US2882860A - Writing instrument - Google Patents

Description

Aprll 21, 1959 IN. zl-:Px-:LovlTH 2,882,860

WRITING INSTRUMENT Filed Dec. 14, 1956 l '7 Sheets-Sheet l wir 0 f4. :JIL

...jaw/Iliff. :i t ffffffff ik r u Z224/ ./54 Z)m N. ZEPELOVITCH WRITING INSTRUMENT April 21, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 14, 1956 INVENTOR.

April 2l, 1959 N. ZEPELOVITCH WRITING INSTRUMENT '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Deo. 14, 1956 April 21, 1959 N. zEPELovlTCH 2,882,860

WRITING INSTRUMENT Filed Dec. 14, 195.6 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 21, 1959 N. ZEPELOVITCH WRITING INSTRUMENT Filed Deo. 14, 1956 umP '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. /Vm//M/ 5mm/Wc# HEIM! FLV/TCH INVENTOR.

47m/eww '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 14, 1956 pril 21, 1959 N. ZEPELOVlTCH WRITING INSTRUMENT '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Deo. 14, 1956 INVENTOR. /VA THA/v ZfPfLov/mf United States Patent() WRITING INSTRUMENT Nathan Zepelovitch, New York, N.Y. `Application December 14, 1956, Serial No. 628,276

14 Claims. (Cl. 1Z0-46) This invention relates to writing instruments and particularly to an improved construction for fluid ink fountain pens employing filling tubes to effect introduction of ink into the reservoir thereof.

Certain recent developments in the fountain pen art have indicated the commercial desirability of employing extendible filling tubes for effecting the introduction of ink into the ink reservoir of fluid ink writing instruments of the fountain pen type. The use of such extendible filling tubes is intended to obviate the necessity of dipping the writing point into the ink supply during filling operations With its attendant hazards of possible blotting and soilage due to excess ink adherence thereto upon removal therefrom. Present day commercial embodiments employing such extendible filling tubes, although achieving the desired result of avoidance of dipping of the writing point into the ink supply during filling operations, have done so only by the utilization of relatively complicated constructions for the filling tube extension mechanism. These constructions, in addition to increasing the manufacturing cost of the pens, require utilization of an undue amount of space within the pen barrel. Because of the amount of space required for the tube extension mechanism, utilization thereof has been heretofore effected at the expense of available ink capacity, and present day commercial embodiments employing such extendible filling tubes are characterized by ink reservoirs of somewhat limited capacity.

This invention may be briefly described as an improved construction for writing instruments employing a filling tube fixedly mounted so as to have one end thereof extending from the dependent end of the pen barrel, a Writing point assembly slidably mounted `on said filling tube and longitudinally displaceable relative thereto and to said barrel so as to permit retraction thereof within said barrel and consequent exposure of the extending end of said filling tube, an ink reservoir secured to the writing point assembly in fluid communication with the filling tube and disposed within the pen barrel and displaceable in conjunction with the writing point assembly relative thereto, together with associated mechanisms for effecting displacement of said writing point assembly and reservoir relative to said filling tube and pen barrel and for effecting pressure variations within said reservoir when the writing point assembly is in retracted position for emptying and filling the ink reservoir through the filling tube.

Among the advantages attendant the invention described herein, apart from a simplicity of construction permitting appreciable savings in manufacturing costs, is the permitted utilization of ink reservoirs of increased capacity in writing instruments employing filling tubes to avoid dipping of the writing point in the ink supply during filling operations.

The object of this invention is the provision of an improved construction for writing instruments employing filling tubes to effect emptying and filling of the ink reservoir.

2,882,860 Patented Apr. 21, 1959 Another object of this invention is the provision of an improved construction for writing instruments employing a fixed filling tube and a writing point and associated ink reservoir displaceable relative thereto.

rOther objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in the following disclosure and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which describe by way of example the principles of the invention together with the presently preferred embodiments of iiuid ink writing instruments incorporating those principles.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a writing instrument embodying the principles of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to that of Fig. 2, but only partially in section and showing the disposition of certain component elements thereof when the writing point assembly is disposed in retracted position relative to the filling tube and pen barrel;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is a section on the line 7-7 of Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the sleeve member l employed in the construction illustrated in Figs, 1-3;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the upper end of the sleeve member illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the lower end of the sleeve member illustrated in Fig. 8;

