US3597100A

US3597100A - Writing implement

Info

Publication number: US3597100A
Application number: US29890A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walter C Ganz
Original assignee: K C PEN CO Inc
Current assignee: PENN CORP
Priority date: 1970-04-20
Filing date: 1970-04-20
Publication date: 1971-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-03

Abstract

A retractable writing implement comprises a barrel including an integrally threaded upper section, and an upper cap section rotatably supporting an externally threaded coaxial tubular actuator, which releasably engages the barrel threaded section. A cartridge carrier slideably and rotatably registers with the actuator upper portion. An inner arcuate flange affixed to the cap is spaced from the carrier to delineate a shoulder-terminated path along which is movable a finger affixed to the actuator to opposite ends of the path, and a finger projects from the flange into engagement with a vertical groove in the carrier. The carrier and actuator have complementing end-to-end cylindrical cams. Another embodiment restricts relative rotation of the cap and body by interaction of the cooperating cam surfaces.

Description

3,205,864 9/1965 401/116 X 3,272,184 9/1966 Crowley 40l/l 16 3,289,637 12/1966 Tessier 401/75 3,292,592 12/1966 Chapman et 401/116 Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles Attorney-Howard C. Miskin ABSTRACT: A retractable writing implement comprises a barrel including an integrally threaded upper section, and an upper cap section rotatably supporting an externally threaded coaxial tubular actuator, which releasably engages the barrel threaded section. A cartridge carrier slideably and rotatably 401/110, registers with the actuator upper portion. An inner arcuate 401/1 16 flange affixed to the cap is spaced from the carrier to delineate 843k 2l06 a shoulder-terminated path along which is movable a finger af- 401/109 fixed to the actuator to opposite ends of the path, and a finger 11l- 116, 75-78 projects from the flange into engagement with a vertical groove in the carrier. The carrier and actuator have complementing end-to-end cylindrical cams. Another embodiment restricts relative rotation of the cap and body by interaction of 401/1 16 the cooperating cam surfaces.

Walter C. Gm New York, N.Y. AppL No. 29,890

Apr. 20, 1970 Patented Aug. 3, 1971 K. C. Pen Co., Inc, Brooklyn, N.Y. Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 846,465, Aug. 31, 1969, now abandoned.

12 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,753,844 7/1956 United States Patent [72] Inventor [22] Filed [73] Assignee [54] WRITING IMPLEMENT hUV Hhu rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I v Patented Aug. 3, 1971 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENIOR. WALTER C. GANZ FIG! l. ll

WRITING IMPLEMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to improvements in writing instruments and it relates particularly to a replaceable full-size cartridge writing instrument, in which the writing element is advanced and retracted by the relative turning of different sections of the instrument.

Many different types of mechanisms have been employed and proposed to selectively advance and retract a writing element, such as a ballpoint cartridge or the like, out of and-into the writing implement barrel. These retracting mechanisms are actuated in many manners. The mode of the operation wherein axially spaced parts of the writing instrument are relatively rotated possess many advantages, but mechanisms of the type have been generally characterized by numerous drawbacks, including not being usable with standard cartridges, complexity, bulkiness and high cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved writing instrument.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved writing instrument with a selectively fast-acting, retractable writing element.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved writing instrument of the retractable type provided with a replaceable standard writing cartridge.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a writing instrument in which the writing element is quickly advanced or retracted with the turning of a section of the instrument.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a writing instrument of the above nature, characterized by its inexpensiveness, ruggedness, compactness, ability to accommodate thick cartridges, reliability, and ease and convenience of use and operation.

The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments thereof.

In a sense the present invention contemplates the provision of a retractable writing instrument comprising a barrel member having first threaded section, a cap member, an axially extending tubular actuating member carried by said cap member and rotatable relative thereto, and provided with a second threaded lower section releasably engaging said first threaded section, a cartridge carrier coaxial with and axially movable relative to said actuator member, interengaging track and follower means located on said cap and carrier, rotatably coupling said carrier and cap while permitting relative axial movement thereof, interengaging cam and follower means located on said actuator and carrier for axially moving said carrier upon rotation thereof relative to said actuator member, and means for limiting the rotation of said cap relative to said actuator to a predetermined angle.

