WO2005025888A2

WO2005025888A2 - Card-shaped multiple writing instrument assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2005025888A2
Application number: PCT/GB2004/003887
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Richard Daniel; Christopher Verity Wright
Original assignee: Simon Richard Daniel; Christopher Verity Wright
Priority date: 2003-09-12
Filing date: 2004-09-10
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: GB2405834A; GB2405834B; WO2005025888A3; GB0321450D0

Abstract

A card shaped assembly for holding four pens in an X like configuration along diagonals, comprising of two substantially symmetric, flat and opposed interlocking casings (2, 3) with diagonal recesses (5) for accommodating ballpoint pens (6, 7, 8, 9), the pens arranged in opposite directions along each diagonal to be slidable such that the writing tip protrudes outside of the casing when deployed and stored within when closed, the pens being connected to a button (10) that joins two pens at the central point and arranged to protrude through the casing to provide pen selection and locking of pen position when deployed or closed and to slide over an equivalent button (12) connecting two pens on the inverse diagonal of the opposed casing. The overall device being card-like for comfortable storage in a pocket, wallet or use as a bookmark with imprinting of designs, with single or multiple pen colours, and having rotational symmetry in casing design for manufacture.

Description

CARD-SHAPED MULTIPLE WRITING INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a compact card shaped writing instrument comprising multiple ballpoint pens suitable for comfortable storage in a pocket, wallet or use as a bookmark. The present invention in a preferred embodiment comprises two substantially flat casings of similar size to a credit card that sandwich four pens in an X like configuration, where the pens are arranged to lie one in each corner and be slidable within diagonal recesses within the casings and are connected as pairs in opposite directions via a button that enables a selected pen to protrude a writing tip out of a corner in the casing when in use. In order to write, a user would rotate and hold the card in a comfortable position and slide a central button in the direction of a selected corner to reveal a pen writing tip.

2) Description of the Prior Art There is numerous and diverse prior art on writing instruments in general, on compact or folding pens as well as several on different card-like writing instruments, including some recent art. However, no such prior art has all the features of the invention described and claimed herein. As an example no such examined prior art discloses a multiple writing instrument with the preferred X like configuration with pens arranged along diagonals in each corner. Furthermore, none of the examined prior art known to the applicant herein discloses the arrangement of connecting pens end-to-end in pairs by means of a central sliding button, so that they can be easily assembled and selected to protrude out of the card. Neither do they disclose arranging such ^Λtwo headed' pens to slide in recesses between flat surfaces or casings forming a card-like device. Nor do they disclose connecting a grooved button directly to the capillary tube of a pen assembly to control sliding a pen along a channel recess between casings and minimize parts.

The majority of prior art teaching card-like writing instruments disclose removable pens stored in an aperture or folded from a card, or disclose marketing shapes or wrapper ornament designs around single fixed pen assemblies.

U.S. Patent 5,678,939 to Ross issued October 21, 1997 (which also provides a helpful and recent summary of prior art) discloses a hinged writing instrument stored within an aperture on a single card-like casing. U.S. 4,706,995 to Dopp issued Nov 17, 1987 discloses a similar but removable writing instrument stored within an aperture on a flat book-mark like casing. Similarly U.S. Patent 4,815,880 to Sekiguchi issued October 21, 1981 discloses two removable writing instruments stored within apertures in a card like casing.

U.S. Patent 4,243,338 to Williams issued January 6, 1981 discloses a pen assembly with special wide or elongated ink cartridge where said cartridge is formed as an elongated channel between parallel surfaces as a method of making and cutting flat writing instruments into desired shapes. U.S Patent 3,168,072 to Nitta issued Feb 1965 provides a similar method of folding parallel surfaces during assembly to form a flat pencil with different shapes and images.

U.S. Design Patent 302,985 to Vinck issued October 20 1989, discloses an ornamental card design for single fixed pen assembly with separate lid, U.S. Design Patent 344,759 to Monzyk issued March 1^st 1994 discloses a similar single fixed pen on a card with no lid. Similarly U.S. Patent 5,897,261 to Goetz issued April 1999 discloses a single fixed pen within a card shaped form.

