WO2007024215A1

WO2007024215A1 - Retractable and removable writing utensil

Info

Publication number: WO2007024215A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/029848
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bret R. Marschand; Jeffrey Hautzinger; Jean-Ellen Kiple; Clifford Krapfl
Original assignee: Sanford L.P.
Priority date: 2005-08-22
Filing date: 2005-08-22
Publication date: 2007-03-01

Abstract

A writing utensil (10) having a distal end (12) and a proximal end (14) and extending generally along a longitudinal axis (A) includes a casing (16), a first writing tip (28) moveable between a stored position in which the tip is stored within the casing and a writing position in which the tip extends out of the casing, a second writing tip (30) disposed on the proximal end of the casing, and a plunger fed rotating cam retraction system (60; 200) disposed in the casing and operatively coupled to the first writing tip and the second writing tip such that movement of the second writing tip moves the first writing tip between the stored position and the writing position.

Description

RETRACTABLE AND REMOVABLE WRITING UTENSIL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a combined writing utensil that includes a retractable writing assembly and a second writing assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Combined writing utensil traditionally included a first writing assembly, such as a ball pen, on one end and a second writing assembly, such as a marker, on the other end. Typically, a removable.cap is provided over the writing tip of the first writing assembly, and a separate removable cap is provided over the writing tip of the second writing assembly. When the first and/or second writing assembly is not in use, the caps can be placed over the writing tips to keep the tips from drying out. When the first or second writing assemblies were in use, the removed cap was nested on top of the other cap. This design can be ineffective, however, if the cap becomes lost during use and the user is not able to cap the tip. The uncapped writing utensil may cause unintended markings, and the uncapped marker will quickly dry out. In addition, such nested caps are typically stored on a back end of the writing utensil during use, and can be overly cumbersome to use.

[0003] To address this concern, designs became available in which the writing utensil included a retractable writing assembly on one end and a capped writing assembly on the other end. The retractable writing assembly was extended out from a barrel of the writing utensil into a writing position, and then retracted back into the barrel when the user was finished. The user engaged an actuator in the barrel of the writing utensil by twisting the barrel at the center of the writing utensil. A cap was provided on the writing tip of the capped writing assembly to provide an air tight compartment so the writing tip did not dry out. While such systems eliminate the need for a cap on the retractable writing assembly, the retraction mechanism was not always intuitive to the user, and complicated manufacturing.

[0004] The prior art, however, fails to consider a more intuitive retraction mechanism for the retractable writing assembly and the advantages that would accrue with different retraction mechanism. Further, such a system would maintain the advantages associated with eliminating one of the caps in a combined writing utensil. Such a combined writing utensil would most conveniently include a retractable writing assembly on one end and a capped writing assembly on the other end, but for the caps or actuators of the prior art. It would therefore be advantageous to incorporate a more intuitive retraction mechanism for the retractable writing assembly combined with a capped writing assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a side view of a writing instrument with a writing utensil tip in a writing position;

[0006] Fig. 2 is another side view of the writing utensil of Fig. 1 with the writing tip in a stored position;

[0007] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of the writing instrument of Fig.

l;

[0008] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of the barrel provided with the writing instrument of Fig. 1 ;

[0009] Fig. 5 is an end view of a cam barrel of the retraction mechanism provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1;

[0010] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the cam barrel of Fig. 5;

[0011] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the teeth of the cam barrel of Fig. 5; [0012] Fig. 8 is a side view of a cam ratchet of the retraction mechanism provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1;

[0013] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the cam ratchet of Fig. 8;

[0014] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the cam ratchet of Fig. 8;

[0015] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the teeth of the cam ratchet of Fig. 8;

[0016] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a cam plunger of the retraction mechanism provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1 ;

[0017] Fig. 13 is a schematic view of the teeth of the cam plunger of Fig. 12;

[0018] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir holder of the removable writing assembly provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1;

[0019] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir plug of the removable writing assembly provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 16 is a side view of a clip provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig. 17 is an end view of the clip provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1 ;

[0022] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the clip provided with the writing utensil of Fig.

1 ;

[0023] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir provided with the writing utensil of

Fig. 1 ;

[0024] Fig. 20 is a side view of a writing tip of the removable writing assembly provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1 ;

[0025] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a removable cap of the removable writing assembly provided with the writing utensil of Fig. 1 ; [0026] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative retraction mechanism in a writing position;

[0027] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the retraction mechanism of Fig. 22 in a storing position;

[0028] Fig. 24 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of a cam plunger and actuator provided with the writing utensil of Figs. 22 and 23; and

[0029] Fig. 25 is an enlarged detail view of a cam ratchet provided with the writing utensil of Figs. 22 and 23.

