WO2004078490A2 - Transparent or translucent tubular structure - Google Patents
Transparent or translucent tubular structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004078490A2 WO2004078490A2 PCT/US2004/005961 US2004005961W WO2004078490A2 WO 2004078490 A2 WO2004078490 A2 WO 2004078490A2 US 2004005961 W US2004005961 W US 2004005961W WO 2004078490 A2 WO2004078490 A2 WO 2004078490A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- layer material
- inner layer
- tubular structure
- writing medium
- outer layer
- Prior art date
Links
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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
- B43K5/02—Ink reservoirs
- B43K5/12—Ink reservoirs with ink-level inspection means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K7/00—Ball-point pens
- B43K7/02—Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges
- B43K7/06—Reservoirs with ink-level inspection means
-
- 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
- B43K8/02—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with writing-points comprising fibres, felt, or similar porous or capillary material
- B43K8/03—Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S138/00—Pipes and tubular conduits
- Y10S138/03—Polytetrafluoroethylene, i.e. PTFE
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a writing medium reservoir, and a writing instrument containing same, in which the writing medium is readily visible to the user, and which also advantageously exhibits substantially clear drain of the writing medium through the reservoir to the writing tip.
- the present invention also relates to a method of making such a writing medium reservoir, and a writing instrument containing same.
- the present invention relates to a multi-layer tubular structure, as well as a method of making same, in which the liquid medium therein is readily visible to the user and which tubular structure also advantageously exhibits substantially clear drain of the liquid medium through the tubular structure.
- a writing instrument contains a writing medium reservoir, e.g., an ink tube, charged with a selected amount of a writing medium, e.g., ink, which is depleted during the use of the writing instrument. Occasionally, the writing medium leaves a residue on the surface of the reservoir. It is desirable to reduce, if not to eliminate, the amount of such residue, so that as little writing medium as possible is left behind as residue (and thus wasted).
- a writing medium reservoir e.g., an ink tube
- a writing medium e.g., ink
- a writing medium reservoir that is transparent or translucent so that the writing medium therein can be observed. It is also desirable to have as little residue as possible so that the view into the reservoir is substantially unobstructed and/or so that the content of writing medium in the reservoir can be readily determined.
- the writing medium reservoir is transparent or translucent, a user can see the level of the writing medium within the reservoir.
- the writing medium reservoir is said to exhibit clear drain.
- clear drain is desirable in a transparent or translucent writing medium reservoir so that the user can accurately determine the amount of writing medium remaining in the reservoir.
- a material When a material exhibits clear drain with respect to a liquid (regardless of its viscosity), such as a writing medium in this case, the material usually also exhibits anti- wetting properties with respect to that liquid, which typically means that the material has a significantly lower surface energy than that of the liquid.
- the difference in surface energies between the relatively solid material and the relatively liquid material e.g., more formally, the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the reservoir
- the liquid preferring to associate with itself rather than with the material surface e.g. , by spreading out over the surface).
- a material that exhibits anti-wetting properties with respect to a given liquid will also exhibit effective barrier properties against diffusion, sorption, or permeation of the given liquid into or through the material, e.g., against evaporation of the given liquid.
- Effective barrier properties of anti-wetting materials in writing medium reservoirs are especially desirable when the writing medium has a relatively volatile liquid base (e.g., such as water, acetone, butyl acetate, etc.), in order to prevent, control, or inhibit (hereinafter "control,” without any intent to unduly limit) diffusive or permeative evaporation thereof through the reservoir.
- One aspect of the present invention relates to tubular structures such as writing medium reservoirs exhibiting anti- wetting properties (e.g., at least partially exhibiting clear drain) with respect to a fluid such as a writing medium.
- Exemplary writing medium reservoirs formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention may be used in writing mstruments including, but not limited to, ball point pens, rollerball pens, free ink pens, pens using gel ink, retractable tip pens, etc.
- Clear drain is particularly beneficial in transparent or translucent writing medium reservoirs, so that the user can accurately observe the level of writing medium therein.
- the anti-wetting properties of the writing medium reservoir are beneficial to reduce wastage of writing medium.
