This disclosure relates to implements for writing, highlighting, or drawing, particularly to combinations of writing implements with attached informational devices and/or detachable adhesive backed writing sheets.
Writing instruments have been combined with other writing instruments or other articles to perform more than one function with a single device, for ease of use. For example multi-color pens enable one to write in multiple colors with a single device. Erasers have been attached to pencils to enable users to write and erase with the same instrument. Pens with retractable banners imprinted with a map, information, or advertising can be found at trade shows and tourist areas. Pens and highlighters with dispensers attached to or integrated therein for dispensing adhesive backed writing sheets, such as tape flags are also commercially available.
US 2017/0239976 discloses a multi-purpose combination writing instrument that can perform several such functions in a single device. It discloses a multi-purpose combination writing instrument comprised of two casing members with two writing instruments attached to each casing member, where the casing members are connected to one another by a retractable unwinding tool, where a casing member can have a pad of adhesive stickers or tape flag dispensers attached thereto. The unwinding tool can also function as a retractable banner, and can have on it a design, such as a logo, art work, and/or literature.
While the foregoing products are useful, there is a desire to those skilled in the art for continued innovation of multi-purpose combination writing instruments that accommodate such tools and writing instruments in a single device.
The present invention pertains to a multi-purpose combination writing instrument designed to hold multiple writing instruments and tape flags. In one aspect, the present invention also pertains to such a multi-purpose combination writing instrument which also contains a retractable banner.
The multi-purpose combination writing instrument of the invention comprises at least three individual writing instruments, each individual writing instrument comprising: a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end; a base having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the base comprising at least three receivers, wherein each receiver is adapted to receive the proximal end of the barrel of a corresponding individual writing instrument, and the second end of the base having at least three tape flag platforms disposed therein; and a cap rotatably mounted on the second end of the base over the at least three tape flag platforms, wherein an opening in the cap provides access to one tape flag platform at a time as it rotates around the second end of the base.
An embodiment of the multi-purpose combination writing instrument described above further comprises a panel mounted on a side of the base over an opening in the base, the panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a slot extending through the panel from the interior surface to the exterior surface; an oblong bar; and a banner comprising a retracted end under the interior surface of the panel and an extended end extending through the slot and attached to the oblong bar above the exterior surface of the panel.
Figures of the present invention can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout.
As used herein, the word “a” or “plurality” before a noun represents one or more of the particular noun.
For the terms “for example” and “such as,” and grammatical equivalences thereof, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term “about” is meant to account for variations due to experimental error. All measurements reported herein are understood to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not the term is explicitly used, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present invention; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials and methods are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, sequences, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.
This invention has the advantage of allowing the user to carry one multi-purpose combination writing instrument with multiple individual writing instruments and multiple tape flag pads in a single device. When the multi-purpose combination writing instrument also includes a retractable banner, it further adds to the utility of the device.
The term “tape flag” as used herein refers to adhesive backed writing sheets that are removably attached to one another, and which can be attached to other surfaces when pressed thereon. The tape flags can be made of paper or other suitable writing material. Adhesive backed writing sheets suitable for use as tape flags in the present invention are commercially available under various brand names, including Post-It® Flags (3M Corp). Each tape flag platform of the present device can have the same or a different colored tape flag pad attached thereto, depending upon the needs of the user of the device.
The multi-purpose writing instrument can contain, for example, multiple different colors of pens and pads of different colored tape flags all within a single device. The user can assemble a different mix of writing tools according to the user's preference. Because of its many functions, it is also a time saving writing device meeting the needs of the user, such as a student or professional. The multi-purpose writing instrument is designed to make it easy to replace the individual writing instruments and pads of adhesive paper.
In certain embodiments, each individual writing instrument further comprises a marking element contained in the barrel, and orifice in the distal end of the barrel adapted to receive the marking element, and a side knob in an opening in a side of the barrel. Each individual marking element is independently selected from a pencil lead, an ink marking element, a fluid marking element, or a stylus for a tablet computer or other electronic device. In some embodiments, all of the individual writing instruments are highlighter pens, in which case the writing elements are fluid marking elements. When the marking element is an ink marking or fluid marking element, the barrel further contains a reservoir connected to the marking element. The reservoir of an ink marking element is designed to contain ink, while the reservoir of a fluid marking element contains marking fluid. The reservoir attached to a fluid marking element or ink marking element can contain the same color or a different color ink or marking fluid from the marking elements of other individual writing instruments in the multi-purpose combination writing instrument of the invention.
