WO2018211422A1

WO2018211422A1 - Protection element for tips of writing instruments and related assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018211422A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/053404
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valerio BELLEZZA FONTANA
Original assignee: Cabel Snc
Priority date: 2017-05-16
Filing date: 2018-05-16
Publication date: 2018-11-22
Also published as: IT201700052916A1

Abstract

Protection element (2) for points (P) of writing implements (6). The protection element (2) comprises: a support structure (3), defining an inner volume, and a closing portion (4) arranged in said inner volume of the support structure (3). The closing portion (4) being adapted to contain a point (P) of a writing implement (6). The closing portion (4) comprises a retaining element (42) adapted to engage with the writing implement (6), attaching thereto in a removable manner. The retaining element (42) being adapted to exert a retaining force on said writing implement (6) to prevent separation thereof. The protection element (2) comprises a fixing device (5) adapted to engage with a surface (S) in such a way as to removably fix the protection element (2) to said surface (S). The fixing device (5) being adapted to exert a retaining force on said surface (S) to prevent separation thereof. The retaining force exerted on said surface (S) by the fixing device (5) is greater than the retaining force exerted on said writing implement (6) by the retaining element (42).

Description

PROTECTION ELEMENT FOR TIPS OF WRITING INSTRUMENTS

AND RELATED ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a protection element, e.g. a cap or a support structure, for protecting points of writing implements, such as, for example, a marker, and an assembly thereof. The object of the present invention prevents deterioration of the writing implement while allowing extraction of the same writing implement with only one hand, in addition to allowing the writing implement to be positioned in a substantially vertical configuration.

Support structures for writing implements are known which allow setting the writing implement, e.g. a ballpoint pen, in a vertical position. Such support structures do not include devices suitable for preventing deterioration of the writing implement, e.g. drying up of the point of the writing implement. In fact, the solutions known in the art do not provide for retaining the writing implement with a view to insulating the point of the writing implement from the outside environment, since their function is exclusively to hold it in a substantially vertical configuration. Moreover, the solutions known in the art try to avoid, as much as possible, any force that might retain the writing implement once it has been put in place, for the purpose of making it easily extracted without any effort .

It is also known that writing implements, such as, for example, markers, require that the writing element or point be preserved against degradation, in order to prevent, for example, the pigment or ink from drying up. For this reason, caps are used which are adapted to seal said writing element or point to avoid exposition thereof to the outside environment, thus ensuring its proper operation. It is also known that it is important not to lose the protection element, e.g. after incautious separation of the protection element from the writing implement. A need is therefore felt for ensuring a simple separation between the writing implement and the protection element, while at the same time preventing the point of the writing implement from deteriorating, e.g. drying up, and also avoiding that the protection element might get lost.

No writing implements capable of remaining in a substantially vertical position, such as markers, particularly those employed in the industrial field for component object ivation purposes, are known wherein the writing element or point of the marker faces downwards, so as to ensure a constant supply of pigment or ink towards the point .

At present no writing implements comprising a protection element, adapted to prevent deterioration of the point of the writing implement, are known wherein the protection element can be separated from the writing implement by using only one hand.

The problem of the time necessary for a user to separate the writing implement from its protection element when he/she wants to use the writing implement, and then appropriately seal it again after use to avoid any deterioration thereof, is therefore well known. This problem is made even worse when such separation and closing operations need to be carried out many times within the span of one minute.

The solutions currently known require the user to always use both hands to open and seal the writing implement, thus preventing him/her to perform any other operation . Until now, all writing implements available on the market, such as markers, which comprise a protection element, e.g. a cap, cannot be used continually without requiring the use of both hands to open and close the marker, nor do they allow this operation to be carried out quickly .

The present invention aims at solving the above- mentioned technical problems by providing an innovative protection element comprising a fixing device for fixing the same protection element to a surface.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a protection element according to claim 1.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a protection element and a writing implement according to claim 11.

The features and advantages of the protection element and of the assembly will become clear and apparent in the light of the following description, provided by way of example, of some possible embodiments of the device and of the assembly, as well as from the annexed drawings, wherein :

• Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the protection element;

• Figure 2 shows a sectional view, relative to a plane Z-Z, of the embodiment of the protection element shown in Figure 1 ;

• Figures 3A and 3B are plan views of the protection element shown in Figure 1; in particular, Figure 3A shows a top view of the device, and Figure 3B shows a bottom view of the device;

• Figure 4 shows an axonometric view of a second embodiment of the protection element; • Figures 5A and 5B show two different embodiments of the assembly; in particular, Figure 5A shows a first embodiment of the assembly; Figure 5B shows a second embodiment of the assembly.