- Anti- wetting properties can be measured, for example, by determining the difference between the surface tension of the fluid and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the tubular structure. In cases where the surface tension of the fluid is equal to or less than the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the tubular structure (i.e., when the difference is a negative number), wetting of the tubular structure interior surface material with the fluid will usually occur. Even in certain cases where the surface tension of the fluid is slightly greater than the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the tubular structure (i.e., where the difference between those quantities is a relatively small positive number), there may still be sufficient wetting of the tubular structure interior surface by the fluid such that substantially clear drain is not exhibited.
- the tubular structure interior surface In cases where the surface tension of the fluid is more than slightly greater than the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the tubular structure (i.e., where the difference between those quantities is more than a relatively small positive number), the tubular structure interior surface generally has sufficient anti-wetting properties to exhibit substantially clear drain of the fluid.
- the fluid instead of exhibiting substantially clear drain from the tubular structure interior surface, can have such strong molecular interactions with itself and can exhibit such non-wetting character with respect to the tubular structure interior surface material that it beads up on the tubular structure interior surface material and thus does not exhibit substantially clear drain properties.
- a writing medium reservoir may be formed from or may contain a material that is advantageously transparent or translucent (hereinafter “translucent,” for simplicity and without any intent to limit).
- transparency or translucency hereinafter “translucency,” for simplicity and without any intent to limit
- any translucent, and preferably optically transparent, writing medium reservoir made of any desired material may be provided with an inner layer of a translucent, and also preferably optically transparent, relatively low surface energy polymer or copolymer to result in clear drain in a writing medium reservoir permitting external observation of the writing medium therein.
- a wide range of materials may be used to form the writing medium reservoir, and only a small amount of relatively low surface energy polymer is necessary.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a writing medium reservoir.
- One aspect of the present invention relates to a translucent tubular structure, such as a reservoir or conduit that can hold or convey a fluid.
- a tubular structure particularly benefiting from the principles of the present invention is a writing medium reservoir, discussed in detail herein for the sake of convenience, and exemplary discussion. It will thus be appreciated that writing medium is referenced herein, for the sake of convenience as well, without intent to limit, as reservoirs and tubular structures other than writing medium reservoirs may be used with fluids other than writing media.
- Another aspect of the present invention relates to a writing instrument including the writing medium reservoir formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Examples of the types of writing instruments in which the principles of the present invention may be applied include, but are not limited to, ball point pens, rollerball pens, free ink pens, felt-tip pens, markers, highlighters, and the like.
- the writing instrument may not include ink-jet printers.
- the writing instrument is a hand-held writing instrument.
- the writing instrument is finger-manipulable (i.e., sized, shaped, dimensioned, configured, and weighted to be manipulable by a person's fingers). It will also be appreciated that writing medium reservoirs are referenced herein regardless of the nature of the writing medium contained therein and without any intent to unduly limit to a particular writing medium or element in which such writing medium is contained.
- the writing medium reservoir is preferably sufficiently translucent that a user can externally visually observe the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir.
- This external visual observation of the writing medium level may be desired over the full length of the writing medium reservoir or over only a portion of the writing medium reservoir.
- at least the portion of the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired preferably is translucent.
- only the portion of the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired may be translucent.
- more than the portion of the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired can be translucent as well.
- the writing medium reservoir can be made from a material or a combination of materials that provide the most clarity in visualization of the writing medium contained therein, and thus is essentially transparent, regardless of the nature of, color of, or contrast with the writing medium. However, it is sufficient that the writing medium reservoir can have a translucency such that a typical user is able to observe visually the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir from the outside of the writing medium reservoir under normal conditions.
- Another aspect of the present invention relates to an writing medium reservoir that exhibits substantially clear drain with respect to the writing medium.
- the term "substantially” may refer to more than about 95%, preferably more than about 98%, more preferably more than about 99%, most preferably more than about 99.5%.
- the phrases “substantially no,” “substantially none,” and “substantially not,” as used herein, may refer to less than about 5%, preferably less than about 2%, more preferably less than about 1%, most preferably less than about 0.5%. Where applicable, all percentages expressed herein should be understood to be by weight, unless otherwise specified.
- the present invention typically is provided in a writing instrument body or barrel (hereinafter "barrel" for simplicity and without any intent to limit).
