two gripping elements 88 associated with the thrust arm 16 are spaced sufficiently far apart to freely accommodate the projector point 'I8 which is urged inwardly because of the spring tension in the thrust arm 78. Movement of the thrust arm '.'6 inwardly of the pencil is limited by reason of ledges lili) on the elements 88 which are positioned underneath the thrust arm 16. These ledges operate to prevent'the thrust arm 'I6 from moving inwardly to a degree that might damage the writing points 58. Fig. 4 illustrates the thrust arm 'I6 at its maximum inward position. At the same time, the thrust arm I6 is free to move suiciently far rearwardly of the pencil to bring the projector point 'I8 into propelling relation with the rear end of the writing point 58 in the clutch 62 (see Fig. 5).

In flattening the clutch at 84, I provide abutments 82 and |84 which have abutting relaaovafro tion with the ends ID3 and |85, respectively, of the spring check and release 66. The close relation between the reaches 82 and the flat surfaces 84 prevents rotation of the spring check and release upon the clutch 62. Similarly, the clutch 62 is flattened at E86, and the flattened surface extends underneath the wall 94 to restrain the clutch 62 from any rotary movement within the pencil. Any clamping relation established between the clutch 62 and the tapered end I2 is brought about by shifting of the clutch longitudinally of the pencil. 'I'he clutch 52 is so mounted as to be properly aligned with the thrust arm 'I6 at all times.

While the iingers 64 and the thrust arm 'I6 lie within the contour of the clutch 62, the relation is such as to permit sufficient movement of the gripping elements 88 for constituting an effective grip on the Writing points 58. Fig. 4 illustrates writing adjustment of the parts, at which time the projector point 'i8 lies behind the writing point 58 projecting from the pencil, and the gripping elements 88 are clamped rmly against the Writing point because of the taper I2.

In substituting a new writing point 58 for the worn point I88 of Fig. 5, the clutch head 36 is unscrewed from the coupling member 28 and the tubular members I8 and 24 separated to the position of Fig. 5. In separating the member I8 from the member 24, the clutch head 36 is shifted rearwardly of the member 24, which moves the thrust arm 18 to a position where the cam surface I'I 8 on the projector point 'I8 engages the end of the magazine 38 for lifting the projector point clear of the bore of the magazine.

With the parts adjusted according to Fig, 5, the clutch head 36 is arranged in abutting relation with the collar II2 xedly mounted on the lead magazine 38. Coupling member 28 has abutting relation with the rear end of the spring check and release 56 for limiting the rearward movement of the clutch 52 within the taper I2. The slight shifting action, or backlash, of the clutch rearwardly of the taper I2 is suilicient to permit the gripping elements 88 to separate sufciently far to permit the writing points 58 to pass freely through the opening 88 of the clutch 62 for lead propelling and repelling purposes.

The gripping elements S8 are so shaped as to separate when moved out of pressure relation With the tapered end I2, and the material of the clutch has sumciently resilient properties to withstand the necessary flexing for gripping and' releasing purposes. Since the iingers 64 extend into the path of the writing points 58, the writing points are prevented from falling through the released clutch 62 when the pencil is held in an upright position with the taper I2 pointing downwardly.

To propel the writing point 58 in the rear of the worn writing point E88, the clutch head 36 is separated from the coupling member 28 and the tubular part I8 pulled rearwardly to the position of Fig. 5. Upon disconnection of the clutch head 35 from the coupling member 28, the expanding tension of the gripping elements 88 effective against the taper I2 causes the clutch 62 to move rearwardly. Such rearward movement permits the gripping elements 88 to separate for enlarging the opening 88 to a degree which permits the writing points to pass freely therethrough.

In most cases, the tension of the gripping elements 88 is sufficient to shift the clutch rearwardly. In cases where the tension is insufcient or the clutch should fail to automatically release for other reasons, a slight rearward pull on the member I8, after the clutch head 36 has engaged the collar IIZ Xedly connected on the magazine 38,

will exert a pull on the magazine 38 and shift the clutch 62 rearwardly of the tapered end I2.

Positive rearward shifting of the clutch 62 by manual force requires no separate act, and is consummated naturally by rearward shifting of the member I8 for moving thethrust arm 'I8 rearwardly for positioning the projector point 'I8 in the rear of the writing point 58 to be propelled. With the parts adjusted according to Fig. 5, the clutch head 38 is arranged in abutting relation with the collar I I2. At this time, the end |85 of the spring check and release 66 has abutting relation with the coupling member 28, with the shoulders IIs of the clutch 62 arranged in spaced relation with the coupling member 28.