With reference to the above-listed drawings, reference numeral 1 identifies the assembly comprising a protection element 2 and a writing implement 6.

Said protection element 2 is adapted to protect the points or writing elements "P" of writing implements 6.

Said protection element 2 comprises a support structure 3. Support structure 3 defines an inner volume.

Said protection element 2 comprises a closing portion

4.

Closing portion 4 is arranged in the inner volume defined in support structure 3.

Closing portion 4 is adapted to contain a point "P" of a writing implement 6.

Said closing portion 4 comprises a retaining element 42. Retaining element 42 is adapted to engage with writing implement 6 by attaching, in particular by fixing, thereto in a removable manner. Writing implement 6 is engaged with, in particular fixed to, retaining element 42 in a removable manner .

For the purposes of the present description, the sentence "writing implement 6 is engaged with retaining element 42 in a removable manner" refers to a connection between the parts established via releasable connection means, so that the elements can be separated without suffering any deterioration, thus ensuring the integrity of the connectable parts.

Said retaining element 42 is adapted to exert a retaining force on said writing implement 6 to prevent separation, e.g. accidental separation, thereof. For the purposes of the present description, the sentence "retaining element 42 is adapted to exert a retaining force on said writing implement 6 to prevent separation thereof" means that the removable connection is such as to exert such a retaining force between the parts that ensures engagement of the parts and prevents accidental and/or undesired separation of writing implement 6 and retaining element 42.

Said protection element 2 comprises also a fixing device 5.

Fixing device 5 is adapted to engage with a surface "S". Fixing device 5 engages with surface "S" so as to removably secure, in particular fix, protection element 2 to said surface "S".

Fixing device 5 is adapted to exert a retaining force on said surface "S" to prevent separation thereof.

For the purposes of the present description, the sentence "fixing device 5 is adapted to exert a retaining force on said surface "S" to prevent separation thereof" means that the removable connection is such as to exert such a retaining force between the parts that ensures engagement of the parts and prevents accidental and/or undesired separation of fixing device 5 and surface "S".

Preferably, the retaining force exerted on said surface "S" by fixing device 5 is greater than the retaining force exerted on said writing implement 6 by retaining element 42.

In general, said closing portion 4, in particular said retaining element 42, and said fixing device 5 are at least partly arranged along axes at least partially parallel to each other.

In a first exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, said retaining element 42 and said fixing device 5 are arranged along the same axis. Preferably, said retaining element 42 and said fixing device 5 are arranged along the longitudinal axis of support structure 3 in proximity to a first end and in proximity to a second end, respectively, of the same support structure 3. In this embodiment, said support structure 3 has a substantially longitudinal shape, e.g. cylindrical or conical, so that said protection element 2 is essentially shaped as a cap for writing implement 6.

In a second exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, said closing portion 4 and said fixing device 5 are arranged, at least partly, along parallel axes.

In a third exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, said closing portion 4 and said fixing device 5 are arranged, at least partly, along axes intersecting each other. For example, said fixing device 5 is arranged substantially perpendicular to surface "S" to which it must be fixed, whereas said closing portion 4 is arranged along an axis that is inclined relative to said surface "S". Such an embodiment makes it easier to position writing implement 6 within the inner volume defined by support structure 3, while also ensuring that point "P" of writing implement 6 will always be supplied with a fluid suitable for writing, e.g. ink and/or paints and/or colouring substances.

In a first exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, said fixing device 5 comprises at least one suction cup. Fixing device 5 implemented as a suction cup is adapted to exert a retaining force on surface "S" that is greater than the retaining force exerted on writing implement 6 by retaining element 42.

In a second exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, said fixing device 5 comprises at least one magnet. Fixing device 5 implemented as a magnet is adapted to exert a retaining force on surface "S", which is a metallic one, that is greater than the retaining force exerted on writing implement 6 by retaining element 42.

In a further exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, said fixing device 5 comprises a portion of adhesive tape. Preferably, said fixing device 5 comprises a bi-adhesive tape. Said bi-adhesive tape is such that the adhesion power of a first face of the tape, to be fixed to support structure 3 and/or to end 4b of closing portion 4, is greater than the adhesion power of a second face, to be releasably fixed to surface "S". In general, fixing device 5 implemented as adhesive tape is adapted to exert a retaining force on surface "S" that is greater than the retaining force exerted on writing implement 6 by retaining element 42.