To the best of the applicant's knowledge, the prior art, whilst suggesting some features and numerous variations relevant to card-shaped pens and the benefit in having a card shaped pen, has not disclosed some of the highly advantageous features of the present invention discussed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The multiple writing instrument of the present invention, it its preferred embodiment, comprises a credit card sized assembly for holding four pens in an X like configuration along diagonals, formed from two substantially symmetric, flat and opposed interlocking casings secured in a parallel relation and containing diagonal recesses for accommodating ballpoint pens that can be sandwiched equally between the two sides. Said pens are arranged as pairs in opposite directions along each diagonal recess to be slidable such that the writing tip can protrude outside of the casing when deployed and stored within when closed or not in use, the pens being connected end to end via a button that joins two pens at the central point of the diagonal thus forming a ^Λtwo headed' pen. The button is arranged to protrude through a slot in the casing to provide pen selection and locking of pen position when deployed at a fixed extension or when closed. Said button is formed to be of smaller or half-cross section compared to the pens so that it can slide over an equivalent inverted button connecting the two pens on the inverse diagonal of the opposed casing, and is also formed in the preferred embodiment to affix to the pens by means of connecting to the open pen capillary tube and provides a suitable groove within the button to maintain air flow to the capillary and allow the ball-point pen to function in a usual manner.

The overall device forming a flat card-like shape for comfortable storage in a pocket, wallet or use as a bookmark with easy imprinting of surface designs or logos.

Another significant feature of the device is that it could be used with single or multiple colours of pen with suitable imprinting on the surface of the casing or on the central buttons to indicate colours.

An overall benefit of the present invention is the overall symmetry of the device casing, which provides half the assembly and is formed to snap and lock with an identically manufactured piece simply by a half rotation. This enables one half of the device to be assembled by fixing two pens onto the specially formed central button and placing within the diagonal recess of the casing, and then snap connecting with a similarly prepared half. The buttons, which protrude through slots in their respective sides, also prevent the pens from sliding out beyond their maximum extension once the overall device has been assembled. From a manufacturing perspective the device consists of the pens and two distinct parts, which could be formed by injection moulding in suitably coloured and textured plastics, in solid or transparent material, metal, word or composite paper .

To use the pen, the user rotates the card to place the desired corner towards the writing surface and slides the central button on the nearest side in the direction of the corner they wish to write from, e.g. via thumb or fore-finger. This provides numerous ergonomic advantages for selecting the different pens within the writing instrument as well as flexibility in writing positions, angles and card holding choices. It also provides an advantage for arthritis or the handicapped by providing a pen which may be easier to hold and use. A benefit of the overall X configuration when used with colours is the speed at which colours can be changed and the pen rotated between thumb and fore inger. This also has an advantage for those who like to fidget or use the pen as a stress reliever/executive toy. The overall card shape also has the advantage of not rolling and providing a good bookmark or notebook pen and could easily be combined with a book clip.

The surface of the card appears, in the preferred embodiment, as a flat surface with curved ribs along the diagonals forming a large X profile. This has the advantage of reducing the overall thickness and feel of the device to less than 2mm across the majority of the device, and less than 5mm along the X profile and central buttons. The surface could be formed with slight variations in texture and depth to imprint a design or logo, or printed with an ornamental design. The X profile ribs in particular lend themselves very well to featuring ornamental designs or logos incorporating a strong ^ΛX' section as would be found in certain flags such as the Union Jack or St Georges Cross for example, and could prove a particularly attractive user experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.l is a three dimensional view of the writing instrument of the present invention shown with one pen selected.

FIG. 2A shows the writing instrument with the upper casing removed. FIG. 2B shows the writing instrument with the upper casing and two pens and a button removed.

