Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K5/00—Pens with ink reservoirs in holders, e.g. fountain-pens
  • B43K5/005—Pen barrels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K21/00—Propelling pencils
  • B43K21/006—Pencil-barrels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K24/00—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K24/00—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units
  • B43K24/02—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for locking a single writing unit in only fully projected or retracted positions
  • B43K24/06—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for locking a single writing unit in only fully projected or retracted positions operated by turning means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K24/00—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units
  • B43K24/10—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for selecting, projecting and locking several writing units
  • B43K24/16—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for selecting, projecting and locking several writing units operated by push-buttons
  • B43K24/166—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for selecting, projecting and locking several writing units operated by push-buttons selection by gravity with a pendulum or the like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K25/00—Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K29/00—Combinations of writing implements with other articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K7/00—Ball-point pens
  • B43K7/005—Pen barrels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
  • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
  • B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
  • B43K8/003—Pen barrels

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a writing instrument and in particular to a writing instrument shaped like a familiar and/or proprietary object.
• a stylized writing instrument shaped like a proprietary and/or familiar obj ect.
• embodiments of the invention include a housing shaped like the proprietary and/or familiar object, a writing implement, and internal mechanisms provided within the housing for moving the writing implement between its extended and retracted positions.
• the internal mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of actuation systems for extending and retracting the writing implement, including, for example a cam actuation assembly, an edge slide actuation assembly, a gravity actuation assembly, a pressure actuation assembly and a push button actuation assembly.
• the outer housing may include first and second covers rotatably affixed to each other.
• the covers define an interior space in which a pen guide having a pen cartridge attached thereto is seated.
• One of the covers includes a cam on an inner surface, which mates with a cam follower on a juxtaposed surface of the pen guide.
• the outer housing is formed by a pair of fixedly attached covers which enclose a pen cartridge and an edge slide having a finger-actuated portion extending out beyond the housing.
• the edge slide includes a sloped surface capable of acting on the pen cartridge so that, by sliding the edge slide between a first and second position, the cartridge may be moved between its extended and retracted positions.
• the outer housing is again formed by a pair of fixedly attached covers which enclose a pen cartridge seated within a channel.
• the channel further includes a detent along its length, and a locking ball seated atop the pen cartridge.
• gravity causes the pen cartridge to extend from the housing, at which point the locking ball seats partially within the detent, thereby locking the pen in the extended position.
• the instrument is tilted upward, so that the ball falls out of the detent and gravity retracts the cartridge.
• This embodiment may include a cover along an edge of the writing instrument to prevent the pen tip from extending when the instrument is not in use.
• the outer housing is formed by a pair of covers having a degree of flexibility and elasticity.
• the covers enclose a cartridge extension mechanism capable of extending the pen cartridge from the housing upon application of a pressure to the respective covers, and retracting the pen cartridge into the housing upon removal of the pressure from the covers. It is also contemplated in this embodiment that the pen cartridge may be extended as a result of a pressure applied to the edges of the housing.
• the housing is formed by a pair of fixedly attached covers which enclose a pen cartridge.
• the pen cartridge may be moved between its extended and retracted positions by a conventional push button assembly which is well known in the pen industry for extending and retracting a pen out of an elongated pen casing.
• a writing instrument including any of the above actuation systems maybe formed with the shape, appearance, texture and/or color of a wide variety of familiar and/or proprietary objects.
• FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the writing instrument
• FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the writing instrument with the pen cartridge in an extended position
• FIGURE 3 is a top view of the writing instrument
• FIGURE 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view including a perspective view of the inner surface of the first cover, a perspective view of the bottom of the pen guide, and a perspective view of the outer surface of the second cover;
• FIGURE 5 is an exploded top perspective view including a perspective view of the outer surface of the first cover, a perspective view of the top of the pen guide, and a perspective view of the inner surface of the second cover;
• FIGURE 6 is a top view of the pen in a retracted position with hidden members shown in phantom;
• FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional side view through line A-A in Fig. 6;
• FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional top view showing the pen cartridge partially extended;
• FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional top view showing the pen cartridge fully extended;
• FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the first cover according to an alternative embodiment;
• FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the second cover according to an alternative embodiment
• FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a pen guide and pen cartridge according to the embodiments of Figs. 10 andl 1 ;
• FIGURE 13 is a top view according to alternative embodiments shown in Figs. 10-12 with the various internal components shown in phantom;
• FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the first cover according to an alternative embodiment
• FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the second cover according to an alternative embodiment
• FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of a pen guide and pen cartridge according to the embodiments of Figs. 14 and 15;
• FIGURE 17 is a top view according to alternative embodiments shown in Figs. 14-16 with the various internal components shown in phantom;
• FIGURE 18 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 17 with the pen cartridge partially extended;
• FIGURE 19 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 17 with the pen cartridge fully extended;
• FIGURE 20 is a top view with the cover removed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the pen cartridge in a retracted position;
• FIGURE 21 is a top view with the cover removed according to the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 20 with the pen cartridge in an extended position;
• FIGURE 22 is a top view with the cover removed according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention with the pen cartridge in a retracted position;
• FIGURE 23 is the square-shaped pen embodiment
• FIGURE 24 is a top view of a square-shaped pen embodiment of Fig. 23 with the internal components shown in phantom;
• FIGURE 25 is a top view with the cover removed showing the edge slide embodiment with the pen in the retracted position;
• FIGURE 25N is a perspective view of the pen shown in Fig. 25;
• FIGURE 26 is a top view with the cover removed showing the edge slide embodiment with the pen in the extended position;
• FIGURE 26A is a perspective view of the pen shown in Fig. 26;
• FIGURE 27 is a top view with the cover removed of the gravity actuated embodiment showing the pen in a retracted position and the locking ball seated within a detent;