- the present invention also relates to a writing mstrument with a writing medium reservoir formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- the writing medium reservoir is particularly useful in a transparent or at least translucent writing instrument barrel.
- the translucency of the writing medium reservoir (or any other part of the writing instrument) can advantageously be measured in terms of a percent transmission through the material(s), e.g., according to ASTM D 1003.
- the writing medium reservoir (and optionally of any writing instrument component disposed over the writing medium reservoir, together or individually) exhibits at least about a 60% transmittance, more preferably at least about an 80% transmittance, most preferably at least a 90% transmittance, based on the ASTM D 1003 test.
- the present invention generally pertains to a writing medium reservoir for holding writing medium in a free state, rather than in a fibrous wad.
- the writing medium may be held directly in the barrel in a free state, in which case the barrel can additionally function as the writing medium reservoir.
- the writing medium may be held in a cartridge (e.g., a tube for ballpoint, rollerball, gel, or other type of writing medium), and a barrel may be inserted over or may receive the cartridge.
- Free ink writing instruments generally include a reservoir in which writing medium of a particular viscosity is contained in a "free state," as opposed to writing instruments in which a writing medium is held within a porous or fibrous material that serves as the writing medium reservoir.
- An ink transfer member which includes a component or assembly of components, may be provided to transfer the writing medium from the writing medium reservoir to, and sometimes through, the writing tip for application of the writing medium onto a writing substrate (i.e., normal use).
- the writing medium reservoir in writing instruments according to the invention may optionally be present as a part of a removable cartridge.
- This removable cartridge may include only the writing medium reservoir or additionally one or more other elements or components which can contact the writing medium (e.g., the element(s) of the writing tip, and optionally the ink storage area, if present) such that the entire set of elements or components that constitute the desired flow path of the writing medium from writing medium reservoir to writing tip are contained in the replaceable cartridge.
- the removable cartridge may alternately be called an ink tube, with no intent to limit the size, shape, configuration, dimensions, or any other aspect of the removable cartridge.
- the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir i.e., the surface of the writing medium reservoir that is contacted by the writing medium
- the clear-draining quality of the writing medium reservoir preferably does not substantially change over time.
- the anti-wetting properties and/or the propensity of a material for exhibiting clear drain with respect to a particular writing medium can be measured, for example, by assessing the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the reservoir.
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is a positive number.
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is such that substantially no writing medium residue remains on the material forming the interior surface.
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is at least about the critical surface energy difference.
- the "critical surface energy difference,” or CSED represents the lowest value of the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the reservoir at which substantially clear drain is exhibited.
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is not so significant, or so large a positive number, such that the writing medium at least partially coats or tends to bead up on the writing medium reservoir interior surface material, e.g., such that the interior surface material of the reservoir does not exhibit substantially clear drain.
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is at least about 3 dynes/cm (i.e., 3 mN/m). In a preferred embodiment, the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is at least about 5 dynes/cm (i.e., 5 mN/m). In another preferred embodiment, the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is at least about 7 dynes/cm (i.e., 7 mN/m).
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is at least about 10 dynes/cm (i.e., 10 mN/m).
- the difference between the surface tension of the writing medium and the surface energy of the material forming the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is not more than about 50 dynes/cm (i.e., 50 mN/m), alternately not more than about 35 dynes/cm (i.e., 35 mN/m), alternately not more than about 25 dynes/cm (i.e., 25 mN/m).
- a writing medium reservoir includes an inner layer material (e.g., defining the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir) to provide properties such as anti-wetting, and optionally permeation/diffusion/sorption resistance, with respect to the writing medium, which inner layer material may also advantageously be translucent, and at least one other layer of material, e.g., an outer layer material, disposed over the inner layer material, which outer layer material may also advantageously be translucent.
- an inner layer material e.g., defining the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir
- properties such as anti-wetting, and optionally permeation/diffusion/sorption resistance
- the translucency of the inner layer material and of the outer layer material should preferably be such that, when combined in a writing medium reservoir according to the invention, the resultant reservoir exhibits sufficient translucency to allow a user to observe visually, from outside the reservoir, the level of the writing medium in the reservoir.
