US3288114A

US3288114A - Writing impelement

Info

Publication number: US3288114A
Application number: US324652A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ritter Wilhelm
Original assignee: JACOB RITTER KOM GES Firma
Current assignee: JACOB RITTER KOM GES Firma
Priority date: 1963-04-27
Filing date: 1963-11-19
Publication date: 1966-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 1983-11-29
Also published as: DE1294850B

Description

Nov. 29, 1966 w. RlTTER WRITING IMPLEMENT Filed NOV. 19, 1963 .70 vemor: \AJIUMLM R New United States Patent Ofifi ce 3,288,114 Patented Nov. 29, 1966 2 Claims. of. 120-42.0s

The invention relates to a writing tool or implement, such as a ball point pen, but not limited thereto, provided with a longitudinally adjustable filler or refill, wherein the adjustment of the spring-loaded filler is effected by means of a pressure pin having an inclined pressure surface and an arresting catch directly connected thereto, the catch engaging in a groove in the outer case of the writing tool.

In such implements, and especially in ball point pens, the arresting catch, as a general rule, is disposed on a rseilient or elastic tongue which is fastened to the longitudinally adjustable pressure pin. The tongue usually enables installing of the pressure pin in the pen casing from above and also facilities the engagement of the arresting catch in the groove in the casing. The arresting catch may have the form of a simple projection, e.g., a peg or lug. In this case, two grooves, one above the other, can be provided in the casing, the lower one serving for arresting in writing position, the other for arresting when in retracted position. However, it is possible to have merely one groove in the casing. In that case, the arresting catch must be formed in steps or else the arresting catch as well as the groove must be of a suitable shape, for instance, a T-form.

The embodiment of the adjustment for the refill in the manner described has the advantage that the writing implement, except for the refill and its spring, consists solely of two parts, i.e., the casing and the pressure pin, each of which can be fabricated in one piece, e.g., by injection molding of a plastic. However, this embodiment also has the grave disadvantage that the tension of the resilient or elastic tongue decreases with age and, hence, the arresting effect and reliability of the implement correspondingly decrease. A further drawback resides in the fact that the tongue has the tendency toward breaking or snapping off.

The disadvantages named are not present in the writing implement according to the invention. In the latter, the arresting catch has two stop faces disposed one above the other, and the groove in the casing is slightly larger than the height of the arresting catch. Furthermore, the pressure surface of the pressure pin inclines downwardly from the side upon which the catch is located and carries a clip on the side where the catch is situated. The arm or shank of the clip faces downward and covers the groove in the casing. Finally, the casing is provided on its upper end with a slit opposite the groove which pe rmits resilient yielding of the upper wall parts upon introduction of the pressure pin, provided with the arresting catch, into the casing.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the arresting catch is disposed directly upon the pressure pin, not on a resilient tongue. This prevents a decrease in the arresting action with age, and parts liable to break are eliminated. In addition, the pressure pin is simpler than those in the writing implements heretofore known. The mobility of the casing required for introduction of the pressure pin with the arresting catch and for adjustment of the filler into working or resting position is caused by the slit in the wall of the casing which proceeds in a downward direction thus permitting elastic yielding of the upper part of the casing and a resilient engagement of the arresting catch in the groove.

Novel and of importance also is the feature whereby the pressure surface of the pressure pin slopes downwardly in the direct-ion opposite the location of the arresting catch. This causes pressure in the direction of the arresting catch when the pin is depressed which, in turn, causes a reliable engagement of the catch in the groove. The clip disposed on the catch prevents a disengagement of the catch from the groove unless direct pressure is exerted on the clip. Therefore, the clip cannot counteract the disengagement pressure as is the case when clip and catch are on opposite sides since the pressure must be exerted on the catch. It is self-understood that the clip must be formed, and fastened to, the pressure pin in such a manner that it does not lie against the casing along its total length, but that it is able to 'move forward with the pressure pin over a given distance when pressure is applied, in the direction of said pressure. Another advantage of the invention resides in the fact that the lower end of the clip always is pressed resiliently and firmly against the casing so that a secure and permanent position in the pocket of the wearer is assured. This action is caused by the exertion of upward pressure of the spring around the filler, this pressure acting upon the pressure pin. That, in turn, affects a tipping of the pressure pin with the clip over the arresting catch so that the end of the clip must lie firmly against the casing.