• FIGURE 28 is a top view with the cover removed as in Fig. 27 but further including a cover for covering a hole through which the pen tip extends on the edge of the pen;
• FIGURE 28N is a top view with the cover removed of the gravity fed embodiment of Fig. 28 showing the pen cartridge locked in the extended position;
• FIGURE 29 is a top view with the cover removed of an alternative gravity actuated embodiment showing the pen in a retracted position and the locking ball seated atop a back end of the pen cartridge;
• FIGURE 29N is a top view with the cover removed of the gravity fed embodiment of Fig. 29 showing the pen cartridge locked in the extended position
• FIGURE 30A is a cross-sectional top view through section line A-A of Fig. 28 showing the detents into which the locking ball locks;
• FIGURE 30B is a cross-sectional top view showing a single detent
• FIGURE 30C is a cross-sectional top view showing greater than two detents
• FIGURE 31 is an exploded perspective view of the writing instrument including the ratchet-type push button activation protruding from a side of the pen opposite where the pen tip protrudes;
• FIGURE 32 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Fig. 31 with the pen in an extended position;
• FIGURE 33 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Fig. 31 with the pen in a partially extended position;
• FIGURE 34 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Fig. 31 with the pen in a retracted position;
• FIGURE 35 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the first cover according to a further alternative embodiment including sliding covers;
• FIGURE 36 is a perspective view showing the pen cartridge according to the alternative embodiment including sliding covers
• FIGURE 37 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the second cover according to the alternative embodiment including sliding covers;
• FIGURE 38 is a side view according to the alternative embodiment including sliding covers showing the pen tip in a retracted position
• FIGURE 39 is a side view according to the alternative embodiment including sliding covers showing the covers sliding with respect to each other to extend the pen tip;
• FIGURE 40 is a side view according to the alternative embodiment including sliding covers showing the pen tip extended;
• FIGURE 41 is a perspective view showing the housing shaped like two bottlecaps joined together;
• FIGURE 41 A is a perspective view of bottle cap
• FIGURE 42 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like an Oreo® cookie
• FIGURE 43 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a hamburger
• FIGURE 44 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a compact disc
• FIGURE 45 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a gambling chip
• FIGURE 46 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like an M&M® chocolate candy piece
• FIGURES 47 and 47 A are perspective views of the present invention shaped like a M&M® chocolate covered peanut candy piece
• FIGURE 48 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a LifeSavers® candy piece
• FIGURES 49 and 49A are perspective views of the present invention shaped like a computer chip;
• FIGURE 50 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a floppy disk;
• FIGURE 51 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a watch including minute and second hands;
• FIGURE 52 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a watch including a digital readout;
• FIGURES 53 and 53A are perspective views of the present invention shaped like an ice cream container cover
• FIGURE 54 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a coaster
• FIGURE 55 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a pill
• FIGURES 56 and 56A are perspective views of the present invention shaped like a capsule
• FIGURE 57 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a plate
• FIGURE 58 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a make-up compact
• FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a rivet
• FIGURES 60 and 60A are perspective views of the present invention shaped like a coin;
• FIGURE 61 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a
• FIGURE 62 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a rotary phone dial
• FIGURE 63 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a tire
• FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a double-sided chocolate chip cookie
• FIGURE 65 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a pizza
• FIGURE 66 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a bottle
• FIGURE 67 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a hockey puck
• FIGURE 68 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a golf ball
• FIGURES 68A and 68B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 68;
• FIGURE 69 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a basketball;
• FIGURES 69A and 69B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 69;
• FIGURE 70 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a soccer ball
• FIGURES 70A and 70B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 70;
• FIGURE 71 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a tennis ball;
• FIGURES 71 A and 7 IB are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 71;
• FIGURE 72 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a football
• FIGURES 72A and 72B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 72;
• FIGURE 73 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a baseball
• FIGURES 73A and 73B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 73;
• FIGURE 74 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a volleyball;
• FIGURES 74A and 74B are cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment to that shown in Fig. 74;
• FIGURE 75 is a perspective view showing a screwdriver extending from the housing instead of a writing instrument;
• FIGURE 76 is a perspective view of the instrument showing a cutting blade extending from the housing instead of a writing instrument
• FIGURE 77 is a perspective view of the instrument showing a flashlight extending from the housing instead of a writing instrument
• FIGURES 78-82 illustrate perspective and top views of an embodiment of the present invention including a hole in the center of the writing instrument
• FIGURES 83-85 illustrate an exploded perspective and top views of the gravity activated embodiment of the present invention
• FIGURES 86-88 illustrate an exploded perspective and top views of an alternative embodiment of the gravity activated embodiment of the present invention
• FIGURE 89 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the gravity actuated writing instrument.
• FIGURES 90-92 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of the writing instrument shown in Fig. 89;
• FIGURES 93-95 are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the ratchet assembly writing instrument shown in Figs. 35-40;
• FIGURES 96-98 are exploded perspective and cross-sectional views of an alternative embodiment of the ratchet assembly writing instrument shown in Figs. 93-95;
• FIGURE 99 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a compact disk case
• FIGURE 100 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a book
• FIGURE 101 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a cereal box
• FIGURE 102 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a cigarette pack
• FIGURES 103 and 104 are perspective views of the present invention shaped like a laundry detergent container;
• FIGURE 105 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a bar of soap;
• FIGURE 106 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a bottle of alcohol
• FIGURE 107 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a box for a bar of soap.
• FIGURE 108 is a perspective view of the present invention shaped like a matchbox.
• Figs. 1 - 108 in general relate to a writing instrument which may be shaped as a familiar and/or proprietary object. While the writing instrument accordmg to preferred embodiments is a pen, it is understood that the writing instrument may alternatively be a marker, pencil, chalk, crayon or any of various other known writing instruments. Moreover, as set forth in greater detail below, the instrument according to the present invention may alternatively contain a tool such as a screwdriver, cutting blade or light source.
• a writing instrument 100 includes a housing 102 formed of a first circular cover 104 and a second circular cover 106.
