Covering element for manual-use articles particularly set for laying of at least one substance, and manual-use article provided with such a covering element

Abstract

A covering element (1) for manual-use articles such as pens, felt-tip pens, correction fluids and the like, includes a case (3) adapted to receive a respective article (2) by insertion. The covering element (1) further includes a coupler to ensure engagement of the covering element (1) with the respective article (2). Advantageously, the covering element is also provided with an abutment element (5) associated with the case (3) to cause shifting of the covering element (1) between a coupled condition and a released condition, by effect of at least one manual action. The abutment element (5) consists of respective abutment surfaces (7, 9) protruding from the case (3) to enable a manual thrust to be exerted on the covering element (1).

Description

The present invention will be now described with reference to the accompanying drawings showing a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a covering element for articles particularly set for laying of at least one substance, and/or of a manual-use article provided with said covering element, in accordance with the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a covering element applied to a respective article for manual use, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the element seen in the preceding figure and herein represented alone;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing release of the covering element seen in the preceding figures, carried out by a manual thrust action;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the coupling operation between the covering element and the respective article, carried out by a manual thrust action contrary to the one causing release;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a further embodiment of the covering element in accordance with the present invention.

Claims

1. A covering element (1) for manual-use articles (2) particularly set for laying of at least one substance, said covering element (1) comprising: at least one hollow case (3) provided with at least one access opening (4) to receive at least one respective use portion (2c) of a manual-use article (2) to be inserted therein;coupling means associated with said case (3) to ensure engagement of said covering element (1) with the respective article (2),characterized in that it further comprises abutment means (5) associated with said case (3) to cause shifting of said covering element (1), by effect of at least one manual action, between a coupled condition at which it engages the respective article (2) and a released condition at which it is separated from said article (2).

2. The element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said abutment means (5) comprises at least one protrusion (6) jutting out externally of said case (3), transversely of the longitudinal extension of the covering element (1).

3. The element as claimed in claim 2, wherein said protrusion (6) has a first abutment surface (7) facing said article (2) when said covering element (1) is disposed in the coupled condition.

4. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first abutment surface (7) is inclined to said case (3), said first abutment surface (7) moving radially away from said case (3), starting from said access opening (4).

5. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first abutment surface (7) has a substantially arched extension.

6. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first abutment surface (7) is concave.

7. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first abutment surface (7) has an at least partly rounded peripheral edge (7a).

8. The element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said peripheral edge (7a) of said first abutment surface (7) has an at least partly elliptical outline.

9. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shape of said first abutment surface (7) substantially matches one fingertip (8a) of a finger of a user's hand (8).

10. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shape of said first abutment surface (7) substantially matches the fingertip (8a) of a thumb (8b).

11. The element as claimed in claim 3, wherein said protrusion (6) has a second abutment surface (9) extending between said first abutment surface (7) and said case (3), transversely with respect to the latter and to said first abutment surface (7).

12. The element as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second abutment surface (9) peripherally extends around said first abutment surface (7).

13. The element as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second abutment surface (9) has an arched extension.

14. The element as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second abutment surface (9) is concave.

15. The element as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second abutment surface (9) is joined to said case (3).

16. The element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one hooking tailpiece (10) extending from said case (3) for engagement of said covering element (1) with at least one substantially flat portion of a garment.

17. The element as claimed in claim 16, wherein said hooking tailpiece (10) extends from said case (3) on the opposite side relative to said protrusion (6).

18. An article (2) for manual use comprising a body (2a) having at least one use portion (2c) than can be externally covered, said article further comprising at least one covering element (1) as claimed in claim 1.

19. The article as claimed in claim 18, wherein said article is a pen or similar stationery article.

20. The element as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first abutment surface (7) has a substantially arched extension.