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EP2271505B1 - System for applying a clip to the body of a writing instrument - Google Patents

System for applying a clip to the body of a writing instrument Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2271505B1
EP2271505B1 EP09727159A EP09727159A EP2271505B1 EP 2271505 B1 EP2271505 B1 EP 2271505B1 EP 09727159 A EP09727159 A EP 09727159A EP 09727159 A EP09727159 A EP 09727159A EP 2271505 B1 EP2271505 B1 EP 2271505B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clip
bar
base
writing instrument
locking element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09727159A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2271505A1 (en
Inventor
Franck Rolion
Samuel Malinverni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BIC SA
Original Assignee
BIC SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BIC SA filed Critical BIC SA
Publication of EP2271505A1 publication Critical patent/EP2271505A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2271505B1 publication Critical patent/EP2271505B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K23/00—Holders or connectors for writing implements; Means for protecting the writing-points
    • B43K23/08—Protecting means, e.g. caps
    • B43K23/12—Protecting means, e.g. caps for pens
    • B43K23/126—Protecting means, e.g. caps for pens with clips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K15/00—Assembling, finishing, or repairing pens
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K25/00—Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements
    • B43K25/02—Clips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K25/00—Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements
    • B43K25/02—Clips
    • B43K25/022—Clips attached to a pen cap
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43K25/00—Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements
    • B43K25/02—Clips
    • B43K25/024—Clips detachably secured to the writing tool