A preferred embodiment of the invention now will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawing. However, it should be understood that this is given merely by way of illustration, not of limitation, and that numerous changes may be made in the details without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a writing implement, shown as a ball point pen, with the filler or refill in retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the same pen as in FIG. 1 in writing position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the upper end of a casing;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a pressure pin with clip;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a section along the lines AB of FIG. 4.

Referring now to these drawings, the ball point pin shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively consists of a casing 1 and pressure pin 2. On the side of pin 2 facing clip 4, an arresting catch 3 is disposed having two stop faces, 3a and 3b, respectively. In the lower end of pressure pin 2, a recess 5 in the shape of a truncated cone is disposed wherein the upper end of the cartridge or refill 6 comes to rest. The spring around the lower end of refill 6 comes to rest. The spring around the lower end of refill 6 is numbered 7. The pressure surface 8 of pressure pin 2 slopes downwardly, away from the side where catch 3 is disposed. Casing 1 is provided with groove 9 which accommodates arresting catch 3 and is of greater height than catch 3. Furthermore, casing 1 is provided, at its upper end opposite groove 9, with a slit 10.

In accordance with the invention, clip 4 is disposed integrally on pressure pin 2 not opposite arresting catch 3, but on the same side, and its junction with pin 2 is at such a height above the upper edge of easing 1 that free upward and downward movement of pin 2 therein is assured. Clip 4 lies against the outer wall of casing 1 solely at its lower end 4a, whereas at the upper end sufiicient distance is provided that its pressure movement is feasible.

In order to avoid that slit 10 is pressed too far apart upon disengagement of catch 3 from the arresting position by the exertion of pressure upon clip 4, the provision of recesses 11 on both sides of pressure pin 2 is recom mended. Moreover, it is advantageous to dispose a lug- 3 type edge projection 12 along the side of pin 2 opposite catch 3. Projection 12 extends into s'lit thus rendering the space between the edges of the slit substantially invisible.

The action of the mechanism described is as follows:

Upon assembly of the writing implement, pressure pin 2 is pushed into the upper end of casing 1 until stop face 3a of arresting catch 3 engages in groove 9. This position is shown in FIG. 1. Because casing 1 is provided with sli-t 10, it yields resiliently or elastically, and the presence of arresting catch 3 on pin 2 does not deter from the ease of assembly.

When pressure is exerted upon the sloping pressure surface 8 of pressure pin 2, the latter slides downwardly until stop face 312 gets into the area of groove 9 and engages therein. This puts the implement in writing position, as shown in FIG. 2.

Disengagement of the refill from that position is carried out by pressing shortly against the upper end of clip 4 causing the upper part of pressure pin 2 to be displaced in the direction of slit 10 and catch 3 to be pressed into the inside of easing 1.

By means of the pressure caused by spring 7 on cartridge 6, an upward pressure is exerted on pressure pin 2 which causes, in cooperation with arresting catch 3, a tipping of pressure pin 2 so that the lower end 4a of clip 4 is pressed resiliently against casing 1. The disadvantage commonly experienced with writing implements provided with a clip, that the clips strength and action decreases with age, is avoided thereby.

What is claimed is:

1. In a writing implement comprising a casing, a spring- -loaded cartridge disposed therein, and means for extension of said cartridge through the lower end of said casing and for retraction in the opposite direction, the improvements which comprise, in combination, a slit in the upper end of said casing; a groove near the upper end, and opposite to said slit, of said casing; a pressure pin inserted in said casing from above, having an upper surface sloping away from the side where said groove is located and having a recess in its lower end to house the upper end of said cartridge; recesses disposed along the sides of said pressure pin facing both sides of said slit; a projection on said pressure pin corresponding to, and extending into, said slit; an arresting catch directly and integrally fastened to the side of said pressure pin facing said groove, said catch having an upper and a lower stop face, each adapted to engage in said groove, one for writing and one for retracted position; a clip integrally fastened to said pressure pin at the highest point of said sloping surface, said 4, clip being at a distance from said casing .at said highest point, so as to allow free movement of said pressure pin, and lying firmly against said casing at its lowest point, and protectively cove-ring said groove.

