US2627843A - Writing instrument - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 10,1953

H. c. ERENTZEL WRITINd INSTRUMENT '2 1 SHEETS-SI-iEET 1 Filed Jan. 31. 1947 INVENTOR. l ermcm/ Cflenjjel,

5785- 1953 H. c, FRENTZEL WRITING INSTRUMENT 2 Sl-iEETS-Si-IEET 2 Filed Jan. 31. 1947 INVENTOR. fifzrman afien'el,

Patented Feb. 10, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIQE WRITING INSTRUMENT Application January 31, 1947, Serial No. 725,609

My invention relates generally to ball-point writing instruments .and it has to do particularly with a ball-point writing instrument of the type including a casing in which is mounted a writing unit adapted to be projected and retracted through an opening in the casing. 7

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an improved ball-point writing instrument of the foregoing character.

Another object is to provide new and improved casing structure for a ball-point writing instrument which casing structure is arranged for special manipulation to control the projecting and retracting of the writing unit.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved casing for ball-point writing instruments and which is provided with telescopic sections adapted upon extension to project the writing point from the casing where it is exposed for writing and upon contraction to retract the writing point into a concealed position within the casing.

A further object of my invention is to provide a ball-point writing instrument having a casing formed of axially aligned telescopic sections enabling the casing to be lengthened for writing use and shortened for storage purposes, the casingsections being operably connected to mechanism removably supporting a ball-point writing unit and adapted to translate. lengthing movement of the casing sections with extension movement of the writing unit through the casing into writing position and shortening movement of the casingsections into retractive movement of the writing unit to a non-writing position within the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a casing of simple construction for a ball-point writing instrument which is operable solely upon extension and contraction of the casing respectively to project the writing point from the casing and hold it in projected condition against normal writing pressure and to retract the writing point into the casing and hold it therein against accidental displacement.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a casing of the character described adapted to detachably receive a writing unit or cartridge including a ball writing point, an ink reservoir and a feed connecting the reservoir and the writing point, and from which casing the writing unit can be readily removed and replaced by the user without disassembling or removing the mechanism for projecting and retracting the unit.

4 Claims. (Cl. 120-42.03)

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved writing unit or cartridge for a ball-point writing instrument which .is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and

has a relatively large ink capacity.

A further object of the invention isto provide a casing for a ball-point writing instrument of the type wherein the writing point may be retracted into the casing when not in use, which casing is adapted to be extended and contracted and which, when in extended condition, is of sufiicient length to permit it to be held comfortably in the hand for writing purposes and which, when in contracted condition, is short and compact and can be conveniently carried in a small space, as for example, a ladys purse or a gentlemans vest pocket.

Further and more specific objects of the invention are to provide a casing of the character described, which is of simple construction and is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble; which is positive and certain in its operation and which will not stick or jam when operated to project or retract the writing point; which can be operated to project or retract the point upon the application of a relatively small force; which includes a relatively small number of separate operating elements; and which is formed from relatively light but sturdy parts providing an instrument which is relatively light total weight but which may be subjected to rough usage without injury.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description taken in connection with the appended drawings wherein:

Figure l is a side elevational view of a writing instrument constructed in accordance with my invention, the casing being shown in contracted, non-writing condition;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. l, but with the casing shown in extended or writing condition;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line i-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, tranverse sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, tranverse sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, transverse sectional view taken along line il of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the writing instrument with the casing in extended condition and sectioned to show the interior construction; and

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but with the casing shown in contracted condition.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the writing instrument comprises a tubular casing including a forward section and a rearward section 2, which sections are axially aligned and arranged in mutual telescoping relation for extension and contraction in a manner which will be explained more fully hereinafter. When the sections are extended, the casing is lengthened so that it may readily be grasped by the hand of the user for writing, and when the sections are contracted, the casing is shortened into a very compact form so that it may readily be inserted into a small pocket or container, such as a purse.