The side knob described above is part of a retraction system designed for retracting and extending a writing element contained in the barrel in and out through the orifice in the distal end of the individual writing instrument. Any type of retraction system operated by a side knob could be used in the individual writing instruments of the invention. For example, the side knob could be a wheel, a slidable knob, or lever. In one embodiment, a side of the opening in the side of the barrel has an inner edge forming a rail parallel to an axis of the base, wherein the side knob is adapted to slide along the rail, thereby moving the individual writing element through the orifice in the distal end of the barrel. In an embodiment, the distal end of the rail terminates in a ledge, and a groove between the ledge and a distal end of the opening in the side of the barrel accommodates a pin extending from the inner surface of the side knob, when inserted therein to reversibly lock the side knob in a forward position, where the individual writing element extends out the orifice in the proximal end of the barrel. In an embodiment, the retraction mechanism also includes a coiled spring, which is compressed when the side knob is in a forward position, and which relaxes and causes the writing element to retract from the orifice when the pin is extracted from the groove. When the writing element is a fluid marking element, the retraction mechanism further includes a marking fluid drying prevention cover, such as a sleeve covering the writing element.
The individual writing instruments are preferably identical in size and shape, enabling them to be readily interchanged and replaced. The barrels of the writing instruments can be color coded to indicate the color of ink or writing fluid contained in the reservoir, or to indicate the type of writing element contained therein.
The first end of the base is adapted to hold at least three individual writing instruments. In one embodiment the base is adapted to hold 3, 4, or 5, in another 3 or 4, and in another 3 individual writing instruments. The base can be of any size. In some embodiments, the base is between about 4 to about 7 inches long. In some embodiments, the base is between about 3 to about 6 inches wide. Other sizes are also contemplated. The base is preferably sufficiently compact to be grasped comfortably between the forefinger and thumb of a human user and manipulated to write with one of the writing instruments inserted in the base.
Each receiver in the first end of the base is adapted to receive the proximal end of the barrel of an individual writing instrument. In an embodiment of the invention, each barrel is press fit into the corresponding receiver, with the interior surface of the receiver in contact with an outer surface the barrel of the individual writing instrument. In an embodiment of the invention, each receiver is adapted to hold each individual writing instrument in a position parallel to an axis of the base running from the center of the first end to the center of the second end of the base. In one embodiment, an opening in the side of the barrel of an individual writing instrument containing the side knob has a raised lip, and a proximal side of the raised lip fits into a groove in an outer edge of the receiver adapted to receive the raised lip. In that embodiment, the raised lip can prevent the individual writing instrument from sliding further into the base when present in the receiver. In that embodiment the groove and raised lip also act to prevent the individual writing instrument from rotating while in the receiver, thereby maintaining each individual writing instrument in a position where the side knob is readily accessible. Each individual writing instrument can differ in shape. In one embodiment all of the individual writing instruments are identical in shape and size.
The second end of the base is adapted to have the cap rotatably mounted thereto. In an embodiment, the cap is connected to a cap connector, a circular region around the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the inner surface of the mouth of the cap is press fit to the outer surface of the cap connector. The cap can be rotated by turning it in place, or by removing, rotating, and replacing it.
The second end of the base comprises at least three tape flag platforms disposed therein. In one embodiment, the second end of the base includes 3 to 5 tape flag platforms, in another 3 or 4 tape flag platforms. In another embodiment, the number of tape flag platforms matches the number of individual writing instrument receivers in the first end of the base. In an embodiment, the tape flag platforms are positioned between the cap connector and the terminus of the first end of the base. The tape platforms are positioned so that a pad of tape flags mounted on only one tape flag platform can be accessed at a time through the opening in the cap, while pads of tape flags on the other tape flag platforms are covered. In one embodiment, the tape flag platforms are distributed an equidistance from one another around the radius of the second end. Each tape flag platform preferably comprises a flat surface to which a tape flag pad can be securely attached. In an embodiment, an indentation between each tape flag platform and the terminus of the second end further facilitates removal of one tape flag at a time when a tape flag pad is mounted on a tape flag platform. In that embodiment, the opening in the side of the cap is further adapted to allow access to the indentation near the terminus.