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a clip mounting system, also commonly referred to as "clip", on the body of a writing implement.
  • plastic clips For writing instruments of this type having a protruding fastener, it is known for the plastic clips to provide at their base reliefs that snap into engagement with the fastener.
  • staples made of metal it is most often a simple insertion of sheet metal edges in grooves of the fastener, teeth on these edges slowing the disengagement of the staple with the grooves.
  • the document US Patent 5,336,006 discloses a mounting system of a metal clip, realizing a snap of a tongue of the clip for holding in the axial direction of the pen.
  • the clip further includes L-hooks engaged in slots of a barrel for holding in the radial direction of the pen.
  • the document DE-U-9,004,577 discloses a mounting system of a plastic clip, utilizing a locking member external to the staple and the clip holder for holding the staple in the axial direction of the pen.
  • the present invention aims to provide a writing instrument with a mounting system of a clip which is an advantageous alternative to the aforementioned mounting systems, in particular in terms of strength and aesthetic possibilities.
  • the present invention relates to a writing instrument of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the clip comprises a bar having a first end secured to the base of said clip, in that the body comprises a second member. protruding fastener having a second lateral face facing the first lateral face, said second lateral face extending from a base integral with the body to an upper end from which a projection extends towards the first lateral face to a free end, and in that said first and second lateral faces and the projection are arranged to provide under said projection a housing adapted to receive at least partly the bar of the staple , and to provide a passage adapted for insertion in a substantially radial direction of a locking member to a locking position for which it is fitted between the first side face and the bar of the clip arranged in the housing .
  • the adjustment of the bar between the second fixing member, the locking member and possibly the first fixing member immobilizes the corresponding position thereof in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first and second side faces. Immobilization pivoting around the direction of the bar, more or less important according to the width of the faces and the profile of the bar, is also obtained.
  • a bar it will be understood that it is a solid element, not having to perform a function of elastic member unlike snap members. The immobilization obtained with these provisions is therefore particularly reliable.
  • the locking in the direction of the bar can be easily obtained by the shape of the ends thereof, and in particular by their connection to the base of the clip.
  • the locking element is an additional element which, unlike the clip, is not intended to undergo external forces. It is therefore easy to design the locking element so that in normal use no constraint makes it out of the way, even if it is not excluded to offer the user the opportunity to remove it to change the staple.
  • a writing instrument 1 comprising a body 2 which has a first fixing member 3 and a second fixing member 4 visible to the figure 2 .
  • the writing instrument 1 further comprises a staple 5 and a latch 6.
  • the body 2 of the instrument extends longitudinally along a central axis X from a rear push button 22 to a front end not shown.
  • the body 2 forms in the embodiment shown a shaft formed of a substantially cylindrical front part 23 and a substantially cylindrical rear part 24 on which the clip 5 is mounted by means of the first and second fastening members. (3, 4) as will be detailed below.
  • the instrument 1 is here a mechanical pencil whose lead advance is controlled by action on the push button back 22.
  • the writing instrument 1 could be any type of instrument, including an instrument having a ball writing tip which could be retracted by actuation of the back button 22. It could still be a felt-like or highlighter-type instrument having a removable cap for sealingly covering the tip, and as this is well known, likely to be positioned on the rear end of the body.
  • the cap constitutes a part of the body 2 of the instrument 1 which is likely to comprise the first and second fasteners (3, 4).
  • the mounting of the staple 5 then requires no significant modification, either of the fastening members (3, 4) of the staple 5 or the lock 6.
  • the first fastening member 3 has a base 31 secured to the rear piece 24 of the body 2 and extends in the radial direction Y perpendicular to the central axis X to a top 32.
  • the first fastening member 5 may, however, extend in a direction somewhat offset from the radial direction Y, as long as the vertex 32 is radially distant from the body 2.
  • the first fastener 3 has a cross section relative to its extension direction, which is polygonal and variable area. This section could have a different geometry, but it must define at least a first lateral face 33 extending between the base 31 and the top 32.
  • This first side face 33 is in the preferred embodiment shown, substantially flat and oriented towards the rear end of the body 2, but however located at a distance from the end of the rear piece 24 so that the second fixing member 4 can be disposed between the first side face 33 and the end of the piece 24.
  • the first fixing member 3 has two side walls 35 adjacent to the first side wall 33, that is to say each having a common edge with this first side wall 33.
  • the side walls adjacent portions 35 partially meet towards the front end and are partly extended to form a protuberance 36 of height substantially less than the radial height of the vertex 32.
  • An additional side wall 37 connects the adjacent side walls 35 at this protuberance 36.
  • the first fastener 3 has significant cross-sectional variations, in addition to the fact that the protuberance 36 is of reduced height. More particularly, the base 31 has a smaller section than the top 32, which allows a saving of plastic material and avoids dimensional changes after demolding caused by large thicknesses of plastic. In any case, the section of the first fixing member 3 remains significant, of the same order of magnitude as the section of the elongate portion of the clip 5, so that the first fastener 3 has a resistance to deformation at less comparable to that of the staple.
  • the adjacent lateral faces 35 of the first fixing member 3 have projecting surface portions with respect to the remainder of the face, and in particular a protruding surface portion 35a located near the apex 32 and a portion of projecting surface 35b located at the protuberance 36, indicated in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the first fastener 3 is integrally molded with the back piece 24 of the body to reduce assembly operations. But it is perfectly conceivable that the first fastener is a separate part of the body, as long as it is securely attached thereto.
  • the second fastener 4 has a base 41 and extends to a top 42, quite similar to the first fastener 3.
  • the section transverse of the second fixing member 4 also has significant sectional variations. But its minimal section remains significant to offer significant resistance to efforts.
  • the top 42 is located substantially at the top 32 of the first fastener and has a shape less flat than the latter, but it could be otherwise.
  • the second fixing member 4 has a lateral face 43, called the second lateral face and visible at the figure 5 which must be located opposite the first lateral face 33 of the first fastening member 3.
  • the first and second lateral faces (33, 43) extend generally in planes approximately parallel and the respective geometric projections thereof on a median plane must overlap at least in part.
  • the second lateral face 43 is thus oriented towards the front end of the body 2 and is spaced longitudinally along the central axis X of the first lateral face 33.
  • the second lateral face 43 also extends from the base 41, but extends radially only as far as an upper end 43a which is located below the level of the top 42 of this second fixing member 4.
  • the second fastener 4 must include a projection 44 from the upper end 43a of the second side face.
  • the projection 44 extends to the first side face 33 to a free end 44a.
  • the arrangement of this projection 44 with respect to the body 2 and to the first lateral face 33 are determined taking into account the geometry of the staple 5 and the latch 6 as it will appear later.
  • the adjacent lateral faces 45 are parallel to each other and plane.
  • a connecting face 47 connects the two adjacent lateral faces 45 and has a recess essentially for reasons of external appearance.
  • the first and second fixing members (3, 4) thus arranged define between them a passage 48 indicated in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the passage 48 is located more precisely between the free end 44a of the projection 44 of the second fixing member 4 and the first lateral face 33 of the first fixing member 3.
  • a housing 49 communicating with the passage 48 is also defined by the second lateral face 43, the lower face of the projection 44 and the rear part 24 forming part of the body 2.
  • the clip 5 has an elongate member 51 extending from a base 52 to a free end 51a.
  • the base 52 integrally formed with the elongate member 51, is located under the outer face thereof.
  • the base 52 has a generally U-shaped open towards the rear end of the body 2 in the assembled state. Due to this U-shape, the base 52 has two wings (52a, 52b) generally parallel.
  • the base 52 could however have a substantially different shape and be formed by a separate part of the elongated element 51, as long as it can be firmly attached to it.
  • the clip 5 comprises a bar 53 located between the flanges (52a, 52b) of the base 52 and secured thereto by a first end 53a and a second end 53b respectively. It should however be noted that it is conceivable to make the bar 53 of the clip 5 integral, by connecting only one of its ends (53a, 53b) to the base 52, the other end being free and of preferably with an enlarged head to prevent sliding through the housing 49.
  • the configuration of the bar 53 shown is however preferred for reasons of strength of the assembly of the clip.
  • the bar 53 is an elongate element having a significant section, preferably of the same order of magnitude as the minimum section of the first and second fastening members (3, 4) to withstand the forces that may be experienced by the staple during a period of time. usual use.
  • the bar 53 has a polygonal square section of profile adapted to fit the profile defined by the lower face of the projection 44, the second lateral face 43 and the ramp 29.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to prohibit a rotation of the bar around its axis lengthening in the housing 29 and thus creates a degree of immobilization of the staple 5 relative to the body 2. Nevertheless, if the bar must prohibit only a translational movement along the central axis X, it is possible to provide a circular section for it.
  • the lower face 52c, visible at figure 6 , base 52 is configured to fit the end piece 24 in the mounted state and thus contribute to the immobilization of the staple.
  • the internal faces, that is to say facing, the wings (52a and 52b) have recessed surface portions to reduce the thickness of material and projecting surface portions, and more particularly a protruding surface portion 52e visible at the figure 6 .
  • the elongate element 51 of the clip has on its upper face a wide opening 56 whose shape substantially corresponds to the space between the wings (52a, 52b) of the base 52 and which thus provides communication with this space.
  • the lock 6 essentially comprises, to ensure its function, a locking element 61 configured to be inserted through the passage 48 when the bar 53 is arranged in the housing 49. The locking element 61 then reaches a locking position for which it is adjusted between the first lateral face 33 and the bar 53.
  • the adjustment of the locking element 61 is tightly made to avoid any play in the mounting of the staple 5, and even with a slight strain under stress to take into account the dimensional dispersions of manufacture.
  • the locking element 61 is formed by a clearly visible wing at the figure 7 that is, a relatively narrow piece with respect to its elongation direction, which is disposed perpendicular to the first and second side faces (33, 43).
  • the width of this flange 61 is substantially smaller than the width of the lateral faces (33, 43) and therefore a forced insertion of the locking element 61 essentially causes a deformation thereof, without significant deformation of the first and second fasteners (3, 4). Such a force insertion with deformation may be sufficient for prohibit removal of lock 6 if it is deemed necessary.
  • the lock 6 has, in addition to the locking member 61, two detent members 65 to prevent any withdrawal once in the locking position.
  • the latching members 65 cooperate with a retaining member which is preferably formed by a protruding relief of the base 52 of the staple 5 and more particularly the recess 52f on each of the inner faces of the wings (52a, 52c ) visible to the figure 6 .
  • a retaining member which is preferably formed by a protruding relief of the base 52 of the staple 5 and more particularly the recess 52f on each of the inner faces of the wings (52a, 52c ) visible to the figure 6 .
  • the latch 6 further comprises a cover 66 formed by a wafer from which are made of the locking member 61 and the detent members 65 disposed on either side thereof.
  • the cover 66 makes it possible to impart an aesthetic appearance to the latch 6 in the locked position when the clip 5 is mounted, and even to create a decorative effect using a plastic material of different appearance from the staple.
  • the cover 66 is shaped so that its outer face forms a continuous or flush surface in the locking position with the outside face of the staple 5, as appears in FIGS. Figures 1 and 3 .
  • the lock 6 does not offer a decision to the user.
  • a low retaining force in the locking position obtained with or without the detent members 65, makes it virtually impossible to manually disassemble the clip.
  • the clip 5 is brought closer to the rear part 24 in a radial movement of direction Y, so that the bar 53 is inserted between the first and second fastening members (3, 4) through the passage 48, and this until the lower face 52c of the base 52 comes into contact with the rear part 24.
  • an inverted presentation of the staple 5 does not make it possible to reach this contact, in particular because of the difference in shape of the vertices (32, 42) of the fasteners (3, 4) which could not penetrate into the interior space of the base in the inverted position.
  • the staple 5 is slid backwards in a movement parallel to the central axis X.
  • the bar 53 is housed in the housing 49 to reach the position shown in the figure 3 .
  • the ramp 29 makes it possible to carry out this positioning in a particularly tight manner by constraining the bar 53 under the projection 44.
  • these protruding surface portions 52e pass under the projecting surface portions 35a of the first fastener 3 which has at this level a T-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the central axis X. This increases the restraint of the clip 5 on the body 2 if one exerts a traction in the outer radial direction Y. It should be noted that, in this configuration where the lock has not yet been positioned, the immobilization of the staple is already performed in five degrees of freedom, only a translation movement forward in the direction of the central axis X is still possible.
  • This last immobilization is carried out by inserting the latch 6 so that the locking element 61 creates a stop coming to be interposed between the bar 53 of the clip 5 and the first lateral face 33 of the first fixing member 3, as this is visible to figures 3 and 4 .
  • This insertion is made slightly forcefully to create a constraint in the locking element 61, or even to deform it, and thus remove any mounting set.
  • the insertion of the latch 6 to reach the locking position makes the mounting of the staple 5 indémontable.
  • the mounting of the clip could be rendered quite easily removable, for example by providing a relatively small grip element on the lock 6, and keeping a low risk of unintentional disassembly since the mounting direction of the lock 6 (depending on the direction radial Y) is perpendicular to the direction of blocking achieved by this latch (direction parallel to the central axis X).
  • first and second fasteners could be arranged circumferentially on the body 2, the lock then immobilizing a rotational movement of the staple around the central axis X.
  • many of functions performed by one or the other of the members of a part could be filled by an equivalent member integral with another part.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Clips For Writing Implements (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a writing instrument including a body (2), a clip (5) and a first projecting member (3) for attaching the clip (5) having a first lateral side (33). The clip (5) includes a bar (53) and the body includes a second projecting attachment member (4) having a second lateral side (43). The second lateral side (43) extends from a base (41) secured to the body (2) to an upper end (43a) from which a projection (44) extends towards the first lateral side (33). The first and second lateral sides (33, 43) and the projection (44) are arranged to provide a cavity (49) under the projection suitable for receiving the bar (53), and to provide a passage (48) suitable for inserting a locking element (61) into a locked position for which it is adjusted between the first lateral side (33) and the barrel (53) of the clip located in cavity (49).

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un système de montage d'une agrafe, aussi communément dénommé par le terme anglais "clip", sur le corps d'un instrument d'écriture.The present invention relates to a clip mounting system, also commonly referred to as "clip", on the body of a writing implement.