• the writing instrument 100 is formed to look like a bottle cap which may have a proprietary logo thereon (not shown in Figs. 1-9) such as that of Coke® or Pepsi®.
• a proprietary logo thereon such as that of Coke® or Pepsi®.
• the outward appearance of the writing instrument 100 shown in Figs. 1-9 is but one of a wide variety of shapes and appearances of the instrument, and is provided by way of example only.
• the outward size, appearance and texture of the writing instrument may be that of various other proprietary objects or symbols, such as for example an auto manufacturer's emblem, including that of Cadillac, Lincoln or Mercedes.
• the outward size, appearance and texture of the writing instrument may alternatively be that of a familiar object, such as a coin or a food item, for example a cracker.
• the outward size, appearance and texture of the writing instrument may be formed to have an artistic design or picture. As described in greater detail below, various other outward sizes, appearances and textures for writing instrument 100 are contemplated.
• the first cover 104 includes an outer surface 108 formed in the general size, appearance and/or texture of a familiar and/or proprietary object.
• the cover 104 further includes an inner, generally planar surface 110 including a generally circular shaped outer wall 112 extending away from the inner surface, at an outer circumference of the cover 104.
• the outer wall 112 extends around substantially the entire circumference of cover 104, but has a hole 114 defining an opening through which a pen cartridge tip can extend and retract as explained hereinafter.
• the second cover 106 similarly includes an outer surface 116 formed in the size, appearance and/or texture of a familiar and/or proprietary object.
• Inner surface 118 includes a generally circular shaped wall 120 extending away from the inner surface, near an outer circumference of the cover 106.
• the inner wall 120 extends around a substantial portion of the cover 106, but has a break which defines a gap 122.
• the first and second covers may fit concentrically over each other so that the wall 112 lies circumjacent around the inner wall 120, and in close engagement thereto, with an inner surface of the wall 112 lying in contact with an outer surface of the wall 120.
• a small lip may be formed around a top portion of wall 112, which mates within a small annular detent at the base of wall 120. The mating of the lip within the detent holds the first and second covers together when assembled while allowing relative rotation of the covers.
• the first and second covers may be rotationally affixed to each other by other fastening schemes.
• the walls 112 and 120 also serve to space the first and second covers from each other when attached so as to define an internal space within the housing 102 for the internal components of the writing instrument which are discussed hereinafter.
• the outer surface of wall 112 which is visible on the outside of the writing instrument 100 is also formed to look and/or feel like corresponding portions of the object emulated by the writing instrument.
• the size of the writing instrument may vary to generally match that of the object being emulated.
• the covers 104 and 106 are preferably formed of a rigid and durable polymer having smooth inner surfaces, such as any of various plastics, and may be formed by injection molding. It is understood however that the covers 104 and 106 may be formed of various other materials and by various other processes in alternative embodiments. For example, the covers may alternatively be formed of various metals, such as gold, silver and aluminum, various magnetic materials such as for example cobalt or nickel, various woods, such as pine and oak, or various combinations of the above. Moreover, the covers may alternatively be formed by processes such as stamping or machining. The covers 104 and 106 may also be painted, coated and/or textured to take on the appearance and/or feel of the desired object.
• the inner surface 118 of second cover 106 includes walls which define an arcuate track 124 .
• the inner surface 110 of the first cover 104 includes a pair of spaced apart walls which form a pair of linear guides 126.
• the track 124 may alternatively be located in the inner surface of cover 104, and the linear guides 126 may alternatively be located in the inner surface of cover 106 in different embodiments.
• the writing instrument 100 further includes a pen guide 128 seated within the housing 102 in the space between the respective covers 104 and 106 in their assembled position.
• the pen guide 128 has a first surface 130 including a protruding, circular track following section 132, and a second surface 134 opposite the first including a spaced apart pair of indented guide following sections 136.
• the pen guide further includes a writing implement, such as a pen cartridge 138 with a writing tip, pressed into a hole formed in a circumferential edge of the pen guide 128. It is understood that the writing tip may include a relatively blunt tip to minimize the risk of injury if the pen tip impacts against the skin or eyes of a user of the pen.
• the cartridge 138 stores and supplies ink to the tip of the pen.
• an interior portion of the pen guide may be hollow to define an additional ink reservoir for storing and supplying ink to the tip of the pen.
• the pen guide 128 preferably includes smooth, low friction surfaces, and may be formed of a rigid and durable polymer, such as any of various plastics, by injection molding. It is understood however that the pen guide 128 may be formed of various other materials and by various other processes in alternative embodiments.
• the footprint shape of the pen guide 128 may vary in alternative embodiments with the provision that the pen guide not be inhibited from pivoting within the housing 102 as explained below.
• the pen guide may also include an air channel 139 communicated through to the hole in which the pen cartridge is seated.
• the air channel allows equalization of the pressure within the pen cartridge to that of the surrounding atmosphere.
• the operation of the writing instrument 100 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 to extend and retract the pen cartridge upon rotation of the covers 104 and 106 will now be explained with reference to Figs. 4-9.
• the pen guide 128 lies between the respective covers 104 and 106 with the track following section 132 of the pen guide lying within the track 124 on the inner surface 118 of the second cover 106.
• the guide following sections 136 on the opposite side of the pen guide from the track following section ride over the respective linear guides 126 on the inner surface 110 of the first cover 104.
• Fig. 6 illustrates the components within the respective covers in phantom lines
• Figs. 8 and 9 show the pen in cross section, for clarity.
• cover 104 preferably further includes a pair of stops 137 extending up from the inner surface 110. As seen in Fig. 9, when in the fully extended position, the pen guide 128 abuts up against the stops 137 to prevent further respective rotation of the covers 104 and 106 and to define a maximum extension of the pen tip from the housing.
• the wall 120 when in the retracted position, covers the hole 114 through which the pen tip extends.