Figs. 11a and 11b are sectional views such that when taken together illustrate an alternative construction for fluid ink writing instruments incorporating the principles of this invention;

Figs. 12a and 12b are sectional views such that when taken together illustrate the positioning of the component elements of the construction illustrated in Figs. 11a and 11b when the writing point assembly is disposed in retracted position;

Fig. 13 is a section on the line 13-13 of Fig. 12a;

Fig. 14 is a section on the line 14-14 of Fig. 11b;

Fig. 15 is a section on the line 15-15 of Fig. 12b;

Fig. 16 is a section on the line 16-16 of Fig. 11a;

Fig. 17a is a sectional view of the writing point sleeve member;

Fig. 17b is an elevational View of the underside of the writing point sleeve member;

Fig. 17eis a plan view of the top sleeve member;

Fig. 18a is a plan view of the feed member;

Fig. 18b is a section on the line 18b18b of Fig.- 18a;

Fig. 18b;

Fig. 18h;

Fig. 18b;

Fig.

Fig.

of the writing point 18C ils a section on the line 18c-18c of Fig.

18d s a section on the line 18d- 18d of Fig.

a writing instrument incorporating the principles of this invention;

Fig. 21a is a sectional view taken on the line 21a-21a l of Fig. 21; Fig. 22 is a sectional View of the pen illustrated in Fig.'v 21 with the writing point assembly dispQSGd in advanced:y

position; and

18e is a section on the line 18e- 18e of Fig.`

Fig. 22ais 'a sectional 'viewtaken on the line 22a- 22a of Fig. 22.

Referring to Figs. l through lO of the drawings and particularly to the views illustrated in Figs. l through 3, there is provided a uid ink writing instrument of the fountain pen type having an elongate generally cylindrical barrel member formed of plastic or other suitable materials such as are conventionally employed in the manufacture of fountain pens. The lower end of the barrel 10 terminates in a writing tip or grasping portion generally designated 12, which may be formed as a separate unit secured to the lower end of the barrel 10, as at 14, or maybe molded or otherwise fabricated integral therewith. The writing tip portion 12 may be suitably contoured as at 18 to provide for a comfortable and secure gripping thereof during writing operations by the ultimate user. An annular threaded portion 20 is provided on the 'barrel surface adjacent the writing tip 12 for removable engagement by a protective cap member such as that conventionally employed in present day fountain pen manufacture.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. l through l0, the writing tip portion 12 is formed so as to accommodate an inwardly directed supporting member 22 such 'as the illustrated integral thin rectangularly shaped lug as shown in Figs. Zand 3 or which may be a' threaded `screw or other suitable structure. `Secured tothe supporting member 22 and supported axially within the barrel 10 thereby is an elongate lling tube 24 defining an axially disposed ink passage bore of suitable internal diameter therewithin. The filling tube 24 is mounted on the supporting member 22 in such manner and is sized so as to have the dependent end 26 thereof extending a predetermined distance beyond the lower end of the writing tip 12 and the upper end thereof positioned well'within said barrel member 10.

Slidably mounted on 'the elongate nlling tube 24 is a writing point assembly, generally designated 30, sized to permit retraction thereof within the writing tip portion 12 and pen barrel 10 as illustrated in Fig. 3. The writing point assembly 30 may be conveniently considered as generally including a bushing member 32 and a writing point 34 (see Fig. 2). The bushing member 32 includes an annularly shaped base portion 36 sized to be displaceably contained within the barrel 10 and writing tip portion 12 and having a longitudinal slot 38 therein sized to receive the filling tube supporting member 22 when said Writing point assembly is in advanced position as illustrated in Fig. 2. Disposed above the base porton 36 and preferably molded integral therewithis an annular collar portion 40 of reduced external diameter completely encircling the filling tube 24. As illustrated in the drawings, the annular collar portion 40 is provided with an extending annular ange or shoulder 42 spaced a predetermined distance above the upper surface of said'base portion 36. An annular gasket 44 is mounted on the upper surface of the `collar portion 40 in engagement' with the exterior surface of said filling tube 24.