According to one form of the improved writing instrument the cartridge carrier projects through the top opening into the actuating member and an arcuate flange ofless than 360 projects inwardly from and is rotatable with the cap member and delineates with the carrier outer wall an arcuate passegeway terminating in stop-defining end shoulders. A finger projects upwardly from the actuator into said passageway, so that the cap may turn independently of the actuator for the length of the passageway, and thereafter turns the actuator to loosen or tighten it together with the cap to the barrel depending on the direction of rotation. A finger is directed inwardly from the arcuate flange into engagement with a vertical groove in the cartridge carrier to effect concurrent rotation of the cap and carrier while permitting independent axial movement of the carrier. The carrier and actuator have complementary end-to-end cylindrical cams formed therein, so that relative rotation of the actuator and carrier, as effected by the turning of the cap relative to the barrel, effects the advance or retraction of the carrier and any writing cartridge engaged thereby.

The improved writing instrument is rugged, inexpensive, compact and reliable, is simple and convenient to operate and use, and can accommodate thick and heavy cartridges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 with the cartridge illustrated in a retracted condition;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevational view of the retractable cartridge carrier;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrated in a carrier advanced condition;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the centerline of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a layout of the curve path of the follower of the cartridge in writing position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Refer ring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 to 7 thereof, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 10 generally designates the improved twistable writing instrument in the form of a replaceable cartridge ballpoint pen, which includes a lower tubular barrel member 11 and a relatively rotatable upper tubular cap 12 having a closed top. The barrel member 11 includes an open-ended cylindrical metal shell 13 having a downwardly converging conical wall 14 defining an openended tip. An internally threaded tubular core 16 preferably formed of a synthetic plastic, telescopes and is affixed in some convenient manner to shell 13, such as press-fit, bonding or the like, and terminates shortly below the top edge of shell 13.

Cap 12 comprises a tubular metal section 17 coaxially positioned end to end with shell 13 and of the same diameter as and rotatable relative to shell 13. A sleeve 18 nests in and is affixed in some convenient manner, such as press-fit or bonding, to the upper part of tubular section 17, and is provided along its upper edge with an inwardly directed integrally formed peripheral flange l9. Coplanar with and directed inwardly from flange 19 is an arcuate flange 20 extending for about and terminating at opposite ends in stop-defining radial shoulders 21. Projecting radially inwardly from flange 20 and coplanar therewith is a medially positioned arcuate guide finger or key 22.

A tubular actuator member 23 is coaxially rotatably housed in cap 12 and projects upwardly into sleeve 18 and downwardly beyond the bottom edge thereof, and is advantageously formed of a synthetic plastic. The upper end face of actuator 23 slidably abuts the under face of flange 19 and as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is provided with an integrally formed upwardly directed finger 24 of a radial dimension approximately that of shoulders 21 and movable with the relative rotation of actuator 23 along an arcuate path into alternative engagement shoulders 21. It should be noted that the upward movement of actuator 23 in cap 12 is prevented by flange I9, and the downward movement thereof is prevented by a sleeve 25 telescoping and affixed to tubular section 17 and projecting below the bottom edge thereof and rotatably engaging the face of actuator 23 when cap 12 is rotated. A peripheral lip 26 is directed outwardly from actuator 23 and abuts the upper edge of sleeve 25.

The bottom section 27 of actuator 23 is of reduced outside diameter, and its upper edge is delineated by a shoulder which normally abuts the top edge of core 16 when pen is assembled, section 27 being externally threaded and releasably engaging internally threaded core 16. When assembled, ends of cap 12 and barrel shell 13 are slightly spaced from each other.

Integrally formed on the upper inner face of actuator 23 is a cylindrical cam 28, which includes an upper valley or depressed portion 29 and an opposite lower rise portion 30, the cam rise and valley portions 30 and 29 being interconnected by opposite outwardly converging end runs 32.

A tubular chuck or cartridge carrier 33 is coaxial with and projects through the upper end of actuator 23 and is axially movable and rotatable relative thereto. A vertical groove or keyway 34 terminating in top 340 and bottom 34b stop shoulders is formed in the upper outer face of carrier 33 and slideably engages finger 22, whereby to limit the vertical movement of carrier 33 and effect the rotation thereof with the rotation of cap 12 relative to barrel 11. In effect finger 22 of cap 12 and groove 34 of carrier 33 form a track and follower construction for rotatably coupling the cap and carrier while permitting relative axial movement. As seen best in FIG. 4, the outer upper face of carrier 33 delineates with the inner edge of flange 19 an arcuate passageway 36 terminated by shoulders 21 and slidably engaged by finger 24.