- the desirable properties for the inner layer can include, but are not limited to: anti- wetting with respect to the writing medium; substantially clear drain with respect to the writing medium; barrier to or inhibitor of diffusion, permeation, or sorption of the writing medium; chemical inertness; chemical stability; mechanical stability; flexibility; transparency and/or translucency; chemical and/or mechanical compatibility with the outer layer material; or the like; or any combination thereof.
- the desirable properties for the outer layer material can include, but are not limited to: barrier to or inhibitor of diffusion, permeation, or sorption of the writing medium; chemical inertness; chemical stability; mechanical stability; rigidity (e.g., at least enough to independently support the weight of the writing medium reservoir, and optionally any components, such as a point, a front nose cone, a point support, elements associated with a retractable writing tip, etc., that are integral with or attached to the writing medium reservoir, such that the outer layer material, at most, experiences elastic and not plastic deformation, or preferably such that the outer layer material does not exhibit significant mechanical deflection); transparency and or translucency; chemical and/or mechanical compatibility with the inner layer material; or the like; or any combination thereof.
- the barrel, as well as any elements or components of the writing instrument that may be disposed over all or part of the writing medium reservoir, or at least those portions of the barrel and/or other writing instrument component(s) that are disposed over the writing medium reservoir may be translucent.
- the translucent quality of the portion of the writing instrument disposed over the writing medium reservoir should preferably be such that a user can visually observe the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir externally.
- This external visual observation of the writing medium level may be desired over the full length of the barrel and or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir, over only the portion of the barrel and/or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir that extend over the writing medium reservoir, or over only a segment of the portion of the barrel and/or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir that extend over the writing medium reservoir.
- at least the portion of the barrel and/or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired may be translucent.
- the user can visually observe the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir by removing a non-transparent, non-translucent barrel (and/or any other non-transparent, non-translucent components) over which the writing medium reservoir is disposed, in order to expose the writing medium reservoir.
- a non-transparent, non-translucent barrel and/or any other non-transparent, non-translucent components
- only the portion of the barrel and/or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired may be translucent.
- more than merely the portion of the barrel and/or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired can be translucent.
- the barrel and/or other component(s) disposed over the writing medium reservoir over which external visual observation is desired may be both non-transparent and non-translucent.
- Suitable inner layer materials can vary, based on the writing medium with which they are to come in contact.
- Exemplary inner layer materials include, but are not limited to, polymers or copolymers containing partially halogenated monomeric repeat units, polymers or copolymers containing substantially halogenated monomeric repeat units, polysiloxane homopolymers or copolymers, olefin homopolymers or copolymers, vinyl polymers or copolymers, homopolymers or copolymers containing an amide group, or any combination thereof.
- the inner layer material includes polymers or copolymers containing at least partially halogenated monomeric repeat units, preferably polymers or copolymers containing substantially halogenated monomeric repeat units.
- the halogen is fluorine; i.e., the inner layer material includes polymers or copolymers containing at least partially fluorinated monomeric repeat units, preferably polymers or copolymers containing substantially fluorinated monomeric repeat units. More preferably, the inner layer material includes polymers or copolymers consisting of at least partially fluorinated monomeric repeat units, most preferably polymers or copolymers consisting of substantially fluorinated monomeric repeat units.
- the substantially fluorinated monomeric repeat unit may include, but are not limited to, tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, perfluorinated acrylates, perfluorodioxoles, perfluoroalkoxy monomeric repeat units, and the like, and combinations and copolymers thereof.
- polymers or copolymers consisting essentially of substantially fluorinated monomeric repeat units include, but are not limited to, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, such as commercially available under the tradenames TEFLON FEP from DuPont Chemical of Wilmington, DE, NEOFLON FEP from Daikin America of Decatur, AL, and HOSTAFLON FEP from Hoechst Celanese in Texas; tetrafluoroethylene- perfluorodioxole copolymers, such as commercially available under the tradename TEFLON AF from DuPont Chemical of Wilmington, DE; and perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon resins, such as commercially available under the tradename TEFLON PFA from DuPont Chemical of Wilmington, DE, NEOFLON perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon resin from Daikin America of Decatur, AL, HOSTAFLON perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon resin from Hoechst Celanese in TX, and HYFLON from Aus
- a copolymer consisting essentially of at least partially fluorinated monomeric repeat units can include, but is not limited to, a copolymer of a substantially fluorinated monomeric repeat unit with a non-fluorinated monomeric repeat unit (e.g., an alpha-olefin, such as ethylene, propylene, or the like, or a combination thereof).
