Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6648539
-
Patent Number
6,648,539
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, May 21, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, November 18, 200321 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 401 198
- 401 199
- 401 196
- 401 217
- 401 224
- 401 242
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
A writing instrument has a housing containing an ink reservoir. The writing instrument further has a writing nib in communication with one (or both) end of the ink reservoir by an ink induction device. In connection with the ink reservoir, there is also at least one set of pressure balance system. The pressure balance system includes a nano hydrophobic venting material that allows air to flow in and out of the reservoir to compensate pressure differential between ambient atmosphere and the interior of the ink reservoir, while prevents ink to flow from the ink reservoir to the atmosphere.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a writing instrument. More specifically, this invention relates to a free ink writing instrument that permits smooth flow of ink when in use and prevents leaking by using nano-technology.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Writing instruments are widely used in daily life with various functions and designs. Besides the common pencils, ball point pens and fountain pens, there is a type of pen having a free ink direct supply system, such as a pen having a relatively large nib that is used for marking/drawing, e.g., markers, sign pens.
Such a pen typically includes a penholder having an ink reservoir therein, and a marking tip which draws ink from the ink reservoir by capillary action. However, in the pen, as the ink in the ink reservoir is consumed, the pressure in the ink reservoir drops and air must be accordingly introduced therein. If the air cannot enter the ink reservoir to relieve the pressure difference, the ink flow may be interrupted. On the other hand, if the air in the ink reservoir expands due to changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the like, the ink may drip/leak from the marking tip.
In order to control the pressure in the ink reservoir, one solution is to provide an air venting system in the pen that controls air pressure, so as to provide a steady flow of ink when writing and to prevent the pen from leaking ink. Conventionally, such an air venting system is formed by use of a piston, a valve or a capillary structure. However, such an air venting system has a relatively complicated structure. Further, the pen with such an air venting system can easily malfunction and has an unsatisfactory writing outcome, i.e., unstable ink flow and/or ink leakage when writing.
As the problem of pressure balance cannot be well solved, other methods also have been widely used in the industry. For instance, a marking pen may contain a fibrous core that absorbs and holds ink, and a nib in communication with the fibrous core to obtain an ink supply, so that it can be used for writing purposes. The nib is formed from a fiber capable of performing capillary action. However, such pen normally uses a poor performance fibrous core to hold the ink, thus affecting the ink flow and causing waste of the ink.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a free ink writing instrument that permits a smooth flow of ink and prevents leaking with an improved pressure balance system. In addition, the writing instrument has a relatively reasonable cost in manufacturing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the limitations of the related art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, this invention is directed to a writing instrument for smooth ink flow and/or against dripping/leaking. The writing instrument of the present invention uses nano technology, i.e., nano hydrophobic venting material, to permit air flow into and out of the ink reservoir to control pressure balance between the ambient atmosphere and the interior of the reservoir while preventing ink leaking to the atmosphere. Thus, the writing instrument can have a continuous steady flow of ink without leaking.
In one embodiment, the writing instrument includes a housing means containing an ink reservoir therein, a writing nib in communication with one end of the ink reservoir, and a pressure balance system in connection with the other end of the ink reservoir. The pressure balance system has a nano hydrophobic venting sheet that permits air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate pressure differentials between the ambient atmosphere and the interior of the reservoir, and prevents ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere.
Further, in one embodiment, the pressure balance system includes a control valve, a washer, the nano hydrophobic venting sheet and a vent-plug arranged in that order. The control valve is in communication with the reservoir, and allows air flow and blocks ink leaking from the rear end of the housing. The vent-plug is used for venting the reservoir to atmosphere. With the high performance of the nano hydrophobic venting sheet, the pressure balance system maintains pressure balance between the interior of the reservoir and ambient atmosphere in various situations (e.g., changes in temperature/atmosphere pressure, ink consumption, etc.). Thus, the writing instrument having a smooth ink flow without leaking/dripping can be obtained.
Further, in one embodiment, the writing instrument has at least one writing nib, each of which draws ink from the reservoir through one ink guiding system. Also, each writing nib further couples to one pressure balance system for air venting.
Yet, in one embodiment, the pressure balance system further includes an air duct, a vent block, and a vent-plug disposed within the vent block. Air in the reservoir communicates with atmosphere through the air duct, the vent block and the vent-plug.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, the writing nib has a fibrous tip or a metal tip.
Moreover, in one embodiment, the writing instrument includes a cap fitting with the housing. The cap surrounds the writing nib and forms an air tight seal when in sealing engagement with the housing.