[0030] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and the equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring now to the drawings, and specifically to Figs. 1 and 2, a writing utensil 10 is disclosed with a distal end 12 and a proximal end 14 disposed along a longitudinal axis A. The writing utensil 10 includes an outer shell or casing 16. The casing 16 includes a nose 18 attached to a barrel 20 at the distal end 12 of the writing utensil 10, and a writing assembly 22 coupled to the barrel 20 towards the proximal end 14 of the writing utensil 10. The barrel 20 is generally contoured in an ergonomic manner and has a sidewall 24. A barrel grip 26 can be disposed over the barrel 20 for improved cushioning, comfort, and grip. The barrel grip 26 can be made from TPE or other similar materials. As will be described herein, the writing assembly 22 may be a removable writing assembly and may be used as an actuator to move the writing utensil 10 between a writing position shown in Fig. 1 , in which a first writing tip 28 extends out from the nose 18, and a stored position shown in Fig. 2, in which the first writing tip 28 is stored inside the nose 18. The removable writing assembly 22 includes a second writing tip 30 is disposed at the proximal end 14 of the writing utensil 10. A clip 32 is attached to the removable writing assembly 22 with a distal end 34 of the clip 32 adjacent to the sidewall 24 of the barrel 20. The removable writing assembly 22 further includes a cap 36 disposed over the second writing tip 30. The cap 36 provides a generally air tight seal around the second writing tip 30. Other writing assemblies may be used for the writing assembly 22 instead of removable writing assemblies 22, such as a non-removable writing assembly. Further, although the nose 18 is shown as integrally formed with the barrel 20, the nose 18 may be detachably coupled to the barrel 20 to allow a retractable writing assembly, described further below, to be refilled or replaced.

[0032] Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, a retractable writing assembly 38 is provided within the casing 16 and moveable along the longitudinal axis A between a writing position where the writing assembly 38 is protracted and a stored position wherein the writing assembly 38 is retracted. The retractable writing assembly 38 includes a first reservoir or refill tube 40 that contains ink, and the first writing tip 28 is connected to the distal end of the refill tube 40. As is known, the ink flows from the refill tube 40 through the writing tip 28 and onto the writing surface when the writing utensil 10 is being used. The refill tube 40 is slidable within the casing 16 to allow the first writing tip 28 to be slid between the writing position and the stored position. The refill tube 40 includes a reservoir neck 42 which holds the first writing tip 28, and may be deformed at a midsection to define a reservoir shoulder 44 and projections 46.

[0033] A retraction spring 48 is disposed against the reservoir shoulder 44. The retraction spring 48 is formed as a cylinder that surrounds, but is generally spaced from, the refill tube 40 and includes a proximal spring face 50 which bears against the reservoir shoulder 44. The projections 46 project against and between the coils of the retraction spring 48 to ensure that the retraction spring 48 is maintained around the refill tube 40 and against the reservoir shoulder 44.

[0034] The casing 16 includes socketed inner surface in the nose 18. In this example, the socketed inner surface includes guide ribs 52 to guide the refill tube 40 and first writing tip 28 along the longitudinal axis A between the stored position and the writing position, and to provide support when the first writing tip 28 is being used. A groove 54 is defined in the guide ribs 52 to create a guide shoulder 56. A distal spring face 58 of the retraction spring 48 is seated in the groove 54 and bears against the guide shoulder 56. The retraction spring 48 biases the refill tube 40 proximally along the longitudinal axis A to urge the first writing tip 28 toward the stored position. Other structure can be used to secure the retraction spring 48 with the barrel 20 and refill tube 40, such as pins, bonding agents, combinations thereof, or the like. In addition, various biasing mechanisms may be used in place of the retraction spring 48, and various bearing surfaces may be used in place of the guide shoulders 56 and the reservoir shoulders 44.

[0035] The retractable writing assembly 38 may correspond to a pen or other ink writing instrument. Generally, the retractable writing assembly 38 includes a writing tip 28 in fluid communication with an ink composition. The retractable writing assembly 38 has been exemplified herein as a ball point pen, but may suitably be another writing instrument including but not limited to a fountain pen, a roller ball pen (e.g., a free ink system pen), and a marker (e.g., a felt-tip marker).

[0036] Ink compositions for use in the retractable writing assembly 38 include but are not limited to those marketed under the PAPERMATE® and FLEXGRIP® tradenames (Sanford Corporation, Oakbrook, IL). Eradicable ink compositions, which can be used as an initially applied ink composition that can subsequently be erased (or eradicated) upon application of a second ink composition, may also be used. Such eradicable ink compositions are described in further detail below.

[0037] The removable writing assembly 22 generally comprises a marker containing a porous nib in fluid communication with a fibrous reservoir containing an ink composition. The ink composition for use with the second writing instrument can generally be a permanent marker ink composition, a temporary marker ink composition (e.g., a dry-erase marker ink composition and a washable marker ink composition), a highlighter ink composition, and an eradicating fluid.

