WO2008069776A1

WO2008069776A1 - Multi-tip writing device

Info

Publication number: WO2008069776A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/046162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ketan Vora
Original assignee: Ketan Vora
Priority date: 2006-12-04
Filing date: 2006-12-04
Publication date: 2008-06-12

Abstract

Provided is a multi-tip writing device that includes multiple tips that may be substantially permanently secured within a proximal end of a housing, or may be removably replaceable; that is, interchangeable. Marker style tips, stylus tips, and stamps are all variations within the scope of the invention. The removal and replacement of the tips may be facilitated by attachment clips secured either directly to the tips themselves, or to tip housings in which the tips are secured.

Description

TITLE MULTI-TIP WRITING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of marking instruments and writing tools and more particularly to a multi-tip writing device.

Description of the Related Art

Numerous writing instruments and marking devices exist that are intended to provide a user with a variety of marking options. Some devices include multiple tips, while others provide varying colors. A brief summary of some of the prior art devices are discussed below.

A first example of the prior art is Sixiong, U.S. Patent No.: 5,368,405 that discloses a marking instrument that includes multiple nibs. In a first position the nibs are spaced apart. The gap between nibs may be reduced such that they appear to be a single conical nib. Multiple colors may be utilized when the nibs are connected to different color ink wells. The nibs may be allowed to separate when not in use to prevent bleeding of color to adjacent nibs over time.

The prior art patent granted to Dowzall, et al., U.S. Patent No.: 5,651,627 does not actually disclose a marking instrument per se, but rather a so-called holder that may be attached to the end of a marker. The purpose of the device is to provide a nib with a smaller point that can be attached to and operate in conjunction with a marker comprising a nib of a much greater diameter. This provides the user with the ability to use a single marker and the present invention to create both thick and thin lines. In another example, Ginelli, U.S. Patent No. 5,890,830 discloses a universal marking instrument designed to accept a variety of nibs and stamp ends. The device includes a nib mounting ring that retains the various nibs in a central position. The device may also utilize both jmds of the shaft with a single ink medium contained within.

Holbrook, et al., U.S. Patent No.: 6,155,733 discloses a device that includes a number of tips to achieve a variety of line formations. The tips are retractable and aligned closely together. As a result, the user may draw lines of varying thicknesses by extending two or more abutting tips. Also, the user may choose to retract some tips while leaving other extended. This arrangement can therefore produce a double line that may be used to highlight material without actually marking the material itself, that is, the material would be lined below and above creating a border.

Ahmed, U.S. Patent No.: 6,554,517 discloses a device very similar to that of

Holbrook et al. above. Ahmed's device includes retractable tips that correspond to different color inks. The tips are preferably aligned adjacent to one another to produce a single line with varying colors. The device also includes the housing for the device.

Ahmed, U.S. Patent No.: 6,877,922 discloses a device that encapsulates a variation of the above mentioned marking device of the '517 patent noted above. This patent is actually a division of U.S. Patent No. 6,554,517. Not surprisingly the two are very similar, the primary differences appear to be found in the shape and structure of the housing, and the nibs. The general purpose is substantially the same.

Also, the patent granted to the present inventor, Vora, U.S. Patent No.: 6,953,296 is a patent that should be considered. Although this patent includes many novel aspects, the present invention builds upon those advances. Sieling, et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,960,039 discloses a marking instrument that comprises a variety of nibs and combinations thereof. The nibs may comprise three in number, or six smaller nibs that fit within the same space. The nibs may vary in shape as well as in size. Another feature of the device is that the ink cartridges may include various ridges either between cartridges, or along their exterior. The ridges assist in the proper placement within the instrument housing, which in turn may include grooves.

Finally, Kwan, U.S. Patent No. 7,018,022 discloses a marking instrument that includes two ink cartridges in communication with two separate nib elements. The distal ends of the nib elements are formed so as to seemingly provide a single, conical nib. The device preferably features six total color possibilities, three in each end of the instrument. Additionally, it is preferred that an ink impermeable layer be disposed between nib elements so as to prevent mixing of colors from the individual nib elements. As previously stated, numerous other marking instruments also exist.

Although these prior art devices may perform their desired functions, none of them include the novel aspects of the present invention.

Therefore, what is required is a writing device that comprises multiple tips

Further, what is required is a multi-tip writing device that comprises a number of tips that may be permanently secured or removable.

What is also required is a multi-tip writing device that comprises attachment clips in an embodiment that comprises removable tips.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present to provide a writing device that comprises multiple tips.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a writing device that comprises a number of tips that may be permanently secured or removable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multi-tip writing device that comprises attachment clips in an embodiment that comprises removable tips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates a vertically positioned side view of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a writing tip and associated components.

