This disclosure relates to the field of desk pens with removable cap assemblies wherein the cap assemblies attach to the main pen body by way of a tension bayonet mount.
Disclosed herein is a writing implement assembly, comprising a pen body having a writing end and a pen cap having an open end operatively configured to fit over a portion of the writing end of the pen body. A plurality of voids are disposed thorough the open end of the pen cap, and a rigid ball is fixedly set within each void disposed through the open end of the pen cap. A plurality of receiving channels is provided on the writing end of the pen body, and the receiving channels are operatively configured to receive a portion of the balls.
In one form, the writing implement assembly described above is arranged so that the balls are spherical, although spheroid balls may also work. The receiving channels in the pen body are non-linear from a side view to facilitate a locking arrangement, such as a standard, bayonet-style mechanism. The writing implement assembly may be configured wherein the receiving channels are substantially c-shaped from a side view, although other shapes may work equally well. The balls may be press fit into the voids disposed thorough the open end of the pen cap, or they may be welded, adhered, or otherwise affixed. The writing implement assembly may be arranged wherein the writing end of the pen body comprises a fountain pen writing tip or a rolling style writing tip.
In one embodiment of the assembly, the pen cap further comprises a compression spring, which is operatively configured to engage the writing end of the pen body and is operatively configured to bias the pen cap away from the pen body, wherein each of the receiving channels comprises at least one entry portion and at least one locking portion, and wherein the compression spring biases the balls within the locking portion of the receiving channels.
The writing implement described herein may further comprise a cap receiver portion provided on the pen body at the longitudinal end opposite the writing end, a plurality of receiving channels provided on the writing end of the pen body, wherein the receiving channels are operatively configured to receive a portion of the balls of the pen cap.
In general, this disclosure relates to a pen housing mechanism, comprising at least one locking collar provided on a pen body configured to receive a pen cap, specifically a pen cap having a plurality of inset “balls” that engage channels within the locking collar. In one form, the “balls” are fit into voids drilled or otherwise provided in a portion of the pen cap and press fit, or otherwise attached, thereto wherein they provide a functional purpose on the inner portion of the pen cap, and provide a decorative element outside the cap. The balls may be made of metals, ceramics, polymers, or equivalent materials. In one form, a compression spring is provided, which biases the “balls” into a locking portion of the channel.
Before beginning a detailed description of the embodiments, an axis system 10 is shown in
As shown in
In one form, an accent ring 38 is provided, which has functionality described later on and also increases the aesthetic value of the pen 18. The accent ring 38, in one form, attaches to an inset shoulder 40 on a finger grip 42. The finger grip 42 is coupled to a grip retainer 44 by press fitting thereto or other methods. The grip retainer 44, in one form, is attached to a writing end receiver 46 in one form by way of male threads 48, disposed on the grip retainer 44, and female threads 50, provided within the writing end receiver 46. The writing end receiver 46, in one form, comprises the receiving channels 52 previously discussed. These receiving channels 52 will be discussed in much more detail. In one form, the writing end receiver 46 comprises a shoulder 60, which engages an interior portion 54 of an overlay 56 and is press fit or otherwise attached thereto. The overlay 56 comprises a substantially hollow tube or equivalent structure, which may be formed of metal, plastic, wood, or a combination thereof. These overlays 56 are well known in the art in many different varieties. In one form, a body cap end receiver (overlay retainer) 58 is included, which comprises the cap receiver portion 32 previously discussed. Once again, the body cap end receiver 58 may comprise a shoulder 61, which engages the interior portion 54 of the overlay 56 and is press fit or otherwise attached thereto. A body cap 62 may also be provided, including male threads 64 which engage female threads within the body cap end receiver 58 to attach the body cap 62 thereto. In a desk-style pen, wherein the pen cap is left on the desk and is not attached to the body cap end 36, the body cap end receiver 58 may be omitted, wherein the body cap 62 is directly attached to the overlay 56, or the body cap end receiver 58 does not include channels to engage the pen cap. In one form, a decorative end cap 66 may be provided, including threads 68, which engage threads within the body cap 62. In another form, the end cap 66 and body cap 62 are a unitary structure. Additionally, the body cap 62 and body cap end receiver 58 may be a unitary structure.
Looking to
Looking to
Attached to the cap overlay 78, on an opposite end from the clip screw 90 is a ball retainer 92, which comprises a shoulder 94, as shown in
Looking to
In the embodiment shown in
While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' general concept.
This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/260,174, filed on Nov. 11, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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61260174 | Nov 2009 | US |