The casing section I includes a barrel portion 3 (Fig. 4) of generally cylindrical, tubular form open at both ends, and a tip member or nose 4, preferably of generally tapered form terminating in a forward open end 5 of reduced diameter. The tip member '4 is detachably connected to the forward end of the barrel portion 3 as by threads 6 and 1 formed, respectively, on the rear end of the tip member 4 and the forward end of the barrel portion 3. Preferably, the barrel portion 3 is formed with a reduced forward end portion '8 for receiving the tip member 4 and the outer rel portion H! of generally cylindrical, tubular form, open at both ends and telescoped over the forward barrel portion 3 for longitudinal sliding movement thereon without rotational movement relative thereto. Disposed in, and firmly carried by, the rear barrel portion I is a sleeve I formed with a slot |2 extending longitudinally substantially throughout its length and receiving therein a projection or tang l3 formed in the rear end of the forward barrel portion 3. When the easing sections and 2 are moved longitudinally relative to each other, the tang I3 rides in the slot I2 and prevents relative rotation of the casing sections.

The rear end of the rear barrel portion I0 is closed by an end piece l having an inner rim or flange I6 which is expanded outwardly to engage the adjacent portion of the sleeve H and to clamp the latter against the rear barrel portion l0 thus securing the end piece |5, the rear sleeve I, and the rear barrel ||l together to form a unitary structure.

A cartridge type writing unit is disposed in the forward barrel section and is mounted therein for limited longitudinal displacement whereby its writing tip may be projected out of the forward end of the casing section in which position it is exposed for writing or alternatively retracted to a concealed position within the easing wherein it is housed and protected. The writing unit 20 comprises a body or casing 2| which preferably is formed from a relatively thin tubular member of generally cylindrical form and defining throughout the greater portion of its length an ink reservoir 22. The casing 2| is provided with a tapered forward end 23 which receives a tip and feed element having a body 24 of generally tapered form seated snugly in the end 23 of the casing 2| and secured therein as by a flange 28 which, preferably, is formed as a bead on the casing 2|. The tip body 24 is formed with an extension 29 which projects from the casing 2| and has a ball socket at its forward end in which a writing ball 26 is carried for universal rotation. An ink feed passage 21 extends through the body 24 and connects the interior of the ball socket 25 with the ink reservoir 22 whereby ink may be fed from the reservoir 22 to the ball 26 in a manner which will be well understood. Since the details of construction of the ball seat and the ink feed passage leading thereto form no part of the present invention, such construction is not illustrated in detail herein, it being understood that any suitable type of ball mounting and feed may be employed.

Means are provided for preventing escape of ink from the rear end of the reservoir 22 and at the same time excluding air from the reservoir, thus preventing the admixture of air and ink g. in the reservoir and the resultant possibility of air bubbles finding their way into the feed connecting the reservoir and the ball socket and interrupting the feed of ink to the ball. This is accomplished, preferably, by disposing a flexible wall in position to close the end of the reservoir 22, which wall in the present illustrative embodiment takes the form of a flat, elongated sac 30 disposed in the reservoir 22 and adapted to be collapsed against the wall of the reservoir when the latter is filled with ink, as indicated in Figs. 3 to 7 of the drawings.

The sac 3B is formed of a suitable material which is impervious to liquid and air and is sufficiently flexible to remain in contact with the surface of the ink and to follow the body of ink as ink is Withdrawn from the reservoir in writing. Preferably the sac 30 is formed of material which is resilient and in its normal condition is expanded to substantially fill the space within the reservoir 22. When ink is forced into the reservoir 22 to fill the latter, the sac 30 is forced into a flat, collapsed condition as illustrated for example in Figs. 3 to 7 of the drawings. The sac 30 has sufficient resiliency that it tends to return to its normal, expanded condition and thus exerts a continuous, slight pressure on the surrounding ink and. maintains a continuous column of ink from the reservoir to the writing point until the reservoir is substantially emptied. The slight pressure on the ink aids in feeding the ink and prevents the establishment of a subatmospheric pressure behind the ink which would retard or prevent the withdrawal of ink from the reservoir when the instrument is used in writing.