Plus particulièrement, l'invention se rapporte à un instrument d'écriture comprenant :

  • un corps s'étendant longitudinalement selon un axe central ;
  • une agrafe s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe central depuis une base fixée au corps jusqu'à une extrémité libre ; et
  • un premier organe saillant de fixation de l'agrafe présentant une première face latérale s'étendant entre une base solidaire du corps et un sommet radialement distant.
More particularly, the invention relates to a writing instrument comprising:
  • a body extending longitudinally along a central axis;
  • a clip extending substantially parallel to the central axis from a base attached to the body to a free end; and
  • a first protruding member for fixing the clip having a first lateral face extending between a base secured to the body and a radially remote vertex.

Pour les instruments d'écriture de ce type présentant un organe de fixation saillant, il est connu pour les agrafes en matière plastique de prévoir à leur base des reliefs venant s'encliqueter avec l'organe de fixation. Pour les agrafes réalisées en métal, il s'agit le plus souvent d'une simple insertion de bords en tôle dans des rainures de l'organe de fixation, des dentures sur ces bords freinant le désengagement de l'agrafe avec les rainures.For writing instruments of this type having a protruding fastener, it is known for the plastic clips to provide at their base reliefs that snap into engagement with the fastener. For staples made of metal, it is most often a simple insertion of sheet metal edges in grooves of the fastener, teeth on these edges slowing the disengagement of the staple with the grooves.

Toutefois, il s'avère qu'à la suite de manipulations répétées et du fait du bras de levier que constitue l'agrafe, que l'utilisateur désengage l'agrafe de l'organe de fixation, même involontairement. Dans le cas des agrafes en matière plastique, les reliefs d'encliquetage de dimensions nécessairement réduites sont alors généralement déformés ou émoussés, et ne peuvent plus remplir leur rôle de retenue de l'agrafe sur le corps.However, it turns out that as a result of repeated manipulation and because of the lever arm that constitutes the staple, the user disengages the clip of the fastener, even involuntarily. In the case of plastic clips, the snap-on reliefs of necessarily reduced dimensions are then generally deformed or blunt, and can no longer fulfill their role of retaining the clip on the body.

Il existe donc un besoin pour réaliser une fixation plus fiable d'une agrafe sur un organe de fixation saillant, notamment pour éviter que des pressions répétées exercées dans différentes directions par l'utilisateur ne finissent par désolidariser l'agrafe du corps.There is therefore a need to achieve a more reliable fixation of a clip on a protruding fastener, in particular to prevent repeated pressure exerted in different directions by the user does eventually dissociate the clip of the body.

Le document US-A-5,336,006 décrit un système de montage d'une agrafe métallique, réalisant un encliquetage d'une languette de l'agrafe pour le maintien dans la direction axiale du stylo. L'agrafe comprend en outre des crochets en L engagés dans des fentes d'un fût pour le maintien dans la direction radiale du stylo.The document US Patent 5,336,006 discloses a mounting system of a metal clip, realizing a snap of a tongue of the clip for holding in the axial direction of the pen. The clip further includes L-hooks engaged in slots of a barrel for holding in the radial direction of the pen.

Le document DE-U-9 004 577 décrit un système de montage d'une agrafe en matière plastique, utilisant un élément de verrouillage extérieur à l'agrafe et au support de l'agrafe pour le maintien l'agrafe dans la direction axiale du stylo.The document DE-U-9,004,577 discloses a mounting system of a plastic clip, utilizing a locking member external to the staple and the clip holder for holding the staple in the axial direction of the pen.

La présente invention a pour but de proposer un instrument d'écriture avec un système de montage d'une agrafe qui soit une alternative avantageuse aux systèmes de montage précités, en particulier en termes de solidité et de possibilités esthétiques.The present invention aims to provide a writing instrument with a mounting system of a clip which is an advantageous alternative to the aforementioned mounting systems, in particular in terms of strength and aesthetic possibilities.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un instrument d'écriture du type précité, caractérisé en ce que l'agrafe comprend un barreau présentant une première extrémité solidaire de la base de ladite agrafe, en ce que le corps comprend un deuxième organe de fixation saillant présentant une deuxième face latérale située en regard de la première face latérale, ladite deuxième face latérale s'étendant depuis une base solidaire du corps jusqu'à une extrémité supérieure à partir de laquelle une projection s'étend vers la première face latérale jusqu'à une extrémité libre, et en ce que lesdites première et deuxième faces latérales et la projection sont agencées pour ménager sous ladite projection un logement adapté pour recevoir au moins en partie le barreau de l'agrafe, et pour ménager un passage adapté pour l'insertion selon une direction sensiblement radiale d'un élément de verrouillage jusqu'à une position de verrouillage pour laquelle il est ajusté entre la première face latérale et le barreau de l'agrafe agencé dans le logement.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a writing instrument of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the clip comprises a bar having a first end secured to the base of said clip, in that the body comprises a second member. protruding fastener having a second lateral face facing the first lateral face, said second lateral face extending from a base integral with the body to an upper end from which a projection extends towards the first lateral face to a free end, and in that said first and second lateral faces and the projection are arranged to provide under said projection a housing adapted to receive at least partly the bar of the staple , and to provide a passage adapted for insertion in a substantially radial direction of a locking member to a locking position for which it is fitted between the first side face and the bar of the clip arranged in the housing .

L'ajustement du barreau entre le deuxième organe de fixation, l'élément de verrouillage et éventuellement le premier organe de fixation, permet d'immobiliser la position correspondante de celui-ci dans un plan sensiblement perpendiculaire aux première et deuxième faces latérales. Une immobilisation en pivotement autour de la direction du barreau, plus ou moins importante selon la largeur des faces et le profil du barreau, est également obtenue. S'agissant d'un barreau, on comprendra qu'il s'agit d'un élément solide, n'ayant pas à remplir une fonction d'organe élastique contrairement à des organes d'encliquetage. L'immobilisation obtenue avec ces dispositions est donc particulièrement fiable. Le blocage selon la direction du barreau peut être aisément obtenu par la forme des extrémités de celui-ci, et notamment par leur raccordement à la base du clip.The adjustment of the bar between the second fixing member, the locking member and possibly the first fixing member, immobilizes the corresponding position thereof in a plane substantially perpendicular to the first and second side faces. Immobilization pivoting around the direction of the bar, more or less important according to the width of the faces and the profile of the bar, is also obtained. As regards a bar, it will be understood that it is a solid element, not having to perform a function of elastic member unlike snap members. The immobilization obtained with these provisions is therefore particularly reliable. The locking in the direction of the bar can be easily obtained by the shape of the ends thereof, and in particular by their connection to the base of the clip.

Il faut également noter que l'élément de verrouillage est un élément supplémentaire qui, contrairement à l'agrafe, n'est pas destiné à subir des efforts d'éléments extérieurs. Il est donc aisé de concevoir l'élément de verrouillage de sorte qu'en utilisation normale aucune contrainte ne la fasse sortir du passage, même s'il n'est pas exclus d'offrir à l'utilisateur la possibilité de le retirer pour changer l'agrafe.It should also be noted that the locking element is an additional element which, unlike the clip, is not intended to undergo external forces. It is therefore easy to design the locking element so that in normal use no constraint makes it out of the way, even if it is not excluded to offer the user the opportunity to remove it to change the staple.