In another embodiment, the base of the multi-purpose combination writing instrument further comprises at least one mounted panel with a retractable banner. In one embodiment, the retractable banner is made of a material which causes it to roll into a scroll configuration in its relaxed state. In that embodiment, the retracted end of the banner is in a scroll configuration under an inner surface of a panel while an extended end of the banner extends out a slot in the panel where it is connected to an oblong bar. In an embodiment, the oblong bar is in contact with the outer surface of the panel when the banner is fully retracted. As the oblong bar is pulled outward away from the outer surface of the panel, the retracted end of the banner bar unwinds from the scroll and extends through the slot. In preferred embodiments, where the banner is in a scroll configuration in its relaxed state, it will retract automatically, wrapping back onto the scroll as the oblong bar is moved back toward the outer surface of the panel without the use of any spring or other mechanism designed to promote wrapping of the scroll. In one embodiment, the retracted end of the banner is connected to a retention cylinder to prevent the banner from being pulled all the way out of the slot when fully extended. In that embodiment, the retracted end of the banner wraps around the retention cylinder.
The banner can be imprinted with a design on either or both sides, such as a logo, work of art, piece of literature, and/or useful information, such as a map or information about technology, cosmetics, the environment, sports, or other topics. The design can be placed on a piece of fabric or a sticker that is adhered to the surface of the banner. The design and/or information imprinted on or adhered to the banner are visible when the banner is extended.
The panel can be mounted over the opening in the side of the base using any attachment means, including an adhesive or clips extending from the surface of the panel into one or more openings in the base. The slot in the panel preferably runs parallel to an axis of the base when the panel is mounted on the base. In an embodiment, the slot is positioned in the center of the panel, and the panel is positioned between the closest two individual writing instruments, preferably an equidistance between the two individual writing instruments, to allow space in the interior of the base for the banner to retract. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the panel includes a cavity over the slot adapted to receive an inner surface of the oblong bar. That configuration enables the oblong bar to be more securely housed on the outer surface of the panel when the banner is fully retracted. Optional tabs on the outer edges of the cavity can extend over the outer surface of the oblong bar to further secure it in place when the banner is fully retracted. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the panel also includes an indentation on either side of the slot to facilitate grasping of the oblong bar, when the banner is retracted, so it can be pulled away from outer surface of the panel to extend the banner.
In one embodiment, the multi-purpose combination writing instrument optionally further comprises at least one other mounted panel with the same configuration as the one described above mounted over another opening in the side of the base. In one embodiment each opening in the side of the base with a panel mounted thereon is positioned an equidistance between two individual writing instruments.
In one embodiment, the multi-purpose combination writing instrument comprises at least one mounted panel with a retractable banner mounted over an opening in the side of the base, as described above, and at least one integrated panel with an oblong ridge having the same dimensions and surface structure as the oblong bar when the banner is retracted. When the mounted panel includes indentations in the surface of the panel on either side of the oblong bar, each integrated panel can also contain a similar indentation in the same position on either side of the oblong ridge. Each integrated panel with oblong ridge is preferably stamped or molded onto the surface of the base. In that embodiment, the integrated panel does not include a slot or banner associated therewith. The integrated panel with oblong ridge provides a balanced feel and extra grip when the multi-purpose writing instrument is used. The at least one mounted panel and any integrated panel can be any shape but is preferably rectangular or oval in shape. The at least one mounted panel and any integrated panel are preferably radially distributed around the surface of the base between the rotatably mounted cap and the first end of the base an equidistance apart from one another. In one embodiment, each mounted panel or integrated panel is located in a position on the base above an equidistance between two individual writing instruments. In one embodiment, any oblong bar and oblong ridge are parallel to an axis of the base running from the center of the first end to the center of the second end.
The base, individual writing instruments, panel, and oblong bar and any parts thereof can be made with any suitable material(s) by any known methods in the art, such as, for example, 3-D printing, injection molding, rapid prototyping, etc. Joining any two parts can be accomplished by any methods in the art using any suitable material(s). The multi-purpose combination writing instrument of this invention and its components can be of any suitable size and/or shape.
These and other embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to
Multi-purpose combination writing instrument 300 is an embodiment of the multi-purpose combination writing instrument 100 illustrated and described in the previous FIGs, above, and illustrates how corresponding panel 152 of that device can also be mounted on the corresponding base and how corresponding banner 151 can be mounted therein. However, panel 152 does not include tabs corresponding to tabs 308 and 309.
Individual writing instrument 200 in
While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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PCT/US2019/060023 | 11/6/2019 | WO | 00 |
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WO2020/097173 | 5/14/2020 | WO | A |
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