The above-described solutions allow implementing protection element 2 in such a way as to obtain a releasable fixing device 5 capable of exerting a greater retaining force than retaining element 42. Such a solution allows both separating writing implement 6 from protection element 2 with only one hand and preserving point "P" of writing implement 6 from deterioration when it is coupled to protection element 2, while also preventing the loss of protection element 2.

The use of a suction cup allows ensuring a solid and removable fixing onto any surface "S", independently of the type of material employed and of the shape and inclination of the same surface "S". In particular, the use of a suction cup allows fixing protection element 2 onto a surface "S" that may lie at any angle relative to the ground, e.g. substantially vertical or parallel to the ground, e.g. facing towards the ground, said protection element 2 being thus positioned upside-down. The solution comprising suction-cup elements allows protection element 2 to be fixed to any type of material that said surface "S" is made of.

The use of a magnet allows ensuring a solid and removable fixing onto metallic surfaces "S", adapted for interacting with the magnet, independently of the shape and inclination of the same surface. In particular, the use of a magnet allows fixing protection element 2 onto a surface "S" that may lie at any angle relative to the ground, e.g. substantially vertical or parallel to the ground, e.g. facing towards the ground, said protection element 2 being thus positioned upside-down.

The use of adhesive tape allows reducing the production costs of protection element 2; in fact, protection element 2 can be manufactured starting from an existing cap.

The use of adhesive tape allows ensuring a solid and removable fixing onto surfaces "S" of any type, independently of the shape and inclination of the same surface. In particular, the use of adhesive tape allows fixing protection element 2 onto a surface "S" that may lie at any angle relative to the ground, e.g. substantially vertical or parallel to the ground, e.g. facing towards the ground, said protection element 2 being thus positioned upside-down.

In general, said fixing device 5 is connected to protection element 2 in a rigid manner, for the purpose of preventing fixing device 5 from separating from the same protection element 2. In one possible embodiment, said fixing device 5 is rigidly fixed to closing portion 4, e.g. to one end thereof. In an alternative embodiment, said fixing device 5 is rigidly fixed to support structure 3. Preferably, retaining element 42 is adapted to prevent, or at least reduce, the air inflow when the same retaining element 42 is coupled to writing implement 6. In this manner, point "P" of writing implement 6 will be insulated from the outside environment, thus preventing point "P" from deteriorating, e.g. if writing implement 6 is a marker, preventing the point of the marker from drying up due to evaporation of part of the writing fluid. Retaining element 42 is therefore adapted to adhere by contact to at least a portion of writing implement 6, so as to prevent air from flowing in through the contact surface.

In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of protection element 2 according to the present invention, closing portion 4 comprises an inlet opening 4a. Said inlet opening 4a facilitates the insertion of writing implement 6, and in particular of point "P", into protection element 2.

In a first embodiment, said support structure 3 preferably has a conformation adapted for coupling to writing implement 6, and in particular to a grip portion 62 of writing implement 6, e.g. having a circular cross- section, in order to ensure continuity with the outer profile of writing implement 6.

Said retaining element 42 is preferably arranged in proximity to, more preferably at, said inlet opening 4a. Said retaining element 42 has a shape adapted for coupling to writing implement 6, and in particular to the support of point "P" of writing implement 6, so as to engage with writing implement 6 with a predetermined retaining force, while at the same time preventing any air from flowing towards point "P" of writing implement 6.

In a preferred embodiment, said inlet opening 4a comprises a tapered profile defining the inlet edge of closing portion 4, so as to facilitate the insertion of writing implement 6.

The profile of inlet opening 4a is such as to join retaining element 42; in particular, inlet opening 4a narrows to join said retaining element 42, which defines the narrowest edge of the initial part of closing portion 4, so that it can engage with writing implement 6 and exert a retaining force.

In a second exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment of protection element 2, said support structure 3 comprises a base 33, to which at least one fixing device 5 is connected. In a preferred, though non-limiting, embodiment of protection element 2, said base 33 extends the surface of said support structure 3. In this embodiment, base 33 preferably has a planar shape.

Said base 33 may have different shapes, e.g. a profile with a polygonal, e.g. square or rectangular, or circular base .

In one possible embodiment, support structure 3 comprises a base 33 from which at least one protuberance extends. In such protuberance of support structure 3 said closing portion 4 is arranged, which has an inlet opening 4a and a retaining element 42. In this embodiment, more than one protuberance may be included, in each one of which one closing portion 4 is arranged, so as to close and protect more than one point "P" of as many writing implements 6, each one of which will remain reversibly fixed to a retaining element 42.