Dans des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, on a recours en outre à l'une et/ou à l'autre des dispositions suivantes :

  • le barreau présente une deuxième extrémité également solidaire de la base de l'agrafe, et le passage pour l'insertion de l'élément de verrouillage est également adapté pour l'introduction du barreau selon une direction sensiblement radiale et son déplacement jusqu'au logement ; ce qui permet le montage tout en ayant un barreau fermement fixé à l'agrafe ;
  • la base de l'agrafe présente deux ailes auxquelles sont raccordées les première et deuxième extrémités du barreau disposé entre lesdites ailes, lesdites ailes étant agencées pour venir au moins en partie au contact de faces latérales adjacentes aux première et deuxième faces latérales des premier et deuxième organes de fixation ; les zones de contact ainsi créées augmentent encore l'immobilisation de la base de l'agrafe et plus particulièrement fixent l'orientation du barreau autour d'une direction radiale ;
  • l'agrafe présente une surface extérieure comportant une ouverture à travers laquelle l'élément de verrouillage est inséré dans le passage, et l'élément de verrouillage présente un capot extérieur conformé pour former une surface continue avec la face extérieure de l'agrafe en position de verrouillage ; ainsi l'élément de verrouillage n'offre pas de prise et les possibilités de désengagement de celui-ci sont réduites ;
  • l'élément de verrouillage présente au moins un organe d'encliquetage adapté pour venir en prise avec un organe de retenue en position de verrouillage ; ce qui rendre le montage de l'agrafe indémontable ;
  • l'organe de retenue est formé par un relief saillant de la base de l'agrafe ; ce qui garantit que l'élément de verrouillage ne peut pas se retrouver bloqué dans le passage si la base de l'agrafe n'a pas été prépositionnée par rapport aux organes de fixation ;
  • le barreau présente une section polygonale dont une partie est complémentaire au profil du logement délimité par le deuxième organe de fixation ; ainsi, la rotation de l'agrafe autour de l'axe défini par le barreau est bloquée ;
  • l'élément de verrouillage est adapté pour exercer en position de verrouillage une pression du barreau contre la deuxième face latérale, et se présente de préférence sous la forme d'une aile perpendiculaire aux première et deuxième faces latérales, ladite aile ayant une largeur sensiblement inférieure à la largeur de ces faces ; la pression exercée par l'élément de verrouillage évite l'apparition d'un jeu et la forme d'aile relativement fine autorise une certaine déformation de l'élément de verrouillage qui permet de compenser des variations dimensionnelles de fabrication ;
  • les première et deuxième faces latérales sont espacées longitudinalement l'une de l'autre, et le barreau de la base de l'agrafe s'étend dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe central ;
  • le barreau et la base de l'agrafe sont conformés par rapport aux premier et deuxième organes de fixation pour n'autoriser qu'une position de montage de l'agrafe avec l'élément de verrouillage en position verrouillée ; ainsi tout montage inversé est évité.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following provisions are also used:
  • the bar has a second end also integral with the base of the clip, and the passage for the insertion of the locking element is also adapted for the introduction of the bar in a substantially radial direction and its movement to the housing ; which allows mounting while having a bar firmly attached to the clip;
  • the base of the clip has two wings to which are connected the first and second ends of the bar disposed between said wings, said wings being arranged to come at least partially in contact with faces side walls adjacent the first and second side faces of the first and second fasteners; the contact zones thus created further increase the immobilization of the base of the clip and more particularly fix the orientation of the bar around a radial direction;
  • the clip has an outer surface having an opening through which the locking member is inserted into the passage, and the locking member has an outer cover shaped to form a continuous surface with the outer face of the clip in position locking; thus the locking element does not offer a catch and the possibilities of disengagement of it are reduced;
  • the locking member has at least one detent member adapted to engage a retaining member in the locking position; which makes the mounting of the staple indémontable;
  • the retaining member is formed by a projecting relief of the base of the clip; which ensures that the locking element can not be stuck in the passage if the base of the clip has not been prepositioned relative to the fasteners;
  • the bar has a polygonal section, part of which is complementary to the profile of the housing delimited by the second fixing member; thus, the rotation of the staple around the axis defined by the bar is blocked;
  • the locking element is adapted to exert in the locking position a pressure of the bar against the second lateral face, and is preferably in the form of a wing perpendicular to the first and second lateral faces, said wing having a width substantially less than the width of these faces; the pressure exerted by the locking element prevents the occurrence of a game and the relatively thin wing shape allows a certain deformation of the locking element which compensates for dimensional changes in manufacture;
  • the first and second lateral faces are spaced longitudinally from each other, and the bar of the base of the clip extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis;
  • the bar and the base of the staple are shaped relative to the first and second fasteners to allow only one mounting position of the staple with the locking member in the locked position; thus any inverted fitting is avoided.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages apparaîtront au cours de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en regard des figures dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un instrument d'écriture comprenant un corps, une agrafe et un élément de verrouillage selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue éclatée des principales pièces de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une demi-vue en coupe simplifiée selon le plan XY de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe simplifiée selon le plan de trace IV-IV sur la figure 3 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue partielle agrandie en perspective du corps ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective agrandie de l'agrafe ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective agrandie de l'élément de verrouillage.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures in which:
  • the figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a writing instrument comprising a body, a staple and a locking member according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is an exploded view of the main pieces of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a simplified half-section view according to the XY plane of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 4 is a simplified sectional view along the IV-IV trace plane on the figure 3 ;
  • the figure 5 is an enlarged partial view in perspective of the body;
  • the figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the staple;
  • the figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member.

Sur les différentes figures des éléments identiques désignent des éléments identiques ou similaires. A la figure 1, est représenté un instrument d'écriture 1 comprenant un corps 2 qui présente un premier organe de fixation 3 et un deuxième organe de fixation 4 visibles à la figure 2. L'instrument d'écriture 1 comprend de plus une agrafe 5 et un verrou 6.In the various figures, identical elements designate identical or similar elements. To the figure 1 , there is shown a writing instrument 1 comprising a body 2 which has a first fixing member 3 and a second fixing member 4 visible to the figure 2 . The writing instrument 1 further comprises a staple 5 and a latch 6.

Le corps 2 de l'instrument s'étend longitudinalement selon un axe central X depuis un bouton-poussoir arrière 22 jusqu'à une extrémité avant non représentée. Le corps 2 forme dans le mode de réalisation représenté un fût formé d'une pièce avant 23 sensiblement cylindrique et d'une pièce arrière 24 également sensiblement cylindrique sur laquelle est montée l'agrafe 5 par l'intermédiaire des premier et deuxième organes de fixation (3, 4) comme cela sera détaillé ci-après.The body 2 of the instrument extends longitudinally along a central axis X from a rear push button 22 to a front end not shown. The body 2 forms in the embodiment shown a shaft formed of a substantially cylindrical front part 23 and a substantially cylindrical rear part 24 on which the clip 5 is mounted by means of the first and second fastening members. (3, 4) as will be detailed below.

L'instrument 1 est ici un porte-mine dont l'avance de mine est commandée par action sur le bouton-poussoir arrière 22. Mais on comprendra que l'instrument d'écriture 1 pourrait être tout type d'instrument, notamment un instrument présentant une pointe d'écriture à bille qui pourrait être rétractée par actionnement du bouton arrière 22. Il pourrait encore s'agir d'un instrument de type feutre ou surligneur présentant un capuchon amovible pour recouvrir de manière étanche la pointe, et comme cela est bien connu, susceptible d'être positionnée sur l'extrémité arrière du corps. Dans ce cas, il est entendu que le capuchon constitue une partie du corps 2 de l'instrument 1 qui est susceptible de comporter les premier et deuxième organes de fixation (3, 4). Le montage de l'agrafe 5 ne nécessite alors aucune modification significative, que ce soit des organes de fixation (3, 4) de l'agrafe 5 ou du verrou 6.The instrument 1 is here a mechanical pencil whose lead advance is controlled by action on the push button back 22. But it will be understood that the writing instrument 1 could be any type of instrument, including an instrument having a ball writing tip which could be retracted by actuation of the back button 22. It could still be a felt-like or highlighter-type instrument having a removable cap for sealingly covering the tip, and as this is well known, likely to be positioned on the rear end of the body. In this case, it is understood that the cap constitutes a part of the body 2 of the instrument 1 which is likely to comprise the first and second fasteners (3, 4). The mounting of the staple 5 then requires no significant modification, either of the fastening members (3, 4) of the staple 5 or the lock 6.

Le premier organe de fixation 3 présente une base 31 solidaire de la pièce arrière 24 du corps 2 et s'étend selon la direction radiale Y perpendiculaire à l'axe central X jusqu'à un sommet 32. Le premier organe de fixation 5 pourrait toutefois s'étendre selon une direction quelque peu décalée par rapport à la direction radiale Y, du moment que le sommet 32 soit radialement distant du corps 2.The first fastening member 3 has a base 31 secured to the rear piece 24 of the body 2 and extends in the radial direction Y perpendicular to the central axis X to a top 32. The first fastening member 5 may, however, extend in a direction somewhat offset from the radial direction Y, as long as the vertex 32 is radially distant from the body 2.