If desired, instead of a resilient sac, a nonresilient or limp sac may be employed in a form generally similar to the sac shown. Such a sac serves to retain the ink in the reservoir and prevents the entry of air. This type of sac does not apply any pressure to the ink but since the sac is limp it follows the body of ink under the influence of atmospheric pressure as ink is withdrawn from the reservoir and thus the ink is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

The sac is secured suitably in position to close the rear end of the body 2| with the open end of the sac inserted in the rear end of the body 2! which at this portion preferably is reduced to form a neck 32 having its outer end slightly flared. A tapered plug 3| secures the sac 353 in the neck 32. The lip or rim of the neck 32 preferably is bent over to form a flange 33 for retaining the plug 31 in place. The interior of the body 2|.behind the sac 3?) is suitably vented as by a passage 34 in the plug 3| in 'order to prevent the creation 'of su'batmosph'ericpressure behind the sac which if it existed' mightin the-use cf certain kinds of sacs prevent them from freely expanding "to closely follow the body of ink as viinlr is withdrawn from theinstrumentin writing. The rear casing section '2 is vented to atmosphere, as by a vent H 'in the end piece IE to insure "that the interior is maintained at atmospheric pressure. This not only provides atmospheric pressurerbehind the sac in the body 2| but also prevents the occurrence of' any pressure changes within the .rear casin section when thescasing sections :aireextendedor collapsed.

In order toefiectlongitudinal movement of the writing unit 2!] in the .c'asingfm projecting and retracting the writing point when-the casing is 'extended'or contracted respectively, .-a driving or actuating mechanism is provided which carries the unit 26 and is operatively connected to the casing sections I and 2 for :actuation thereby. The. actuating mechanism. includes a driven sleeve 60 f (Figs. 4 and 5-) mounted-in the forwardbarrel portion 3- for'both longitudinal sliding andpartial rotational :movement with respect thereto.

The sleeve in removably and frictionally receives the writing unit 29. .Rearward "displacement of the .unit in the sleeve is limited by an intu'rned lip or. rim 4| formed in "the rearward endof the sleeve 40 which is engageable with the'base-of the neck 32 and by a flange 42 which may comprise a bead formed in the body 2.! and adapted to abut the forwardendof the sleeve 410.

'The writing unit 29 is readily removabl from the sleeve 40 for replacement by asimilar-unit ject or retract the writing unit 20, respectively. For this purpose the rearward sleeve 11 is formed with a projection 01' 'tan'g' 50 which rides in a helical cam track 5'! formed in thedriven sleeve 60. Thus, when the rear casing section 2 is drawn rearwardly, the driven sleeve 40 is rotated ma counterclockwise direction (as viewed from'the forward end of the instrument) The tang 556 also serves as a stop to limit extensionof the casing sections and to prevent separation there advance and carries with it the writing "unit 20. thereby to project the forward-end of the latter out through the open 'en'd Bot the casing: Upon collapsing movement of :casing sections 1 and 2 the driven sleeve lil iscaused to-rotate in 'afclock wise direction (as viewed from the -forward end "of the writing instrument) and is moved rearcasing sections may be determined by suitably selecting the length of the guide track If or either of the cam tracks :5! 01"5'6. However, preferably all of these track-stare of such lengththaJt-the members which ride thereinfre'a'ch the ends "of their respective tracks simultaneously and thus all of these'members share "any stress resulting from a too vigorous manipulation of. theca-sing. Preferably the'members are so dimensioned that the forward end of the rear casing section is brought into abutment with the ring 54"at the end of its forward travel.

The pitch or rise 'of .the cam track 56 relatively to the cam track 5! is so selected that the pin 52 is moved (relatively) longitudinally only "a relatively short distance when the tang 'iflfinoves through the entire extent of its travel. Thus,

while the casing sectionsiaremoved throu'ghout a relatively long extending or contracting movement, the writing unit is projected or retracted throughout a relativelyshort'distancel This short movement of the unit is adequate to retract the point from its projectedwriting position to a concealed position :sumiently within the casing to prevent the point from contacting the hands or clothes of theuser. Thus, 'the'writing unit may be as long as or slightly longer than the forward casing sectiomwithout substantially limiting the extent of collapsing movement of the casing sections.

