Coating implements with material supply – Projectable and retractable tool – Manually reciprocable sleeve
Reexamination Certificate
2003-05-06
2004-02-24
Nguyen, Tuan N. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Projectable and retractable tool
Manually reciprocable sleeve
C401S055000, C401S081000, C401S107000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06695512
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of pens and other writing implements, specifically to a writing implement having a sleeve that covers and protects the writing tip of the implement when it is not in use to keep any marking material remaining on the writing tip from subsequently coming into contact with the fabric of a clothing pocket into which the writing implement might be stored, or preventing the tip from marking skin, clothing, furniture, rugs, and/or other objects should the writing implement be inadvertently dropped. A writer can easily use his or her finger or thumb with lightly applied pressure against an activating mechanism to move the sleeve into its raised position, and then after writing implement use release the activating mechanism to move the sleeve a short distance into its lowered and protective position covering the writing tip. The activating mechanism used to raise and lower the sleeve can vary. Further, a locking mechanism is used to prevent the sleeve from being inadvertently raised out of its protective position at any time the writing tip is not being used, particularly when the present invention is inserted into a clothing pocket, or in positioned where it can easily fall onto clothing, skin, furniture, rugs and carpeting, and the like. In the most preferred embodiments, a light finger pressure lifting action is all that is needed to maintain the sleeve in its raised position, and when writing stops, release of the finger causes the sleeve to be lowered into its protective position. Optionally, although not preferred, the lowering of the sleeve can also be manually activated. Optionally also, braces may be used to assist in keeping the writing tip centrally located within the writing implement and in a stable position during use, cushioning material can be added to any activating mechanism or to the housing to enhance user comfort, and an insert can be used within the sleeves associated with markers and highlighters to substantially close off the open end of the sleeve when it is in its lowered and protective position around the marking tip to keep the marking tip from drying out. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use with ink pens, pencils, markers, paint markers, crayons, and highlighters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Writing implements by design need to have a marking material flow out of a tip onto surfaces needing decoration and other markings. Also, users ideally like the marking capability of a writing implement to be immediate, however, where inks and paint are used, the flow of ink or paint should not be incessant. To balance such opposing needs, some readily transferable ink or paint often remains on the tip of a pen or marker after use to assist in a prompt marking capability during subsequent uses. The user is then protected from accidental marking of self and other surfaces by a replaceable cap that covers a writing implement tip when it is not in use, or a means of withdrawing the marking tip into the main housing of the writing implement between uses. Caps are helpful when used, however, people often forget to replace a cap, and even though caps are often designed to fit over the opposing end of the writing implement for temporary storage until needed again to cover the writing tip, they are frequently lost or misplaced. Push-button activated and twist-activated retractable tips also protect users from accidental writing implement marking, but again, use is voluntary, and users often forget to retract the tip after use making it a frequent occurrence for pens or pencils with retractable tips to be thoughtlessly placed into a pocket, such as a shirt pocket, without tip retraction, which then results in stains that are unsightly, as well as time consuming, difficult, and/or expensive to clean. Writing implements are also known wherein the writing tip is caused to automatically retract during the act of securing it to a pocket or other thinly dimensioned vertical support surface, such as the upstanding divider in a briefcase or purse. While such writing implements work well enough for this limited application, writing tip retraction does not automatically occur when the implement is inadvertently dropped or is carelessly allowed to fall onto clothing, skin, carpeting, furniture, and the like where difficult-to-remove marks can be made. Pocket liners made from fluid-resistant materials do exist, and are used by some to protect pockets from writing implement stains, however, liners are inconvenient to use and have never gained widespread acceptance. In contrast, the present invention provides a sleeve that is permanently attached to a writing implement so that it cannot be lost, and it is preferably raised with light finger action as the user picks up the writing implement and places it in a position ready to write, with the sleeve being lowered into its protective position as soon as the light finger pressure is released, without thinking. Further, a locking mechanism maintains the sleeve over the writing tip until the user deliberately releases it. Optionally, a swivel clip with a high-friction distal end can assist in securely positioning the writing implement to which it is attached within a clothing pocket, and cushioning material can be used in many different places on the present invention to enhance user comfort. Braces can also be used to stabilize the writing tip and/or an insert secured within the sleeve to prevent the writing/marking tip from drying out, as needed. There is no writing implement known that has the same features and all of its advantages provided by the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES
The primary object of this invention is to provide a writing implement with a means of protecting its writing or marking tip that prevents unintentional marking by the tip between uses. It is also an object of this invention to provide a means of protecting the writing or marking tip of a writing implement that can be automatically engaged immediately after use. A further object of this invention is to provide a means of protecting the writing or marking tip of a writing implement between uses that is not in conflict with the normal manner of writing implement use with which users are familiar. It is a further object of this invention to provide a means of protecting the writing or marking tip of a writing implement between uses that does not adversely affect the comfort of the hand holding it during use. It is also an object of this invention to provide a writing implement with a sleeve for writing or marking tip protection that further includes improved attachment means for vertical storage of the writing implement between uses, such as in a shirt pocket. It is a further object of this invention to provide an insert within the sleeve of the writing implement when its writing or marking tip is at risk of drying out between uses.
As described herein, properly manufactured and used, the present invention is a writing implement having a longitudinally extendable sleeve configured to protect its writing tip so that marking material remaining on the writing tip between uses is not able to inadvertently become transferred to clothing, skin, and other nearby objects once the writing tip becomes inactive. The configuration of the sleeve is generally cylindrical and it is configured to fit closely within the writing implement housing so that a locking mechanism can be engaged therebetween it and the housing to prevent the sleeve from being prematurely raised by casual contact. The sleeve also has a lip, ridge, flare, or flange on one of its ends that is configured for engagement with one or more stop blocks, ridge, ledge, shelf, or protrusion fixed within the inside surface of the writing implement, the location of which defines the sleeve's fully lowered position and prevents a user from being able to withdraw the sleeve from the writing implement
Morse Dorothy S.
Nguyen Tuan N.
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