Le premier organe de fixation 3 présente une section transversale par rapport à sa direction d'extension, qui est polygonale et d'aire variable. Cette section pourrait présenter une géométrie différente, mais elle doit définir au moins une première face latérale 33 s'étendant entre la base 31 et le sommet 32. Cette première face latérale 33 est dans le mode de réalisation préférentiel représenté, sensiblement plane et orientée vers l'extrémité arrière du corps 2, mais toutefois située à distance de l'extrémité de la pièce arrière 24 pour que le deuxième organe de fixation 4 puisse être disposé entre la première face latérale 33 et l'extrémité de la pièce 24.The first fastener 3 has a cross section relative to its extension direction, which is polygonal and variable area. This section could have a different geometry, but it must define at least a first lateral face 33 extending between the base 31 and the top 32. This first side face 33 is in the preferred embodiment shown, substantially flat and oriented towards the rear end of the body 2, but however located at a distance from the end of the rear piece 24 so that the second fixing member 4 can be disposed between the first side face 33 and the end of the piece 24.

Outre la première face latérale 33, le premier organe de fixation 3 présente deux parois latérales 35 adjacentes à la première paroi latérale 33, c'est-à-dire présentant chacune une arête commune avec cette première paroi latérale 33. Ici, les parois latérales adjacentes 35 se rejoignent en partie vers l'extrémité avant et sont en partie prolongées pour former une protubérance 36 de hauteur nettement inférieure à la hauteur radiale du sommet 32. Une paroi latérale supplémentaire 37 relie les parois latérales adjacentes 35 au niveau de cette protubérance 36.In addition to the first lateral face 33, the first fixing member 3 has two side walls 35 adjacent to the first side wall 33, that is to say each having a common edge with this first side wall 33. Here, the side walls adjacent portions 35 partially meet towards the front end and are partly extended to form a protuberance 36 of height substantially less than the radial height of the vertex 32. An additional side wall 37 connects the adjacent side walls 35 at this protuberance 36.

On notera que le premier organe de fixation 3 présente des variations de section transversale significatives, outre le fait que la protubérance 36 est de hauteur réduite. Plus particulièrement, la base 31 présente une section plus réduite que le sommet 32, ce qui permet une économie de matière plastique et évite des variations dimensionnelles après le démoulage provoquées par des épaisseurs importantes de matière plastique. En tout état de cause, la section du premier organe de fixation 3 reste significative, du même ordre de grandeur que la section de la partie allongée de l'agrafe 5, de sorte que ce premier organe de fixation 3 présente une résistance aux déformations au moins comparable à celle de l'agrafe.Note that the first fastener 3 has significant cross-sectional variations, in addition to the fact that the protuberance 36 is of reduced height. More particularly, the base 31 has a smaller section than the top 32, which allows a saving of plastic material and avoids dimensional changes after demolding caused by large thicknesses of plastic. In any case, the section of the first fixing member 3 remains significant, of the same order of magnitude as the section of the elongate portion of the clip 5, so that the first fastener 3 has a resistance to deformation at less comparable to that of the staple.

Du fait des variations de section, les faces latérales adjacentes 35 du premier organe de fixation 3 présentent des portions de surface en saillie par rapport au reste de la face, et notamment une portion de surface saillante 35a située près du sommet 32 et une portion de surface saillante 35b située au niveau de la protubérance 36, indiquée à la figure 5.Due to the variations in section, the adjacent lateral faces 35 of the first fixing member 3 have projecting surface portions with respect to the remainder of the face, and in particular a protruding surface portion 35a located near the apex 32 and a portion of projecting surface 35b located at the protuberance 36, indicated in FIG. figure 5 .

Comme dans le mode de réalisation représenté, il est préférable que le premier organe de fixation 3 soit intégralement moulé avec la pièce arrière 24 du corps pour réduire les opérations d'assemblage. Mais il est parfaitement envisageable que le premier organe de fixation soit une pièce distincte du corps, du moment qu'elle soit solidement fixée à celui-ci.As in the embodiment shown, it is preferable that the first fastener 3 is integrally molded with the back piece 24 of the body to reduce assembly operations. But it is perfectly conceivable that the first fastener is a separate part of the body, as long as it is securely attached thereto.

Le deuxième organe de fixation 4 présente une base 41 et s'étend jusqu'à un sommet 42, de manière tout à fait analogue au premier organe de fixation 3. La section transversale du deuxième organe de fixation 4 présente également des variations de section significatives. Mais sa section minimale reste significative pour offrir une résistance importante aux efforts.The second fastener 4 has a base 41 and extends to a top 42, quite similar to the first fastener 3. The section transverse of the second fixing member 4 also has significant sectional variations. But its minimal section remains significant to offer significant resistance to efforts.

Le sommet 42 est situé sensiblement au niveau du sommet 32 du premier organe de fixation et présente une forme moins plane que celui-ci, mais il pourrait en être autrement.The top 42 is located substantially at the top 32 of the first fastener and has a shape less flat than the latter, but it could be otherwise.

Le deuxième organe de fixation 4 présente une face latérale 43, dite deuxième face latérale et visible à la figure 5, qui doit être située en regard de la première face latérale 33 du premier organe de fixation 3. Pour être en regard l'une de l'autre, les première et deuxième faces latérales (33, 43) s'étendent globalement dans des plans approximativement parallèles et les projections géométriques respectives de celles-ci sur un plan médian doivent se recouvrir au moins en partie. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la deuxième face latérale 43 est donc orientée vers l'extrémité avant du corps 2 et est espacée longitudinalement selon l'axe central X de la première face latérale 33.The second fixing member 4 has a lateral face 43, called the second lateral face and visible at the figure 5 which must be located opposite the first lateral face 33 of the first fastening member 3. In order to be opposite each other, the first and second lateral faces (33, 43) extend generally in planes approximately parallel and the respective geometric projections thereof on a median plane must overlap at least in part. In the embodiment shown, the second lateral face 43 is thus oriented towards the front end of the body 2 and is spaced longitudinally along the central axis X of the first lateral face 33.

La deuxième face latérale 43 s'étend aussi depuis la base 41, mais ne s'étend radialement que jusqu'à une extrémité supérieure 43a qui est située sous le niveau du sommet 42 de ce deuxième organe de fixation 4. En effet, le deuxième organe de fixation 4 doit comporter une projection 44 à partir de l'extrémité supérieure 43a de la deuxième face latérale. La projection 44 s'étend vers la première face latérale 33 jusqu'à une extrémité libre 44a. L'agencement de cette projection 44 par rapport au corps 2 et à la première face latérale 33 sont déterminés en tenant compte de la géométrie de l'agrafe 5 et du verrou 6 comme cela apparaîtra par la suite.The second lateral face 43 also extends from the base 41, but extends radially only as far as an upper end 43a which is located below the level of the top 42 of this second fixing member 4. In fact, the second fastener 4 must include a projection 44 from the upper end 43a of the second side face. The projection 44 extends to the first side face 33 to a free end 44a. The arrangement of this projection 44 with respect to the body 2 and to the first lateral face 33 are determined taking into account the geometry of the staple 5 and the latch 6 as it will appear later.

A partir des arêtes latérales de la deuxième face latérale 43, s'étendent vers l'arrière deux faces latérales adjacentes 45. Pour ce deuxième organe de fixation 4, les faces latérales adjacentes 45 sont parallèles entre elles et planes. Une face de liaison 47 relie les deux faces latérales 45 adjacentes et présente un décrochement essentiellement pour des raisons d'apparence extérieure.From the lateral edges of the second lateral face 43 extend rearwardly two adjacent lateral faces 45. For this second fastener 4, the adjacent lateral faces 45 are parallel to each other and plane. A connecting face 47 connects the two adjacent lateral faces 45 and has a recess essentially for reasons of external appearance.