2. A writing implement comprising, in combination, a casing; a cartridge disposed therein; a spring surrounding the lower end of said cartridge; said casing, at its upper end, being provided with a slit and with a groove near the upper end opposite said slit; a pressure pin inserted in said casing from above, having an upper surface sloping away from the side where said groove is located and having a recess in its lower end to house the upper end of said cartridge; recesses disposed along the sides of said pressure pin facing both sides of said slit to prevent undue spreading apart of said slit upon assembly of the implements; a projection on said pressure pin corresponding to, and extending into, said slit thereby rendering the space of the slit in said casing substantially invisible; an arresting catch directly and integrally fastened to the side of said pressure pin facing said groove, said catch having an upper and a lower stop face, each adapted to engage in said groove, one for writing position of said cartridge whereby said cartridge extends through the lower end of said casing, the other for retracted position of said cartridge fully within said casing; a clip integrally fastened to said pressure pin at the highest point of said sloping surface, said clip being at a distance from said casing at said highest point, so as to allow free movement of said pressure pin, and lying firmly against said casing at its lowest point; said spring causing said upper stop to disengage from said groove when pressure is brought to bear upon said highest point thus setting said cartridge from writing into retracted position; said writing position being attained by pressing said sloping surface downward thereby engaging said upper stop face in said groove.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,037,483 6/ 1962 Caviglione -4203 3,179,087 4/1965 Kahn 12042.0 3 3,203,402 8/ 1965 Lockwood 120-4203 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,000,831 10/ 1951 France. 1,094,542 12/ 1954 France. 1,293,034 4/1962 France. 1,311,003 10/ 1962 France.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. HERBERT F. ROSS, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A WRITING IMPLEMENT COMPRISING A CASING, A SPRINGLOADED CARTRIDGE DISPOSED THEREIN, AND MEANS FOR EXTENSION OF SAID CARTRIDGE THROUGH THE LOWER END OF SAID CASING AND FOR RETRACTION IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THE IMPROVEMENTS WHICH COMPRISE, IN COMBINATION, A SLIT IN THE UPPER END OF SAID CASING; A GROOVE NEAR THE UPPER END, AND OPPOSITE TO SAID SLIT, OF SAID CASING; A PRESSURE PIN INSERTED IN SAID CASING FROM ABOVE, HAVING AN UPPER SURFACE SLOPING AWAY FROM THE SIDE WHERE SAID GROOVE IS LOCATED AND HAVING A RECESS IN ITS LOWER END TO HOUSE THE UPPER END OF SAID CARTRIDGE; RECESSES DISPOSED ALONG THE SIDES OF SAID PRESSURE PIN FACING BOTH SIDES OF SAID SLIT; A PROJECTION ON SAID PRESSURE PIN CORRESPONDING TO, AND EXTENDING INTO, SAID SLIT; AN ARRESTING CATCH DIRECTLY AND INTEGRALLY FASTENED TO THE SIDE OF SAID PRESSURE PIN FACING SAID GROOVE, SAID CATCH HAVING AN UPPER END AND A LOWER STOP FACE, EACH ADAPTED TO ENGAGE IN SAID GROOVE, ONE FOR WRITING AND ONE FOR RETRACTED POSITION; A CLIP INTEGRALLY FASTENED TO SAID PRESSURE PIN AT THE HIGHEST POINT OF SAID SLOPING SURFACE, SAID CLIP, BEING AT A DISTANCE FROM SAID CASING AT SAID HIGHEST POINT, SO AS TO ALLOW FREE MOVEMENT OF SAID PRESSURE PIN, AND LYING FIRMLY AGAINST SAID CASING AT ITS LOWEST POINT AND PROTECTIVELY COVERING SAID GROOVE.