Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Cord and rope holders
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-30
2001-08-21
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Cord and rope holders
C024S710400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276030
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a protection mechanism for an object having a sharp or pointed end. More specifically, the present invention relates to a retractable safety mechanism for use with an object having a sharp or pointed end, such as a pin or a compass.
It is, of course, generally known to provide pins for use on bulletin boards or the like for posting notes or signs, for example. Often, the pin dislodges from the surface to which the pin is attached and lays on the floor, for example, making the same dangerous if stepped on or if otherwise stuck by the pin.
In addition, pins and compasses are often utilized in classroom settings where children, for example, may be rather careless in their use. Such usage often creates dangerous conditions for other children or individuals who might be stuck by the pin or compass if the same was encountered. Safety push pins are also known and described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,507 to Yamazaki. The push pin disclosed and described in Yamazaki is a two-piece construction having an upper shell with a large diameter hole having an inwardly flanged opening edge and a lower shell having a small diameter hole in the center of a bottom wall thereof. The head of the push pin has a diameter larger than the distance across the inwardly flanged edge. The pin extending from the head of the push pin is passable through the small diameter hole. An elastic member may be interposed between the upper and lower shells so that the space is normally open. The push pin disclosed, however, by Yamazaki, is rather complex and is often difficult to manufacture and to use due to its two-piece construction.
A need, therefore, exists for an improved safety push pin and safety compass as well as a retractable safety mechanism usable therewith that overcome the deficiencies of known devices and is simple to manufacture and easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a retractable safety mechanism, safety push pin and safety compass that prevents accidental sticking of an individual using the is same or from accidental release or dropping of the same.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a retractable push pin assembly is provided. The assembly has a pin with a first end and a second end defining a length therebetween. The second end has a pointed tip. An integrally formed sleeve has an interior space secured along the length of the pin such that the sleeve may extend between a first position and a second position wherein the second position encloses the pointed tip in the interior space of the sleeve. A spring in the interior space of the sleeve holds the sleeve in the second position.
In an embodiment, a longitudinal groove extends in a wall of the sleeve from a first end to a point toward a second end of the sleeve.
In an embodiment, a collar is associated with the pin intermediate the first end and the second end wherein the collar is in the interior space of the sleeve.
In an embodiment, an aperture at each end of the sleeve cooperates with the pin.
In an embodiment, a groove extends longitudinally along a length of the sleeve and further includes a portion angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal portion of the groove.
In an embodiment, a button is associated with the pin that is extendable in the groove of the sleeve.
In an embodiment, first and second grooves are peripherally displaced on the sleeve and extend in parallel and longitudinally along a length of the sleeve.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a compass assembly is provided. The assembly has a first leg and a second leg connected to pivot with respect to each other at an end point wherein the first leg has a marking tip at an end opposite the common end point and a second leg has an engaging tip at an end opposite the common end point wherein the first leg and the second leg are of substantially equal length. A sleeve has an interior space defined by walls of the sleeve slidably attached to the second leg and extendable between a first position and a second position wherein the engaging tip of the second leg is enclosed in the interior space of the sleeve in the second position. A spring in the interior space of the spring holds the sleeve in the second position.
In an embodiment, a groove is formed in the walls of the sleeve. The groove may be longitudinal to a length of the sleeve. The groove may be longitudinal to the length of the sleeve and angularly disposed for a portion thereof.
In an embodiment, a button is attached to the second leg.
In an embodiment, a button is attached to the second leg and extendable in the groove of the sleeve. The button may be depressable.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a retractable sleeve is provided. An integral body has walls defining an interior space between a first end and a second end. A first aperture has a diameter at the first end of the body. A second aperture is smaller than the first aperture at the second end of the body. A spring is provided in the interior space of the body.
In an embodiment, a groove in the walls of the body longitudinally extends between the first end and the second end.
In an embodiment, a groove in the walls of the body longitudinally extends between the first end and the second end and further extends at an angle.
In an embodiment, the body surrounds a point of an instrument.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a device that prevents unwanted or accidental sticking during non-usage of the device.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a device that is simple to manufacture and simple to use and to provide safety during non-usage.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a safety push pin and safety compass that retract simply and without interference from the safety protective mechanism.
Yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a safety push pin that has a retractable shield constructed and designed to prevent unnecessary removal from, for example, a bulletin board or the like.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a protective shield for a safety pin that is constructed and designed to lock in an unprotected state for certain applications of usage.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
REFERENCES:
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Bennett G. Bradley
Eversharp Pen Company
Patents+TMS
LandOfFree
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