By providing a cam track 5| of relativel-ysteep pitch for rotating the driven sleeve and a cam track of relativelylow'pi-t'ch for moving the driven sleeve longitudinally, a substantial mechanical advantage is obtainedand accordingly, a r-elatively-small force is required to effect extension of. The driven sleeve 46 is 'caused'to move forforward end of the barrel portion 3. The pin '52 rides in a helical cam track 5'3 formed in the driven sleeve to. This cam track may take the form of a slot r groove which 'tur ns"onspir'als in the same direction as the track '5] and a substantially flat p'itchbor low rateoi rise rliitively to the track 5 I.

Thus it will be seen that, when the casing is extended, and the driven member {30 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from the front of the instrument) the latter is caused to reversible.

or contraction of the 'casingsections'." Also, since the cam track 56 has arelatively'low pitch, the connection betweenthe forward casing section I and the driven sleeve 40is'substantiallyhon Accordingly; when the instrument is used in writing, the unit will not be drivnbacl'r' into the casing even though substantial writing pressure is applied' on the point. Accidental eir tension or contraction of the casing sections s'uh "as might oceur'in handling the instrument, as'for example when inserting it into or removing "it from the pocket of the user, is preventedby'providingsufficient friction between the relatively movable parts to hold theca'sing 'sections in either position of adjustment.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides an extensible and contractible casing which is positive in its operation to control the projecting and retracting movements of a ball-point writing instrument. The

casing section may be contracted or extended by simple push-pull movement and without the necessity for operating any release buttons,

latches or other mechanism or turning or twisti'ng the casing sections' The construction insures that the casing sections will remain in either position of adjustment against axial displacement as, for example, when the instrument is inserted in or removed from the pocket or purse of the user. The writing unit or cartridge may be readily removed or replaced by the user With out removing or disassembling the actuating mechanism. The casing may be made of such length that when extended it fits comfortably in the hand for writing purposes and when contracted is short and compact and can be conveniently carried in a small space as, for example, a lady's purse or a gentlemans vest pocket.

The writing unit is snugly fitted in the driven sleeve and is substantially housed thereby. The driven sleeve thus serves to protect and reinforce the body portion of the unit and the latter is subjected to no stress during use or operation except the pressure applied to the tip when the instrument is used in writing. Accordingly, the body may be formed of relatively thin material providing a reservoir of maximum ink capacity for any particular diameter of unit. The construction of the actuating mechanism is such that it consumes a relatively small amount of space and thus the unit may be of a size closely approaching the size of the casing. Thus, a relatively large capacity ink reservoir may be provided in an instrument of a size comparable to a conventional fountain pen.

The instrument may be made of relatively light construtcion and yet be sufficiently sturdy to provide for a long life. The parts are relatively simple and can be manufactured inexpensively. Several of the parts as, for example, the barrel members and the cartridge body may be formed advantageously from seamless tubing, and others as, for example, the sleeves may be formed from flat sheet material. The several members, except the sac, preferably are formed from metal such as stainless steel which is resistant to rust and corrosion and is sufliciently rigid for the purposes required. Since the writing unit may be made inexpensively, it may be discarded entirely when empty and a new unit substituted therefor.

The casing may be formed in any one of a number of various sizes and shapes and may be ornamented, as desired. Due to the fact that a portion of the forward casing section is exposed when the casing is extended and is concealed when the casing is contracted an attractive appearance may be created by ornamenting that portion as, for example, by longitudinally extending lines or flutes 60 (as indicated in Fig. 2) and by having the remainder of the casing unornamented.

I believe that the operation and advantages of my invention will be well appreciated from the foregoing description, and it is to be understood that, while I have shown and described one form of my invention, other details and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by the claims that follow.

I claim:

1. A ball-point writing instrument comprising a forward tubular casing section including a barrel portion having an open end and a tapered tip member detachably secured to and substantially closing the open end of said barrel portion and having an open forward end of substantially smallerdiameter than the open end of said barrel portion, a rearward casing section including telescoped inner and outertubular members secured together at their rear ends only, said forward casing section being telesconed and slidable between said inner and outer tubular members, means guiding said casing sections for relative longitudinal movement only, a driven element mounted for rotation and longitudinal movement in said forward casing section and having two helical cam tracks spiraling in the same direction, studs on said forward casing section and inner tubular member engaging said cam tracks respectively, a ball-point writing unit detachably carried by said driven element and insertable and removable through the open forward end of said barrel portion when said tip member is removed, said unit having a ball writing point positioned to be projected and retracted through, the open end of said tip member upon longitudinal movement of said driven element.

