Patent Application
20180029405
The present invention relates to writing implements and, more particularly, to a writing implement with an entertainment article attached thereto.
Noble gas globes have long provided a fascinating and intriguing form of entertainment that has sparked the imagination of many users. Writing can often lead to periods of time where the author is in need of a creative spark. Often they are left twirling or chewing on the end of their writing implement in search of an inspirational thought or idea.
As can be seen, there is a need for a writing implement that can provide an author with an entertaining outlet to spark an inspirational or imaginative thought or idea.
In one aspect of the present invention, a writing implement is provided which includes: a lower body containing a retractable writing tip extensible from a first end of the lower body; an upper body having a bottom end attached to a second end of the lower body, the upper body containing a high voltage circuit; and a noble gas globe containing at least one noble gas, operatively connected to a top end of the upper body, the noble gas globe is configured to produce a plasma discharge responsive to a user's touching of the noble gas globe. The writing implement may also include a low voltage power source operatively connected to the high voltage circuit. The high voltage circuit is configured to convert an output of the low voltage power source to a high voltage output. A switch may extend through an outer sidewall of the upper body and is operable to selectably connect the low voltage power source to the high voltage circuit.
In some embodiments, the writing tip is in communication with an ink cartridge carrying a volume of ink. In other embodiments, the noble gas globe contains a plurality of noble gasses. In other aspects of the invention, the high voltage circuit includes: an oscillator operatively connected to a flyback transformer.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery powered mini high voltage circuit that drives a globe containing various noble gases in a vacuum which ionizes the atoms and produces plasma responsive to a user's touching of the globe.
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The globe 10 may be formed by attaching a single tube that connects to at least one of various pressurized noble gas tank. The sealed globe 10 with a lead 14 penetrating the seal wall, a vacuum gauge, and vacuum pump. The globe 10 should be evacuated so substantially no atmosphere exists inside the globe. Then a noble gas 40 is introduced into the globe 10. The globe should be evacuated again and refilled to ensure a substantially pure noble gas 40 environment exists within the globe 10 and the fill tubing.
The high voltage circuit 30 inside the upper body 18 is electronically connected to the globe lead 32 and turned on. Place the globe 10 and writing implement in hand. A valve is used to slowly open the connection between the globe 10 and the vacuum pump. When arcs of electrons are visibly seen interacting with the user's hand the globe 10 can be pinched off to seal the globe 10 and removed from the charging system. The vacuum gauge in the system is used to record what the pressure is at the desired result. Any noble gas can be used or mixed and each has a different reaction at different pressures.
The custom pen body may be created using a 3D printer and 3D software to create the lower body 38, the battery compartment 22, high voltage circuit 30 and a globe seat 16 on top of the upper body 18 for attachment of the globe 10.
After a battery is inserted. The writing utensil has a simple switch that needs to be actuated to activate the circuit and globe. The user can then interact with the plasma in the form of electron arcs inside the globe by touching the outer glass. When finished turn switch off.
The lower body 38 contains a writing media and a media extension mechanism. The writing media may include an ink cartridge, a pencil lead, a marker, or the like.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