FIG.4 illustrates perspective views of three embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the present invention without any writing tips.

FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of the present invention including writing tips. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention including attachment clips.

FIG. 7 further illustrates the attachment clips viewed from below.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the present invention and a pair of attachment clips.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the present invention and additional details of attachment clips of the preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-tip writing device 1 of the present invention. Shown is housing 2 and proximal end 3 opposite distal end 4. In a preferred embodiment at least a portion of the housing 2 comprises a substantially transparent region. Such transparency allows a user to see what cartridge is actually being used and at what angle. Back cap 5 can be seen at the distal end 4. End cap 5 preferably is attachably removable and may include a threaded interior to match and secure upon a threaded distal end 4 of housing 2. Other forms of attachment means are also within the scope of the present invention and include magnetic members and magnetic materials, tabs, snaps, other friction-type closures.

Also displayed in Figure 1 is element neck portion 6. In the preferred embodiment neck portion 6 comprises a neck circumference that is smaller than the housing circumference. It should be noted that the use of the word circumference is not limited to meaning only the distance around a circular object. This is important because it is within the scope of the invention for the housing 2 to comprise various outer shapes and configurations as well as the neck portion 6. Also, neck portion 6 may comprise an outer shape that is different or similar to the outer shape of housing 2. In terms of examples and not limitation, neck portion 6 may comprise an angled outer shape designed to provide placement of the fingers of a user. In another embodiment, neck portion 6 may comprise a material that is softer than a typical plastic substance. For example, neck portion 6 may comprise a gel-type substance or similar deformable material which may be located within a casing. Neck portion 6 could also comprise ridges or deformations for gripping purposes. Additionally, in another embodiment neck portion 6 may comprise a beginning portion that is approximately within one inch from proximal end 3. This arrangement provides a better balanced device 1 that allows the natural weighting of the device 1 to work in favor of the user. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the neck portion 6 may comprise a circumference that is approximately .5 - 1 cm than the circumference of housing 2. In a preferred embodiment housing 2 comprises a circumference of approximately 1 -2 cm.

Located substantially near the proximal end 3 of the multi-tip writing device 1 is a plurality of writings tips 7. In one embodiment plurality of writing tips 7 may comprise three writing tips, but various numbers of writing tips may be utilized. Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment wherein plurality of writing tips 7 also comprise marker-style tips. In this application the term marker-style tips refers to any tip made of a material capable of maintaining and conveying a marking substance, such as an ink or the like. Often these tips are made of a material that is at least partially porous and may also be capable of producing a wicking action when in communication with an ink providing member. It will be noted that the use of the term ink is meant in its broadest sense, that is, ink refers to any type of marking substance. In another embodiment, plurality of writing tips 7 may be triangular in shape, and in alternate embodiments plurality of writing tips 7 may comprise a variety of shapes, and they may vary amongst themselves, be substantially similar, or some combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of writing tips are all in an operative position simultaneously. Additionally, plurality of writing tips 7 may also comprise a writing tip angle such that the tips are almost tangent to the housing circumference.

In another preferred embodiment where the plurality of writing 7 do not all include a pointed end, and where at least one of the plurality of tips 7 are substantially linear, the linear side is preferably parallel to the housing circumference. This arrangement may allow for a relatively thick line to be drawn in relation to the line drawn when the tip is rotated ninety degrees about an axis point that is central to the tip in question.

Further, where at least one of the plurality of writing tips 7 are substantially linear, a shift in a wrist angle of the user may provide a different portion of a writing tip surface that contacts a paper or other substance upon which marking is desired. A linear shaped writing tip may provide a thick line where substantially all of the writing tip surface contacts the marked upon substance, and a fine line where the wrist angle is shifted to result in a substantially lesser portion of a writing tip surface that contacts a marked upon substance.