Les premier et deuxième organes de fixation (3, 4) ainsi agencés définissent entre eux un passage 48 indiqué à la figure 5. Le passage 48 est situé plus précisément entre l'extrémité libre 44a de la projection 44 du deuxième organe de fixation 4 et la première face latérale 33 du premier organe de fixation 3. Un logement 49 communiquant avec le passage 48 est également défini par la deuxième face latérale 43, la face inférieure de la projection 44 et la pièce arrière 24 formant une partie du corps 2.The first and second fixing members (3, 4) thus arranged define between them a passage 48 indicated in FIG. figure 5 . The passage 48 is located more precisely between the free end 44a of the projection 44 of the second fixing member 4 and the first lateral face 33 of the first fixing member 3. A housing 49 communicating with the passage 48 is also defined by the second lateral face 43, the lower face of the projection 44 and the rear part 24 forming part of the body 2.

On notera la présence d'une rampe 29 faisant saillie au niveau de la partie de la pièce d'extrémité 24 qui délimite le logement 49. La rampe 29 s'étend de manière ascendante jusqu'à la deuxième face latérale 43.Note the presence of a ramp 29 projecting at the portion of the end piece 24 which defines the housing 49. The ramp 29 extends upwardly to the second side face 43.

L'agrafe 5 comporte un élément allongé 51 s'étendant depuis une base 52 jusqu'à une extrémité libre 51a. La base 52 intégralement formée avec l'élément allongé 51, est située sous la face extérieure de celui-ci. La base 52 présente une forme globalement en U ouverte vers l'extrémité arrière du corps 2 à l'état monté. De part cette forme en U, la base 52 présente deux ailes (52a, 52b) globalement parallèles.The clip 5 has an elongate member 51 extending from a base 52 to a free end 51a. The base 52 integrally formed with the elongate member 51, is located under the outer face thereof. The base 52 has a generally U-shaped open towards the rear end of the body 2 in the assembled state. Due to this U-shape, the base 52 has two wings (52a, 52b) generally parallel.

La base 52 pourrait toutefois présenter une forme sensiblement différente et être formée par une pièce distincte de l'élément allongé 51, du moment qu'elle puisse être solidement fixée à celle-ci.The base 52 could however have a substantially different shape and be formed by a separate part of the elongated element 51, as long as it can be firmly attached to it.

L'agrafe 5 comporte un barreau 53 situé entre les ailes (52a, 52b) de la base 52 et solidaire de celles-ci par une première extrémité 53a et une deuxième extrémité 53b respectivement. Il est toutefois à noter qu'il est envisageable de rendre solidaire le barreau 53 de l'agrafe 5, en ne reliant qu'une seule de ses extrémités (53a ; 53b) à la base 52, l'autre extrémité étant libre et de préférence avec une tête élargie pour interdire un coulissement à travers le logement 49. La configuration du barreau 53 représentée est toutefois préférée pour des raisons de solidité du montage de l'agrafe.The clip 5 comprises a bar 53 located between the flanges (52a, 52b) of the base 52 and secured thereto by a first end 53a and a second end 53b respectively. It should however be noted that it is conceivable to make the bar 53 of the clip 5 integral, by connecting only one of its ends (53a, 53b) to the base 52, the other end being free and of preferably with an enlarged head to prevent sliding through the housing 49. The configuration of the bar 53 shown is however preferred for reasons of strength of the assembly of the clip.

Le barreau 53 est un élément allongé présentant une section significative, de préférence du même ordre de grandeur que la section minimale des premier et deuxième organes de fixation (3, 4) pour résister aux efforts que peut subir l'agrafe au cours d'une utilisation habituelle.The bar 53 is an elongate element having a significant section, preferably of the same order of magnitude as the minimum section of the first and second fastening members (3, 4) to withstand the forces that may be experienced by the staple during a period of time. usual use.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté et comme cela apparaît mieux à la figure 3, le barreau 53 présente une section polygonale carrée de profil adapté pour épouser le profil défini par la face inférieure de la projection 44, la deuxième face latérale 43 et la rampe 29. Cette disposition permet d'interdire une rotation du barreau autour de son axe d'allongement dans le logement 29 et crée donc un degré d'immobilisation de l'agrafe 5 par rapport au corps 2. Néanmoins, si le barreau ne doit interdire qu'un mouvement de translation selon l'axe central X, il est possible de prévoir une section circulaire pour celui-ci.In the embodiment shown and as it appears better at the figure 3 , the bar 53 has a polygonal square section of profile adapted to fit the profile defined by the lower face of the projection 44, the second lateral face 43 and the ramp 29. This arrangement makes it possible to prohibit a rotation of the bar around its axis lengthening in the housing 29 and thus creates a degree of immobilization of the staple 5 relative to the body 2. Nevertheless, if the bar must prohibit only a translational movement along the central axis X, it is possible to provide a circular section for it.

La face inférieure 52c, visible à la figure 6, de la base 52 est configurée pour épouser la pièce d'extrémité 24 à l'état monté et ainsi contribuer à l'immobilisation de l'agrafe. Les faces internes, c'est-à-dire en regard, des ailes (52a et 52b) comportent des portions de surface en creux pour réduire l'épaisseur de matière et des portions de surface saillantes, et plus particulièrement une portion de surface saillante 52e visible à la figure 6.The lower face 52c, visible at figure 6 , base 52 is configured to fit the end piece 24 in the mounted state and thus contribute to the immobilization of the staple. The internal faces, that is to say facing, the wings (52a and 52b) have recessed surface portions to reduce the thickness of material and projecting surface portions, and more particularly a protruding surface portion 52e visible at the figure 6 .

L'élément allongé 51 de l'agrafe présente sur sa face supérieure une large ouverture 56 dont la forme correspond sensiblement à l'espace situé entre les ailes (52a, 52b) de la base 52 et qui assure donc une communication avec cet espace.The elongate element 51 of the clip has on its upper face a wide opening 56 whose shape substantially corresponds to the space between the wings (52a, 52b) of the base 52 and which thus provides communication with this space.

Le verrou 6 comporte essentiellement pour assurer sa fonction, un élément de verrouillage 61 configuré pour pouvoir être inséré par le passage 48 lorsque le barreau 53 est agencé dans le logement 49. L'élément de verrouillage 61 atteint alors une position de verrouillage pour laquelle il est ajusté entre la première face latérale 33 et le barreau 53.The lock 6 essentially comprises, to ensure its function, a locking element 61 configured to be inserted through the passage 48 when the bar 53 is arranged in the housing 49. The locking element 61 then reaches a locking position for which it is adjusted between the first lateral face 33 and the bar 53.

L'ajustement de l'élément de verrouillage 61 est réalisé de manière serrée pour éviter tout jeu dans le montage de l'agrafe 5, et même avec une légère déformation sous contrainte pour tenir compte des dispersions dimensionnelles de fabrication. Dans ce but, on notera que l'élément de verrouillage 61 est formé par une aile bien visible à la figure 7, c'est-à-dire une pièce relativement étroite par rapport à sa direction d'allongement, qui est disposée perpendiculairement aux première et deuxième faces latérales (33, 43). La largeur de cette aile 61 est sensiblement inférieure à la largeur des faces latérales (33, 43) et par conséquent une insertion à force de l'élément de verrouillage 61 entraîne essentiellement une déformation de celui-ci, sans déformation notable des premier et deuxième organes de fixation (3, 4). Une telle insertion à force avec déformation peut suffire pour interdire tout enlèvement du verrou 6 si cela est jugé nécessaire.The adjustment of the locking element 61 is tightly made to avoid any play in the mounting of the staple 5, and even with a slight strain under stress to take into account the dimensional dispersions of manufacture. For this purpose, it will be noted that the locking element 61 is formed by a clearly visible wing at the figure 7 that is, a relatively narrow piece with respect to its elongation direction, which is disposed perpendicular to the first and second side faces (33, 43). The width of this flange 61 is substantially smaller than the width of the lateral faces (33, 43) and therefore a forced insertion of the locking element 61 essentially causes a deformation thereof, without significant deformation of the first and second fasteners (3, 4). Such a force insertion with deformation may be sufficient for prohibit removal of lock 6 if it is deemed necessary.