A variety of additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Various advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly point out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
shows a longitudinal cross section view of a writing instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2
shows structure of a cap of the writing instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3
shows structure of an ink guiding system and a writing nib of the writing instrument arranged in that order according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4
shows a housing means of the writing instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5
shows structure of a pressure balance system of the writing instrument arranged in that order according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6
shows a perspective view of a pressure balance system of the writing instrument arranged in that order according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7
shows a longitudinal cross section view of a writing instrument according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8
shows structure of the writing instrument according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9
shows a perspective view of a pressure balance system of the writing instrument according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10
shows a longitudinal cross section view of a writing instrument according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11
shows structure of the writing instrument according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12
shows a longitudinal cross section view of a writing instrument according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13
shows structure of the writing instrument according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the following description of the specific embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
This invention provides a writing instrument that permits a continuous steady flow of ink and prevents ink leakage. In one embodiment, the writing instrument comprises a housing with an ink reservoir therein, a writing nib in communication with one end of the ink reservoir, and a pressure balance system in communication with the other end of the ink reservoir. The pressure balance system uses nano-technology, i.e., a nano hydrophobic venting sheet, to allow air to flow into and out of the reservoir while preventing ink leakage, so as to maintain a pressure balance between the ambient atmosphere and the interior of the reservoir and to prevent ink leakage to the atmosphere. Thus, a writing instrument with a smooth ink flow and no ink leakage can be obtained.
Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1
illustrates a writing instrument
20
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The writing instrument
20
has a cap
22
in sealing engagement with a penholder
21
. As shown in
FIG. 2
, the cap
22
includes a clip section
24
and a cap body
26
. The clip section
24
fits in the cap body
26
to provide a sealing end. When the cap
22
engages with the penholder
21
(see FIG.
1
), the cap
22
surrounds a nib and forms an air tight seal to prevent drying of the nib. Also, the cap
22
serves to protect the nib from damage and to make certain that ink from the nib does not inadvertently stain unintended surfaces. It is appreciated that caps with various shapes and/or structures other than the cap
22
shown in
FIG. 2
also can be used.
The penholder
21
has housing means
28
(see
FIG. 4
) defining an ink reservoir for storing ink. The ink reservoir can store ink such as fluorescent ink, marker ink, board ink and correction fluid. A nib section
30
attaches to a front end of the housing
28
and communicates with one end of the ink reservoir. A pressure balance system
50
affixes to a rear end of the housing
28
and connects with the other end of the ink reservoir.
The nib section
30
of
FIG. 3
has a nib
32
partly held in a nib holder
34
. The exposed part of the nib
32
defines a writing tip to transfer ink to a recording medium such as paper. The nib
32
is formed from a fiber capable of performing capillary action. The nib section
30
further includes an adsorption ring
36
, and a core tube
40
that contains a fibrous core
38
therein. A plug
42
is fitted into one end of the core tube
40
connecting to the fibrous core
38
. The plug
42
has openings that allow ink flow from the reservoir to the fibrous core
38
. The core tube
40
couples into the nib holder
34
so that the fibrous core
38
within the core tube
40
communicates with one end of the nib
32
. Thus, an ink flow passage is formed in which ink reaches the tip of the nib
32
from the ink reservoir through the plug
42
, the fibrous core
38
and the nib
32
. In this embodiment, the nib section
30
acts as an ink guiding system to draw ink from the ink reservoir to the writing tip.
At the rear end, the pressure balance system
50
is attached to the housing
28
to provide air venting. As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6
, the pressure balance system
50
has a one-way control valve (including a valve body
52
, a valve ball
54
and a valve seat
56
) in connection with the ink reservoir that allows air flow and blocks ink leaking from the reservoir. The valve body
52
and the valve seat
56
form a valve chamber that allows the valve ball
54
to move therein. The control valve is in an opened position when the valve ball
54
is spaced from the valve seat
56
, and in a closed position when the valve ball
54
sits on the valve seat
56
. A washer
58
, a nano hydrophobic venting sheet
60
, a vent-plug
62
and a dust-proof cover
64
are disposed within the valve seat
56
in that order. The nano hydrophobic venting sheet
60
uses nano technology and has characteristics that permit air to pass freely therethrough and prevent ink penetration. The vent-plug
62
is used for venting the reservoir to the atmosphere.
