Patent Application
20250100318
This application claims benefit from the European patent application EP 22154263.2, filed on 31 Jan. 2022, its content being incorporated herein by reference.
The embodiments described concern a grip for use with a writing implement, a writing implement comprising the grip, a kit of parts, and a method of assembly.
A scented writing instrument emits an aroma, such as a coffee or perfume aroma. Scented writing instruments can be used for educational purposes, where an attractively scented pen can attract the interest of a child learning to write. Furthermore, scented writing instruments with a range of different scents enable the blind, or partially sighted, to distinguish between different pen types. Scented writing instruments have applications in aromatherapy, where scents enable a user to relax, or to instigate memories, or to stimulate creativity (dependent on the aromatherapy scent applied).
Conventional scented writing instruments typically comprise a body element which has the liquid scent impregnated into the body element, or permanently exposed to the atmosphere via a micro grille or hole. Scented writing instruments may, therefore, be further improved.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a grip for use with a writing implement. The grip comprises a liquid reservoir comprising a volatile liquid, a user actuator configured to pressurize the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir based on a force applied by a user of the grip, and a liquid transfer member comprising at least one channel configured to provide a liquid transfer path out of the liquid reservoir. The grip further comprises a fragrance diffusion member in fluidic communication with the at least one channel. In use, an amount of volatile liquid is delivered to the fragrance diffusion member via the at least one channel in response to the user applying a force to the user actuator, and the grip is configured to release an aroma upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusion member.
The release of an aroma from the grip, where the aroma has evaporated from the volatile liquid is, therefore, controllable. This contrasts with existing approaches, where the scent is emitted permanently, until all the volatile liquid has evaporated. For example, the scent is emitted only when the pen is used for writing, because the pressure exerted on the grip by a user when performing a writing operation also causes an emission of a proportion of the volatile liquid stored in the liquid reservoir. Therefore, the lifetime of the aroma emission function is improved. Furthermore, by positioning the user actuator on a part of the grip that is not actuated in usual use of the grip, the user can control the emission of aroma independently of when the grip is used.
The grips disclosed herein are also compatible with accepted packaging and distribution practices. When a grip, or a writing implement comprising the grip, is packaged, or held in a user's pencil case, it does not emit aroma, which could otherwise become distracting in storage cupboards or warehouses. The need for providing a hermetically sealed package is removed, thus simplifying and reducing cost and environmental impact of the packaging needed. If a plurality of grips are distributed in the same package, the cross-contamination of aromas (which may result in an unpleasant smell) from one grip to another is avoided. The need to provide a complicated internal seal inside the packaging between at least two pens having mutually different scents is removed.
The grip may be sold integrated with a writing implement, or as a retrofit option, enabling the grip to be used with a wide range of existing writing implements according to the user's choice. The integrated liquid reservoir, liquid channel, liquid transfer member, and fragrance diffusion member may be amenable to partial, or full, 3D printing. Therefore, the controlled release, and evaporation, of a volatile liquid in a fragrance emitting grip is enabled.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a writing implement comprising a writing implement body, and a permanent or removable grip according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a method comprising assembling together at least (i) a liquid reservoir, (ii) a liquid transfer member comprising at least one channel configured to provide a liquid transfer path out of the liquid reservoir; and (iii) a fragrance diffusion member in fluidic communication with the at least one channel to provide a grip according to the first aspect or its embodiments, and filling the liquid reservoir with a volatile liquid.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts, comprising a first grip according to the first aspect or its embodiments, wherein the liquid reservoir of the first grip comprises a first type of volatile liquid.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a grip according to the first aspect, or its embodiments. The liquid reservoir of the second grip comprises a second type of volatile liquid. The first grip and the second grip are hermetically packaged within a shared packaging envelope.
According to a sixth aspect, there are provided machine-readable program instructions capable of causing a 3D printing apparatus to manufacture the grip according to the first aspect, or its embodiments.
Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features.