[0038] When the removable writing assembly 22 includes a fibrous reservoir containing an eradicating fluid, the retractable writing assembly 38 typically contains an eradicable ink. Commonly owned and copending U.S. patent application serial no. 10/619,706, which published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0011404 on January 20, 2005, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses suitable eradicating fluids and eradicable ink compositions.

[0039] The eradicating fluid should generally be capable of rendering marks previously made with the eradicable ink composition substantially colorless (or substantially invisible) or of changing such marks to a color that matches that of the substrate (e.g., white for white paper). The eradicating fluid typically includes water or an organic solvent as the primary solvent, and an eradicating agent such as, for example, a sulfite, a bisulfite, or an amine that can cause certain dyes to lose their colors or to change color. A suitable eradicating fluid for use in combination with the eradicable inks disclosed herein includes both a sulfite and an amine as active eradicating agents (e.g., oxidizers) and is commercially available from Sanford Reynolds (Valence, France). [0040] The eradicable ink composition generally comprises a dye that is capable of being eradicated and a solvent (e.g., water) to dissolve the dye. Dyes which are capable of being eradicated as described include diarylmethane derivative dyes, triarylmethane derivative dyes, and methine derivative dyes. In one embodiment, the eradicable ink composition comprises water, a polyol (e.g., glycerol), an acid, and an eradicable dye, wherein the ink is free of non-polar organic solvents. The eradicable ink may also be free of resins. In one aspect according to this embodiment, the eradicable ink composition comprises about 15 weight percent (wt. %) water, about 47.2 wt.% glycerol, about 0.5 wt.% of a defoamer (e.g., Dow 65, available from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI), about 7 wt.% of 75% phosphoric acid, and about 30 wt.% of Acid Blue 93.

[0041] Further referring to Figs. 3 and 4, a plunger fed rotating cam retraction system 60 is provided within the casing 16. In this example, the retraction system 60 includes a cam barrel 62, a cam ratchet 64 rotatably and slidably disposed in the cam barrel 62 and a cam plunger 66 slidably disposed in the cam barrel 62. The cam ratchet 64 and the cam plunger 66 slide axially within the cam barrel 62. The barrel 20 includes a groove 68 on its internal surface, and the cam barrel 62 is seated in the groove 68. The groove 68 is sized so that the external surface of the cam barrel 62 bears against the internal surface of the barrel 20. The cam ratchet 64 is adapted for insertion over the proximal end of the refill tube 40, and the cam plunger 66 is adapted for insertion into the removable writing assembly 22. As will be seen, the retraction system 60 is used to move the first writing tip 28 between the writing position and the stored position.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 3 and 5-7, the cam barrel 62 is depicted. The cam barrel 62 includes an internal cylindrical surface 70 and an external cylindrical surface 72. The interior of the cam barrel 62 is sized for insertion of the cam ratchet 64 and the cam plunger 66. The external cylindrical surface 72 includes collars 74 which bear against the internal surface of the barrel 20, such that the cam barrel 62 is stationary relative to the casing 16. The internal cylindrical surface 70 of the cam barrel 62 includes a series of four cam barrel teeth 76 which may be provided on the distal ends of four cam barrel ribs 78 extending towards the distal end of the cam barrel 62. The cam barrel teeth 76 also extend inward relative to the internal cylindrical surface 70 of the cam barrel 62. The four cam barrel teeth 76 are evenly spaced inside the cam barrel 62 and are separated by four cam barrel notches 80. The cam barrel 62 further includes a distal-facing shoulder 87 formed on the internal surface 70 and against which the cam plunger 66 bears when not operating the retraction system 60, and a proximal- facing shoulder 89 against which the cam plunger 66 bears when operating the retraction system 60. Other structure can be used to secure the cam barrel 62 within the barrel 20, such as nubs or protrusions, pins, bonding agents, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0043] Referring specifically to Fig. 7, a depiction of the cam barrel teeth 76 are shown as if they were unrolled onto a flat surface and looking from the outside of the cam barrel 62 inward. In Fig. 7, each cam barrel tooth 76 includes a first angled bearing surface 82, a second angled bearing surface 84, a peak 86, and a valley 88. The second angled bearing surface 84 curves into the cam barrel rib 78.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 3 and 8-11, the cam ratchet 64 is depicted. The cam ratchet 64 is adapted for insertion over the refill tube 40. Accordingly, the cam ratchet 64 includes a cylindrical ratchet body 90 coupled with a ratchet shaft 92, and a cavity 94 running through the center of the cylindrical ratchet body 90 and the ratchet shaft 92. The cavity 94 is sized for insertion over the refill tube 40 so that proximal end of the reservoir bears against a cavity bottom 96. The cam ratchet 64 is rotatable relative to the casing 16 and the refill tube 40, and slides axially and rotatably relative to the cam barrel 62. The cam ratchet 64 includes a first series of eight cam ratchet teeth 98 extending proximally from the cylindrical ratchet body 90. A second series of four cam ratchet teeth 100 may be provided on the proximal ends of four cam ratchet ribs 102 extending towards the proximal end of the cam ratchet 64, and which also extend outward relative to the outer surface of the cylindrical ratchet body 90. The first series of cam ratchet teeth 98 may correspond to an inner set of cam ratchet teeth 98 and the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 may correspond to an outer set of cam ratchet teeth 100. The first series of eight cam ratchet teeth 98, the second series of four cam ratchet teeth 100 and the four cam ratchet ribs 102 are evenly spaced around the cam ratchet 64. The cam ratchet ribs 102 are separated by four cam ratchet notches 104. The second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 align and engage with the cam barrel teeth 76 when the first writing tip 28 is in a writing position, and the cam ratchet ribs 102 align with the cam barrel notches 80 when the first writing tip 28 is in a stored position. As will be described further, ratchet projections 106 are provided on an outer surface of the ratchet shaft 92 to retain the shaft within the cam plunger 66, and a recess 108 having a recess bottom 109 is provided in the proximal end of the cam ratchet 64.