In one possible embodiment having a base 33, support structure 3 is fixed to surface "S" through a plurality of fixing devices 5, e.g. as many as the number of corners defined by a face of base 33. Preferably, said fixing devices 5 are arranged on one face of base 33 of support structure 3, which face is opposite to the face whereon one or more closing portions 4 are arranged.

In one possible embodiment of protection element 2, the same protection element 2 is a cap for closing a writing implement 6, such as a marker.

In this embodiment, protection element 2 is therefore a cap capable of protecting point "P" of writing implement 6, which point "P" is particularly subject to deterioration or wear, especially when left exposed to the outside environment for a long time, which might cause it to evaporate and dry up.

Once associated with writing implement 6, cap-shaped protection element 2 allows creating a micro-climate in which point "P" is less subject to deterioration, and in particular to evaporation and drying.

In a further possible embodiment, protection element 2 is a planar structure, e.g. a support for desktop use. Protection element 2 can be used with various writing implements, such as, for example, markers currently available on the market, thus performing a universal protection function and allowing the use of writing implements 6, such as markers, with only one hand without them being subject to deterioration.

Protection element 2 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for forming an assembly in combination with said writing implement 6.

Assembly 1 comprises, therefore, at least one protection element 2 and at least one writing implement 6.

Writing implement 6 comprises a point "P" through which it is possible to write on an object; and a grip portion 62 for gripping and using said writing implement 6. Assembly 1 according to the present invention comprises a protection element 2 according to the present invention .

Protection element 2 makes writing implements 6, e.g. markers, in particular paint markers subject to deterioration, much easier to use.

In particular, paint markers employed in the industry, e.g. for marking objects, e.g. along production and assembly lines, for sample objectivation .

Therefore, one possible application, to be considered as exemplary and non-limiting, is an assembly with a marker, in particular a paint marker like those intended for prolonged use in the industry, e.g. along an assembly line for component objectivation .

Protection element 2 according to the present invention can be stuck in a vertical position or in a tilted position, so that point "P" of writing implement 6, e.g. a marker, faces downwards, towards surface "S" to which protection element 2 is releasably fixed, e.g. a workbench or other surfaces. In this manner, it will be certain that point "P" of writing implement 6 will always be supplied with a writing fluid.

As aforesaid, fixing device 5 is a suction-cup element or another releasable fixing means. One possible alternative example of a fixing device 5 is a magnetic element, e.g. a permanent magnet, adapted to be releasably fixed to surfaces "S" suitable for interacting with magnetic elements, such as, for example, iron-containing surfaces. This embodiment is particularly useful in working environments comprising metallic surfaces.

Another possible alternative embodiment of a fixing device 5 is a portion of tape, e.g. bi-adhesive tape, adapted to be releasably fixed to a surface "S" of any kind, thus making protection element 2 easy and economical to manufacture.

In one possible embodiment, retaining element 42, adapted to constrain writing implement 6 to protection element 2, exerts a lower degree of mechanical force against separation than those used in the caps normally employed for writing implements 6 subject to wear or deterioration. The present solution requires less effort for separating writing implement 6 from protection element 2, while at the same time ensuring that point "P" of writing implement 6 will not be exposed to environmental conditions and will preserve its own characteristics without suffering any deterioration or wear, e.g. drying up due to exposition to air, when protection element 2 is coupled to writing implement 6.

Protection element 2 may be made as a separate object in a dedicated production process, or by modifying an existing cap, in particular the cap normally associated with writing implement 6.

In particular, according to this latter method of implementation, in the part of the cap opposite to inlet opening 4a of closing portion 4, into which writing implement 6 can be inserted, a fixing device 5 is irremovably fixed, such as, for example, a suction cup or a magnet and/or a portion of tape, e.g. bi-adhesive tape.

Optionally, at closing portion 4, and in particular at inlet opening 4a, an element is inserted, e.g. an 0-ring, which has the same circumference as the cap or writing implement 6, or marker, adapted to implement said retaining element 42. In this manner, it will be easier to extract writing implement 6, e.g. a marker, from protection element 2 thus made, thereby reducing the effort required for the separation, while at the same time preserving the sealing properties of the cap to avoid that point "P" might dry up due to the presence of air, as would be the case if, for example, a marker should be left without a cap for a certain period of time.

Preferably, closing portion 4, and in particular retaining element 42, are so designed as to require a reduced effort, e.g. less than required by a common cap associated with a marker, to achieve separation between protection element 2 and writing implement 6, for the purpose of opening writing implement 6, so that when protection element 2 is removably fixed to a surface "S" through said fixing device 5, the user wanting to extract writing implement 6 from protection element 2 can simply pull writing implement 6 out of protection element 2 while resting assured that fixing device 5 will not come off surface "S". Therefore, when protection element 2 is fixed to a workbench, it will be ensured that writing implement 6 can be extracted from the protection element without fixing device 5 separating from surface "S" to which it is coupled.

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a first embodiment of the protection element. In the present embodiment, the end of support structure 3 which is opposite to closing portion 4 has a greater diameter than support structure 3 at inlet opening 4a of closing portion 4, in order to increase the stability of protection element 2 when it is releasably fixed to surface "S". In the illustrated embodiment, fixing device 5 is a suction cup. In Figure 1, fixing device 5 is in turn rigidly fixed to an end 4b of closing portion 4, which end is opposite to inlet opening 4a. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, said closing portion 4 has a tapered shape, with a greater diameter at inlet opening 4a and narrower at said end 4b, so as to form a chamber that is suitable for containing point "P" of the writing implement while also being as small as possible, so as to reduce the quantity of air trapped therein when retaining element 42 is engaged with writing implement 6. The diameter at said end is greater than the diameter of point "P" of writing implement 6, in order to prevent any direct contact between point "P" and closing portion 4.

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 of the protection element in a sectional view relative to a plane Z-Z. In this figure, one can see the arrangement of closing portion 4 relative to support structure 3, the latter having a cylindrical shape. The same support structure 3 comprises, at one end thereof, a wider portion where fixing device 5 is located, for increased stability when protection element 2 is fixed to surface "S". In this figure, one can see how retaining element 42 is arranged relative to inlet opening 4a of closing portion 4.

Figure 3A shows a top view of the protection element, in which one can see the concentric structure of support structure 3 and closing portion 4, the latter being placed within support structure 3. In the present embodiment, the conformation of support structure 3 is substantially cylindrical .

Figure 3B shows a bottom view of protection element 2, in which one can see fixing device 5, in particular a suction cup, located at the opposite end of protection element 2 relative to inlet opening 4a of closing portion 4. Preferably, the size of fixing device 5 is such that, once coupled to and engaged with surface "S", its dimension will not exceed the dimension defined by the wider portion of support structure 3. Figure 4 shows an axonometric view of a second embodiment of protection element 2. In the present embodiment, support structure 3 has a base 33 shaped as a plate or a plane. A first face of base 33 comprises a protuberance comprising a closing portion 4, whereas the second face, opposite to the first face of base 33, comprises a plurality of fixing devices 5, preferably arranged at the peripheral corners of base 33. In the illustrated embodiment, said fixing devices 5 are four suction cups.

In the present embodiment, the protuberance of support structure 3, and hence closing portion 4, protrudes from the first face of base 33 of the same support structure 3. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment closing portion 4 is shaped in such a way that the same closing portion 4, and in particular inlet opening 4a, are tilted relative to the normal to the surface defined by said first face of base 33. This will make it easier for the user to put writing implement 6 into closing portion 4 in order to preserve point "P" of the same writing implement 6. The present embodiment, just like the one shown in the preceding figures, allows the user to preserve point "P" of writing implement 6 when writing implement 6 is associated with protection element 2, while at the same time allowing the user to couple and decouple writing implement 6 to/from protection element 2 with only one hand.

Generalizing the concept of base 33, the latter can be seen as an extension of the wider portion of support structure 3 illustrated in Figure 1, with which multiple fixing devices 5 are associated in order to compensate for the enlargement of support structure 3.

Figure 5A shows a first embodiment of the assembly in which a writing implement 6, having a grip portion 62, is associated with a protection element 2, so that the integrity of point "P" of the same writing implement 6 is preserved .

Assembly 1 according to the present embodiment, when protection element 2 is associated with surface "S", being releasably fixed thereto through fixing device 5, in particular a suction cup, allows writing implement 6 to be extracted from and put back into protection element 2 with only one hand, without the protection element coming off surface "S". Furthermore, the present assembly 1 ensures that point "P" of writing implement 6 will not deteriorate, e.g. dry up, thanks to closing portion 4. In the present embodiment, the protection element 2 is shaped much like the normal caps commonly employed for preserving point "P" of writing implements 6. The present embodiment of the assembly allows writing implement 6 to be positioned in a substantially vertical configuration, along the normal to the same surface "S" with which protection element 2 is removably associated.