- a non-fluorinated monomeric repeat unit e.g., an alpha-olefin, such as ethylene, propylene, or the like, or a combination thereof.
- Exemplary outer layer materials may include, but are not limited to, cellulosic polymers, polyketones, polyesters or polyester glycols (e.g., poly(ethylene terephthalate)s and/or PETG), poly(vinyl chloride), styrene-containing copolymers (e.g., SBS triblock copolymers, SB diblock or multiblock copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, such as ABS, and the like, and combinations thereof), polymers containing acrylate groups, ⁇ oly( vinyl acetate)s, polycarbonates, polyamides (e.g., transparent nylons, such as those sold under the tradename TROGAMID CX from Degussa AG of Frankfurt, Germany), polyolefms (e.g.
- polyethylenes such as HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, UHMWPE, and the like; polypropylenes; and the like; and combinations thereof
- polymers or copolymers containing partially halogenated monomeric repeat units polymers or copolymers containing substantially halogenated monomeric repeat units, and mixtures, blends, or copolymers thereof.
- a cellulosic polymer according to the invention can include, but is not limited to, native or synthetic cellulose, cotton, regenerated cellulose (e.g., rayon, cellophane, or the like), cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate-propionate, cellulose acetate-butyrate, cellulose propionate-butyrate, cellulose nitrate, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, cellulose salts, and combinations or copolymers thereof.
- native or synthetic cellulose cotton
- regenerated cellulose e.g., rayon, cellophane, or the like
- cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate-propionate, cellulose acetate-butyrate, cellulose propionate-butyrate cellulose nitrate, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose
- a cellulosic polymer according to the invention may be present as naturally extracted, as synthesized, or as modified or processed in some way, e.g., partially or fully esterified, partially or fully nitrated, partially or fully regenerated, partially or fully etherified, partially or fully acidified, partially or fully acid-neutralized, or the like, or combinations thereof.
- the inner layer material and outer layer material are sufficiently compatible with each other, and/or are formed in such a way or by such a method, so that they are preferably substantially fixed relative to each other, and optionally adhered to each other, at the interface between the layers.
- this compatibility may be chemical or mechanical in nature, and preferably the level of compatibility necessary need only be such that normal handling and normal use of the writing medium reservoir, or of a writing instrument containing same, by a user does not substantially affect the translucency, the substantially clear drain capability, and/or the further normal function of the writing medium reservoir.
- delamination at the interface of the layers may occur. Delamination, in and of itself, is not necessarily a problem. However, where delamination may occur, it is preferable that the delamination does not cause significant changes in opacity (where translucency is desired) to such an extent as to render the writing medium reservoir no longer sufficiently translucent. Furthermore, where delamination may occur, it is preferable that the delamination does not cause significant structural changes in the writing medium reservoir to such an extent as to curtail significantly flow of the writing medium out from the writing medium reservoir or to reduce significantly the level of clear drain exhibited (where the property of clear drain with respect to the writing medium is desired).
- an intermediate layer such as a compatibilizing layer may be inserted between the inner and outer layers.
- the intermediate layer may include an additional layer of material, which may include, but is not limited to, an adhesive, a copolymer containing at least one monomeric repeat unit present in each of the inner and outer layer materials, a copolymer containing at least one monomeric repeat unit that is chemically similar enough to at least one monomeric repeat unit present in each of the inner and outer layer materials to render the inner and outer layer materials sufficiently compatible, or the like, or a combination thereof.
- the translucency of the intermediate layer material should preferably be such that, when combined with the inner layer material and the outer layer material in a writing medium reservoir according to the invention, the resultant writing medium reservoir exhibits sufficient translucency to allow a user to observe visually the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir from outside the reservoir.
- the outer layer material may be compatibilized with the inner layer material by adding an intermediate layer that is a blend of polymers containing at least one monomeric repeat unit present in each of the inner and outer layer materials, respectively, or containing at least one monomeric repeat unit that is chemically similar enough to at least one monomeric repeat unit present in each of the inner and outer layer materials, respectively, to render the inner and outer layer materials sufficiently compatible.