Toutefois, le verrou 6 présente, outre l'élément de verrouillage 61, deux organes d'encliquetage 65 pour interdire tout retrait une fois en position de verrouillage.However, the lock 6 has, in addition to the locking member 61, two detent members 65 to prevent any withdrawal once in the locking position.

De manière préférentielle, les organes d'encliquetage 65 coopèrent avec un organe de retenue qui est préférentiellement formé par un relief saillant de la base 52 de l'agrafe 5 et plus particulièrement le décrochement 52f sur chacune des faces intérieures des ailes (52a, 52c) visibles à la figure 6. Ainsi, la position de verrouillage dans le passage 48 n'est définitive que si l'agrafe 5 a été préalablement montée correctement, c'est-à-dire avec son barreau 53 positionné dans le logement 49.Preferably, the latching members 65 cooperate with a retaining member which is preferably formed by a protruding relief of the base 52 of the staple 5 and more particularly the recess 52f on each of the inner faces of the wings (52a, 52c ) visible to the figure 6 . Thus, the locking position in the passage 48 is definitive only if the clip 5 has been previously mounted correctly, that is to say with its bar 53 positioned in the housing 49.

Le verrou 6 comporte en outre un capot 66 formé par une plaquette à partir de laquelle sont venus de matière l'élément de verrouillage 61 et les organes d'encliquetage 65 disposés de part et d'autre de celui-ci. Le capot 66 permet de conférer un aspect esthétique au verrou 6 en position de verrouillage lorsque l'agrafe 5 est montée, et même de créer un effet décoratif à l'aide d'une matière plastique d'apparence différente de l'agrafe. Mais on notera que le capot 66 est conformé pour que sa face extérieure forme en position de verrouillage une surface continue ou affleurante avec la face extérieure de l'agrafe 5, comme cela apparaît aux figures 1 et 3. Le verrou 6 n'offre donc pas de prise à l'utilisateur. Ainsi, une faible force de retenue en position de verrouillage, obtenue avec ou sans les organes d'encliquetage 65, rend pratiquement impossible un démontage manuel de l'agrafe.The latch 6 further comprises a cover 66 formed by a wafer from which are made of the locking member 61 and the detent members 65 disposed on either side thereof. The cover 66 makes it possible to impart an aesthetic appearance to the latch 6 in the locked position when the clip 5 is mounted, and even to create a decorative effect using a plastic material of different appearance from the staple. However, it will be noted that the cover 66 is shaped so that its outer face forms a continuous or flush surface in the locking position with the outside face of the staple 5, as appears in FIGS. Figures 1 and 3 . The lock 6 does not offer a decision to the user. Thus, a low retaining force in the locking position, obtained with or without the detent members 65, makes it virtually impossible to manually disassemble the clip.

On va maintenant décrire le procédé de montage de l'agrafe 5 sur le corps 2 de l'instrument, montage obtenu uniquement à l'aide des trois pièces (24, 5 et 6) représentées à la figure 2 et qui est rendu particulièrement solide grâce au verrouillage positif de l'agrafe 5 sur la pièce arrière 24 créée à l'aide du verrou 6. Ce montage peut, de plus, être aisément rendu indémontable.We will now describe the assembly process of the clip 5 on the body 2 of the instrument, assembly obtained only with the three parts (24, 5 and 6) shown in the figure 2 and which is made particularly strong thanks to the positive locking of the clip 5 on the rear part 24 created with the lock 6. This assembly can, moreover, be easily rendered unmountable.

A partir de la configuration représentée à la figure 2, l'agrafe 5 est rapprochée de la pièce arrière 24 selon un mouvement radial de direction Y, de sorte que le barreau 53 est inséré entre les premier et deuxième organes de fixation (3, 4) par le passage 48, et ce jusqu'à ce que la face inférieure 52c de la base 52 vienne au contact de la pièce arrière 24. On notera qu'une présentation inversée de l'agrafe 5 ne permet pas d'atteindre ce contact, notamment du fait de la différence de forme des sommets (32, 42) des organes de fixation (3, 4) qui ne pourraient pas pénétrer dans l'espace intérieur de la base en position inversée.From the configuration shown in figure 2 , the clip 5 is brought closer to the rear part 24 in a radial movement of direction Y, so that the bar 53 is inserted between the first and second fastening members (3, 4) through the passage 48, and this until the lower face 52c of the base 52 comes into contact with the rear part 24. It will be noted that an inverted presentation of the staple 5 does not make it possible to reach this contact, in particular because of the difference in shape of the vertices (32, 42) of the fasteners (3, 4) which could not penetrate into the interior space of the base in the inverted position.

Une fois au contact de la pièce arrière 24 du corps 2, l'agrafe 5 est coulissée vers l'arrière selon un mouvement parallèle à l'axe central X. Au cours de ce mouvement de translation longitudinale, le barreau 53 vient se loger dans le logement 49 pour atteindre la position représentée à la figure 3. La rampe 29 permet de réaliser ce positionnement de manière particulièrement ajustée en venant contraindre le barreau 53 sous la projection 44.Once in contact with the rear part 24 of the body 2, the staple 5 is slid backwards in a movement parallel to the central axis X. During this longitudinal translational movement, the bar 53 is housed in the housing 49 to reach the position shown in the figure 3 . The ramp 29 makes it possible to carry out this positioning in a particularly tight manner by constraining the bar 53 under the projection 44.

Toujours au cours de ce mouvement de translation longitudinale, il est à noter que les portions de surface saillantes 35a du premier organe 3 viennent au contact des parois de l'ouverture 56 de l'agrafe et que des portions de surface des ailes (52a, 52b) viennent en contact avec les parois latérales adjacentes 45 du deuxième organe de fixation 4. Ceci augmente l'immobilisation de l'agrafe en pivotement autour de la direction radiale Y.Still during this longitudinal translation movement, it should be noted that the protruding surface portions 35a of the first member 3 come into contact with the walls of the opening 56 of the staple and that surface portions of the wings (52a, 52b) come into contact with the adjacent sidewalls 45 of the second 4. This increases the immobilization of the staple pivoting about the radial direction Y.

De plus, toujours au cours de ce mouvement de translation longitudinale, les portions de surface saillantes 52e des faces intérieures des ailes (52a, 52b) viennent en contact avec les faces latérales adjacentes 35 du premier organe de fixation 3, ce qui est également favorable à l'immobilisation en pivotement.In addition, still during this longitudinal translation movement, the protruding surface portions 52e of the inner faces of the wings (52a, 52b) come into contact with the adjacent side faces 35 of the first fixing member 3, which is also favorable. immobilization in pivoting.

Il faut également noter que ces portions de surface saillantes 52e passent sous les portions de surface saillantes 35a du premier organe de fixation 3 qui présente à ce niveau une section en T prise dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe central X. Ceci augmente la retenue de l'agrafe 5 sur le corps 2 si l'on exerce une traction selon la direction radiale extérieure Y. Il est à noter que, dans cette configuration où le verrou n'a pas encore été positionné, l'immobilisation de l'agrafe est déjà réalisée dans cinq degrés de liberté, seul un mouvement de translation vers l'avant selon la direction de l'axe central X est encore possible.It should also be noted that these protruding surface portions 52e pass under the projecting surface portions 35a of the first fastener 3 which has at this level a T-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the central axis X. This increases the restraint of the clip 5 on the body 2 if one exerts a traction in the outer radial direction Y. It should be noted that, in this configuration where the lock has not yet been positioned, the immobilization of the staple is already performed in five degrees of freedom, only a translation movement forward in the direction of the central axis X is still possible.

Cette dernière immobilisation est réalisée en insérant le verrou 6 de sorte que l'élément de verrouillage 61 crée une butée venant s'interposer entre le barreau 53 de l'agrafe 5 et la première face latérale 33 du premier organe de fixation 3, comme cela est visible aux figures 3 et 4. Cette insertion est faite légèrement à force pour créer une contrainte dans l'élément de verrouillage 61, voire pour déformer celui-ci, et ainsi supprimer tout jeu de montage.This last immobilization is carried out by inserting the latch 6 so that the locking element 61 creates a stop coming to be interposed between the bar 53 of the clip 5 and the first lateral face 33 of the first fixing member 3, as this is visible to figures 3 and 4 . This insertion is made slightly forcefully to create a constraint in the locking element 61, or even to deform it, and thus remove any mounting set.