A cylindrical cam 37 is integrally formed on the inner lower face of carrier 33, and rotatably and slideably engages the inside face of actuator 23 below cam 28. The cam surface of cam 37 complements that of cam 28, so that the cam surfaces may be brought into mating engagement. Cam 37 includes a rise portion 38, an opposite valley or depressed portion 39, and interconnecting upwardly converging inclined side runs 40. Thus, in the instrument assembled condition when cam rise portions 30 and 38 are in registry, as illustrated in FIG. 7, carrier 33 is in its lowered advanced position and finger 24 abuts one shoulder 21, and when cams 28 and 37 are in mating condition with their rise portions registering with opposing valley portions, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, carrier 33 is raised to its retracted position, and finger 24 abuts an opposite shoulder 21.

The lower inside face 45 of carrier 33 is conical to facilitate the insertion of the inner end of a writing cartridge 41. Carrier 33 is generally tubular in its lower end to accommodate a cartridge 41 and retains the cartridge by friction. The carrier is open at its upper end to allow air to pass through to the cartridge. Cartridge 41 is of conventional construction and includes an outer writing tip 42. A helical compression spring 43 is entrapped in the known manner in the barrel and urges the cartridge upwardly, towards the cap, and as shown in FIG. 2, between barrel tip portion 14 and a shoulder on cartridge 41, to resiliently urge cartridge 41 and carrier 33 upwardly toward their retracted positions.

Considering now the operation of the improved writing instrument 10 when the cartridge 41 and carrier 33 are in their retracted positions cams 28 and 37 are in mating relationship and finger 24 engages upper shoulder 21 as viewed in FIG. 4. To advance carrier 33 and cartridge 41, cap 12 is rotated clockwise about 180 relative to barrel 11, as viewed from the bottom thereof, whereby finger 22 rotates carrier 33 relative to actuator 23, which is held stationary by barrel 11, so that relative rotary movement of earns 28 and 37 is effected to bring rise portions 30 and 38 of cams 28 and 37 respectively, into engagement, whereby to advance carrier 33 and cartridge 41 against the influence of the retraction spring 43. When carrier 33 is in its advanced position, finger 24 is engaged by the opposite shoulder 21, illustrated in shadow in FIG. 4 and indicated at 24'. By opposite rotation of cap 12 the carrier and cartridge may be retracted. Full longitudinal movement of the cartridge 41 is obtained with 180 of rotation of cap 12.

In order to replace cartridge 41, cap 12 is twisted clockwise relative to barrel 11 as viewed from the bottom, until the lower shoulder 21 (as viewed in FIG. 4) engages finger 24 and further turning is continued, so that the rotation of actuator 23 relative to core 16 is effected until actuator 23 is unscrewed and separated from barrel 11. Upper stop 34a on carrier 33 prevents carrier 33 from separating from actuator 23 when cartridge 41 is removed. The spent cartridge carried by carrier 33 is then pulled from carrier 33 and replaced by a fresh cartridge, and cap 12 assembled with barrel 11 by applying it to barrel 11 and turning it in an opposite direction.

As seen, during operation the rotation of cap 12 is insufficient to unscrew the barrel, since the larger twist force occurs during retraction, which tightens the cap on the barrel, i.e., counterclockwise as viewed from the bottom.

Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawing, which illustrates another embodiment of the present invention basically similar to that first described, the reference numeral 46 designates the improved writing instrument, which includes a tubular barrel 47 and a relatively rotatable coaxial cap 48, both formed of a synthetic organic plastic. Barrel 47 includes an upper cylindrical section 49 whose upper portion is internally threaded, and a lower conical tip portion 50 provided with a tubular, coaxial metal tip member 51 in the known manner.

A tubular actuator 52 formed of a synthetic plastic has its upper portion telescoping cap 48, and includes an integrally formed peripheral lip 53 engaging a corresponding groove in the inner face of cap 48 to permit the rotation of actuator 53, while preventing its axial movement relative to cap 48. The lower part of actuator 52 is externally threaded and releasably engages barrel threaded section 49. The ends of barrel 47 and cap 48 are separated to permit relative rotation by a lip 55 on actuator 52 engaging a shoulder in the end of barrel 47. Disposed between the facing ends of barrel 47 and cap 48 is a ring 54.