- a similar blend of materials may additionally or alternately be provided in the outer layer material, preferably provided that at least one component material of the blend can preferentially be present at the interface with the inner layer material in an amount sufficient to provide sufficient compatibility with the inner layer material.
- the blend of materials itself should also be sufficiently translucent to allow a user to observe visually the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir from outside the reservoir.
- the compatibilizing intermediate layer may include treating the interior surface of the outer layer material or the outer surface of the inner layer material (or both) to alter (e.g., chemically or mechanically) that surface (or those surfaces) at the inner layer-outer layer interface to create sufficient compatibility.
- This treatment may advantageously include adding material, removing material, changing the physical arrangement of material, or altering the chemical nature of material, specifically at the inner-outer layer interface.
- treating the surface(s) may include, but is not limited to, using reactive wet chemical techniques (e.g., solution chemistry) to functionalize the surface(s) to form a functionalized layer that renders the inner and outer layer materials sufficiently compatible; using reactive non-wet chemical techniques (e.g., high-energy radiation such as UV light, microwaves, or gamma- or x-rays; reactive gas plasmas such as nitrogen, oxygen, or halogen gases; noble gas plasmas such as argon; subatomic particle bombardment such as with electrons or beta-particles; or combinations thereof) to functionalize the surface(s) to form a functionalized layer that renders the inner and outer layer materials sufficiently compatible; chemically, physically, or mechanically flattening the surface(s), e.g., by ablating or otherwise removing a portion of the material from the surface(s), such as with a laser, by redistributing the material at the surface(s), so that the surface area available for intimate contact (e.g., through van der Waals
- materials that provide anti-wetting surfaces to writing media are generally not sufficiently translucent such that a user can visually observe externally the level of writing medium through such materials.
- the thickness of the inner layer material is at least enough to provide anti-wetting surface properties when the interior surface of the writing medium reservoir is contacted with a writing medium.
- materials that are anti- wetting for writing media and that are sufficiently translucent are contemplated as materials comprising the interior surface of writing medium reservoirs according to the invention, usually only by making the anti-wetting material relatively very thin can they be rendered sufficiently translucent such that a user can visually observe externally the level of writing medium through such anti- wetting material.
- the use of a relatively very thin inner layer material may provide a significant cost benefit over forming the entire writing medium reservoir out of the anti- wetting material.
- the thickness of the inner layer material may be at least about 10 microns, at least about 50 microns, at least about 100 microns, or at least about 250 microns.
- the thickness of the inner layer material is not more than about 3 mm, preferably not more than about 2 mm, alternately not more than about 1 mm, for example not more than about 700 microns.
- the outer layer material may advantageously be thick and rigid enough to support the weight of the entire writing medium reservoir.
- the outer layer is also thick enough to be substantially inflexible under conditions of normal use according to the invention.
- One exemplary reason for structural stability of the outer layer material is that a certain level of rigidity is typically desired in the writing medium reservoir according to the invention.
- the inner layer material (optionally, as well as the intermediate compatibilizing layer material, if present) is generally of such a thickness (combined, where applicable), of such a molecular weight, and/or of such a chemical composition so as to impart little, if any, structural support to the writing medium reservoir.
- the outer layer typically should provide sufficient structural stability to substantially support the inner layer.
- Structural stability of the outer layer material may be quantified in a number of different ways. For example, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, tensile strength, and/or strain-at-break (e.g., percent elongation), e.g., as determined by ASTM D638/D412, D790, D638/D412, and D638/D412, respectively, can sometimes be used to distinguish rigid materials from flexible ones.
- the outer layer material can exhibit a tensile modulus of at least about 1400 psi, alternately at least about 3500 psi, or at least about 5000 psi.
- the outer layer material can exhibit a flexural modulus of at least about lxlO 5 psi, alternately at least about 3xl0 5 psi, or at least about 5xl0 5 psi.
- the outer layer material can exhibit a tensile strength of at least about 2000 psi, alternately at least about 4500 psi, or at least about 7000 psi.
- the outer layer material can exhibit a percent elongation of no more than about 100%, alternately no more than about 40%, or no more than about 10%.
- the substantially clear draining writing medium reservoir may be formed by co-extruding an inner layer material and an outer layer material.