FIG. 3A shows a three dimensional view of a button and FIG 3B a side profile view

FIG. 4 shows a three dimensional exploded view with the two opposed casings, the two buttons and the four pens.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings herein: Referring to FIG. 1, the writing instrument 1 comprises an upper casing 2 and identical but inverted casing 3. The casings are substantially flat except for diagonal ribs 4 that curve outwards leaving inner curved recesses 5 between the casings. The cross-sectional profile of the curve on these ribs 4 is shaped in a preferred configuration to give a semi-circular interior diagonal recess 5 extending across each of the casings 2 and 3. Four identical pens 6, 7, 8 and 9 are arranged within the cylindrical recesses 5 at each of the corners and sandwiched between the casings 2 and 3. A pair of pens 6 and 7 connect to a button 10 at the central point which protrudes through an aperture slot 11 on the upper casing 2. Similarly the remaining pair of pens 8 and 9 connect to an identical but inverted button 12 protruding through a similar aperture slot 13 in the inverted casing 3 (as will be more clearly seen in FIG 2B and the exploded view FIG 4) . The button 10 in FIG. 1 can slide within slot 11 and is shown in an open position to show the writing tip 14 of pen 6 protruding out of the casing 2 and 3. The two pens 6 and 7 joined by button 10 form a ^λtwo headed' pen that can slide within the overall cylindrical recesses 5 and is constrained by the length of the aperture slot 11.

Referring now to FIG 2A which shows the writing instrument 1 shown with the upper casing 2 removed for clarity. The four pens 6, 7, 8 and 9 are arranged at appropriate points on each of the corner diagonals in recesses 5 within casing 3 and connected to their respective buttons 10 and 12. A larger ellipsoid recess 15 is shown in casing 3 corresponding to the larger width of buttons 10 and 12. The recess 15 is pitted with notches 16 corresponding to a bulge 17 on the side of the buttons to provide friction points as buttons 10 or 12 slide and for locking the buttons in their chosen positions. Buttons 10 and 12 can slide independently of each other.

Button 10 is shown in an open position for pen 6 which has a writing tip 14 protruding out of the casing 3 whereas the writing tip 18 for pen 7 has slid further inside the recess 5. In the middle position both writing tips would be accommodated within the writing instrument. The capillary tubes 19 of pens 6 or pen 7 is shown sliding in recess 5. By way of example a typical ball-point pen has a tube of approx 2mm when made of metal or of 3mm when made of plastic.

FIG 2B shows the writing instrument 1 with the upper casing 2, pens 6 and 7 and button 10 removed. This forms a complete half section of the writing instrument consisting of casing 3, pens 8 and 9 and button 12, and is symmetric and can snap connect with an identical but inverted section. The partial recesses 20 in casing 3 correspond to pins 21 in adjacent corners of casing 3 such that they will snap connect together when matched up with an identical casing rotated about the horizontal or vertical axis. This might be achieved as friction lock pins or with the addition of adhesives or heat sealing. Only one example of pins 21 and partial recesses 20 are shown, however, it can be appreciated that other configurations of round, square or matched grooves would be possible as would variations in edge profile on either side of the casings 2 or 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B which show an expanded view of a button 10 or 12. The button 10 has an end profile with a cylinder pin 22 shaped to match the inner diameter and affix directly to the inner tube of the capillary tubes 19 of pens 6,7,8 or 9 that contain the pen ink in a usual manner as found in ball-point pens. A capillary groove 23 within the cylinder pin 22 and through the button 10 maintains the open airflow required for the capillary mechanism. The button would attach directly to pens 6,7,8 or 9 by means of friction between 22 and 19 or via adhesives or heat sealing. The button 10 has a reduced lower cross-section 24 formed such that the inverted identical button 12 can slide beneath it, with a length at least greater than the net movement in either direction of the sliding pens. The top 25 of the button 10 or 12 is shaped in a user friendly manner to enable easy selection by thumb or forefinger. It will be appreciated that the design of the ellipsoid cross-section of the button 10 and button top profile 25 can vary as required within the space permitted within the casing 2 or 3. Referring now to FIG 4 which shows an overall exploded assembly view of the writing instrument components. The lower casing 3 is shown before placement of the button 12 in slot 13 and before pens 8 and 9 are attached to the respective end cylinder pins 22 of button 12. Similarly button 10 is shown with the pens 6 and 7 attached but before placement in slot 11. This diagram more clearly illustrates how both buttons 10 and 12 overlap allowing their pens to slide independently of the other pair within the length of the button profile 24. The casing 3 also shows more clearly the curved recesses 5 along the diagonals for accommodating the pens between the casings 2 and 3 once the overall device is assembled. The casing 3 also shows the overall partial button recess 15 and shows how the slot size can be varied in the same manner as 11 or 13 to control the overall lateral movement of pens. The button length 10 is longer than slot 11 or 13 to improve the appearance of the device when assembled such that the pen capillaries 19 are never visible through slots 11 or 13. The diagram also more clearly illustrates how bulges 17 on button 12 relate to the three locking notches 16. The upper casing 2 is also shown.