When the air pressure in the ink reservoir drops (e.g., ink is drawn out of the ink reservoir), air is introduced into the ink reservoir via the pressure balance system
50
, i.e., through the nano hydrophobic venting sheet
60
, so as to relieve the pressure difference. When air pressure in the ink reservoir expands (e.g., increase in temperature), air in the ink reservoir can flow out of the reservoir through the nano hydrophobic venting sheet
60
to the atmosphere. In any occasion, pressure in the ink reservoir changes in response to that of the ambient atmosphere, thus maintaining pressure balance between the ambient atmosphere and the interior of the reservoir. In addition, the nano hydrophobic venting sheet
60
prevents ink penetration therethrough. Thus, ink in the reservoir cannot be infiltrated to the atmosphere. Accordingly, a writing instrument using nano technology (nano hydrophobic venting sheet) can have a continuous steady flow of ink without leaking.
The nano hydrophobic venting sheet is obtained by introducing super dual ability hydrophobic nano technology into a venting material. Thus, the material has a good performance in hydrophobicity and ventilation.
FIGS. 7-9
illustrate a writing instrument
100
according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The writing instrument
100
has dual writing nibs (
104
,
128
), which may be different in size and/or flexibility. The writing instrument further includes a penholder
116
defining an ink reservoir. The ink reservoir can store ink such as fluorescent ink, marker ink, board ink and correction fluid. The writing nib (
104
,
128
) draws ink from the reservoir via nib holder (
106
,
126
) and fibrous core (
114
,
118
), which define an ink guiding system. As shown in
FIG. 8
, the writing nib is inserted into the nib holder (
106
,
126
) and is connected to fibrous core (
114
,
118
) through a pressure balance system that is formed by a sealed washer (
108
,
124
), a nano hydrophobic venting sheet (
110
,
122
) and a press ring (
112
,
120
). The writing nib (
104
,
128
) fits into the nib holder with several ventholes for air venting. Air is allowed to flow into and out of the reservoir through the pressure balance system, i.e., the sealed washer (
108
,
124
), the nano hydrophobic venting sheet (
110
,
122
) and the press ring (
112
,
120
).
FIGS. 10-11
illustrate a writing instrument
200
according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The writing instrument
200
includes a penholder
222
defining an ink reservoir, which can store various inks, e.g., fluorescent ink, marker ink, board ink and correction fluid, etc. At one end of the penholder
222
, a writing nib
208
having a metal tip is connected to an ink guiding system to draw ink from the reservoir. The ink guiding system includes a fibrous stick
210
, a tip cover
212
, a nib holder
214
, a core tube
216
, a fibrous core
218
and a plug
220
with openings arranged in that order. It is to be understood that the fibrous stick
210
, the core tube
216
, the fibrous core
218
and the plug
220
may not be needed when the reservoir stores gel ink or correction fluid. At the other end of the penholder
222
, a one-way control valve (including valve body
224
, valve ball
226
and valve seat
228
), a washer
230
, a nano hydrophobic venting sheet
232
, a dust-proof cover
234
and a vent-plug
236
define a pressure balance system. The principle of the pressure balance system of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, and thus no detailed description will be provided here.
FIGS. 12-13
illustrate a writing instrument
300
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The writing instrument
300
has a penholder
314
defining an ink reservoir. At the front end of the penholder
314
, a writing nib
302
is connected to an ink guiding system
301
to draw ink from the reservoir. The ink guiding system
301
has a similar structure as that of the first embodiment, including a nib holder
304
, an adsorption ring
306
, a fibrous core
308
, a core tube
310
and a plug with openings
312
. At the rear end of the penholder
314
, a nano hydrophobic venting sheet
316
, an air duct
318
, a vent block
320
and a vent-plug
322
define a pressure balance system
303
. The air duct
318
is inserted into the penholder
314
, having one end coupled to the nano hydrophobic venting sheet
316
and the other end coupled to the vent block
320
. The vent-plug
322
is plugged into the vent block
320
. In this embodiment, air in the reservoir passes through the nano hydrophobic venting sheet
316
and enters the air duct
318
, so as to communicate with the atmosphere. With such arrangement, no control valve is needed.
It is to be understood that this invention can be used in writing instruments having various forms by using a nano hydrophobic venting material. The nano hydrophobic venting material is obtained by introducing super dual ability hydrophobic nano technology into a venting material, for a favorable performance in hydrophobicity and ventilation.
It is also to be understood that the writing nib of a writing instrument in this invention can have a fibrous tip or a metal tip.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is no intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
- 1. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; a writing nib secured with respect to a front end of the housing, and in communication with the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to a writing medium; and a pressure balance system attached to a rear end of the housing, and in communication with the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material that uses super dual ability hydrophobic nano technology, for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir, wherein the pressure balance system further includes a control valve comprising a valve body, a valve ball and a valve seat, and a washer, a vent-plug and a dust-proof cover positioned within the valve seat in that order; the nano hydrophobic venting material being positioned between the washer and the vent-plug.
- 2. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control valve is in communication with the reservoir, the control valve having an opened position when the valve ball is spaced from the valve seat, and a closed position when the valve ball is fitted onto the valve seat, so as to allow air flow and to block ink leakage from the rear end of the housing.
- 3. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; a writing nib secured with respect to a front end of the housing, and in communication with the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to a writing medium; a pressure balance system attached to a rear end of the housing, and in communication with the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir; and an ink guiding system connected to the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to the writing medium; the ink guiding system having a core tube containing a fibrous core therein that connects to the writing nib at one end, and a plug with openings fitting into the core tube in connection with the fibrous core at the other end; ink in the reservoir being capable of entering into the fibrous core through the plug openings, and then reaching the writing nib via the fibrous core.
- 4. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 3, wherein the writing instrument further includes a cap corresponding to the housing, the cap surrounding the writing nib and forming an air tight seal when in sealing engagement with the housing.
- 5. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; at least one writing nib at an end of the housing; an ink guiding system having a first end connected to the writing nib, and having a second end coupled to the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to the writing nib, the ink guiding system including a nib holder, and a fibrous core, a core tube and a plug with openings, positioned in that order and coupled to the nib holder, the writing nib being inserted into the nib holder to draw ink from the reservoir; and a pressure balance system coupled to the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir, the pressure balance system further having a control valve having a valve body, a valve ball and a valve seat, and a washer, a vent-plug, and a dust-proof cover positioned in that order within the valve seat; the nano hydrophobic venting material being placed between the washer and the vent-plug.
- 6. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 5, wherein the writing nib has a fibrous tip.
- 7. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; at least one writing nib at an end of the housing; an ink guiding system having a first end connected to the writing nib, and having a second end connected to the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to the writing nib; and a pressure balance system coupled with the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir; wherein the ink guiding system includes a nib holder and a fibrous core therein and being coupled to one end of the reservoir; wherein the pressure balance system is disposed within the nib holder, and further includes a sealed washer and a press ring, the nano hydrophobic venting material being disposed therebetween; and wherein the at least one writing nib is inserted into the nib holder through the sealed washer, the nano hydrophobic venting material and the press ring, and is connected to the fibrous core.
- 8. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 7, wherein the writing nib has a fibrous tip.
- 9. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; at least one writing nib at an end of the housing; an ink guiding system having a first end connected to the writing nib, and having a second end connected to the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to the writing nib; and a pressure balance system coupled with the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir; wherein the ink guiding system includes a nib holder and a tip cover connected to one end of the nib holder, the writing nib being connected to another end of the tip cover, the nib holder being connected to the reservoir; and wherein the pressure balance system further includes a control valve, a washer, a dust-proof cover and a vent-plug connected in that order, the nano hydrophobic venting material being disposed between the washer and the dust-proof cover.
- 10. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 9, wherein the writing nib has a metal tip.
- 11. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; at least one writing nib at an end of the housing; an ink guiding system having a first end connected to the writing nib, and having a second end connected to the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to the writing nib; and a pressure balance system coupled with the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir; wherein the ink guiding system includes a fibrous stick, a tip cover, a nib holder, a core tube, a fibrous core and a plug with openings, connected in that order, the writing nib being connected to the nib holder through the tip cover, the nib holder being connected to the reservoir; and wherein the pressure balance system includes a control valve, a washer, a dust-proof cover and a vent-plug connected in that order, the nano hydrophobic venting material being placed between the washer and the dust-proof cover.
- 12. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 11, wherein the writing nib has a metal tip.
- 13. A writing instrument, comprising:a housing having a reservoir therein for containing ink in a free-flowing state; at least one writing nib at an end of the housing; an ink guiding system having a first end connected to the writing nib, and having a second end connected to the reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir to the writing nib; and a pressure balance system coupled with the reservoir for venting the reservoir to atmosphere, the pressure balance system having a nano hydrophobic venting material for preventing ink flow from the reservoir to the atmosphere, and permitting air flow into and out of the reservoir to compensate for pressure differentials between the atmosphere and an interior of the reservoir; wherein the ink guiding system includes a nib holder, a fibrous core, a core tube containing the fibrous core, and a plug with openings, the core tube with the fibrous core therein being connected to the reservoir, the writing nib being inserted into the nib holder and connected to the fibrous core; and wherein the pressure balance system further includes an air duct, the air duct having one end coupled to the nano hydrophobic venting material and another end coupled to a vent block containing a vent-plug therein.
- 14. The writing instrument as claimed in claim 13, wherein the writing nib has a fibrous tip.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
01235948 U |
May 2001 |
CN |
|
US Referenced Citations (5)