• the gap 122 in the wall 120 aligns with the hole 114 to allow the pen tip to extend through the hole 114 and out of the housing. It is understood that in alternative embodiments, the wall 120 need not extend as far around the periphery of the cover 106 as shown, so that the wall does not cover the hole 114 when the pen tip is in the retracted position.
• the first and/or second covers are rotated in the opposite direction than to extend the pen cartridge. This rotation results in the pen guide 128 and the pen cartridge 138 moving from the position shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Fig. 6.
• the arcuate track 124 is configured so that a 90° rotation of the covers with respect to each other results in an approximate 1/4 inch translation of the pen cartridge, which is sufficient to move the pen cartridge between its extended and retracted positions.
• the configuration of the track 124 may be varied so that various other angles of rotation of the covers result in the same translation of the pen cartridge in alternative embodiments. Such various other angles may range between 30° and 180° in one alternative embodiment.
• Figs. 10-13 One such alternative embodiment is shown in Figs. 10-13.
• the cover 106 may include an arcuate track 124 substantially as described above.
• the cover 104 may similarly include guides 140 between which the pen guide 128 translates.
• the pen guide 128 is slightly modified in shape as shown in
• the pen guide 128 still includes the track following section 132 which fits within the track 124 when the respective covers 104, 106 are assembled as shown in Fig. 13. (Fig. 13 illustrates the components within the respective covers in phantom lines for clarity.)
• rotation of the first cover with respect to the second cover causes rotation of the track 124, which in turn causes translation of the track following section 132.
• the track following section 132 is constrained to translate left and right from the view of Fig. 13 as a result of the guides 140.
• the guides 140 may each include a shoulder 142 which define stops against which portions of the pen guide 128 abut when the pen is in the fully extended position.
• FIG. 14-19 A further alternative embodiment employing a cam arrangement is shown in Figs. 14-19.
• the 104 includes a raised section defining an oblong-shaped cam 144 having one end at the center of the cover 104 and having a second end extending radially outward therefrom toward the outer circumference of the cover.
• the inner surface 118 of the second cover 106 includes a depression defining a track 145 extending diagonally across the inner surface 118, through the center of the cover 106.
• the cam 144 may alternatively be located in the inner surface of cover 106, and the track 145 may alternatively be located in the inner surface of cover 104 in different embodiments.
• the writing instrument 100 further includes a pen guide 128 seated within the housing 102 in the space between the respective covers 104 and 106 in their assembled position.
• the pen guide 128 according to this embodiment has a first surface 130 including an indented cam following section 146.
• the second surface 134 of the pen guide includes a track following section (not shown) which rides within track 145.
• the pen guide 128 lies between the respective covers 104 and 106 with the cam following section 146 of the pen guide residing over the cam 144 on the inner surface 110 of the first cover 104.
• Fig. 17 illustrates the components within the respective covers in phantom lines, and Figs.
• the first and second covers are rotated in the opposite direction than to extend the pen cartridge. Such rotation causes the cam 144 to engage against and ride along a second portion 150 of the cam following section 146. This engagement results in the pen guide 128 and the pen cartridge 138 moving from the position shown in
• the cam and cam following sections are configured so that a 90° rotation of the covers with respect to each other results in an approximate 1/4 inch translation of the pen cartridge, which is sufficient to move the pen cartridge between its extended and retracted positions.
• the configuration of the cam and cam following section may be varied so that various other angles of rotation of the covers result in the same translation of the pen cartridge in alternative embodiments. Such various other angles may range between 30° and 180° in one alternative embodiment.
• the positions of the cam in cover 104 and the cam following member in pen guide 128 may be reversed in alternative embodiments.
• the positions of the track in cover 106 and the track following section in the pen guide 128 may be reversed in alternative embodiments.
• a pen guide 152 comprises a span 154, preferably formed of a durable, elastic polymer such as any of various plastics, and having a modulus of elasticity allowing the span to repeatably flex between the positions shown in Figs. 20 and 21.
• the first cover 104 according to this embodiment preferably includes a pair of braces 156 mounted to the inner cover 110 for supporting the ends 158 of the pen guide 152.
• the second cover 106 according to this embodiment preferably includes an oval-shaped cam 160 mounted to inner surface 118 (not shown in Figs. 20 and 21). It is understood that the positions of the braces 156 and cam 160 on the respective covers may be switched in alternative embodiments.
• the cam 160 rotates from the position shown in Fig. 20 to the position shown in Fig. 21.
• the cam 160 bears against a central portion 162 of the pen guide 152 to force the pen guide downward and to extend the pen cartridge from the housing 102.
• the elasticity of the pen guide biases the pen guide to its unflexed position shown in Fig. 20, so that upon rotation of the second cover from the position shown in Fig. 21 to the position shown in Fig. 20, the pen cartridge retracts back into the housing.
• the covers 104 and 106 have been described as being circular. It is understood that the covers may have different shapes in alternative embodiments.
• the housing 102 may be square.
• the pen cartridge 138 may be moved between its extended and retracted positions with internal components such as those described above with respect to Figs. 4-9. It is understood that the internal components according to other embodiments may be used with the square covers as well. It is further contemplated that one of the covers be square, and that the other cover be circular and rotationally mounted within the square cover.
• cover 106 as described above with respect to Figs. 1-9 to have a square footprint.
• the pen tip may protrude from the housing 102 along one of the four straight sides of the housing or at a corner where two sides of the housing come together.
• the covers 104 and 106 may alternatively be other shapes, such as pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, oval, oblong and irregular.
• the angle through which the covers rotate to extend and retract the pen cartridge tip is provided so that the edges of the two covers align when the pen cartridge is both in the fully extended and retracted positions. It is however contemplated that the edges of the respective covers 104 and 106 not align with each other when the pen cartridge is in its fully extended and/or retracted positions in alternative embodiments.