Although the invention is described and illustrated with reference to one preferred embodiment it is expressly understood that it is in no way limited to the disclosure of such a preferred embodiment, but is capable of numerous modifications within the scope of the claims. By way of example the above card like arrangement and X configuration could be made with thicker casing to give an overall smooth flat surface for the writing instrument, or formed in a square or coaster, or longer rectangular form as might perhaps be chosen for a beer mat or book mark. Similarly it will also be evident that pens could be different colours at each of the corners, or optionally replaced with a stylus such as might be suitable for using on a computer or portable touchscreen. It will also be understood that whilst the above embodiment has been illustrated with typical ball-point pens it would be a simple variation to apply it to felt-tip pens or pencils.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A card-shaped writing instrument for holding multiple pens comprising two substantially flat and opposed casings with recesses for accommodating felt or ballpoint pens equally between the casings, with said pens arranged in pairs to lie in parallel and opposite directions at either end of said recesses and joined to each other at a central point by means of a button that allows the pens to be slidable and protrude a writing tip outside of the casing when deployed and stored within the casing when not in use.

2. A writing instrument according to claim 1 arranged as a rectangular thin card-shaped device with diagonal recesses between each corner that cross at the centre and hold four pens in an X like configuration, where each diagonal recess contains a pair of sliding pens joined by a button which overlaps at the central point with an equivalent identical button joining a pair of pens accommodated in the diagonal of the opposed casing, with said overlapping buttons being of smaller or half cross-section at the central point to minimize the overall thickness of the card to the diameter of a pen and casing.

3. A writing instrument according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said button protrudes through a slot in the casing to provide a button that slides in the direction of the pen movement and locking means for the pens when deployed or not in use, such that it can be moved forward to allow one pen to be used, moved back to allow the opposite pen to be used, or left centrally to store both pen writing tips within the casing, with the overall writing instrument being rotated to allow similar control for the two pens accessed via the button on the opposed casing.

4. A writing instrument according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said button is formed to join pairs of pens along their sliding and central axis by connecting to the open capillary tube of each ball-point pen and to maintain the open tube by means of a capillary groove within the button.

5. A writing instrument according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein each of the opposed casings are designed to be identical and symmetric but with inverted locking pins and slots about the central axis such that the same casing will lock and connect with an identical manufactured casing simply by a half rotation to assemble the device.

6. A writing instrument according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein said pens are all of one colour ink or of different ink colours with suitable colour identification imprinted at the corners of the casing or on the button, or where a pen is replaced by a stylus or pencil.

A writing instrument according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein said casings can be formed to show logos or ornamental designs by means of small variations in surface texture and depth or by imprinting, and where ornamental designs can exploit the X profile formed by a diagonal pen configuration as part of the design.

8. A writing instrument comprising a rectangular thin card-shaped device formed from two substantially symmetric, flat and opposed casings with recesses for accommodating felt or ball-point pens equally between the casings, with said recesses being arranged in a diagonal fashion forming an overall X like configuration to accommodate four pens - one in each corner, with pens arranged as opposite pairs along said diagonal recesses and connected by means of a button at the central point which is shaped to slide over and overlap with an equivalent button on the opposed face connecting the other two pens, with said buttons enabling pens to be slidable and protrude a writing tip at the corner when deployed or locked and stored within the casing when not in use.

9. A writing instrument according to any of claims 1 to 8 substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings .