Coating implements with material supply – Solid material for rubbing contact or support therefor – Including holder
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-13
2001-06-05
Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Solid material for rubbing contact or support therefor
Including holder
C401S092000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241410
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a holder for writing or drawing materials such as chalk, crayons, or the like.
2. Description of Prior Art
Large pieces of chalk commonly known as sidewalk chalk, or sidewalk chalk sticks, have been marketed for many years primarily for use by children for writing and drawing on hard surfaces, typically sidewalks, paved driveways or other paved surfaces. The human user, even small children, must assume a bent, squatting, or sitting position to mark on ground-level surfaces with this chalk. Note that references to ground level surfaces in this document are meant to convey any surface upon which a human may stand, and may include floors or elevated surfaces.
Sidewalk chalk is commonly available in cylindrical shape, usually tapered, and in a variety of colors. It is also available in a wide variety of shapes. Characteristically, sidewalk chalk differs in size from that of other conventional chalk such as is used for writing on classroom blackboards. Typical sidewalk chalk sticks are approximately one inch in diameter at one end, tapered to ⅞ inch at the other end and are approximately 4 inches in length. The smaller conventional chalk is inherently more prone to accidental breakage. Some of the prior art cited below is inspired by the need to prevent breakage in the smaller chalk.
Various types of chalk holding devices have been disclosed in the prior art. Some are designed for use in a conventional manner by grasping the device in one hand held close to the writing surface. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,205,907; 5,048,989; 4,468,146; 2,181,202; 5,779,381; 3,603,693; 332,157; and 354,311. U.S. Pat. No. 389,517 discloses a hand held apparatus that holds three pieces of chalk parallel to one another for drawing lines in triplicate. Other specialized chalk holding devices are disclosed for use in marking livestock as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 332,157.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new chalk holding device. The inventive device includes a generally cylindrical shell of a length and diameter capable of holding large sticks of chalk commonly referred to as sidewalk chalk. Furthermore, the new device permits a human to grasp this device with either or both hands and manipulate the chalk on a ground level surface from a generally upright position.
Among the prior art, three devices are known that permit marking with chalk on or near a ground level surface from a generally upright position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,072 discloses an attachment for securing chalk to in-line roller skates, an obviously restricted use. A tire marking device comprising a handle and collet extending at an angle away from the longitudinal axis of the handle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,687,116. A device with an elongated shaft and a lower curved portion for marking automobile tires is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,592. The tire marking devices are designed for marking surfaces roughly parallel to the upright human user. These devices do not lend themselves to easy use on a surface generally perpendicular to the upright human.
Another aspect of the inventive device is the inclusion of means for storing extra pieces of chalk stacked in series end to end. There are no known examples in the prior art of writing instruments designed for sidewalk chalk that also provide for storing extra pieces of chalk.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention a writing implement comprising a cylindrical tube generally about 1 to 5 feet in length, a grip having an aperture, a spacer and provision for storage of extra pieces of chalk.
Objects and Advantages
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are the means to allow a human to write, draw, or make marks on a ground level surface with chalk sticks or other marking implements from a generally upright and comfortable position. Furthermore, an extended reach is provided for the human user which can be used to facilitate marking on a surface removed from the user in any direction.
Consequently the user of this invention is allowed coverage of a broad writing, recreational, or artistic design easier and quicker then can be done without the device. A further benefit is the broadened appeal of sidewalk chalk for use with large scale markings such as a quick layout of boundaries for hard court basketball, street hockey and other recreational activities. Along with the new uses readily apparent is the widened consumer appeal. Specifically, older children and adults will be able to use sidewalk chalk more readily. The invention also allows for use while minmizing direct contact with a dusty or messy marking implement.
An advantage of my invention is the flexibility provided in use to change the effective reach of the writing implement simply by grasping the holder in a different position anywhere along the longitudinal axis.
A further advantage of my invention is the provision for storage of extra chalk pieces that is transportable with the writing instrument. The storage compartment size is also adjustable by simply repositioning the spacer inside the shaft of the chalk holder.
This invention also contemplates the use of alternative writing implements such as crayon, charcoal, felt or other composition markers and the like. Other uses of this invention include marking on any surface that an extended reach is required, such as a ceiling or object beyond arms' length of the human user. The holder is simple to manufacture from cheap and plentiful raw materials. It is of durable construction and intended for repetitive use.
Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 959531 (1910-05-01), Hollenberger
patent: 1329420 (1920-02-01), Lynch
patent: 2134863 (1938-11-01), Dvorak
patent: 2687116 (1954-08-01), Sheets
patent: 4202108 (1980-05-01), Adams, Jr. et al.
patent: 4238163 (1980-12-01), Hung
patent: 4742596 (1988-05-01), Altman
patent: 5931592 (1999-08-01), Timberlake
patent: 831655 (1952-02-01), None
patent: 437062 (1912-12-01), None
patent: 1-202500 (1989-08-01), None
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