• cam embodiments allow the respective covers to be easily rotated with a single hand to move the pen cartridge between its extended and retracted positions.
• present embodiment does not have any elements protruding from the housing
• Figs.25-26A include covers 104 and 106 having outer surfaces and outer edge surfaces substantially as described above.
• the covers are fixedly attached to each other with a conventional adhesive or fastener so as not to rotate with respect to each other.
• the housing may alternatively be formed by attaching component parts other than covers 104 and 106.
• two semicircular halves may be attached together to form housing 102. Regardless of how the covers are affixed to each other, the covers define an interior space in which the internal components of the pen are mounted.
• an edge slide 166 is mounted within the interior space defined by the covers, which slide 166 is capable of arcuate translation around a portion of the interior space.
• the edge slide 166 includes an arcuate, wedge- shaped section 168 having a relatively wide rear section 170 which narrows to substantially a point at a front section 172.
• the edge slide 166 further includes an arcuate extension 174 extending from rear section 170.
• the edge slide 166 additionally has a finger grip 176 attached at the rear section 170 and extending outside of the footprint of the covers 104 and 106. A portion of the outer circumferential walls formed in covers 104 and 106 may be omitted to allow translation of the edge slide 166 outside of the housing as described below.
• a pair of guides 171 are additionally mounted to the surface of either cover 104 or 106 between which the pen cartridge 138 is seated.
• the rear of pen cartridge 138 i.e., the top as shown in Fig. 25
• the front section 172 of edge slide 166 It is also contemplated that the rear pen cartridge 138 not contact any portion of the edge slide 166 when the cartridge is in its retracted position.
• the finger grip 176 is manually actuated in the counterclockwise direction from the perspective of Figs. 25 and 26.
• a ramp surface 178 of the wedge-shaped section 168 forces the pen cartridge downward with respect to Fig. 25, thus moving the pen cartridge to its extended position shown in Figs. 26 and 26A.
• the arcuate extension 174 serves both to facilitate smooth arcuate translation of the edge slide 166, and also to cover the hole 114 in the housing when the edge slide 166 is in the position shown in Figs. 25 and 25 A.
• a spring 180 may be provided around cartridge 138, which spring biases the cartridge upward from the perspective of Figs. 25 and
• edge slide 166 biases the pen cartridge 138 back into its retracted position as ramp 178 recedes. It is understood that biasing mechanisms other than springs may be used to bias the pen cartridge back to its retracted position.
• the edge slide is configured so that a 45 ° arcuate translation of the edge slide will result in an approximate 1/4 inch translation of the pen cartridge which is sufficient to move the pen cartridge between its extended and retracted positions.
• the configuration of edge slide 166, and in particular the slope of ramp surface 178 may be varied in alternative embodiments to vary the translation of pen cartridge 138 for a given arcuate translation of edge slide 166. In one alternative embodiment, the edge slide may translate over an arc ranging between 30° and 180°.
• the finger grip 176 may be easily manipulated by one hand to move the tip of the writing cartridge between its extended and retracted positions.
• FIG.27-30C and 83-92 A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs.27-30C and 83-92.
• the embodiments of Figs.27-30C and 83-92 include covers 104 and 106 having outer surfaces and outer edge surfaces substantially as described above.
• the covers 104 and 106 are fixedly attached to each other with a conventional adhesive or fastener so as not to rotate with respect to each other.
• a pair of guides 182 are formed on the inner surface 110 of cover 104, or alternatively on the inner surface 118 of cover 106, between which guides the pen cartridge 138 is seated.
• One or more detents 186 are formed in the guides 182. The detents are provided at a position along the length of the guides 182 for receiving a locking member such as locking ball 188 to maintain the pen in its extended position.
• a gravity-actuated slide cover 190 may seal the hole 114 to maintain the pen cartridge in its retracted position when not in use.
• One of the guides 182 may include a foot portion 191 which, together with the wall of the cover, restricts the movement of the cover to slide between a first position where the hole 114 is covered and a second position where the hole 114 is uncovered.
• a stop 193 may further be provided to limit the motion of the cover when in the second position.
• the locking ball 188 moves out of the detent and seats on top of the back end of the pen cartridge.
• the position of the detents 186 are determined by the length of pen cartridge 138 so that locking ball 188 is able to move out of the detent 186 when the tip of the pen cartridge is fully extended.
• the spacing between the guides 182 is smaller than the diameter of the locking ball so that, seated on top of the pen cartridge, the locking ball wedges against corners 195 and 197 of the guides so to lock the pen cartridge in its extended position.
• the pen cartridge will remain in its extended position.
• the pen In order to retract the pen, the pen is lifted off of the writing surface and tilted, at which point the locking ball 188 falls back into a detent 186. Thereafter, tilting the pen upward retracts the pen cartridge rearward into the housing 102.
• the locking ball 188 when the pen is in the retracted position, the locking ball 188 maybe seated between the guides 182 at the back end of the pen cartridge 138.
• the cartridge 138 may remain in its retracted position due to the forces of gravity as shown in Fig. 29.
• the forces of gravity will bias the pen cartridge to its extended position (in embodiments including a slide cover 190, the slide cover must first be opened for the pen cartridge to move to its extended position).
• the locking ball 188 when the cartridge 138 moves to its extended position, the locking ball 188 will seat partially within detent 186.
• the locking ball locks the pen cartridge in its extended position by preventing the cartridge 138 from retracting.
• locking ball 188 will remain in detent 186, and the pen cartridge will remain in its extended position.
• the pen is tilted upward, at which point the locking ball 188 falls out of detent 186 and the forces of gravity retract the pen cartridge rearward into the space between guides 182.
• Fig. 30A shows a cross-section of the detents 186 shown in Fig. 29A.
• the guides 182 may be formed with a single discrete detent 186 as shown in Fig. 30B, or more than two discrete detents 186 as shown in Fig. 30C for receiving locking ball 188.