Dans le mode de réalisation, l'insertion du verrou 6 pour atteindre la position de verrouillage rend le montage de l'agrafe 5 indémontable. Mais on comprendra que le montage de l'agrafe pourrait être rendu assez aisément amovible, par exemple en prévoyant un élément de prise relativement réduit sur le verrou 6, et en conservant un faible risque de démontage involontaire étant donné que la direction de montage du verrou 6 (selon la direction radiale Y) est perpendiculaire à la direction du blocage réalisé par ce verrou (direction parallèle à l'axe central X).In the embodiment, the insertion of the latch 6 to reach the locking position makes the mounting of the staple 5 indémontable. But we will understand that the mounting of the clip could be rendered quite easily removable, for example by providing a relatively small grip element on the lock 6, and keeping a low risk of unintentional disassembly since the mounting direction of the lock 6 (depending on the direction radial Y) is perpendicular to the direction of blocking achieved by this latch (direction parallel to the central axis X).

Bien entendu, ce mode de réalisation n'est nullement limitatif et il apparaîtra à l'Homme du Métier que de nombreuses variantes structurelles peuvent être portées aux trois pièces représentées à la figure 2 sans changer leur rôle fonctionnel. A titre d'exemple, les premier et deuxième organes de fixation pourraient être disposés circonférentiellement sur le corps 2, le verrou immobilisant alors un mouvement de rotation de l'agrafe autour de l'axe central X. D'autre part, bon nombre de fonctions remplies par l'un ou l'autre des organes d'une pièce pourraient être remplies par un organe équivalent solidaire d'une autre pièce.Of course, this embodiment is in no way limiting and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many structural variants can be brought to the three pieces shown in FIG. figure 2 without changing their functional role. For example, the first and second fasteners could be arranged circumferentially on the body 2, the lock then immobilizing a rotational movement of the staple around the central axis X. On the other hand, many of functions performed by one or the other of the members of a part could be filled by an equivalent member integral with another part.

Claims (10)

  1. A writing instrument comprising:
    - a body (2) extending longitudinally along a central axis (X);
    - a clip (5) extending substantially in parallel to the central axis (X), from a base (52) fixed to the body up to a free end (51 a), comprising a bar (53) having a first end (53a) that is integral with said base (52);
    - a first projecting member 3 for attaching the clip 5, having a first lateral side (33) extending between a base (31) that is integral with the body and a radially distant apex (32); and
    - a second projecting attachment member (4) having a second lateral side (43) extending from a base (41) that is integral with the body (2) up to an upper end (43a);
    characterized in that the second lateral side (43) faces the first lateral side (33), in that a projection (44) extends from said upper end (43a) towards the first lateral side (33) up to a free end (44a),
    and in that said first and second lateral sides (33, 43) and the projection (44) are arranged to provide under said projection a cavity (49) adapted to receive at least partially the bar (53) of the clip (5), and to accommodate between said free end (44a) and the first lateral side (33) a passage (48) for inserting a locking element (61) in a substantially radial direction (Y) into a locked position for which said locking element is adjusted between the first lateral side (33) and the bar (53) of the clip (5) arranged in the cavity (49).
  2. A writing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the bar (53) has a second end (53b) which is also integral with the base (52) of the clip (5), and wherein the passage (48) for inserting the locking element (61) is also adapted for introducing the bar (53) in a substantially radial direction (Y) and sliding it into the cavity (49).
  3. A writing instrument according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (52) of the clip has two fins (52a, 52b) to which are connected the first and second ends (53a, 53b) of the bar (53) placed between said fins, said fins being arranged to come at least partially in contact with the lateral sides (35, 45) adjacent to the first and second lateral sides (33, 43) of the first and second attachment members (3, 4).
  4. A writing instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clip (5) has an external surface comprising an opening (56) through which the locking element (61) is inserted into the passage (48), and wherein the locking element (61) has an external cap (66) shaped to form a continuous surface with the external side of the clip (5) in the locked position.
  5. A writing instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (61) has at least one snap-lock member (65) adapted to snap together with a retaining member (52f) in the locked position.
  6. A writing element according to the previous claim, wherein the retaining member (52f) is formed by a raised projection on the base (52) of the clip (5).
  7. A writing instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bar (53) has a polygonal cross-section, of which a portion is complementary to the profile of the cavity (49) delimited by the second attachment member (4).
  8. A writing instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (61) is adapted to exert pressure from the bar (53) against the second lateral side (43) when in the locked position, and preferably is in the form of a fin perpendicular to the first and second lateral sides (33, 43), said fin (61) having a width that is substantially less than the width of these sides.
  9. A writing instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second lateral sides (33, 43) are spaced longitudinally apart from each other, and wherein the bar (53) from the base of the clip extends into a plane perpendicular to the central axis (X).
  10. A writing instrument according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bar (53) and the base of the clip (52) are shaped, relative to the first and second attachment members (3, 4), so as to allow only one mounting position of the clip (5) with the locking element (61) in the locked position.
EP09727159A 2008-03-20 2009-03-17 System for applying a clip to the body of a writing instrument Active EP2271505B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0851824A FR2928864B1 (en) 2008-03-20 2008-03-20 SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING AN AGRAFE ON A WRITING INSTRUMENT BODY
PCT/FR2009/050439 WO2009122086A1 (en) 2008-03-20 2009-03-17 System for applying a clip to the body of a writing instrument

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2271505A1 EP2271505A1 (en) 2011-01-12
EP2271505B1 true EP2271505B1 (en) 2012-08-01

Family

ID=39865700

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09727159A Active EP2271505B1 (en) 2008-03-20 2009-03-17 System for applying a clip to the body of a writing instrument

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US8425135B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2271505B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5490088B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102066128B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0909140A2 (en)
FR (1) FR2928864B1 (en)
MX (1) MX2010010273A (en)
WO (1) WO2009122086A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5705500B2 (en) * 2010-10-20 2015-04-22 株式会社壽 Clip mounting structure
FR2988029A1 (en) * 2012-03-16 2013-09-20 Bic Soc MOUNTING STRUCTURE OF A CLAMP FOR A WRITING INSTRUMENT
DE112014001027T5 (en) * 2013-02-27 2015-12-03 Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha Clamp structure
US9713373B1 (en) * 2016-04-28 2017-07-25 Arthur J. Viani Tension arm locking assembly

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB501523A (en) * 1937-08-28 1939-02-28 Mentmore Mfg Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to fountain pens, propelling pencils and the like
JPS5541590Y2 (en) * 1977-02-28 1980-09-29
JPS59176592U (en) * 1983-05-11 1984-11-26 山口　章 Seal stamp, writing utensil with replaceable clip and ink pad
IT217098Z2 (en) * 1989-06-09 1991-10-29 Seven Steel S R L BALLPOINT PEN WITH SWIVEL COMMAND
US5336006A (en) * 1992-10-09 1994-08-09 Bic Corporation Retractable writing instrument having replaceable cartridge
US6685374B1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-02-03 Cotapaxi, Inc. Big clip pen
JP5108265B2 (en) * 2006-08-11 2012-12-26 ゼブラ株式会社 Clip mounting structure
WO2008081682A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-10 Tokyo Kinzoku Industry Co., Lid. Clip

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009122086A1 (en) 2009-10-08
US20110013965A1 (en) 2011-01-20
MX2010010273A (en) 2010-12-14
CN102066128B (en) 2014-05-14
FR2928864A1 (en) 2009-09-25
CN102066128A (en) 2011-05-18
FR2928864B1 (en) 2010-04-23
JP2011515244A (en) 2011-05-19
JP5490088B2 (en) 2014-05-14
BRPI0909140A2 (en) 2015-09-29
US8425135B2 (en) 2013-04-23
EP2271505A1 (en) 2011-01-12

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