In another preferred embodiment the present invention includes a method for using a multi-tip writing instrument. The method for using the present invention is dependent up on the unique features of the device 1, as other writing instruments do not allow for the functional capabilities in the manner provided herein. In one example, the device 1 enjoys an appropriate weighted balance, which is derived from the general shape of the device 1, in conjunction with writing tips 7 that are always protruding at desired angles, and the neck portion 6. This cooperation of features allows for another important and unique attribute of the device. In addition to basic comfort and ergonomic efficiency, the employed writing tip may be changed to another writing tip as desired. This step of changing writing tips does not contemplate physically removing a tip from the device, though this is possible in other embodiments. In this instance, the employed writing tip may be switched by movements of the user's fingers, which in turn results in a rotation of the entire device 1. Depending upon the degree of rotation, the user may switch to the nearest adjacent writing tip, or may continue on to any tip as desired. Therefore, with but the simplest of movements^ the device 1 allows the user to perform marking operations with virtually no hesitation or loss of time.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention taken from a top angle. The multi-tip writing device 1 of the present invention has been displayed in an exploded view to allow for better understanding. This view displays an embodiment that includes two marker-style tips and two stylus tips. When used in this application the term "stylus tips" means substantially pointed tips similar to a ball point pen. The cartridges 9 associated with the marker-style tips preferably substantially fill the housing chamber within which it resides. Narrowing of the cartridge 9 may occur as it moves closer to proximal end 3. Cartridges 9 may substantially comprise the shape of a standard writing instrument ink tube, but it may also be formed with bends to allow for ease of insertion and/or removal as desired.

Also displayed are attachment clips 8 located near the proximal end 3 of the device 1. The attachment clips 8 are designed to secure the plurality of writing tips 7 in place within the device 1. In one embodiment, the tips 7 are substantially permanently secured within the device during the manufacturing process. In another embodiment, attachment clips 8 are utilized in the removal and replacement of the writing tips 7. In one embodiment the attachment clips 8 may comprise a metal, plastic or rubber band portion. The attachment clips 8 located on the stylus tips may comprise a rubber material that provides a friction type of attachment to the writing apertures 9 located in the proximal end 3 of the device 1. The attachment clips 8 located on the marker-style tips are shown as comprising a metal material. Further details concerning the attachment clips 8 may be considered along with Figure 3 and Figure 3A described more fully below. Figure 3 shows a view of attachment clip 8 of a preferred embodiment. Attachment clip 8, when utilized, may allow the plurality of writing tips 7, or cartridges 9 as desired, to be removed and replaced with additional writing tips 7, or cartridges 9, of different shapes and variety, including size, shape, and material. Attachment clip 8 may be similar in circumference to the circumference of the writing tip 7, or may be similar to a tip housing 10 circumference.

In a preferred embodiment the attachment clips 8 preferably act in concert with those portions of proximal end 3 that define the plurality of writing tip apertures 9. A sidewall of the writing tip apertures 9 may include a projection to assist in the securing of the writing tip 7. Attachment clip 8 may include a tab or detent on two opposing sides, or on a single side as pictured. Additionally, attachment clip 8 may be deformable elastic, that is, it may comprise the ability to compress the amount necessary for the attachment clip 8 to be inserted into, and secure within the writing aperture 9. This compression may be assisted in one embodiment wherein the attachment clip 8 includes a gap to aid the compression. The elasticity of the attachment clip 8 may also be achieved by means of the material that comprises the clip 8.

Figure 4 displays three different embodiments of the multi-tip writing device

1. Shown are devices Ia, Ib and Ic. Device Ia includes three marker-style tips 7, device Ib includes four marker-style tips 7, and device Ic comprises four tips 7, two of which are marker-style and tow of which are stylus tips. This Figure thus shows the versatility of the present invention. In an embodiment where the tips are interchangeable, any combination of the tips 7 may be achieved. Figures 5 and 5A illustrate a side view of the present invention. Also shown in Figure 5 A are writing tips 7 and tip housings 10 that include a circular circumference. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various shapes for tip circumference 10 are possible.

Figures 6 through 9 show attachment clips 8 in operation. Figure 6 illustrates only a pair of attachment clips 8, as any number and combination may be used. Also, only a single detent style attachment clip 8 is shown. It will also be noted that writing apertures 9 are displayed as having a substantially triangular shape, but as mentioned, a variety of shapes and configurations are within the scope of the invention. Figure 7 shows the attachment clips 8 from below with the housing 2 removed. In this view the detents of the clips are illustrated in operation with the underside of proximal end

3. Figure 8 is simply a top view, and figure 9 is a view of the device 1 with housing 2 removed taken from the side.

Also, it is noteworthy that the present invention may include other forms of marking instruments and tips, as the term writing is meant in its most general sense, to include marking and even correction and erasure. That is, the present invention may include erasers, make-up, lipsticks, lead, graphite, charcoal, crayon, ink, correction fluid, chalk, tailor's marking instruments, etc.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A multi-tip writing device, said device comprising:

a housing, wherein said housing comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein said housing further comprises a neck portion, wherein said neck portion is located between said distal end and said proximal end, and wherein said proximal end further comprises portions defining a plurality of writing tip apertures, and wherein said housing further comprises a housing interior;

a plurality of partitions located within said housing interior, wherein said partitions divide said housing interior into a plurality of housing chambers;

a plurality of cartridges located substantially within said plurality of housing chambers, wherein said plurality of cartridges comprise a marking substance, and wherein a number of said plurality of cartridges is equal to a number of said plurality of housing chambers; and

a plurality of writing tips, wherein said plurality of writing tips are in communication with said plurality of cartridges, and wherein said plurality of writing tips extend beyond said proximal end and wherein said plurality of writing tips extend through said plurality of writing tip apertures.