• the gravity activated embodiment of the present invention is further shown in Figs. 83-85.
• the writing instrument 100 shown therein operates in the same manner as the writing instrument 100 shown in Figs. 27-28 A. It includes a locking member comprising a locking pin 188, and first and second detents 186a and 186b.
• the locking pin 188 When the writing instrument is tilted upwards, the locking pin 188 resides in first detent 186a as shown in Fig. 84. In this position, the pen cartridge 138 is free to retract due to the forces of gravity. When the writing instrument is tilted downwards, the locking pin 188 slides partially out of detent 186a, across the channel defined by guides 182, and seats partially within detent 186b as shown in Fig. 85. In this position, the pen is prevented from retracting and is held in a position for writing. (although the writing instrument shown in Figs. 83-85 has a square shape, it is understood that the writing instrument shown in Figs. 27-29A and 83-85 may be circular, square or other shapes as described above.)
• detents 186a and 186b may be perpendicularly oriented with respect to the channel defined by guides 182 as shown in Figs. 83-85.
• the detents 186a and 186b maybe angled with respect to the channel defined by guides 182 as shown in Figs. 86-88.
• the embodiment of the writing instrument 100 shown in Figs. 86-88 operates similarly to the embodiment shown in Figs. 83-85 and components which are common to both embodiments have been assigned like reference numerals.
• the embodiment of Figs. 86-88 makes use of the fact that the pen is generally tilted when in the writing position so that the detents 186a and 186b shown in Figs. 86-88 will be oriented straight up and down when the instrument 100 is tilted in the writing position to ensure that the locking pin 188 is ensured of sliding to the locking position shown in Fig. 88.
• FIG. 89-92 A further alternative embodiment of the gravity activated writing instrument according to the present invention is shown in Figs. 89-92.
• This embodiment includes covers 104 and 106 as previously described, and a gravity cartridge assembly 194.
• Cartridge assembly 194 includes a cartridge housing 196 fixedly mounted to either cover 104 or 106 and sealed at its back end with a cartridge assembly cap 198.
• Cap 198 is preferably cylindrically shaped with a central opening 199 facing the interior of the housing 196 when the cap 198 is inserted into the back end of housing 196.
• a pen cartridge 138 as described above is located within the cartridge housing 196, which pen cartridge 138 includes a cap
• a gravity tube 202 is also provided within the cartridge housing 196, which tube 202 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of cartridge housing 196 so that tube 202 is free to translate between a front end and back end of the housing 196.
• the position of the tube 202 is determined by gravity so that when the front end of the cartridge housing faces downward the tube 202 resides in the front end of the housing and when the back end of the cartridge housing faces downward the tube 202 resides in the back end of the housing.
• Tube 202 includes a central aperture 204 through which the pen cartridge 138 fits.
• the tube 202 moves toward the back end of the cartridge housing 196 as shown in Fig. 91, and seats atop the cartridge assembly cap 198 as shown in Fig. 92.
• the inner diameter of the tube 202 is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical cartridge assembly cap 198.
• cartridge housing 196, the cap 198 and the tube 202 are preferably cylindrical, it is understood that these components may have other shapes in cross section in alternative embodiments, such as for example rectangular.
• pen tip is shown as retracted into the cartridge housing 196 in Fig. 92, it is understood that the pen tip need only retract into the housing 102 of the writing instrument, in which housing 102 the cartridge housing 196 is fixedly mounted. In such an embodiment, the pen tip may be in a retracted position within housing 102 and still protrude from cartridge housing 196. According to the embodiments of Figs.
• the pen cartridge may be easily moved between its extended and retracted positions by a simple flick of the wrist or tilting of the writing instrument 100.
• the pen may be maintained in its retracted position when not in use, and easily moved to its extended position with a single hand by sliding the slide cover to an open position and then tilting the pen as described above.
• FIG. 31-34 A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 31-34.
• the embodiments of Figs. 31-34 include covers 104 and 106 having outer surfaces substantially as described above.
• Each cover according to this embodiment preferably further includes a wall 208 extending around the outer circumference of each cover.
• the walls 208 of the respective covers are preferably of the same diameter and are fixedly attached to each other at their upper edges as by an adhesive or fastener.
• the walls 208 preferably include aligned openings 210 through which the pen cartridge 138 may extend and retract.
• the pen cartridge 138 may be moved between its extended and retracted positions by a conventional push button assembly 212 which is well known in the pen industry for extending and retracting a pen out of an elongated pen casing.
• push button assembly 212 includes a plunger 214 having a push button 216 at its top end extending out of the housing 102, and a plurality of track followers 218 at its bottom end.
• Push button assembly 212 further includes formations 221 on the inner surfaces 110 and 118 of the covers 104 and 106 (only the formation 221 on the cover 104 is shown).
• the formations 221 together define an enclosure having a plurality of tracks 222 in which track followers 218 move up and down upon hand activation of the push button 216 of plunger 214.
• the assembly 212 further includes an actuator 228 fitting substantially within the plunger and against which the pen cartridge 138 abuts.
• a spring 230 is provided around a lower portion of the pen cartridge to bias the pen cartridge upward against the actuator 228.
• the actuator includes a number of teeth 232, which reside in alternating tracks 222 (e.g., there may be four teeth 232 on the actuator 228 and eight tracks 222 defined by the formations 221).
• the actuator upon each manual actuation of the plunger 214, the actuator will rotate the pitch of one track 222 as a result of teeth 232 within the tracks having slanted edges (not shown).
• the teeth catch on stops (not shown) in the tracks so that the actuator is prevented from fully retracting.
• the pen cartridge abutting against the actuator is held in the extended position as shown in Fig. 32.
• the teeth Upon the next depression of plunger 214, the teeth move to the next adjacent set of tracks, where they do not catch (Fig. 33) so that the spring 230 biases the pen cartridge, actuator and plunger downward (Fig. 34) to a retracted position.
