Patent Grant
9327545
This present invention relates to handheld liquid marker devices for marking one or more surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a pen-shaped device with a delivery system for providing a precise amount of liquid, such as ink or medicinal liquid, when marking or dosing a surface while, at the same time, providing tactile or audible feedback.
For centuries, people have used various marking utensils when applying liquid such as ink onto a surface. Examples of such marking utensils generally include reed pens, quill pens, and dip pens where the nib of the pen in dipped into ink and applied onto the desired surface. Modern writing utensils such as ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pens would typically require an ink reservoir connected to the nib. The reservoir typically contains the ink or liquid, which would transfer through the nib, and the liquid would be applied onto a surface. Unfortunately, markings with these types of writing utensils may often be messy for certain marking applications (e.g., a single vertical press marking for a dot), as these markings tend to create and/or result in messy blotches.
Additionally, most marking utensils or ink applicators fail to provide any audible or physical feedback to notify the user that a sufficient application of liquid is applied. This is especially helpful to prevent unnecessary blotching of the liquid onto the desired surface. Thus, without any feedback or notification mechanism, the user may apply more ink than necessary, thereby also contributing to an undesirable application of the liquid.
There are some references that disclose marking utensils that are configured to provide a precise amount of liquid onto a surface. For example, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0162524, filed by Schiff, discloses a pen style liquid dispenser. The inside mechanism of the Schiff liquid dispenser consists of a spring system and a liquid dispenser, which may be used for medicinal liquids. Additionally, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2010/0170409, filed by Chan discloses a “stamp pen” or dauber that may have a spring behind the ink reservoir or behind the nib. The Chan Nib is pushed inward when the nib is pressed against the surface to be marked. However, these references fail to incorporate a precise liquid delivery system with an audible or tactile response feedback to notify the user that a sufficient application of liquid is applied.
Therefore, there is a need for a device with a liquid delivery mechanism that will release a precise amount of ink or liquid onto one or more surfaces for certain types of markings such as a vertical press marking. Preferably, the device may be used for various applications such as marking the surface of a golf ball or providing a proper amount of dosage for medicinal applications. The liquid delivery mechanism of the device also preferably provides some audible and/or physical feedback to the user when sufficient pressure has activated the internal mechanism.
To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the following discloses a handheld precise liquid marker with a delivery system that provides a precise amount of liquid, which may be ink or medicinal liquids, when marking one or more surfaces. The liquid delivery mechanism preferably includes some audible and/or physical feedback and is preferably used in various applications such as marking a golf ball or medicinal applications.
One embodiment of the new device is a handheld precise liquid marker, comprising: a front housing; a first nib; a piston; and a spring; wherein the front housing comprises a first reservoir; wherein the first reservoir is configured to store a liquid; wherein the front housing has a forward end and a rear end; wherein the first nib is positioned at the forward end of the front housing and is in fluid communication with the first reservoir; wherein the piston is positioned behind the rear end of the front housing; and wherein the spring is positioned inside the piston, such that the piston biases towards the rear end of the front housing. The handheld precise liquid marker may further comprise: a main housing; wherein the main housing may have a central opening; and wherein the front housing may be substantially enclosed within the main housing, such that, a portion of the first nib may protrude through the central opening of the main housing, and, such that a portion of the first nib may controllably retract through the central opening of the main housing upon compression of the first nib onto one or more surfaces. The front housing may comprise a shoulder located at an exterior of the front housing; wherein the main housing may comprise an inner flange located inside an interior of the main housing; and wherein the shoulder may be configured to restrict the projection of the portion of the nib through the central opening of the main housing when the shoulder of the front housing contacts the inner flange of the main housing. The piston may comprise: a first cylinder, a second cylinder, one or more first tabs, and one or more second tabs; wherein the one or more first tabs may be located at an outer surface of the first cylinder; wherein the one or more second tabs may be located at an inner surface of the second cylinder; wherein the spring may be positioned in-between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, such that a portion of the second cylinder may overlap a portion of the first cylinder; and wherein the one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs may produce an audible click upon the compression of the first nib, such that the compression of the first nib may cause the one or more first tabs to contact the one or more second tabs. The one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs may produce a tactile response upon the compression of the first nib. The first nib may be substantially curved, such that the first nib is configured to matingly engage with a single dimple of a golf ball. The handheld precise liquid marker of may further comprise: a rear housing; and a second nib; wherein the rear housing may comprise a second reservoir; wherein the second reservoir may be configured to store the liquid; wherein the second reservoir may have a forward end and a rear end; and wherein the second nib may be positioned at the rear end of the second reservoir and may be in fluid communication with the second reservoir. The handheld precise liquid marker may further comprise a plug; wherein the plug may removeably attach to the forward end of the rear housing; and wherein the piston may be configured to removeably attach to the plug. The second nib may have a substantially sharp point, such that the second nib is configured to produce one or more thin strokes on the one or more surfaces when the second nib is applied to the one or more surfaces. The main housing may comprise a grip; and wherein the grip may be substantially curved and may comprise a plurality of dimples.