A tubular cartridge carrier 56, similar in construction to carrier 33 earlier described, projects into the upper end of actuator 52, and is provided with a vertical groove in its upper outer wall, which is engaged by longitudinally extending inwardly radially projecting finger 57 integrally formed with cap 48, so as to effect the rotation of carrier 56 with cap 48, while permitting the axial movement thereof. The upper peripheral face of carrier 56 is spaced from the confronting face of cap 48 to define an arcuate passageway 58 corresponding to passageway 36 and extending for somewhat more than 180, and terminating in end shoulders integrally formed with the inner face of barrel 48. A finger (not shown) corresponding to finger 24 is integrally formed with the actuator 52 and projects upwardly into circular sliding engagement with passageway 58. Complementary

cylindrical cams

59 and 60 are located on the confronting faces of 'and integrally formed with the actuator 52 and carrier 56, respectively, the shapes, relationships and cooperation of

cams

59 and 60 being substantially the same as those of earns 28 and 37 previously described.

A replaceable writing cartridge 63 coaxially registers with barrel 47 and cap 48, and its upper end is releasably engaged by the lower axial bore of carrier 56. A helical compression spring 64 is entrapped between a peripheral shoulder 65 formed on the inner face of barrel tip section 50 and a shoulder on cartridge 63 to resiliently urge cartridge 63 and carrier 56 upwardly. A clip (not shown) may be attached to the cap in any convenient manner.

The use and operation of writing instrument 46 is similar to that of writing instrument 10, earlier described.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-11, which is basically similar to the above-described embodiments. Reference numeral 70 designates the improved writing instrument which includes a tubular barrel 72, and a relatively rotatable coaxial cap 74, both formed of a synthetic organic plastic. Barrel 72 includes an upper cylindrical section 76, whose upper portion is internally threaded, and a lower conical tip portion 78 provided with a tubular coaxial metal tip member 80 in the known manner.

A tubular actuator 82, formed of a synthetic plastic, has its upper portion in telescopic relation with cap 74, and includes an integrally formed peripheral lip 84 engaging a corresponding groove 86 in the inner face of cap 74, to'pennit the rotation of actuator 82, while preventing its axial movement relative to cap 74. The lower part of actuator 82 is externally threaded and releasably engages barrel threaded section 76. The ends of barrel 72 and cap 74 are separated to permit relative rotation, by a lip 88 on actuator 82 engaging a shoulder in the end of barrel 72. Disposed between the facing ends of barrel 72 and cap 74 is a ring 90. Tubular actuator 82 has an inwardly directed tapered portion 92 disposed above lip 84 and then continues interiorly in cap 74, in a generally cylindrical configuration, as at 94.

A generally tubular cartridge carrier 96 is axially movably mounted within cap 74 and has its outer wall provided with a series of axially extending grooves 98 which mate with axially extending ridges or fingers 100 on the surface of the inner wall of cap 74 to form a spline arrangement, as best seen in FIG. 11. The spline arrangement formed with projections 100 and grooves 98 effect the rotation of carrier 96 with the cap 74 while permitting the relative axial movement thereof. The spline arrangement forms the track and follower effect discussed above with respect to the earlier described embodiments. Cartridge carrier 96 has a pair of

fingers

102 and 104 which extend inwardly from the inner wall of carrier 96 as seen best in FIG. 11.

Fingers

102 and 104 are spaced substantially 180 apart and extend upwardly from the bottom edge of carrier 96 a predetermined distance. The upper ends of

fingers

102 and 104 act as followers with and engage complementary shaped cylindrical cam surfaces 106 and 108, which are located on the outer cylindrical surface of portion 94 of actua tor 82.

Cams

106 and 108 include a

rise portion

110 and 112 respectively, and an opposite valley or

depressed portion

111 and 113 and interconnecting upwardly converging

inclined side run

115 and 117 respectively. As seen best in FIG. 12, the toes 109 on the ends of

fingers

102 and 104 respectively are shaped to engage the slight depressions or valleys surfaces and 112 in cam surfaces 106 and 108. The respectively corresponding followers provide stops for writing and retraction positions, and restrict rotation of actuator 82 and carrier 96, to about 120.

A replaceable writing cartridge 114 coaxially registers with a barrel 72 and cap 74 and its upper end is releasably engaged by the upper axial bore of portion 94 of actuator 82. A helical compression spring 116 is entrapped between a peripheral shoulder 118 formed on the inner face of barrel tip section 78 and a shoulder on cartridge 114 to resiliently urge cartridge 114 and carrier 96 upwardly. A clip 120 is attached to the cap in a conventional manner.

In order to replace cartridge 114, cap 74 is twisted clockwise relative to barrel 72 in a manner described above with respect to the earlier embodiment. Cartridge 114 is frictionally held by the upper portion 94 of actuator 82. Finger 84 cooperating with groove 86 holds actuator 82 in position in cap 74 when cap 74 is fully unthreaded from barrel 72 and carrier 96 is held within cap 74 by actuator 82.

