Patent Application
20200331287
The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant
U.S Patents
Even with the development of computer based learning, many schools around the world, especially elementary and middle schools, still require students to bring handwriting supplies to work in classrooms, as handwriting is one of the most essential skills for younger students. Typical supplies related to handwriting include writing instruments such as pencils and pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, etc.
Commonly these supplies can be acquired separately and they are usually stored in a pencil box or a pouch. However, occasionally some of the items are misplaced or lost.
The present invention relates generally to a combination of pencil sharpening, mark erasing, vacuuming/blowing, and storage. More specifically the device fits all of the above in a compact size that can be carried in pocket or small bags and it can be operated with just one hand. It eliminates the needs to buy and carry the above items separately.
Rubbery eraser is a great tool to remove unwanted marks on paper or other surface written by pencils. However, a common complaint is about the crumbs from the erasers. Not only do they result in untidy working environment, but also they tend to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. One of the most effective ways to remove eraser crumbs is vacuuming or blowing. The vacuum/blow function from the present invention can help create and maintain a clean working environment.
There are numerous patents related to suction devices, pencil sharpening, and other related apparatus.
LG Electronics Inc. (US010582821) describes a cleaner of simple structure that includes a suction motor and sufficient air passage width that generates suction force, a dust separation unit, a motor housing, and flow guide.
Hilti Aktiengesellschaft (US009656361) describes a dust removal system handheld power tool that includes fan, a suction hose, and a collecting container, and a filter with consecutive fins that are slanted to reduce the adhesion of the dust to the fin.
John Lee Love (U.S. Pat. No. 594,114) patent describes a simple, light-weight, crank-powered pencil sharpener that catches the shavings
While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose they address, none of the above is suitable for providing a single apparatus that combines the function of pencil sharpener, eraser, vacuum/blower, and storage.
Further, the present invention can be constructed in a compact size for anyone including youth to carry and operate easily. In these respects, the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concept and design of the prior arts, and in so providing an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of eliminating the need to acquire and carry each device separately.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of supplies related to handwriting and cleaning now present in the prior arts, the present invention provides a new design to combine multiple functions in a compact size.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention maybe embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pictures. However the drawing and pictures are for illustrative purpose only, and changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
Various features and advantages of the present inventions will become fully appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
Turning now descriptively to the drawings.
In use, when the cap 8a is opened from one end, the user will see the vacuum/blower hose attached to a screw-on cap 5, the switch 1 to turn on/off the vacuum/blower, and the closed bottom of the storage container.
When the cap 8b is opened from the other end, the user will see the pencil sharpener 11 fixed to the inner sider of the container, a chamber for the rubbery eraser 9, and screw-on cap (not shown) of the storage unit.
With respect to the above descriptions, they may contain certain specificities. However, it is to be realized that they should not be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments, but as merely providing illustrations of the principle of the invention. The optimum construction of the invention may include variation in size, material, shape, assembly, function and manner of operation whichever are deemed obvious to one skilled in art.
Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims in this application and their legal equivalent, rather than by the examples shown above.
In addition, the inventors have built a working model with most functions describe above. One of the inventors, 11 year old Cary Wang has demonstrated the invention to his school district's innovation night on Apr. 10, 2019. Cary also named his invention “Mini Handy Buddy”.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application set. No. 62/828,534, filed on Apr. 3, 2019 by the present inventors.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62828534 | Apr 2019 | US |