Another embodiment of the new device is a handheld precise liquid marker, comprising: a front housing; a first nib; a piston; a spring; and a main housing; wherein the front housing comprises a first reservoir; wherein the first reservoir is configured to store a liquid; wherein the front housing has a forward end and a rear end; wherein the first nib is positioned at the forward end of the front housing and is in fluid communication with the first reservoir; wherein the piston is positioned behind the rear end of the front housing; wherein the spring is positioned inside the piston, such that the piston biases towards the rear end of the front housing; wherein the main housing has a central opening; wherein the front housing is substantially enclosed within the main housing, such that, a portion of the first nib protrudes through the central opening of the main housing, and, such that a portion of the first nib controllably retracts through the central opening of the main housing upon compression of the first nib onto one or more surfaces; and wherein the first nib is substantially curved, such that the first nib is configured to matingly engage with a single dimple of a golf ball, and when the first nib contacts the dimple of the golf ball, a substantially round ink dot is created on the dimple of the golf ball; wherein the piston comprises: a first cylinder, a second cylinder, one or more first tabs, and one or more second tabs; wherein the one or more first tabs are located at an outer surface of the first cylinder; wherein the one or more second tabs are located at an inner surface of the second cylinder; wherein the spring is positioned in-between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, such that a portion of the second cylinder overlaps a portion of the first cylinder; and wherein the one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs produces an audible click upon the compression of the first nib, such that the compression of the first nib causes the one or more first tabs to contact the one or more second tabs. The front housing may further comprise a shoulder; wherein the shoulder of the front housing may be located at an exterior of the front housing; wherein the main housing may comprise an inner flange located inside an interior of the main housing; and wherein the shoulder may be configured to restrict the projection of the portion of the nib through the central opening of the main housing when the shoulder of the front housing contacts the inner flange of the main housing. The one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs may produce a tactile response upon the compression of the first nib. The handheld precise liquid marker may further comprise: a rear housing; and a second nib; wherein the rear housing may comprise a second reservoir; wherein the second reservoir may be configured to store the liquid; wherein the second reservoir may have a forward end and a rear end; and wherein the second nib may be positioned at the rear end of the second reservoir and may be in fluid communication with the second reservoir. The handheld precise liquid marker may further comprise a plug; wherein the plug may removeably attach to the forward end of the rear housing; and wherein the piston may be configured to removeably attach to the plug. The second nib may have a substantially sharp point, such that the second nib may be configured to create one or more thin strokes on the one or more surfaces when the second nib is applied to the one or more surfaces. The main housing may comprise a grip; and wherein the grip may be substantially curved and may comprise a plurality of dimples, such that the grip may resemble a surface of the golf ball. The first nib may be constructed of a porous polymer material. The second nib may be constructed of a porous polymer material.
Another embodiment of the new device is a handheld precise liquid marker, comprising: a front housing; a first nib; a piston; a spring; a main housing; a rear housing; a second nib; and a plug; wherein the front housing comprises a first reservoir; wherein the first reservoir is configured to store a liquid; wherein the front housing has a forward end and a rear end; wherein the first nib is positioned at the forward end of the front housing and is in fluid communication with the first reservoir; wherein the piston is positioned behind the rear end of the front housing; wherein the spring is positioned inside the piston, such that the piston biases towards the rear end of the front housing; wherein the main housing comprises a central opening; wherein the front housing is substantially enclosed within the main housing, such that, a portion of the first nib protrudes through the central opening of the main housing, and, such that a portion of the first nib controllably retracts through the central opening of the main housing upon compression of the first nib onto one or more surfaces; wherein the front housing further comprises a shoulder; wherein the shoulder of the front housing is located at an exterior of the front housing; wherein the main housing comprises an inner flange located inside an interior of the main housing; wherein the shoulder is configured to restrict the projection of the portion of the nib through the central opening of the main housing when the shoulder of the front housing contacts the inner flange of the main housing; wherein the piston comprises: a first cylinder, a second cylinder, one or more first tabs, and one or more second tabs; wherein the one or more first tabs are located at an outer surface of the first cylinder; wherein the one or more second tabs are located at an inner surface of the second cylinder; wherein the spring is positioned in-between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, such that a portion of the second cylinder overlaps a portion of the first cylinder; wherein the one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs produces an audible click upon the compression of the first nib, such that the compression of the first nib causes the one or more first tabs to contact the one or more second tabs; wherein the one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs produces a tactile response upon the compression of the first nib; wherein the rear housing comprises a second reservoir; wherein the second reservoir is configured to store the liquid; wherein the second reservoir has a forward end and a rear end; wherein the second nib is positioned at the rear end of the second reservoir and is in fluid communication with the second reservoir; wherein the plug removeably attaches to the forward end of the rear housing; wherein the piston is configured to removeably attach to the plug; wherein the second nib has a substantially sharp point, such that the second nib is configured to create one or more thin strokes on the one or more surfaces when the second nib is applied to the one or more surfaces; and wherein the first nib is constructed of a porous polymer material.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker for multiple surfaces such as a golf ball surface.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker used for various applications such as marking the surface of a golf ball and/or applying the proper amount of dosage of topical medicine for medicinal purposes.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker for a single vertical press marking that is in the shape of a pen.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker for a single vertical press marking that is in the shape of a pen.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker with a substantially pointed nib for writing thin strokes.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker with a nib that controllably retracts inside the housing of the device upon application of the nib onto one or more surfaces.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker with a housing that is ergonomic and is preferably shaped with dimples to simulate as a golf ball surface.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker with a liquid delivery system that releases a sufficient amount of liquid upon application onto a surface without producing any blotches or mess.