Figure 5B shows a second embodiment of the assembly.

In this embodiment as well, when writing implement 6 is associated with protection element 2, point "P" inserted in closing portion 4 is preserved from drying up, thus ensuring that writing implement 6 can be extracted and put back in place by the user by using only one hand. In the present embodiment, protection element 2 has a support structure 3 having a planar base comprising a plurality of fixing devices 5.

In general, protection element 2 according to the present invention ensures that point "P" of writing implement 6 will not deteriorate or wear, e.g. dry up, when writing implement 6 is associated with protection element 2. At the same time, protection element 2 allows a user to associate a writing implement 6 with protection element 2 and/or to remove writing implement 6 from protection element 2, thus separating them from each other, by using only one hand, thanks to fixing device 5 engaged with surface "S". Therefore, protection element 2 makes it possible to use a writing implement 6, e.g. a marker, and continually cap and uncap it without requiring the use of both hands, since one hand will suffice; in the industrial field, this is very useful to attain shorter production times and hence lower production costs.

The possibility of removably fixing protection element 2 to a surface "S" and also of removing a writing implement 6 when it is associated with the protection element 2 by using only one hand facilitates the use of writing implement 6 and reduces the costs while preserving the integrity of the writing implement, and also, most importantly, allows speeding up the objectivation operation because the operator will not need to use both hands every time to uncap the writing implement.

The present solution ensures that protection element 2 will remain associated with a surface "S" as long as deemed necessary by the user, avoiding that the same protection element might get lost or require particular attention and mnemonic effort by the user to remember where protection element 2 is .

Any equivalent embodiments adapted for obtaining the above-mentioned technical effects and advantages and not illustrated in the present description shall be considered to fall within the scope of the present patent application.

REFERENCE NUMERALS Assembly 1

Protection element 2

Support structure 3

Base 33 Closing portion 4

Inlet opening 4a

End 4b

Retaining element 42

Fixing device 5 Writing implement 6

Grip portion 62

Point "P"

Surface "S"

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Protection element (2) for points (P) of writing implements (6);

said protection element (2) comprising:

- a support structure (3), defining an inner volume;

- a closing portion (4) arranged in said inner volume of said support structure (3);

said closing portion (4) being adapted to contain a point (P) of a writing implement (6);

said closing portion (4) comprises a retaining element (42) adapted to engage with the writing implement (6), attaching thereto in a removable manner;

said retaining element (42) being adapted to exert a retaining force on said writing implement (6) to prevent separation thereof;

said protection element (2) comprising a fixing device (5) adapted to engage with a surface (S) in such a way as to removably fix the protection element (2) to said surface (S) ;

said fixing device (5) being adapted to exert a retaining force on said surface (S) to prevent separation thereof; the retaining force exerted on said surface (S) by the fixing device (5) is greater than the retaining force exerted on said writing implement (6) by the retaining element (42) .

2. Protection element according to claim 1, wherein said retaining element (42) and said fixing device (5) are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the support structure (3) in proximity to a first end and in proximity to a second end, respectively, of the same support structure ( 3 ) .

3. Protection element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing device (5) comprises a suction cup adapted to exert a retaining force on the surface (S), which force is greater than the retaining force exerted on the writing implement (6) by the retaining element ( 42 ) .

4. Protection element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said retaining element (42) is adapted to prevent air from flowing in when the same retaining element (42) is coupled to the writing implement (6) .

5. Protection element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closing portion (4) comprises an inlet opening (4a);

said retaining element (42) being arranged at said inlet opening ( 4a ) .

6. Protection element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support structure (3) comprises a base (33), to which said fixing device (5) is connected .

7. Protection element according to claim 6, wherein said base (33) extends the surface of said support structure

(3) .

8. Protection element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said protection element (2) is a cap for closing a marker (6) .

9. Protection element according to claim 1, wherein said fixing device (5) comprises a magnet adapted to exert a retaining force on the surface (S), which force is greater than the retaining force exerted on the writing implement (6) by the retaining element (42) .

10. Protection element according to claim 1, wherein said fixing device (5) comprises a portion of adhesive tape, wherein the adhesion power of a first face of the tape is greater than the adhesion power of a second face of the tape .

11. Assembly (1) comprising a protection element (2) and a writing implement (6);

said writing implement (6) comprising a point (P) through which it is possible to write on an object, a grip portion (62) for gripping and using said writing implement (6);

said assembly being characterized in that it comprises a protection element (2) according to any one of claims 1-10.