After the clutch head 36 has been moved into engagement with the collar H2, if the clutch has not already released itself, the clutch may be pulled rearwardly a distance equal to the space between the rear end |85 of the spring check and release 86 and the coupling member 28 for shifting the clutch to a releasing position. Complete separation of the tube 22 from the outer tube 2li is prevented because of the abutting relation between the rear end |05 of the spring check and release and the coupling member 28 when the tube I8 is pulled rearwardly.

In shifting the tubular member I8 to the position of Fig. 5, the thrust arm I8 is pulled rearwardly of the pencil to a position where the cam surface II8 upon the projector point 'I8 engages the end of the magazine 38 and cams the projector point 'I8 out of the path of the writing point to be advanced. In such position of the projector point I8, the lead to be advanced may drop freely 40 into the expanded clutch.

Since the ngers 64 extend into the path of the writing points, the worn point |88 will be held by the fingers 68 in the open position of the clutch. The point to be propelled is prevented from falling out of the clutch because of its abutting relation with the worn point |88 when the pencil is held in an upright position with the taper I2 pointing downwardly.

With the writing point to be advanced lodged in the expanded clutch, the rear end of the writing point is in advance of the projector point I8 so as to be engaged thereby when the thrust arm 'I6 is pushed forwardly. A slight forward movement of the tubular part I8 brings the projector point I8 out of camming relation with the end of the magazine 38 so as to position the projector point i8 in abutting relation with the rear end of the writing point to be advanced. 'I'he new writing point is advanced easily since the resisting forces are limited to the tension of the iingers 64.

As the tubular part I8 is pushed toward the tubular part 24, the new writing point pushes the worn writing point |88 free of the gripping fingers 84, at which time the worn point is completely released from the pencil. In the releasing adjustment of the clutch 62, the pressure of the gripping elements 88 against the wall of the taper I2 constitutes a resisting force greater than the 0 resisting forces between the gripping fingers 88 and the worn point so that the clutch will be held in its releasing position until the worn point has been pushed from the pencil and the new point moved to its proper position within the clutch to be clamped thereby. Because of the slight resisting forces incident to the fingers 84, the worn point may be easily pushed out of holding relation with the fingers without damage to the point of the new writing point being advanced.

When the tubular member I8 has been pushed suiliciently far to advance the new writing point to its proper position within the clutch, the new writing point is prevented from being advanced a further distance through the abutting relation between the thrust collar 'I4 and the rear end of the clutch 62. After such abutment has been established, further advance of the tubular member I8 pushes the clutch inwardly of the tapered end` I2 for pressing the gripping elements 88 into holding relation with the new writing point. Final forward adjustment of the tubular part I8 is determined by the threaded relation between the clutch head 36 and the coupling member 28. As the clutch head 38 is being screwed home, the clutch 62 is pressed firmly to its nal position within the tapered end I2.

Referring to Fig. 4, the projector point 'I8 is arranged in abutting relation with the writing point projecting from the pencil so as to constitute an abutment capable of resisting forces applied to the writing point while in use. The abutting relation between the projector points 'I8 and the rear end of the writing points supplements the holding action of thegripping elements 88 upon the lead.

It will be noted that the projector arm 16 is positioned at all times within the race 88. In this way, the projector arm-is restrained from relative rotary movement Within the coupling member 28, which restraining movement is also eifective with respect to the clutch 62 because of the relation between the flat surface |88 and the wall 88. The thrust collar 'I4 and the thrust arm 'I6 prevent the rotary movement of the clutch head from reaching the clutch. Thus, I prevent any relative rotary movement of the clutch. All adjustments of the clutch bodily are longitudinally of the pencil. In limiting the clutch to a shifting action longitudinally of the pencil, a durable construction is attained, one in which the gripping elements 88 are protected against distortion which would result if the clutch were rotated under pressure within the taper I2.

'My pencil includes means for repelling the writing points. In repelling, the clutch head 38 is unscrewed from the coupling member 28 and the part I8 is shifted to the position of Fig. 5 with the tapered end I2 held upwardly.

Since the end of the spring check and release 86 projects rearwardly beyond the shoulders II of the clutch 62, a further pull on the member I8 with the clutch head 38 in abutting` relation with the collar II2, and the end |85 of the spring check and release 66 in abutting relation with the coupling member 28, will pull the clutch |52 rearwardly between the plates 82 until the shoulders I I4 have engaged the wall SII. Fig. 6 illustrates such adjustment of the parts.

The shoulders |82 define obtuse angles with respect to the attened faces 84 so that the ends |88 of the plates 82 will have camming relation therewith for imparting a separating action to the plates 82. Such separation of the plates causes the fingers 64 to separate sufficiently far to release the writing point in the clutch 62.