- the inner and/or outer layer materials can be, individually and when combined, sufficiently translucent such that a user can readily observe visually the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir from outside the reservoir.
- the inner layer material i.e., the surface of the writing medium reservoir that contacts the writing medium
- the clear drain capability of a writing medium reservoir, as well as of a writing instrument containing same maybe increased by introducing an inner layer material disposed under or within the material defining the boundary of the writing medium reservoir, which materials can advantageously be, individually and when combined, sufficiently translucent such that a user can externally visually observe the level of the writing medium in the writing medium reservoir.
- the inner layer material can be introduced by being co-extruded with the outer layer that defines the writing medium reservoir boundary.
- the writing medium reservoir may be formed by co-extrusion of an intermediate or compatibilizing layer between the inner and outer layer materials.
- the interior surface of the material defining the boundary of the writing medium reservoir may be treated so that sufficient compatibility with the inner layer material may result.
- a multi-layer tubular structure ("multi- layer tube” for the sake of simplicity and without intent to limit) can be formed from at least an inner layer of polymeric material and an outer layer of polymeric material, as described above.
- the multi-layer tube according to the invention may be used to hold or to transport any of a number of liquids (e.g., over any range of viscosities, whether high, low, or intermediate), not just writing medium, e.g., organic solvents, water, aqueous solutions, organic solutions, liquid chemicals or chemical mixtures, or the like.
- the liquid can contain an ink, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,503,965 and 6,425,948, and U.S.
- the liquid can contain biological material (e.g., in solution) or can be used in an in vivo biological environment (e.g., blood, plasma, saline, or the like).
- biological material e.g., in solution
- in an in vivo biological environment e.g., blood, plasma, saline, or the like.
- the inner and outer layer materials, together in the multi-layer tube according to the invention are preferably sufficiently translucent such that the liquid contained therein can be externally visually observed.
- the inner layer material preferably has sufficient anti- wetting properties with respect to the liquid contained therein so that, as the liquid passes therethrough, substantially no liquid remains as a coating or partial coating on the interior surface of the tube where the liquid previously contacted the interior surface of the tube.
- the inner layer material acts substantially as a barrier against diffusion, sorption, and/or permeation of the contacting liquid into and/or through the inner layer.
- the inner layer polymeric material includes, but is not limited to, polymers or copolymers containing at least partially halogenated monomeric repeat units, such as polymers or copolymers containing substantially halogenated monomeric repeat units, alternately polymers or copolymers consisting essentially of at least partially halogenated monomeric repeat units, such as polymers or copolymers consisting essentially of substantially halogenated monomeric repeat units.
- the halogen is fluorine.
- the outer layer material of the multi-layer tube according to the invention may be relatively rigid, as in the writing medium reservoir according to the invention.
- One exemplary reason for rigidity in the outer layer material is that a certain level of structural stability is typically desired in the multi-layer tube according to the invention.
- the outer layer material of the multi-layer tube may be relatively flexible, so long as the inner layer material and outer layer material preferably exhibit sufficient compatibility with each other, or preferably are formed in such a way or by such a method to be preferably substantially fixed relative to each other, and optionally adhered to each other, at the interface between the layers, while also preferably maintaining translucency of the multi-layer tube.
- This compatibility may be chemical or mechanical in nature, and preferably the level of compatibility necessary need only be such that normal handling and normal use of the multi-layer tube, or of a device containing same, by a user does not substantially affect the translucency, the substantially clear drain capability, and/or the further normal function of the multi-layer tube.
- the outer layer material of a multi-layer tube according to the invention can generally be sufficiently resilient, rigid, and thick enough to be manipulable and mechanically stable under conditions of normal use, but not so rigid as to prevent flexing during normal use.
- the inner layer material (optionally, as well as the intermediate compatibilizing layer material, if present) is generally (though not necessarily) of such a thickness (or thicknesses combined, where applicable), of such a molecular weight, and/or of such a chemical composition so as to impart little, if any, structural support to the multi-layer tube according to the invention.