• FIG. 35- 40 An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs. 35- 40.
• This embodiment includes an assembly which operates similarly to the pushbutton assembly 212 disclosed above with respect to Figs. 31-34, except that the push button 216 is omitted.
• One of the covers for example cover 104, includes posts 234, each of which includes a lip 236.
• each post 234 mates within a slot 238. As the slots are wider than the posts and lips, the lip is capable of sliding in the slot to allow the respective covers to slide back and forth with respect to each other.
• the plunger 214 (without the push button 216) abuts against an interior wall 240 of either cover 104 or 106.
• the cover 106 is advanced (downward as shown in Fig. 39) relative to cover 104. This movement in turn moves the plunger downward and the actuator 228 will rotate between alternating ratchet positions as described above.
• a first rachet position (shown in Fig.38)
• the teeth 232 of the actuator do not catch on the tracks 222, and the pen remains in the retracted position.
• a second rachet position (shown in Fig.
• FIG. 93-98 A further alternative embodiment of the slide by actuation mechanism of Figs. 35-40 is shown in Figs. 93-98. Components which are common to both embodiments have been assigned like reference numerals.
• the formations 221 are formed around an inner diameter of a cylindrical ratchet housing 260 (Fig. 94) so that the formations form a plurality of tracks 222 as described above within ratchet housing 260.
• Ratchet housing 260 is in turn fixedly mounted to either cover 104 or 106.
• a pair of springs 262 are further provided, which springs compress when the covers are moved with respect to each other as shown in Fig. 39.
• the pen tip may protrude from a side between two corners in the slide by ratchet pen assembly as shown in Figs. 35-40 and 93-95.
• the covers 104 and 106 may be square, but the pen tip may protrude from a corner where two sides come together.
• the covers move with respect to each other along a line between a pair of diametrically opposed corners to extend and retract the pen tip by the ratcheting assembly as described above.
• a further embodiment of the present invention may comprise a writing instrument where the pen cartridge is actuated between its extended and retracted positions as a result of applying inwardly directed pressure on the outer surfaces of covers 104 and 106.
• covers 104 and 106 are preferably formed of an elastic polymer such as any of various plastics, and having a modulus of elasticity that allow the covers to elastically deform upon a pressure applied to the outer surface of the covers.
• the mechanism could be made up of a series of tiny, interconnected four-bar linkages so that a pressure exerted on the mechanism in one direction (i.e., along the upper and lower edge of the mechanism) results in a change in the length of the mechanism.
• the mechanism would be located within the housing 102 in a plane perpendicular to the inner surfaces of covers 104 and 106, and colinear with pen cartridge 138.
• Each joint in the mechanism could be affixed together by a small pin holding the respective members together while allowing rotation of the joined members with respect to each other.
• the back end of the pen cartridge would be affixed to or abutting against the end of the mechanism, so that upon extension of the mechanism as a result of pressure on the covers, the mechanism and the cartridge would extend.
• a rachet and spring assembly as described above could be used to hold the pen extended upon a first application of pressure to the covers, and to allow the pen to retract upon a second application of pressure.
• the covers maybe formed of a thin gauge metal with an inherent bias into a position where the covers bow slightly outward.
• the covers may invert so that the covers bow inward to actuate the cartridge extension mechanism as described above. Due to the inherent bias of the covers to remain in their natural position, the covers will snap quickly inward upon application of the threshold pressure, and will snap quickly back to their natural position upon removal of the pressure.
• the covers may also be made to make an audible snapping noise when moving between their natural and inwardly bowed positions.
• each component used in making the writing instrument 100 according to the various above-described embodiments can be manufactured and assembled at a low cost, thus allowing the finished writing instrument to be economically manufactured.
• high-end writing instruments according to the above-described embodiments may also be provided. In such writing instruments, the focus is not in providing an economical finished product, but in providing a precision, durable and or elegant finished product.
• other components may be substituted for those described above for providing such a high-end writing instrument.
• the appearance of the outer housing 102 may be that of any of several familiar and/or proprietary objects. A partial listing of such objects is set forth below: a double sided bottle cap as shown in Fig.
• a single sided bottle cap such as a Clorox® bottle cap, as shown in Fig. 41 A; food items, such as a cookie and a hamburger as shown in Figs. 42-43; a compact disk as shown in Fig. 44; a gambling chip as shown in Fig. 45; candy such as M&Ms® or Lifesavers® as shown in Figs. 46-48; a computer chip, such as Intel's Pentium® I, II or HI chips, as shown in Figs. 49 and 49A; a floppy disk such as shown in Fig. 50; rotary and digital watches such as shown in Figs. 51 and 52 (this embodiment may comprise an actual working watch affixed to a cover, or a non- working replica of a watch face); a cover of a container, such as an ice cream container, as shown in Figs.
• a coaster as shown in Fig. 54 a pill and capsule such as shown in Figs. 55, 56 and 56A; a plate as shown in Fig. 57; a makeup compact as shown in Fig. 58; a rivet such as shown in Fig. 59; a coin as shown in Figs. 60 and 60A; a cracker such as shown in Fig. 61 ; a rotary phone dial as shown in Fig. 62; a tire as shown in Fig. 63; a chocolate chip cookie as shown in Fig. 64 (this embodiment may comprise back-to-back cookies as shown or a single cookie); a pizza as shown in Fig.
• a bottle such as a Coca-Cola® bottle, as shown in Fig. 66; a hockey puck as shown in Fig. 67; a golf ball as shown in Fig. 68 (the ball may be spherical as in Fig. 68, or it may have a slimmer profile including convex surfaces or flattened convex surfaces as shown in the cross-sectional views of the housing 102 in Figs. 68N and
• a basketball as shown in Fig. 69 (the ball may be spherical as in Fig. 69, or it may have a slimmer profile including convex surfaces or flattened convex surfaces as shown in the cross-sectional views of the housing 102 in Figs. 69N and 69B, respectively, to be more compact); a soccer ball as shown in Fig. 70 (the ball may be spherical as in Fig. 70, or it may have a slimmer profile including convex surfaces or flattened convex surfaces as shown in the cross-sectional views of the housing 102 in Figs. 70N and 70B, respectively, to be more compact); a tennis ball as shown in Fig.