[0045] Referring specifically to Fig. 11, a depiction of the cam ratchet teeth 98, 100 are shown as if they were unrolled onto a flat surface and looking from the outside of the cam ratchet 64. In Fig. 11, each of the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98 includes a first angled bearing surface 110, a second angled bearing surface 112, a peak 114, and a valley 116. Each of the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 includes an angled bearing surface 118 which may generally run flush with the second angled bearing surface 112 of a corresponding tooth 98 from the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98. The angled bearing surface 118 of the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 corresponds to the first and second angled bearing surfaces 82, 84 of the cam barrel teeth 76.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 3, 12 and 13, the cam plunger 66 is depicted. The cam plunger 66 is adapted for insertion into the removable writing assembly 22, as will be described. Accordingly, the cam plunger 66 includes a plunger body 120 coupled with a plunger shaft 122, and a cavity 124 running through the center of the plunger body 120 and the plunger shaft 122. The cavity 124 portion through the plunger body 120 is sized for insertion over the plunger shaft 92 of the cam ratchet 64. Although the cam ratchet 64 is axially slidable within the cam plunger 66, the plunger body 120 includes a collar 126 running along the internal surface of the plunger body 120, such that the ratchet projections 106 bear against the proximal edge of the collar 126 to prevent the cam ratchet 64 from decoupling from the cam plunger 66. Other structure can be used to secure the cam ratchet 64 with the cam plunger 66 while remaining axially slidable, such as nubs or protrusions, slots, or the like.

[0047] The external surface of the plunger body 120 includes a shoulder 128 which may bear against the distal-facing shoulder 89 of the cam barrel 62 to prevent the plunger 66 from fully decoupling from the cam barrel 62 when not operating the retraction system 60. The external surface of the plunger body 120 also includes projections 130 that bear against the proximal-facing shoulder 89 of the cam barrel 62 to prevent the plunger 66 from fully decoupling from the cam barrel 62 when operating the retraction system 60.

[0048] The cavity 124 portion through the plunger shaft 122 is sized for insertion over an actuator spring 132. As can be seen in Fig. 3, an actuator spring 132 is placed within the plunger shaft 122. A distal face 134 of the actuator spring 132 bears against the bottom 109 of the cam ratchet recess 108, and a proximal face 136 of the actuator spring 132 bears against a bottom 138 of the cavity 124 portion through the plunger shaft 122. The actuator spring 132 biases the cam plunger 66 away from the cam ratchet 64. The actuator spring 132 exerts a lesser force than the retraction spring 48 so that the force of the retraction spring 48 can overcome the force of the actuator spring 132 and push the refill tube 40 and the first writing tip 28 toward the proximal end 14, thereby compressing the actuator spring 132. Various biasing mechanisms may be used in place of the actuator spring 132. [0049] A set of eight teeth 140 extend away from the plunger body 120 toward the cam ratchet 64 and are evenly spaced about the cam plunger 66. When not engaging the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98, the cam plunger teeth 140 are slightly offset from the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98. When moving the first writing tip 28 between a writing position and a stored position, the cam plunger teeth 140 bear against the angled bearing surfaces 110, 112 of the cam ratchet teeth 98 to force the cam ratchet 64 to turn so as to align and engage the cam plunger teeth 140 with the first series of eight cam ratchet teeth 98.