2. The multi-tip writing device of claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises a housing circumference, and wherein said neck portion comprises a neck circumference that is smaller than said housing circumference.

3. The multi-tip writing device of claim 2, wherein said neck portion further comprises a neck sleeve, wherein said neck sleeve comprises a deformable material.

4. The multi-tip writing device of claim 2, wherein said plurality of cartridges further comprise a cartridge volume, and wherein said plurality of housing chambers further comprise a chamber volume, and wherein said cartridge volume is sized relative to housing volume to provide a snug fit of said plurality of cartridges within said plurality of housing chambers.

5. The multi-tip writing device of claim of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of attachment clips, wherein said plurality of attachment clips are capable of securing said plurality of writing tips to said multi-tip writing device, and wherein said plurality of attachment clips are utilized in removing said plurality of writing tips from said multi-tip writing device.

6. The multi-tip writing device of claim 2, wherein said plurality of cartridges further comprises at least one ink tube.

7. The multi-tip writing device of claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises a portion that comprises a substantially transparent material.

8. THe multi-tip writing device of claim 2, wherein said plurality of writing tips includes at least one stylus.

9. The multi-tip writing device of claim 8, wherein said plurality of writing tips includes a pair of styli and a pair of highlighter tips.

10. The multi-tip writing device of claim 9, wherein said pair of highlighter tips further comprise tip circumferences.

11. The multi-tip writing device of claim 10, wherein said pair of highlighter tips further comprise a tip circumference, wherein said tip circumference is substantially triangular in shape.

12. The multi-tip writing device of claim 10, wherein said pair of highlighter tips further comprise a tip circumference, wherein said tip circumference is substantially circular in shape.

13. The multi-tip writing device of claim 10, wherein said pair of highlighter tips further comprise a tip circumference, wherein said tip circumference is substantially linear in shape.

14. The multi-tip writing device of claim 2, further comprising a back cap, wherein said back cap is in communication with said distal end, and wherein said back cap is removably attachable to said housing, and wherein said back cap provides a substantially air tight closure when in an attached position.

15. The multi-tip writing device of claim 14, wherein said plurality of cartridges is selectably removable from said plurality of housing chambers.

16. The multi-tip writing device of claim 15, wherein said chamber volumes are substantially equal.

17. The multi-tip writing device of claim 15 wherein said chamber volumes are substantially different in volume.

18. The multi-tip writing device of claim 16, wherein said plurality of housing chambers further comprises a pair of housing chambers.

19. The mμlti-tip writing device of claim 16, wherein said plurality of housing chambers further comprises three housing chambers.

20. The multi-tip writing device of claim 16, wherein said plurality of housing chambers further comprises four housing chambers.

21. The multi-tip writing device of claim 16, wherein said plurality of housing chambers further comprises two to twenty housing chambers.

22. A multi-tip writing device comprising: "a nbusϊng, wherein said housing comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein said housing includes a portion that comprises a substantially transparent material, and wherein said housing further comprises a neck portion, wherein said neck portion is located between said distal end and said proximal end, and wherein said housing further comprises a housing circumference, and wherein said neck portion comprises a neck circumference that is smaller than said housing circumference, and wherein said proximal end further comprises portions defining a plurality of writing tip apertures, and wherein said housing further comprises a housing interior;

a plurality of cartridges located substantially within said plurality of housing chambers, wherein said plurality of cartridges comprise a marking substance, and wherein a number of said plurality of cartridges is equal to a number of said plurality of housing chambers;

a plurality of writing tips, wherein said plurality of writing tips are in communication with said plurality of cartridges, and wherein said plurality of writing tips extend beyond said proximal end and wherein said plurality of writing tips extend through said plurality of writing tip apertures; a back cap, wherein said back cap is in communication with said distal end, and wherein said back cap is removably attachable to said housing, and wherein said back cap provides a substantially air tight closure when in an attached position.

23. The multi-tip writing device of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of attachment clips, wherein said plurality of attachment clips are capable of securing said plurality of writing tips to said multi-tip writing device, and wherein said plurality of attachment clips are utilized in removing said plurality of writing tips from said multi-tip writing device.