• the ball may be spherical as in Fig. 71, or it may have a slimmer profile including convex surfaces or flattened convex surfaces as shown in the cross-sectional views of the housing 102 in Figs. 71 N and 71B, respectively, to be more compact
• a football as shown in Fig. 72 the ball may be shaped like an inflated football as in Fig. 72, or it may have a slimmer profile including convex surfaces or flattened convex surfaces as shown in the cross-sectional views of the housing 102 in Figs. 72N and 72B, respectively, to be more compact
• a baseball as shown in Fig. 73 (the ball may be spherical as in Fig.
• a volleyball as shown in Fig. 74 (the ball may be spherical as in Fig. 74, or it may have a slimmer profile including convex surfaces or flattened convex surfaces as shown in the cross-sectional views of the housing 102 in Figs. 74A and 74B, respectively, to be more compact); a compact disk case as shown in Fig. 99; a book as shown in Fig. 100; a cereal box as shown in Fig. 101; a cigarette pack as shown in Fig.
• Fig. 102 laundry detergent containers as shown in Figs. 103 and 104; a bar of soap as shown in Fig. 105; a bottle containing a beverage or alcohol such as shown in Fig. 106; a box for a bar of soap as shown in Fig. 107; and a match box as shown in Fig. 108.
• the writing instrument 100 may comprise a generic object, or slug, having blank covers and edges.
• the writing instrument may comprise a generic object, or slug, having blank covers and edges.
• Still further examples include a writing instrument 100 having a transparent cover affixed to the outer surface of cover 104 and/or 106, into which transparent cover a photo or other picture may be placed.
• the outer surface of cover 104 and or 106 may alternatively be coated with a material capable of accepting a fingerprint.
• the outer surface of cover 104 and or 106 may include a material that changes color with a change in pressure or temperature. Such materials are known and used for example in so-called "mood rings".
• one or both covers may be coated with a fragrance in accordance with so-called "scratch and sniff technology.
• the pen is shown in the above described figures as protruding from a side between two corners of the generally square-shaped embodiments, it is understood that the pen tip may alternative protrude from a corner where two sides come together.
• a writing instrument shaped or appearing as any of the above-described objects can operate in accordance with each of the above- described embodiments for extending and retracting the pen cartridge.
• the lifesaver embodiment of Fig. 48 can operate with the cam assembly of Figs. 4-9.
• This particular configuration is shown in Figs. 78-82 where writing instrument 100 includes a central hole 250.
• the pen guide 128 lies between the respective covers 104 and 106.
• Rotation of the second cover clockwise from the view of Figs. 80-82 with respect to the first cover causes rotation of the track 124 as shown.
• Rotation of the track 124 in turn causes translation of the track following section 132, which is constrained to translate horizontally from the views of Figs.
• each of the embodiments shown in Figs. 41-74A can operate in accordance with any of the above-described embodiments for extending and retracting the pen cartridge. Therefore, the seam shown for example in Figs. 41, 41 A, 44, 45, 47A, 48, 49A, 51-56A, 60A-65, and 67-47B can be between two rotationally engaged sections of the housing, or between two fixedly engaged sections of the housing. It is understood that the outward shape of the writing instrument may take on various three dimensional shapes in alternative embodiments.
• the instrument 100 may be cylindrically shaped, such as for example in the shape of a can or a bottle, or may be irregularly shaped, such as for example in the shape of a person, character or automobile.
• the internal components according to the various embodiments described above for extending and retracting the pen cartridge may be housed within an internal compartment within the outer housing. (It may not be practical to use rotating components to extend and retract the pen cartridge in some of these alternative shape embodiments.)
• a viscous liquid may be provided in a sealed area within the housing 102, isolated from the internal compartment in which the extending and retracting components are located.
• the liquid may create the impression of the liquid being poured from the bottle as the writing instrument is tilted downward to the writing position.
• a conventional damper may be employed to slow the movement of the pen cartridge as the pen cartridge extends from and retracts into the housing, thus creating the impression that the pen tip is being poured out of the housing 102.
• a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a writing instrument
• other tools may be mounted within housing 102.
• Such tools can have an outer appearance of a familiar and or proprietary object as described above, and can be extended and retracted in accordance with the various embodiments described above.
• a screwdriver or cutting blade may be provided within housing 102.
• a light source may be provided within housing 102.
• the internal mechanisms can activate the light source when it is extended, and can deactivate the light source when it is retracted.
• the mechanisms for activating and deactivating the light source may be separate from those extending and retracting the light source. Further still, it is contemplated that the internal mechanisms merely activate and deactivate the light source, without extending or retracting it. In further alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that writing instrument 100 include a wide variety of battery or solar powered electronics. In such instances the electronics can be activated upon extension or retraction of the pen cartridge. In addition to the light source describe above, the electronics may include a sound chip for emitting audible sounds, words and or melodies.
• the present invention conjures a corporate image without having to read or study information printed on a side of a pen, and thus provides a more effective at-a-glance marketing tool than words or information about the object could ever be.
• a writing instrument according to the present invention will have much greater value as a novelty item than conventional pens.

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• Mechanical Pencils And Projecting And Retracting Systems Therefor, And Multi-System Writing Instruments (AREA)

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• 1999
  • 1999-11-05 US US09/434,828 patent/US6428231B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2000
  • 2000-01-10 US US09/480,009 patent/US6561710B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-05-11 WO PCT/US2000/013073 patent/WO2001034406A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2000-05-11 JP JP2001536378A patent/JP2003513827A/ja active Pending
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