It is an object of the new device to provide a handheld precise liquid marker that produces a physical and/or audible click once a desired amount of liquid transfers onto one or more surfaces.
It is an object of the new device to overcome the limitations of the prior art.
Additional embodiments of the invention will be understood from the detailed description of the invention.
The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.
In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the screen shot figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint.
As used herein, the term “handheld precise liquid marker” generally refers to any disposable or re-usable device, preferably with a liquid delivery mechanism, designed to release a precise amount of fluid, preferably ink, medicinal liquid, or any other liquid, and may be of any shape such as compact or pen-type. The marking of the handheld precise liquid marker may be provided through a mechanical (optionally manual) or stored energy drive mechanism, such as a spring. The marking device may include a separate liquid cartridge to hold ink or any other liquid.
The terms “housing”, “main housing”, “front housing”, and “rear housing” generally refer to an exterior housing (e.g., “body”, “shell”, “outer body”) or interior housing (“inner body”, “insert”), which may have internal and external threads. The housing may be designed to enable the safe, correct, and comfortable handling of the handheld precise liquid marker or any of its mechanisms. Usually, the housing is designed to house, fix, protect, guide, and/or engage with any of the inner components of the handheld precise liquid marker (e.g., the projecting-retracting mechanism, liquid cartridge, spring) by limiting the exposure to contaminants, such as liquid, dust, dirt, etc. . . . In general, the housing may be unitary or a multi-part component of tubular or non-tubular shape. Usually, the exterior housing serves to house a reservoir from which fluid may be dispensed. However, the reservoir may be directly coupled to the housing, so as to be partly or fully external to the housing. Further, the housing may include aesthetic and ergonomic features such as a grip with a dimpled surface used to resemble or simulate a golf ball and/or a rubber grommet.
The term “piston” generally refers to a component adapted to operate through/within the housing, designed to transfer movement within the handheld precise liquid marker, for purposes of providing a counter force. The piston may be flexible or rigid. The piston may be a simple rod, spring-loaded system, lead-screw, rack and pinion system, or the like.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.
The present invention is preferably a handheld precise liquid marker that is preferably shaped like a pen. The handheld precise liquid marker preferably provides a perfect dot when marking one or more surfaces and is preferably used for multiple applications such as marking a dimple of a golf ball surface and/or providing a proper amount of dosage for medicinal applications. The handheld precise liquid marker also may be combined with a traditional marking pen rather than standard. The handheld precise liquid marker preferably has a reservoir that may contain any liquid, including a dye—such as ink—or a medicinal liquid. The handheld precise liquid marker may be applied to certain surfaces such as a dimple of a golf ball or a person's skin. The liquid is preferably delivered from the reservoir and out through a nib by applying pressure on the nib to a surface. The nib preferably retracts inside the tip of the front housing due to the pressure applied, which typically causes the pressure in the reservoir to rise. The retraction of the nib is generally controlled by contact between the inner flange of a main housing and the shoulder of the front housing. A spring behind the reservoir generally provides the counter force to the nib being pushed inward. Preferably, an audible “click” is heard as the spring is compressed. The “click” generally informs the user that a sufficient amount of pressure has been applied to deliver the desired amount of ink. The nib is preferably designed to deliver the liquid topically, such as to surfaces of a golf ball or a person's skin.
Additionally, the retraction of the first nib 115 is preferably controlled. As discussed above, the first nib 115 preferably protrudes at a precise distance due to contact between the shoulder 118 and inner flange 108. This, in-turn, preferably controls the pressure and audible/tactile feedback that ultimately determines the amount of liquid 125 being delivered by the handheld precise liquid marker 100.
Furthermore,
Finally, regarding the main housing 110, the handheld precise liquid marker 100 may comprise a grip 170 or grommet, which is preferably a part or attachment by which the handheld precise liquid marker 100 may be held in the hand. The grip 170 may be substantially curved with a plurality of dimples and/or may provide an aesthetic look, such that the grip resembles the outer surface of a golf ball.
Regarding the rear portion of the handheld precise liquid marker 100 (i.e., plug 145, rear housing 155, second nib 160, and end cap 165), the rear portion of the handheld precise liquid marker 100 is preferably configured for writing thin or broad strokes. As shown in
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.
Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.
This application takes priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/718,881, filed on Oct. 26, 2012, titled “Handheld Precise Liquid Marker”, by inventor Kenneth Martin Tarlow, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in their entirety, and to which priority is claimed.
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