In general, the use and operation of writing instrument 70 is similar to that of writing instrument 10, earlier described.

While standard length cartridges may be used they may be of various widths. Also the instrument shown in FIGS. 27 and the cams may be die-cast as desired.

While preferred embodiments have been described above,

it would be understood that many variations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit thereof, therefore, it is intended that the foregoing description be considered illustrative only, and the scope of the invention be determined by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A retractable writing instrument, comprising a barrel member, a cap member, an axially extending tubular actuating member carried by said cap member and rotatable relative thereto, and releasably enga ing said barrel member, a cartridge carrier coaxial with an axially movable relative to said actuator member, interengaging track and follower means located on said cap member and carrier rotatably coupling said carrier and cap while permitting relative axial movement thereof, an interengaging cam and follower means located on said actuator and carrier for axially moving said carrier upon rotation thereof relative to said actuator member.

2. The writing instrument according to claim 1, further including means for limiting the rotation of said cap relative to said actuator to a predetermined angle.

3. The writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein said carrier projects into said actuator member and said cam and follower means comprise end-to-end cylindrical cams formed on the confronting faces of said carrier and actuating member. 25

4. The writing instrument according to claim 3, wherein said cams have complementing cam surfaces which mate when said carrier is in a retracted position, each of said cams having opposite raised and depressed sections.

5. The writing instrument according to claim 2, including a writing cartridge coaxial with said barrel and having an inner end releasably engaged by said carrier, and spring means urging said cartridge and carrier toward a retracted position.

6. The writing instrument according to claim 1, wherein said track and follower means is defined by at least one longitudinal groove formed in the outer face of said carrier and a finger rotatable with and projecting radially inwardly from said cap into engagement with said longitudinal groove.

7. The writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein said means for limiting the rotation of said cap relative to said actuator comprises a finger projecting longitudinally from said actuator and rotatable therewith along an arcuate path, and a pair of circumferentially spaced stops located in said path and affixed to said cap.

8. The writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein said cap rotation limiting means comprises an arcuate flange projecting inwardly from said cap member towards said carrier and extending for less than 360, and a finger projecting longitudinally from actuator along said carrier and movable into alternative abutment with opposite ends of said flange.

9. The writing instrument according to claim 8, wherein said track and follower means comprises a longitudinal groove formed in the outer face of said carrier and a finger projecting radially inwardly from said flange into sliding engagement with said groove.

10. The writing instrument according to claim 6, wherein said flange and finger are integrally formed with said cap.

11. The writing instrument according to claim 1, wherein said means for releaseably engaging said barrel and said at;- tuating members is mating screw threads.

12. The writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein said actuating member has a portion spaced from said cap, and said carrier is positioned within said space between said cap and said actuating member.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 591 J Q Dated g; 1] 191] Inventor(s) WALTER C. GANZ It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Spec ification;

Column 4, line 29 Change "rotation of actuator 53," to --rotat1on o: actuator 52,-

column 5, line 39 0 Change "depressions oi valleys surfaces and" to --depresa1ona Signed and sealed this 9th day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

ROBERT GOTTSCHALK EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer or valleys 110 and-- USCOMNhOC B081 G-PBQ FORM PO-1050 (IO-69] I J. OOVIIIIII" PI'NYIIIG OIIICI I III. -lll-Sll

Claims

1. A retractable writing instrument, comprising a barrel member, a cap member, an axially extending tubular actuating member carried by said cap member and rotatable relative thereto, and releasably engaging said barrel member, a cartridge carrier coaxial with and axially movable relative to said actuator member, interengaging track and follower means located on said cap member and carrier rotatably coupling said carrier and cap while permitting relative axial movement thereof, an interengaging cam and follower means located on said actuator and carrier for axially moving said carrier upon rotation thereof relative to said actuator member.

3. The writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein said carrier projects into said actuator member and said cam and follower means comprise end-to-end cylindrical cams formed on the confronting faces of said carrier and actuating member.

8. The writing instrument according to claim 2, wherein said cap rotation limiting means comprises an arcuate flange projecting inwardly from said cap member towards said carrier and extending for less than 360*, and a finger projecting longitudinally from actuator along said carrier and movable into alternative abutment with opposite ends of said flange.

11. The writing instrument according to claim 1, wherein said means for releaseably engaging said barrel and said actuating members is mating screw threads.