The writing implement 10 comprises a grip 16. The grip is, in examples, permanently attached to the body 11 of writing implement 10, or the grip 16 can be removably attached to the body 11 of writing implement 10 by sliding the grip 16 over the body 11 of writing implement 10 from either the proximal end 14 or the distal end 12 of the writing implement. For example, the grip 16 is retained in place on the body 11 of the writing implement 10 by a friction fit. In examples, the grip 16 is retained in place on the body 11 of the writing implement 10 by an adhesive. The grip 16 is configured to release an aroma upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusion member. In an example, the grip controllably releases an aroma based on the degree of actuation force applied to an actuator, such as a user actuator 24.
The grip 16 partially or fully encloses a substrate 20. In an example, substrate 20 contains and/or supports the liquid reservoir 22, user actuator 24, liquid transfer member 26, and fragrance diffusion member 28. In the illustrated example, substrate 20 is fabricated from materials suitable for defining microfluidic or macrofluidic channels for liquid transfer of the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir 22 to the fragrance diffusion member 28.
The grip 16 provides controlled release of an aroma carried by a volatile liquid comprised within the grip 16 according to a system to be described. In general, a volatile liquid is contained within the liquid reservoir 22. Upon evaporation from a fragrance diffusion member 28, the resulting aroma enables a user to distinguish a scent defined by the type of volatile liquid contained within the liquid reservoir 22. In an example, the volatile liquid comprises at least one Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
According to a first aspect, there is provided a grip 16 for use with a writing implement 10. The grip comprises a liquid reservoir 22 comprising a volatile liquid, a user actuator 24 configured to pressurize the volatile liquid in the liquid reservoir based on a force applied by a user of the grip, a liquid transfer member 26 comprising at least one channel 30 configured to provide a liquid transfer path out of the liquid reservoir, and a fragrance diffusion member 28 in fluidic communication with the at least one channel.
In use, an amount of volatile liquid is delivered to the fragrance diffusion member via the at least one channel in response to the user applying a force to the user actuator. The grip 16 is configured to release an aroma upon evaporation of the volatile liquid from the fragrance diffusion member 28.
According to an embodiment the liquid reservoir 22 is located partially, or fully, coincident with an axis of movement of the button.
In the example of
In an example, the substrate 20 is formed from an elastomer enabling the formation of valves for liquid control. In an example, the substrate is formed from the elastomer General Electric Silicones RTV 615.
According to an embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 is a bladder containing at least a portion of the volatile liquid, wherein the bladder is compressible during use of the grip by a user, and the user actuator is any portion of the surface of the bladder.
The liquid reservoir 22, at least one channel 30, and the fragrance diffusion member 28 are in fluidic communication with each other. A user actuator 24 is coincident to the liquid reservoir 22. As shown in
Additionally or alternatively, the grip 16 may comprise a resilient material, and the liquid reservoir 22 is formed integrally in the grip 16. Pressure exerted on the grip 16 in normal use of an associated writing implement will, therefore, be transferred through the resilient material of the grip 16 to a liquid reservoir 22 formed integrally in the grip 16, in turn pressurising a volatile liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 22. In this example, at least one channel 30 provides a fluidic or microfluidic connection away from the integrally formed liquid reservoir 22 and towards a fragrance diffusion member 28.
The liquid transfer member 26 comprises at least one channel 30 (in examples, one channel 30 or a plurality of channels 30) provide a fluidic connection between the liquid reservoir 22 and the fragrance diffusion member 28. In an example, the at least one channel is a lumen integrally formed in the material of substrate 20. In examples (not illustrated), the substrate 20 may be formed from at least two conjoined layers, with the at least one channel formed in a first layer, and a second layer being adhesively attached so as to sealably cover the first layer. In an example, the substrate 20, and thus the at least one channel 30, are 3D printed. In an example, the substrate 20, and thus the at least one channel 30, are injection moulded. In an example, the substrate 20, and thus the at least one channel 30 is integrally formed with the grip 16.
According to an embodiment, the at least one channel 30 comprised in the liquid transfer member 26 is one, or more microfluidic channels. According to an embodiment, the at least one channel 30 comprised in the liquid transfer member 26 is a microfluidic channel. A microfluidic channel is, for the purposes of this specification, considered to be a channel in which the volatile liquid experiences liquid flow characterised by a relatively low Reynolds' number when flowing through the liquid transfer member 26.
In an example, assuming that the volatile liquid has a viscosity broadly comparable to water, the width of the at least one channel 30 is greater than 1 μm and less than one millimetre along substantially the entire length of the liquid transfer member 26.
