The present disclosure relates generally to writing instruments, and more specifically to self-retaining writing instruments.
Writing instruments, such as pens, pencils, and styluses, are used by millions of people every day. Not infrequently, and despite efforts and various methods for securing them, writing instruments are misplaced and/or not readily available when or where they are needed.
Current techniques to secure writing instruments to oneself or to certain objects for use when needed are not sufficient in many instances. For example, some writing instruments include a clip for being secured to a pocket or to the thin edge of another object, such as a clipboard, folder, or book cover. In many instances, no such object exists and therefore keeping the writing instrument secure and readily available is a challenge.
Some writing instruments have tethers allowing the instrument to be secured around a user's neck or other body part or object. In many instances, this also may not be ideal. The cord tether method may be ergonomically or aesthetically undesirable, or even dangerous.
Adhesive materials, such as VELCRO® (i.e., hook and loop material) or chemical adhesives, have also been used to secure writing instruments. These techniques are suitable in some scenarios but not ideal for many others. For example, the opposing side of the hook and loop material may not be present on, or the adhesive will not adhere to, the object to which a user may wish to secure the writing instrument. Moreover, VELCRO® and other adhesives tend to become less adherent over time as the loop material is torn or the adhesive is exhausted.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved securable writing instruments.
In one aspect, a securable, self-retaining writing instrument is provided, including a bistable metal body that is selectively positionable and retainable in a coiled configuration and alternatively in an elongated configuration, and a writing element disposed at the first end of the writing instrument. In certain embodiments, the writing element is a pencil, pen, marker, or stylus. In certain embodiments, the bistable metal body is configured to automatically assume the coiled configuration when flexed to a certain degree in the elongated configuration.
In another aspect, a self-retaining writing instrument includes a bistable metal body configured to automatically assume the coiled configuration around a user's wrist when pushed against the wrist in the elongated configuration, a plastic cover surrounding the bistable metal body, and a writing element fixedly disposed at a first end of the writing instrument.
In another aspect, a self-retaining writing instrument includes a bistable metal body that is selectively positionable and retainable in a coiled configuration for coiling around an object and alternatively in an elongated configuration for use as a writing instrument, a plastic cover surrounding the bistable metal body, a ballpoint pen disposed in a first end of the plastic cover, and an ink reservoir disposed in the first end of the plastic cover and in fluid communication with the ballpoint pen.
The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of self-retaining writing instruments are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings.
The present disclosure addresses the above-described needs by providing securable, self-retaining writing instruments. Several embodiments of self-retaining writing instruments are described below, although the embodiments described herein may also be used with other materials or designs. Parameters of different components and designs of the embodiments are described separately, but may be combined consistently with this description and claims to enable still other embodiments as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
In certain embodiments, as shown in
As used herein, the term “self-retaining” refers to the writing instrument being configured to secure itself in place on or around an object. For example, the writing instrument may be configured to secure itself on the wrist, ankle, or leg of a user, a steering wheel, a musical instrument, a mug or other cup, a bag or purse strap, or a furniture leg or post. As used herein, the term “bistable” refers to the metal body having two physical configurations (i.e., elongated and coiled), or positions, in which the body is stable. For example, the metal body may remain in the elongated configuration until flexed to a certain degree at which time the metal body may assume the coiled configuration until it is uncoiled by a user. As used herein, the term “elongated configuration” refers to the writing instrument 100 having a straightened, or lengthened, shape that may be suitable for use as a writing instrument, such as shown in
The bistable metal body may include any metal material that may be configured to have the necessary bistable properties. For example, the metal body may include a flexible metal material. The bistable metal body may be thin and elongated, i.e., have a length that is relatively long as compared to its width. For example, to fabricate the bistable metal body, a flexible metal material can be fashioned into a thin, elongated strip, and coiled. The metal material may then be bent along a longitudinal axis such that it remains elongated when straightened or uncoiled, and springs into a coil when flexed to a certain degree.
In certain embodiments, as shown in
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In certain embodiments, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the writing element is retractably disposed at the first end of the writing instrument. For example, the writing element may be recessed within or attached at the end of the writing instrument such that it can be extended and retracted. In one embodiment, the writing element is a pen and the writing instrument includes an ink reservoir, and the pen and/or ink reservoir are selectively movable between an extended locked position and a retracted locked position. A locking slide lever, hinge, or other actuating mechanism may be used to move between the extended and retracted positions.
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In one embodiment, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the writing instrument is decorated in such a way as to double as an ornament, bracelet, or other fashion accessory. For example, the writing instrument may include a plastic or fabric cover having a color or design thereon. In certain embodiments, the writing instrument may include text printed thereon, such as a logo, instructions for use, or ruler markings.
In certain embodiments, the bistable metal body is configured to spring from the elongated configuration to the coiled configuration when pushed against an object. That is, the bistable metal body may be secured around an object by slapping or pushing the metal body in the straight, elongated state against the object, thereby causing the body to spring into coil, and conform to the object. For example, the object may be a wrist or ankle, a bag strap, a steering wheel, or a furniture leg or post. When pushed against the object, the bistable metal body may automatically coil around and conform to the object. For example, the bistable metal body may coil around and conform to a user's wrist when pressed thereagainst. This coiled configuration provides a secured, self-retained writing instrument. For example, a user may coil the writing instrument around his/her wrist to provide hands-free retention of the writing instrument.
The bistable metal body may automatically assume the coiled configuration when flexed to a certain degree in the elongated configuration. When writing is desired, the instrument may be straightened for use. These writing instruments advantageously allow the securing of the writing instrument to oneself or to any number of objects so that it may be readily available for use when and where needed.
Moreover, these self-retaining writing instruments allow for the securing of the writing instrument to a multitude of objects not possible or practical with current methods. The self-retaining instruments allow a user to secure the writing instrument with one hand, and without the need for visual input, exposed edges, or special materials. With any of the previous methods for securing a writing device, re-securing the writing device after use may also be more cumbersome than with the present self-retaining instruments.
It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different designs, products, or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereto may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
The present application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/620,394, filed Apr. 4, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Entry |
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Form PCT/ISA/206, Invitation to Pay Additional Fees and Communication Relating to the Results of the Partial International Search for PCT/US2013/035279, mailed Jun. 19, 2013. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20130266360 A1 | Oct 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61620394 | Apr 2012 | US |