With the clutch 62 and the spring check and release 88 adjusted according to Fig. 6, the angular reaches IIS), of the plates 82 will lieon the ledges H8 formed on the clutch 62. The increased spring tension incident to separation of the plates 82 will cause the reaches H6 to have suflicient frictional relation with the ledge H8 to hold the parts adjusted according to Fig. 6.

With the pencil adjusted to its repelling position, the lead magazine 38 is clear of any and all mechanical obstructions. In case of accidental jamming or clogging of the magazine 38, l the magazine may be cleaned by a suitable instrument with no danger of damaging mechanical parts which in other adjustments project into the path of the writing points.

As the clutch is pulled backward into the spring check and release EB, the shoulders H4 on the clutch 62 are brought into abutting relation with the wall 94, which prevents further separation of the plates 82. With the pencil held with the tapered point I2 pointing upwardly,

and the fingers E4 separated, the writing point in the clutch 62 will drop of its own weight to a position within the magazine 38 entirely within the clear of the outer end of the taper I2. The repelled writing point falls to a position in the rear of the projector point 'i8 so as not to be propelled when the pencil is adjusted to its normal condition for carrying purposes.

After repelling, the pencil is adjusted to its normal condition by advancing the tubular member IB together with the clutch head 35 and the thrust collar 'M until the thrust collar '14 comes into abutment with the rear end of the clutch 62 and pushes it forward into the tapered end l2. This action brings the angular reaches H5 of the plates S2 into abutment with the inner face of the tapered end l2. Continued forward movement of the clutch after such abutting relation has been established pushes the angular reaches H6 01T the ledges H8 so that the plates 40 B2 will resume their normal relation with respect to the flat faces 84.

In operating the pencil for propelling and expelling purposes, there is no danger of accidentally shifting the parts to the repelling adjustment, as a very much greater force is required to draw the tubular part I8 to the repelling position than is required for merely shifting the part to its propelling and expelling position. This is due to the pressure of the plates 82 against `the fiat sides 84 of the-clutch 62 and the additional resistance between the ends IS and the camming shoulders H32. The operator, in drawing back the tubular member E8, quickly learns to distinguish between the rst degree of resistance caused by the abutting relation between the rear end of the spring check and release 56 and the wall 94 for propelling and expelling purposes, and the second degree of resistance caused by the abutting relation between the shoulders H4 of 60 the clutch 62 and the wall 94.

In the act of repelling, the rear part of the magazine 38 is lengthened by the tubular support iii as it is drawn back with the tubular part i8. This is a very desirable feature when the magazine 38 is lled to capacity with writing points, as it permits all writing points to shift back far enough to make room for the writing point being repelled to fall behind the projector point 78 so as not to be propelled into the clutch when the pencil is adjusted to its normal position. After repelling and adjustment of the pencil to its normal position, the fingers 64 and the projector point 'i8 prevent the writing points from protruding or falling out of tapered end I2.

In the normal position of the pencil, the pin 52 projects into the magazine 38. This pin performs a protective function for the rearmost writing point during the repelling adjustment of the pencil. The pin projects inwardly of the magazine and constitutes an abutment for the rearmost writing point when the writing points are shifted rearwardly for repelling purposes so as to prevent the rearmost writing point from dropping entirely clear of the magazine 38.

After repelling, the pin 52 engages the rearmost writing point and pushes all the writing points inwardly of the magazine. In functioning as an abutment that permits the rearmost Writing point to only partially leave the magazine 38. the pin 52 prevents any breaking of the rearmost writing point which might occur if the writing point moved completely out of the magazine into the tubular support 4G. In Fig. 2, I illustrate the rear end of the magazine 38 as being counterbored at |20, facilitating loading of the magazine 38 with a supply of writing points 58.

My pencil embodies a simple construction whereby new writing points 58 may be easily and quickly substituted for the worn points. A large supply of these points may be carried in ie magazine 38, and the construction is such that a new writing point may be easily substituted by simple manipulation of the parts.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully explain my invention that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

I claim:

l. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed Within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, and an operating connection between the actuating part and said clutch for moving the same into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end.

2. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, an operating connection between the actuating part and said clutch for moving the same into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, and means associated with the clutch i;

for releasably holding the propelled lead in the lead releasing adjustment of the clutch.

3. A pencil comprising a barrel having tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, an operating connection between the actuating part and said clutch for moving the same into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, means associated with the clutch for releasably holding the propelled lead in the lead releasing adjustment of the clutch,

and means for rendering the holding action of said means inoperative.

4. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plu- Cil rality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the a 'propelled lead, said clutch being xedly connected with the magazine and being arranged to receive leads therefrom, and an operating connection between the actuating part and said magazine for moving the clutch into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end.

5. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, said clutch being iixedly connected with the magazine and being arranged to receive leads therefrom, an operating connection between the actuating part and said magazine for moving the clutch into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, and means associated with the clutch for releasably holding the propelled lead -0 in the lead releasing adjustment of the clutch.

6. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a pluraln ity of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch e" positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, said clutch being xedly connected with the magazine and being arranged to receive leads therefrom, an operating connection between the actuating part and said magazine for moving the clutch into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, and means associated with the clutch for releasably holding the propelled lead in the lead releasing adjustment of the clutch, and means. for rendering the holding action of saidmeans inoperative.

'7.'A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a clutch including resilient elements positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the gripping elements into clamping relation with the propelled lead, said gripping elements being spaced, resilient means associated with the clutch and positioned between some of the gripping elements for releasably holding the propelled lead with the clutch shifted to its releasing position, and an operating connection between the actuating part and said clutch for moving the same into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end.

8. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a clutch xedly connected with said magazine and including gripping elements having pressure relation with the C5 tapered end for moving the gripping elements into clamping relation with the propelled lead, means for restraining rotary movement of the clutch relatively to the tapered end, an operating connection between the actuating part and said 70 clutch, said gripping elements being spaced apart,

and resilient fingers carried by the clutch and positioned between some of the gripping elements for releasably supporting the propelled in the releasing position of the clutch.

5 9. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping. clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for mov- 'v ing the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, an operating connection between the actuating part and said clutch for moving the same into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, and a projector arm connected with said connection for advancing a lead into the clutch.

l0. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end andan actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, an operating connection betweeny the actuating part and said clutch for moving the same into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, a projector arm connected with said connection for advancing a lead into the clutch, and means for moving the projector arm out of the path of an advancing lead.

11. A pencil comprising a barrel having atapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a clutch xedly connected with one end of the magazine, said clutch including resilient elements positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the gripping elements into clamping relation with the propelled lead, said gripping elements being spaced apart, a spring check and release movably related to the clutch and having lingers positioned between some of the spaces between the gripping elements for holding a lead positioned between the latter, an abutment positioned within the barrel, cam means carried by the clutch for separating said ngers, and an operating connection between said actuating part and the magazine for moving the clutch out of pressure relation with the tapered end, said spring check and release being arranged to engage said abutment for moving the same into engagement with said cam means, to separate the fingers.

12. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a clutch including resilient elements positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the vgripping elements into clamping relation with the propelled lead, said gripping elements being spaced apart, a spring check and release movably related to the clutch and having lingers positioned between some of the spaces between the gripping elements for holding a lead positioned between the latter, an abutment positioned within the barrel, cam means carried by the clutch for separating said fingers, an operating connection between said actuating part and the magazine for moving the clutch out of pressure relation with the tapered end, said spring check and release being arranged to engage said abutment for moving the same into engagement with said cam means, to separate the fingers, a projector arm connected with the magazine for movement therewith, said projector arm being arranged to engage the inner end of the lead positioned in the clutch,

and means for camming the projector arm out of the path of the leads in the magazine.

13. A pencil comprising a two part barrel having an operating connection permitting separation of the parts, one of the parts including a tapered end, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, said magazine being xedly connected with the clutch and arranged to deliver leads thereto, a clutch head slidably mounted on said magazine and fixedly connected with said operating connection, a projector arm loosely connected with said clutch head for pushing a lead into said clutch, said projector arm having a part normally positioned within Said magazine, and means for camming the projector arm to the clear of the magazine when said parts are separated.

14. A pencil comprising a two part barrel having an operating connection permitting separation of the parts, one of the parts including a tapered end, a lead gripping clutch positioned Within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with` the propelled lead, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a, plurality of sharpened leads, said magazine being xedly connected 'with the clutch and arranged to deliver leads thereto, a clutch head slidably mounted on said magazine and Xedly connected with said operating connection, a projector arm movably connected with said clutch head for pushing a lead into said clutch, said projector arm having a part normally posi- -tioned within said magazine, means for camming the projector arm to the clear of the magazine when said parts are separated, a spring check and release carried by said clutch, said spring check and release including resilient elements arranged to hold the lead in the clutch in the releasing position of the clutch, and means for shifting the fingers to a releasing position upon a predetermined degree of separation of Said parts.

15. A pencil comprising a barrel having a tapered end and an actuating part, a magazine housed within the barrel for containing a plurality of sharpened leads, a lead gripping clutch positioned within the tapered end of the barrel and having pressure relation therewith for moving the clutch into clamping relation with the propelled lead, said clutch being fxedly connected with the magazine and being arranged to receive leads therefrom, an operating connection between the actuating part and said magazine for moving the clutch into and out of pressure relation with the tapered end, means associated with the clutch for releasably holding the propelled lead in the lead releasing adjustment of the clutch, and means for moving the last named means into non-holding relation with the lead.

JOHN A. LEIMER.