Geometrical instruments – Scriber – Curved line
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-09
2001-11-06
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Scriber
Curved line
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311404
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, as well as a method of using the same.
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.
Similarly, compasses often have an engaging pin or point that is capable of engaging a marking surface around which the compass may pivot. The exposed pin or point of the compass may be dangerous to young children or adults. Additionally, compasses generally have a only a single marking device to trace out circles, arc or other marks when the compass is used.
A need, therefore, exists for an improved safety compass as well as a retractable safety mechanism usable therewith that overcomes the deficiencies of known devices that is simple to manufacture and easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a retractable safety mechanism and safety compass that prevents accidental sticking of an individual using the same or from accidental release or dropping of the same. The present invention further provides a compass having interchangeable marking devices. The present invention further provides a method of using the same.
To this end, in an 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 and connected at a common endpoint wherein the first leg has a marking device and further wherein the second leg has an engaging pin. A sleeve having an interior space defined by walls is attached to the second leg. Further, the sleeve is extendable between a first position and a second position wherein the engaging pin of the second leg is capable of being enclosed in the interior space of the sleeve in the second position. A spring is in the interior space of the sleeve holding the sleeve in the second position.
In an embodiment, an aperture on an end of the sleeve is provided through which the engaging pin may extend.
In an embodiment, the first leg is a first color and the second leg is a second color.
In an embodiment, the marking device is a pencil.
In an embodiment, the marking device is a pencil having a plurality of leads.
In an embodiment, the marking device has an eraser at the common endpoint.
In an embodiment, the marking device is removable from the first leg.
In an embodiment, the compass assembly has a connecting means for removably attaching the marking device to the first leg.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a compass assembly is provided. Said compass assembly has a first leg and a second leg connected to pivot with respect to each other wherein the first leg has an interchangeable marking device having a plurality of marking tips and further wherein the second leg has an engaging pin. Further, the compass assembly has a sleeve having an interior space wherein the sleeve is extendable between a first position and a second position wherein the engaging pin of the second leg is enclosed in the interior space of the sleeve in the second position and further the compass assembly has a spring in the interior space of the sleeve holding the sleeve in the second position.
In an embodiment, the compass assembly has an aperture on an end of the sleeve through which the engaging tip is slidable.
In an embodiment, the interchangeable marking device is removably attached to the first leg.
In an embodiment, an eraser is attached to the compass assembly.
In an embodiment, the marking device has a plurality of types of pencil leads.
In an embodiment, the first leg is a first color, and the second leg is a second color distinct from the first color.
In an embodiment, a knob is attached to the compass assembly.
In another embodiment, a method for using a compass assembly is provided. Said method comprises providing a compass assembly having a first leg and a second leg connected to pivot with respect to each other wherein the first leg has a first marking device. Further, the method comprises providing an engaging pin on the second leg and providing a sleeve wherein the sleeve is extendable between a first position and a second position wherein the engaging pin is enclosed in the sleeve in the second position and further the compass assembly has a spring in the sleeve holding the sleeve in the second position. A marking surface is further provided. In addition, the method comprises placing the second leg having the engaging pin on the marking surface.
In an embodiment, the method comprises placing the first leg having the first marking device on the marking surface and spinning the compass to produce a mark on the marking surface.
In an embodiment, the method comprises providing a second marking device removably attached to the first leg.
In an embodiment, the method comprises removing the first marking device from the first leg and attaching the second marking device to the first leg.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly that prevents unwanted or accidental sticking during non-usage of the device.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly that is simple to manufacture, simple to use and to provide safety during non-usage.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly that having a pin mechanism that retracts simply and without interference from the safety protective mechanism.
Yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly having a retractable shield constructed and designed to prevent unnecessary removal from, for example, a marking surface or the like.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly having a protective shield that is constructed and designed to lock in an unprotected state for certain applications of usage.
Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly having a removable marking device.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a compass assembly, a system and a method of using the compass assembly having a second marking device of a color different than the first marking device capable of being attached to the compass.
A still further advantage of the present invent
Bennett G. Bradley
Patents & TMS P.C.
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