2. A ball-point writing instrument comprising a forward casing section including a barrel portion having open forward and rearward ends and an inwardly extending projection adjacent its rearward end, a rearward casing section including a barrel portion slidable over said forward barrel portion and concealing said projection, a driving sleeve in said rear barrel portion and slidable in said forward casing section, and means connecting aid rear barrel portion and said driving sleeve at their rear ends, said driving sleeve having a rectilinear guide track extending longitudinally thereof and slidably receiving therein the projection on said forward casing section for guiding said barrel sections for longitudinal movement only, a driven sleeve having two helical cam tracks therein spiraling in the same direction, said driven sleeve being mounted for rotation and longitudinal movement in said forward casing section, a writing unit carried in said driven sleeve and having a ball writing point positioned to be projected and retracted through the open end of said forward casing section upon longitudinal movement of said driven sleeve, and projections carried by said forward casing section and said driving sleeve engaging said cam tracks, respectively, for actuating said driven sleeve to project said writing unit upon extension of said casing sections and to retract said unit upon contraction of said casing sections.

3. A ball-point writing instrument comprising a rear casing section including telescoped inner and outer tubular members secured together at their rear ends only, a forward tubular casing section telescoped and slidable between said inner and outer tubular members, guide means guiding said forward and rearward casing sections for longitudinal relative sliding movement only, a driven sleeve telescoped in said forward section and said inner tubular member and completely concealed by the forward section and formed with helical cam tracks therein spiraling in the same direction, one of said cam tracks having a relatively fiat pitch and being located forwardly of the forwardmost position of said inner tubular member and the other cam track having a relatively steep pitch and being located rearwardly of said first-named cam track, studs on said forward casing section and inner tubular member engaging said cam tracks respectively, and a ball-point writing unit insertable through the forward end of and removably carried by said driven sleeve with its point positionedto be projected through the forward end of said forward casing section upon relative sliding movement of said casing sections.

4. A ball-point writing instrument comprising a forward casing section including a barrel portion open at both ends and havine an imnerforate 2 peripheral surface and a tapered tip member detachably secured to and substantially closing the open forward end of the barrel portion, the tip member having an open forward end, a driven element mounted for rotation and longitudinal movement in said forward casing section, a ballpoint writing unit detachably carried by said driven element and insertable and removable through the open forward end of said barrel portion when said tip member is removed, said unit having a ball writing point positioned to be proiected and retracted through the open end of said tip member upon longitudinal movement of said driven element, said driven element having a first, forward helical slot of fiat pitch adjacent its forward end and a second, rearward helical slot of steep pitch extending substantially the full length thereof, a stud fitted in an opening in said barrel portion and extending into said first slot, means on said barrel portion for securing said stud in the opening and concealing the same and removable therefrom upon removal of said tip member, a rear casing section including outer and inner tubular members telescoped with and slidable relatively to said forward casing section, said outer tubular member being imperforate and telescoped over said barrel portion and the inner tubular member being telescoped between said barrel portion and driven element, said first slot 10 being located forwardly of the forwardmost position of said inner tubular member, said inner tubular member having a stud extending into said second slot, and means constantly and en tirely concealed by said outer tubular member coacting between said inner tubular member and barrel portion for guiding the casing sections for relative longitudinal movement only.

HERMAN C. FRENTZEL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 5,384 Hicks Apr. 29, 1373 Re. 5,518 Downes Aug. 5, 1873 160,924 Mabie Mar. 16, 1875 1,583,718 Hudson May 4, 1926 2,400,679 Biro May 21, 1946 2,427,068 Randolph Sept. 9, 1947 2,444,003 Chesler June 22, 1948 2,444,004 Chesler June 22, 1948 FGREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 83,807 Germany 1895 84,050 Germany 1895

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