- Example 1 Multi-Layer Writing medium reservoir, Removable Writing Instrument Cartridge, and Writing Instrument According to the Invention
- the writing medium reservoir of Example 1 was a hollow cylinder formed from an inner layer of TEFLON FEP and an outer layer of TROGAMID CX. As shown in Fig. 1, the cross-section of the writing medium reservoir had an outer diameter of about 3.15 mm and an inner diameter of about 1.92 mm. The outer layer was approximately 820 microns thick, while the inner layer thickness was approximately 410 microns.
- the writing medium reservoir of Example 1 was substantially inflexible under its own weight and had an optical transmission of about 90%, as measured according to ASTM D 1003.
- the writing medium reservoir of Example 1 was formed by co-extrusion of the inner and outer layer materials between about 80°C to about 150°C. This operation was performed in a conventional co-extruder.
- Example 1 To the writing medium reservoir of Example 1 was added a writing tip including a point, a point support, and a front nose cone, such that the writing medium reservoir and the writing tip were integral.
- writing medium similar to the conventional solvent-based ink used in the VELOCITYTM pen, commercially available from BIC Corporation of Milford, CT, was placed into the writing medium reservoir.
- the particular writing tip used was similar to the conventional ball point tip used in the aforementioned VELOCITYTM pen.
- a removable writing instrument cartridge according to the invention and containing the writing medium reservoir of Example 1 was made.
- Example 2 Method of Co-Extruding a Writing Medium Reservoir According to the Invention
- a writing medium reservoir according to the invention was formed by co-extrusion of an inner layer material and an outer layer material, in this case (as in Example 1) TEFLON FEP and TROGAMID CX, respectively, at a temperature between about 80 and about 150°C. This operation was performed in a conventional co-extruder.
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Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BRPI0407863-2A BRPI0407863A (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | writing instrument cartridge, writing instrument, tubular structure, method for fabricating a substantially clear drain tubular structure, and multilayer tube |
CN2004800111780A CN1780740B (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure. |
EP04715727A EP1597086A2 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure |
CA002516784A CA2516784A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure |
JP2006508891A JP2006519718A (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure |
MXPA05008992A MXPA05008992A (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure. |
AU2004217946A AU2004217946A1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2004-02-27 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/375,049 US6742952B1 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2003-02-28 | Transparent or translucent tubular structure |
US10/375,049 | 2003-02-28 |
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WO2004078490A2 true WO2004078490A2 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
WO2004078490A3 WO2004078490A3 (en) | 2005-03-31 |
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US (1) | US6742952B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1597086A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2006519718A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20050103508A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1780740B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2004217946A1 (en) |
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MX (1) | MXPA05008992A (en) |
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US20080105580A1 (en) * | 2006-11-02 | 2008-05-08 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Applicator Tip |
JP5689244B2 (en) * | 2010-03-27 | 2015-03-25 | 三菱鉛筆株式会社 | Applicator |
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2003
- 2003-02-28 US US10/375,049 patent/US6742952B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-02-27 MX MXPA05008992A patent/MXPA05008992A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2004-02-27 WO PCT/US2004/005961 patent/WO2004078490A2/en active Application Filing
- 2004-02-27 KR KR1020057015906A patent/KR20050103508A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-02-27 BR BRPI0407863-2A patent/BRPI0407863A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-02-27 TW TW093105177A patent/TW200500225A/en unknown
- 2004-02-27 EP EP04715727A patent/EP1597086A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-02-27 CA CA002516784A patent/CA2516784A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-02-27 AU AU2004217946A patent/AU2004217946A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-02-27 JP JP2006508891A patent/JP2006519718A/en active Pending
- 2004-02-27 CN CN2004800111780A patent/CN1780740B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US6200053B1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2001-03-13 | The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd. | Ink follower composition for ballpoint pen and ballpoint pen using the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MXPA05008992A (en) | 2005-10-18 |
TW200500225A (en) | 2005-01-01 |
WO2004078490A3 (en) | 2005-03-31 |
AU2004217946A1 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
JP2006519718A (en) | 2006-08-31 |
CN1780740B (en) | 2010-07-14 |
EP1597086A2 (en) | 2005-11-23 |
CN1780740A (en) | 2006-05-31 |
BRPI0407863A (en) | 2006-03-01 |
US6742952B1 (en) | 2004-06-01 |
KR20050103508A (en) | 2005-10-31 |
CA2516784A1 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
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