[0050] Referring specifically to Fig. 13 a depiction of the cam plunger teeth 140 are shown as if they were unrolled onto a flat surface and looking from the outside of the cam plunger 66. In Fig. 13, the cam plunger teeth include a first angled bearing surface 142, a second angled bearing surface 144, a peak 146 and a valley 148. The first angled bearing surface 142 of the cam plunger teeth 140 corresponds to the second angled bearing surface 112 of the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98, and the second angled bearing surface 144 of the cam plunger teeth 140 corresponds to the first angled bearing surface 110 of first series of cam ratchet teeth 98.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 3 and 14-21, the removable writing assembly 22 is depicted. The removable writing assembly 22 includes the second writing tip 30 which is connected to a second reservoir 150 that contains the ink. As is known, the ink flows from the second reservoir 150 through the second writing tip 30 and onto the writing surface when the second writing tip 30 is being used. A reservoir holder 152 holds the reservoir 150 and the second writing tip 30. The reservoir holder 152 is axially slidable within the casing 16 to allow the removable writing assembly 22 to be removed from and inserted in the barrel 20, and to further actuate the cam plunger 66 to move the first writing tip 28 between a stored position and a writing position. The reservoir holder 152 includes a reservoir chamber 154 which holds the second reservoir 150 and a reservoir neck 156 which holds the second writing tip 30. The reservoir neck 156 include a socketed inner surface having four lobes or ribs to retain the second writing tip 30. The reservoir chamber 154 and the reservoir neck 156 meet at a reservoir shoulder 158. hi this example, the second reservoir 150 is provided as an ink tampon 160 surrounded by a reservoir casing 162. The ink tampon 160 may be any open celled structure or fibrous material to absorb and retain ink.

[0052] A reservoir cap 164 is coupled to the distal end of the reservoir holder 152 and seals the proximal end of reservoir holder 152. The reservoir cap 164 has a socketed inner surface 166 and a rear bearing surface 168. In this example, the socketed inner surface 166 has four lobes or ribs 170. The socketed inner surface 166 is sized to receive the shaft 122 of the cam plunger 66.

[0053] Guide protrusions 170 are provided on the external surface of the reservoir holder 152 towards the distal end of the reservoir holder 152 and correspond to grooves within the internal surface of the barrel 20 to rotationally stabilize the removable writing assembly 22 within the barrel 20 while allowing axial sliding. Clip retention protrusions 172 are provided on the external surface of the midsection of the reservoir holder 152 to retain the clip 32. A cap retention collar 174 is provided on the external surface of the reservoir holder 152 to the proximal side and away from a shoulder 175 to retain the removable cap 36 when placed over the second writing tip 30. Other structure can be used to secure the writing assembly 22 within the barrel 20, retain the clip 32 and retain the removable cap 36, such as additional collars, additional nubs or protrusions, pins, bonding agents, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0054] The clip 32 includes a clip collar 176 coupled to a clip body 178. The clip collar 176 includes grooves 180 on the internal surface which engage with the clip retention protrusions 172 to hold the clip 32 in place. The clip body 178 is coupled to the clip collar 176 by a neck 182 at the proximal end of the clip body 178. A nub 184 is provided at the distal end 34 of the clip body 178, which rests generally against the external surface of the casing 16.

[0055] The removable cap 36 is provided over the proximal end of the second writing tip 30 to provide a generally air tight seal and help prevent the second writing tip 30 from drying out. The removable cap 36 includes a body 186 and an inner chamber 188 sized to receive and tightly surround the reservoir neck 156 to provide a generally air tight seal. The cap body 186 includes an inner surface sized to receive the reservoir holder 152. A distal shoulder 190 of the cap body 186 bears against the shoulder 175 and the clip collar 176, and protrusions 192 are provided on the internal surface of the cap body 186 which are slidable over the cap retention collar 174 and bear against the reservoir holder 152 when the removable cap_Λ36 is securely placed over the second writing tip 30. Vents 194 are provided in the cap body 186 to provide airflow in case the removable cap 36 is accidentally swallowed.

[0056] To move the first writing tip 28 to a stored position, the user pushes the removable writing assembly 22 toward the distal end 12 against the force of the actuator spring 132 and the retraction spring 48. The cam plunger 66 moves axially toward the distal end 12 and the cam plunger teeth 140 engage the bearing surfaces 110, 112 of the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98. As the cam plunger 66 continues to move distally, the cam ratchet 64 is moved completely out of contact with the cam barrel ribs 78 and the cam barrel teeth 76. Due to the cam plunger teeth 140 sliding along the cam barrel teeth 98, the cam ratchet 64 rotates approximately 1/16 of a turn such that the angled surface 112 slide upward across the cam plunger teeth 140 until the cam plunger teeth 140 are disposed against the peaks 114 of the first series of ratchet teeth 98.

[0057] The user then releases the pressure on the removable writing assembly 22, and the cam plunger 66 begins to slide back to the proximal end 14 under the force of the retraction spring 48. As the cam ratchet 64 slides backward, the bearing surface 118 of the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 engages the curve of the second angled bearing surface 84 into the cam barrel rib 78. The curve of the second angled bearing surface 84 into the cam barrel rib 78 forces the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 to slide along the curve and rotate another 1/16 of a turn so that each cam ratchet rib 102 slides between the cam barrel ribs 78. The first refill tube 40 is pushed toward the proximal end 14 by the retraction spring 48 until the cam ratchet 64 bears against the cam plunger 66. The writing utensil 10 is now in the stored position.