The use of microfluidic channels in the liquid transfer member can provide fine control over the delivery of volatile liquid to the fragrance diffusion member 28. In an example, a valve and/or pump for controlling flow of the volatile liquid to the fragrance diffusion member 28 is not required, because the microfluidic channels comprised in the liquid transfer member present a degree of flow resistance to the volatile liquid preventing uncontrolled discharge into the fragrance diffusion member 28. In examples, the at least one channel 30 comprised in the liquid transfer member is a macrofluidic channel. The at least one channel 30 in this case has a width greater than 1 mm, or greater than 2 mm, and limited in practice by the dimensions of the grip 16.
According to an embodiment, the fragrance diffusion member 28 is configured to absorb the volatile liquid transferred from the at least one channel 30, and to release the aroma from the grip in gaseous form.
The fragrance diffusion member 28 comprises, in an example, a substantially porous material in fluidic communication with at least one liquid flow channel 30. For example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 enables capillary action between the output of the at least one liquid flow channel 30 and an external face of the fragrance diffusion member 28 exposed to ambient air. The illustrated shape of the fragrance diffusion member 28 is indicative, and the fragrance diffusion member 28 may be provided in a conical, cylindrical form, or any other arbitrary form required to fit to specific type of writing implement 10 and/or grip 16 shape. In an example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 comprises porous polymeric fibre.
In an example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 comprises the polyester PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). In an example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 comprises a ceramic or metal foam, or a cotton wick. In an example, a non-diffusing portion of the fragrance diffusion member 28 is treated to prevent leakage of the volatile liquid to undesired portions of the grip 16. For example, such treatment of the fragrance diffusion member 28 comprises a heat treatment applied to the non-diffusing portion of the fragrance diffusion member 28, or a non-permeable wrap applied to the non-diffusing portion of the fragrance diffusion member 28.
In an example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 has a density in the range of 0.30-0.40 g/cm3. In an example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 comprises pores with micron sizes in the range 25-125 μm.
In an example, the grip 16 comprises a mesh element 25 (formed, for example, integrally with an elastomeric or polymeric material of the grip 16). The mesh element 25 is aligned coincidentally with the liquid diffusion member 28, to provide a protective barrier preventing the material of the fragrance diffusion member 28 from becoming blocked or damaged.
In an example, the fragrance diffusion member 28 is 3D printed as a porous structure and is integrally formed with the substrate 20 and/or the grip 16.
In an example, the liquid reservoir 22 and/or the at least one channel 30 are pre-filled with a volatile liquid prior to encapsulation within the grip 16. A wide range of volatile liquids comprising aromas may be pre-filled. In an example, the liquid reservoir 22 comprises a port (not shown) to enable external refilling of the liquid reservoir 22 by a rigid lumen, for example.
Turning to
Variations will now be discussed.
In the grip embodiment of
In embodiments, the liquid reservoir 22 and/or the liquid transfer member 26 are partially, or fully enclosed in a substantially non-deformable substrate 20, and the user actuator 24 is a button 40 disposed on a portion of, or adjacent to, the non-deformable substrate 20.
In embodiments, the grip further comprises at least one pump 32 configured to pump the volatile liquid from the liquid reservoir 22 to the fragrance diffusion member 28.
According to the embodiment illustrated in
A liquid reservoir 22 contains a volatile liquid. The liquid reservoir 22 comprises rigid walls (comparable for example to a syringe), to provide a sealed guide for the plunger 33. The liquid reservoir 22 is in liquid communication with at least one channel 30 of a liquid transfer member 26. In this embodiment, the at least one channel 30 may be either a microfluidic or a macrofluidic channel, in common with the definition given previously.
In use, a user presses the hollow button 40 down whilst covering the air hole 38. The volume of the void 34 is, thereby, reduced, thus increasing compression of the air remaining in the void 34. This, in turn, causes the plunger 33 to travel along the liquid reservoir 22 by an increment of distance, thus inducing positive pressure in the volatile liquid and forcing a portion of volatile liquid through the at least one channel 30 of the liquid transfer member 26, and into the fragrance diffusion member 28. For example, the increment of distance that the plunger 33 moves is proportional to the volume of the liquid displaced when the button 40 is pressed.
In an example, at least one valve may be provided at the interface between the at least one channel and the fragrance diffusion member 28. The user relaxes the force on the button 40 and removes their finger from the air hole 38, thus enabling the button to recoil (for example, using a spring). Repeated actuations of the button 40 lead to additional displacements of the plunger 33 until the liquid reservoir 22 is depleted of volatile liquid. A limiting member 36 is, for example, provided to ensure that the plunger 33 is not displaced into the void 34.
Therefore, the positive displacement pump in combination with the user actuator (button) in the embodiment illustrated in
A further example of a pump may be a 3D printable microvalve comprising three Quake valves in series, enabling a peristaltic pumping action to be provided. Therefore, liquid can be transferred from the liquid reservoir to the fragrance diffusion element 28 using at least three Quake valves in series.
According to an embodiment, the liquid reservoir 22 further comprises a refill port, to enable replenishment of the volatile liquid.
In a refillable variation of the embodiment of
According to an embodiment, the grip further comprises at least one valve 31 disposed between the at least one channel 30 and the fragrance diffusion member 28, wherein the at least one valve is configured to control the flow of volatile liquid between the at least one channel and the fragrance diffusion member.
According to an embodiment, the valve is disposed between the liquid reservoir 22 and the at least one channel.
According to an embodiment, the at least one valve 31 is a Quake valve, a flap valve, a membrane valve, a cusp valve, or a ball microvalve.
The foregoing description provides examples of valves that can be used to seal the interface between the liquid transfer member 26 and the fragrance diffusion member 28. In an example, a Quake valve may be used. A Quake valve uses a separately pressurised control channel to constrict or relax an obstruction in a portion of microfluidic channel. An aspect of using a valve to seal the interface between the liquid transfer member 26 and the fragrance diffusion member 28 is to prevent unintentional discharges, or evaporation, of the volatile liquid from the liquid transfer member 26.
According to an embodiment, the liquid transfer member 26 further comprises an actuation channel configured to be actuatable by the user actuator. The actuation channel is in fluidic communication with at least one control channel of the at least one valve 31. The actuation channel is not in fluidic communication with the liquid reservoir 22.
For example, a compressible elastomeric grip 16 comprises two compressible bladders that are fluidically independent. The first bladder functions as the liquid reservoir 22 and stores a volatile liquid. The second bladder (not illustrated) contains another liquid, or a gas, capable of controlling a control channel of one or more valves. When the compressible elastomeric grip 16 is manipulated or squeezed by a user, the pressure in both bladders increases in unison. The liquid or gas from the second bladder actuates the control channel of at least one valve 31, enabling the volatile liquid to leave the channels of the liquid transfer member 26 and to enter the fragrance diffusion member 28. Because the second bladder (actuation channel) is not in fluidic communication with the liquid reservoir 22, the controllability of the at least one valve 31 is not affected as the amount of volatile liquid depletes from the first bladder (liquid reservoir 22), thus enabling finer control of the fragrance release even at low fill levels of the liquid reservoir 22.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a writing implement 10, comprising a writing implement body 11 and a permanent or removable grip 16 according to the first aspect, or its embodiments. The writing instrument 10 may be a pen, a pencil, an automatically propelling pencil, a wax crayon, a Biro™, a felt-tip pen, a fountain pen, a stylus for actuating an electronic device display, amongst others.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a method 50 of manufacturing a grip 16 for use with a writing implement, comprising:
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts, comprising a first grip 16 according to the first aspect, or its embodiments, wherein the liquid reservoir 22 of the first grip 16 comprises a first type of volatile liquid.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a second grip according to the first aspect, or its embodiments, wherein the liquid reservoir of the second grip comprises a second type of volatile liquid; and wherein the first grip and the second grip are hermetically packaged within a shared packaging envelope.
According to a sixth aspect, there are provided machine-readable program instructions capable of causing a 3D printing apparatus to manufacture the grip according to the first aspect, or its embodiments.
References throughout the preceding specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example”, “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example”, “one aspect” or “an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22154263.2 | Jan 2022 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/051674 | 1/24/2023 | WO |