[0058] To move the first writing tip 28 back into the writing position, the user pushes the removable writing assembly 22 toward the distal end 12 against the force of the actuator spring 132 and the retraction spring 48. This pushes the cam plunger 66 forward so that the cam plunger teeth 140 engage the bearing surfaces 110, 112 of the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98 and moves the cam ratchet 64 toward the distal end 12. Once the cam ratchet 64 has been moved past the cam barrel ribs 78, the cam ratchet 64, under force from the two springs 48, 132, rotates 1/16 turn by the first series of cam ratchet teeth 98 sliding along the cam plunger teeth 140 until the cam barrel teeth 76 bear against the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100.

[0059] The user then releases the removable writing assembly 22 and allows the cam plunger 66 to move back toward the proximal end 14 under the force of the two springs 48, 132. As the cam plunger 66 moves backward, the second series of teeth 100 of the cam ratchet 64 engage the first bearing surface 82 of the cam barrel 62. As the cam plunger 66 returns to the distal end 12, the cam ratchet 64 is rotated another 1/16 of a turn until the second series of cam ratchet teeth 100 engage the valleys 88 of the cam barrel teeth 76 at the ends of the cam barrel ribs 78. [0060] Referring to Figs. 22-25, an alternative example of a plunger fed rotating cam retraction system 200 is depicted. The barrel 20 includes a slot 202 extending therethrough and aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. An actuator 204 is slidably disposed in the slot 202. While the barrel 20 is generally circular in cross section, the barrel 20 includes a surface 206 on which the actuator 204 slides. In this example, the surface 206 is recessed with regard to the sidewall 24 and is arcuate in profile. As will be described herein, the actuator 204 can be used to move the first writing tip 28 between a writing position and a stored position.

[0061] A tube 208 may be provided which extends from the first refill tube 40. The tube 208 has a socketed inner surface 210 and a rear bearing surface 212. In this example, the socketed inner surface 210 has four lobes. A cam ratchet 214 is adapted for insertion over tube 208. Accordingly, the cam ratchet 214 includes a circular plate 216 with a hole 218 in the center and an outer cylindrical surface 220. The hole 218 is sized for insertion over the tube 208 so that the plate 216 bears against the lobes. The cam ratchet 214 is rotatable relative to the tube 208, and includes a series of four ratchet teeth 222 extending upward from the plate 216. The cam ratched teeth 222 also extend outward relative to the outer cylindrical surface 220 of the plate 216. The four cam ratchet teeth 222 are evenly spaced around the cam ratchet 222 and are separated by four cam ratchet notches 224. Each cam ratchet tooth 222 includes a first angled bearing surface 226, a second angled bearing surface 228, a peak 230, and a valley 232. As will be seen, the cam ratchet 214 is used to move the writing utensil 10 between the writing position and the stored position.

[0062] A cam plunger 234 includes a body 236 and a shaft 238 extending away from the body 236. The shaft 238 may be sized for slidable insertion in the tube 208 and is keyed to mate with the lobed interior 210 of the tube 208. A set of eight teeth 240 extend away from the body 236 toward the cam ratchet 214 and are evenly spaced about the cam plunger 234. A set of four tabs 242 extend radially outward from the body 236 and also are disposed evenly around the surface of the body 236. The middle of each tab 242 is aligned between two plunger teeth 240, and a gap 244 between each tab 242 aligned between the two plunger teeth 240. A receiving channel 246 is disposed in the body 236.

[0063] The actuator 204 includes an actuator body 248 and an actuator tab 250 extending away from the body 248. The tab 250 is sized for insertion into the receiving channel 246 of the cam plunger 234. The actuator 204 includes an engagement surface 252 generally crosswise to axis A. The actuator body 252 is sized to allow a user to engage the actuator 204 and move the actuator 204 along a path substantially parallel to axis A to move the first writing tip 28 between the stored position and the writing position, as will be described below.

[0064] As can be seen in Figs. 22 and 23, an actuator spring 254 is placed over the cam plunger shaft 238 and may bear against the rear bearing surface 212 of the tube 208, if provided, or against the first refill tube 40 at one end, and against the cam plunger 234 on the other so as to bias the cam plunger 234 and actuator 204 away from the first refill tube 40. The actuator spring 254 exerts a lesser force than the retraction spring 48 so that the force of the retraction spring 48 can overcome the force of the actuator spring 254 and push the first refill tube 40 toward the distal end 12, thereby compressing the actuator spring 254.

[0065] The internal surface of the barrel 20 may be provided with a series of four ribs 256 extending inwardly. The ribs 256 are evenly spaced about barrel 20 and each has an angled tip 258. The cam plunger 234 slides in the barrel 20 so each gap 244 in the cam plunger 234 slides over each rib 256. Alternatively, a plug may be provided, which may be attached to the distal end of the removable writing assembly 22, and the plug may include the set of ribs 256 which engages with ribs in the barrel 20 to securely locate the plug relative to the barrel 20 [0066] . The cam ratchet teeth 222 are forced against the ribs 256 by the force of the retraction spring 48. In this position, the cam ratchet 214 is held in a position towards the distal end 12 of the writing utensil 10, with the first writing tip 28 out of the casing 16 in a writing position. The cam plunger 234 has been moved back to the proximal end 14 by the force of the actuator spring 254. To move the writing utensil 10 to the stored position, the user pushes the actuator 204 toward the distal end 12 against the force of the actuator spring 254 and the retraction spring 48. The cam plunger 234 moves axially toward the distal end 12 and the cam plunger teeth 240 engage the first angled bearing surface 226 of the cam ratchet teeth 222. As the cam plunger 234 continues to move distally, the cam ratchet 214 is moved completely out of contact with the ribs 256. The cam ratchet 214, due to the force of the springs, rotates approximately 1/16 of a turn such that the first angled surface 226 slide upward across the cam plunger teeth 240 until the cam plunger teeth 240 are disposed against the peaks 230 of the ratchet teeth 222.

[0067] The user then releases the pressure on the actuator 204, and the cam plunger 234 begins to slide back to the proximal end 14 under the force of the retraction spring 48. As the cam ratchet 214 slides backward, the second bearing surface 228 engages the angled end 258 of the ribs 256. The angled ends 258 of the ribs 256 force the cam ratchet teeth 222 to slide along the angled ends 258 and rotate another 1/16 of a turn so that each cam ratchet tooth 222 slides between the ribs 256. The first refill tube 40 is pushed toward the proximal end 14 by the retraction spring 48. The first writing tip 28 is now in the stored position.

[0068] To move the first writing tip 28 back into the writing position, the user engages the actuator 204 and pushes it toward the distal end 12. This pushes the cam plunger 234 forward so that the cam plunger teeth 240 engage the first bearing surfaces 226 on the cam ratchet teeth 222 and moves the cam ratchet 214 toward the distal end 12. Once the cam ratchet 214 has been moved past the ribs 256, the cam ratchet 214, under force from the two springs 48, 254, rotates 1/16 tum by the cam ratchet teeth 222 sliding along the cam plunger teeth 240 until the cam plunger teeth 240 bear against the peaks 230 of the cam ratchet teeth

222.

[0069] The user then releases the actuator 204 and allows the cam plunger 234 to move back toward the proximal end 14 under the force of the two springs 48, 254. As the cam plunger 234 moves backward, the angled ends 258 of the ribs 256 engage the first bearing surface 226 of the cam ratchet 214. As the cam plunger 234 returns to the distal end 12, the cam ratchet 214 is rotated another 1/16 of a turn until the valleys 232 of the ratchet teeth 222 engage the angled ends 258 of the ribs 256.

[0070] Alternative plunger fed rotating cam retraction systems may be used in place of those disclosed herein. For example, a plunger fed rotating cam retraction system may include a toggling ratchet in place of the rotating ratchet.

[0071] The writing utensil described herein allows for a more intuitive retraction mechanism to move a first writing tip of a retractable writing assembly between a writing position and a stored position as well as incorporating a removable writing assembly with a second writing tip. Such a writing utensil has the benefit of providing a capless writing instrument for the first writing tip, such as a pen, that also includes capped second writing tip, such as a marker. The foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. A writing utensil with a distal end and a proximal end and extending generally along a longitudinal axis, comprising: a casing; a first writing tip moveable between a stored position in which the tip is stored within the casing and a writing position in which the tip extends out of the casing; a second writing tip disposed on the proximal end of the casing; and a plunger fed rotating cam retraction system disposed in the casing and operatively coupled to the first writing tip and the second writing tip such that movement of the second writing tip moves the first writing tip between the stored position and the writing position.

2. The writing utensil of claim 1, wherein the casing comprises a barrel and wherein the second writing tip comprises a writing assembly slidably disposed inside the barrel and operatively coupled to the plunger fed rotating cam system.

3. The writing utensil of claim 1, further comprising: a first reservoir slidably disposed within the casing, the first writing tip connected to a distal end of the first reservoir and the plunger fed rotating cam retraction system operatively coupled to the proximal end of the first reservoir; and a second reservoir disposed within the casing, the second writing tip connected to a proximal end of the second reservoir and the plunger fed rotating cam retraction system operatively coupled to a distal end of the second reservoir.

4. The writing utensil of claim 3, wherein the plunger fed rotating cam retraction system comprises: a cam barrel including a set of cam barrel ribs extending toward the distal end; and a cam ratchet disposed on the proximal end of the first reservoir, the cam ratchet including a set of cam ratchet ribs engaged with the cam barrel ribs when the writing tip is in the writing position.

5. The writing utensil of claim 4, wherein the cam ratchet ribs are disposed between the cam barrel ribs when the writing utensil is in the stored position.

6. The writing utensil of claim 4, wherein the cam ratchet includes a set of cam ratchet teeth, the plunger fed rotating cam retraction system further comprising a cam plunger disposed on the distal end of the second reservoir, the cam plunger including a set of cam plunger teeth engaged with the cam ratchet teeth when the first writing tip is moved between the stored position and the writing position.

7. The writing utensil of claim 3, further comprising a reservoir holder slidably disposed within the casing and engaged with the proximal end of the plunger fed rotating cam retraction system, wherein the second reservoir is disposed within the reservoir holder.

8. The writing utensil of claim 7, further comprising: a first writing assembly comprising the first reservoir and the first writing tip; and a second writing assembly comprising the reservoir holder, the second reservoir and the second writing tip, wherein the second writing assembly is removable from the first - writing assembly, the casing and the plunger fed rotating cam retraction system.

9. The writing utensil of claim 7, wherein the reservoir holder is moveable along the longitudinal axis toward the distal end to alternately move the first writing tip between the stored position and the writing position.

10. The writing utensil of claim 3, wherein the first writing tip comprises a pen and the second writing tip comprises a marker.

11. The writing utensil of claim 10, wherein the first reservoir comprises eradicable ink and the second reservoir comprises an eradicable ink eradiation solution.

12. The writing utensil of claim 1, further comprising a removable air tight cap disposed over the second writing tip to provide an air tight seal when the second writing tip is not in use.

13. The writing utensil of claim 1, further comprising a nose detachably coupled to the distal end of the casing.

14. A writing utensil with a distal end and a proximal end and extending generally along a longitudinal axis, comprising: a casing; a retractable writing assembly disposed in the distal end of the casing, the retractable writing assembly comprising a first reservoir and a first writing tip connected to the first reservoir, the first writing tip moveable between a stored position in which the tip is stored within the casing and a writing position in which the tip extends out of the casing; a removable writing assembly partially disposed in the proximal end of the casing, the removable writing assembly comprising a second writing tip, a reservoir holder slidably disposed in the casing and holding the writing tip, and a reservoir disposed in the reservoir holder and connected to the second writing tip; a cam barrel disposed on the casing and including a set of cam barrel ribs; a cam ratchet rotatably disposed on the proximal end of the second reservoir and at least partially disposed in the cam barrel and including cam ratchet ribs; and a cam plunger slidably disposed in the casing and operatively coupled to the removable writing assembly; the cam plunger configured with the cam ratchet such that movement of the removable writing assembly along the longitudinal axis toward the distal end alternately moves the first writing tip between the stored position in which the cam ratchet ribs are between the cam barrel ribs and the writing position in which the cam ratchet ribs are disposed on ends of the cam barrel ribs.

15. The writing utensil of claim 14, wherein the first writing tip comprises a pen.

16. The writing utensil of claim 14, wherein the second writing tip comprises a marker.

17. The writing utensil of claim 14, wherein the first reservoir comprises eradicable ink and the second reservoir comprises an eradicable ink eradication solution.

18. The writing utensil of claim 14, further comprising a removable air tight cap disposed over the second writing tip.

19. The writing utensil of claim 14, wherein the cam ratchet further includes a set of cam ratchet teeth and wherein the cam plunger includes a set of cam plunger teeth engaged between the cam ratchet teeth.

20. The writing utensil of claim 14, wherein the cam barrel includes cam barrel teeth provided on the distal end of the cam barrel ribs, and wherein the cam ratchet further includes cam ratchet teeth provided on the proximal end of the cam ratchet ribs, such that movement of the removable writing assembly along the longitudinal axis toward the distal end alternately moves the first writing tip between the stored position in which the cam ratchet teeth are between the cam barrel ribs and the writing position in which the cam ratchet teeth are engaged with the cam barrel teeth.

21. A writing utensil with a distal end and a proximal end and extending generally along a longitudinal axis, comprising: a casing extending generally along the longitudinal axis; a first writing tip connected to a first reservoir and moveable with the first reservoir between a stored position in which the tip is stored within the casing and a writing position in which the tip is extended outside of the casing at the distal end; a second writing tip disposed on the proximal end of the casing; a removable cap disposed on the second writing tip; a reservoir holder coupled to the second writing tip disposed in the casing and slidable substantially along the longitudinal axis and containing a second reservoir; a cam barrel disposed on the casing and including a set of cam barrel teeth; a cam ratchet rotatably disposed on the proximal end of the second reservoir and at least partially disposed in the cam barrel and including first and second sets of cam ratchet teeth; and a cam plunger slidably disposed in the casing and operatively coupled to the removable writing assembly and including a set of cam plunger teeth; the cam plunger teeth engaged with the first set of cam ratchet teeth such that movement of the reservoir holder along the longitudinal axis toward the distal end alternately moves the first writing tip between the stored position in which the second set of cam ratchet teeth are between the cam barrel teeth and the writing position in which the second set of cam ratchet teeth are engaged with the cam barrel teeth.