The writing point, generally designated 34, includes a nib portion 44 of conventional configuration, together with a slotted nib supporting feed'member 46 (see Fig. 6) ysized to permit displacement thereof relative to the lling tube supporting member 22 upon displacement of said writing point assembly as described above. The nib supporting feed member 46 maybe and is lpreferably formed integral with the above-described base portion 36 of the bushing member 32 and should include a capillary comb system 35 as is conventionally employed to regulate and control the amount of uid ink contained adjacent the writing nib 44 during writing operations.

Displaceably contained within the barrel 10 is an elongate preferably metallic sleeve memberl54. As best illustrated in Figs. 8-10 the upper end portion ofthe sleeve member 54 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally disposed slots 56'and a'pairof inwardly directed.flanges or ears 58 and 60. The anges 58 and 60 are sized to dene a diametrically disposed rectangular aperture l62 intermediate the adjacent ends thereof. The lower end portion of the sleeve member 54 is also provided with a plurality of longitudinally disposed slots 64 and a plurality of inwardly directed anges or ears 66. The anges 66 disposed 'on the lower end of the sleeve 54 are sized and shaped to define a generally circular aperture 68 of a diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of the collar portion 40 of the bushing member 32.

The upper end of the elongate sleeve member 54 is adapted to be secured to the inside of a barrel cap 70. As best shown in Figs. l-3 the external surface of the barrel cap 70 is `suitably contoured to merge with the upper extremity of the barrel 10 and thereby form a continuous external configuration of pleasing appearance when the writing point assembly is disposed as illustrated in Figs. l and 2. A secure mounting of the upper end of the elongate sleeve 54 in the barrel cap 70 may be effected by a press-tit and engagement of beads 72 on the sleeve surface by recesses 74 within said barrel cap 70 or by a conventional threaded engagement of the contacting vportions of each member. The above described mounting of the elongate sleeve 54 and barrel cap 70 results in permitted displacement of the sleeve 54 relative to the barrel 10, both longitudinally and rotatively, in response to longitudinal and/ or rotative manual displacement of the barrel cap 70.

The lower end of the sleeve member 54 is connected to the writing'point assembly 36 by the disposition of the inwardly directed flange members 66 within the recess defined by the undersurface of the extending shoulder 42 on the lcollar portion 4@ of the bushing member 32 and the adjacent upper surface of the base portion 36 thereof.

The above-described mounting of the writing point assembly 30 on the lower end portion of the elongate sleeve member 54 permits longitudinal displacement of said writing point assembly 30 relative to the barrel 10 and to the elongate 'filling tube 24 in response to and'iu accordance with longitudinal displacement of said sleeve member 54 and barrel cap 70 relative to the barrel 10 as illustrated in Fig. 3. In addition thereto, the abovedescribed mounting of the writing point assembly 30 on the lower end portion of the elongate sleeve member 54 also permits ready rotative displacement of said sleeve 54 vrelative to said writing point assembly 39 when said writing point assembly 30 is disposed in retracted position.

Secured in airand liquid-tight relation to the outer surface of the collar portion 40 of the bushing member 36, as at 76, is the lower end of a deformable ink reservoir 7Ssized to be contained within the elongate sleeve member 54. The upper end of the deformable ink reservoir 78 is shaped to provide a beaded extended flange 80 l adapted to 'be disposed within the rectangular aperture 62 and becompressively engaged by the flanged portions 58 in the upper end of said sleeve member 54. The securing of the lower end of the ink reservoir 78 to the collar portion 40 maintains the interior of the ink reservoir 7S in'uid communication with the upper end of the filling tube 24 at all times and irrespective of the positioning of the writing point assembly 30 relative to the barrel 10. In addition thereto, the securing of the lower end Y of the ink reservoir 78 to the collar portion 40 of the non-rotatable writing point assembly 39 and the securing of the upper portion of the reservoir 78 to the rotatably displaceable sleeve 54 permits ready deformation of said reservoir 78 by rotative displacement of the barrel cap and elongate sleeve54 relative to the barrel 1G.

In operation of the above-described unit, the writing point assembly '30 is normally disposed in its extended position as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 with the extending dependent end 26 of the filling tube 24 being completely shrouded by said writing point assembly 34 and the barrel cap 70 being disposedadjacent the upper'end of the barrel 10. When theink reservoir'78 required replenishment,

the barrel cap 70 is withdrawn to the position illustrated in Fig. 3. The longitudinal displacement of the barrel cap 70 effects a concomitant displacement of the elongate sleeve 54 relative to the barrel 10 which in turn results in a retraction of the writing point assembly 30 relative to the barrel and dependent filling tube 24 as illustrated in Fig. 3 and consequent exposure of the extending dependent end 26 of said filling tube. The amount of displacement of the sleeve 54 and writing point assembly 30 upon retraction thereof may be conveniently limited by mounting a flanged arresting member 82 or stop at a predetermined location on the portion of the filling tube 24 disposed within the ink reservoir or by employing a protuberance or bead on the surface of one of the elementsof the writing point assembly 30 positioned to be disposed in a defining guide channel on the interior of the barrel member 10. The stop 82 illustrated in the drawings is preferred as it also serves to engage the annular gasket 44 and to further assure an airand liquidtight seal around said tube 24 when the writing point assembly 30 is in retracted position.

When the limit of displacement of the retraction of the writing point assembly 30 is reached as described above, the extending end 26 of the tube 24 is immersed in a source of uid ink and a rotative displacement of the barrel cap 70 relative to the barrel 10 effects a concomitant rotative displacement of the elongate sleeve member 54 relative to the barrel 10 and to the writing point assembly 30. 'Ihe rotative displacement of the sleeve 54 relative to the writing point assembly 30 results in a twisting of the upper end of said reservoir 78 (engaged with the upper end of the sleeve 54) relative to the lower end thereof (secured to the collar portion 40 of the bushing member 32) and in a twisting deformation of the same. The deformation of the ink reservoir 78 results in a volume decrease therein and in an expulsion of the contents thereof outwardly through the filling tube 24 in response to the pressure increase therewithin. Subsequent to the emptying of the ink reservoir 7S as described above, reformation thereof in response to rotative replacement of the barrel cap 70 relative to the barrel 10 to its starting position results in an increase in volume of the reservoir 78 and a consequent pressure decrease therewithin. With the extending end 26 of the filling tube 24 being disposed in a source of uid ink, the decrease in pressure within the ink reservoir 78, upon reformation thereof as described above will, in conjunction with the atmospheric pressure operating on the surface of the ink supply, effect introduction of fiuid ink into said ink reservoir 78 through the tube 24. After filling of the ink reservoir 78 as described above, the barrel cap 70 is returned to its position adjacent the upper end of the barrel 10 as illustrated in Figs. l and 2. The return of the barrel cap 70 results in displacement of the sleeve 54 and in extension of the writing point assembly 30 to its advanced position shrouding the extending end 26 of the filling tube 24 as illustrated in Figs. l and 2.

With the parts positioned as illustrated in Fig. 2, fluid communication between the interior of the ink reservoir 78 and the writing nib 45 may be effected by a suitably located channel or recess in the outer surface of the filling tube, as indicated at 84. As shown in the drawings, the channel or recess 84 is sized so that the upper end 86 thereof terminates adjacent a narrow channel or slot 90 in the nib supporting member 46 disposed beneath and in fluid communication with the nib 44. Alternatively, the filling tube 24 may be provided with a pair of bores, one having a suitably located aperture therein permitting ink entry to the bore thereof from the reservoir 7S when the parts are positioned as shown in Fig. 2, and a second suitably located aperture permitting ink delivery from said bore to the writing nib 44 at the general locations defined by the ends of the illustrated channel or recess 84. Figs. 11-19 illustrate another construction of fiuid ink writing instrument incorporating the principles of this 6. invention. As illustrated, there is provided a fiuid ink writing instrument of the fountain pen type having an elongate generally cylindrical barrel member formed of plastic or other suitable material such as is conventionally employed in the manufacture of fountain pens. The lower end of the barrel 100 terminates in a writing tip portion of slightly reduced external diameter, generally designated 102, which is preferably contoured as at 104, to provide for a secure and comfortable grasping thereof during writing operations by the ultimate user. The writing tip portion 102 defines a cylindrical bore 106 therewithin of somewhat reduced internal diameter as compared with the internal diameter of the barrel portion 100. In the illustrated embodiment the cylindrical bore 106 terminates in an inclined shoulder member 108, the upper end of which is definitive of the uniform diameter of the bore formed by the barrel member 100.

The external surface of the writing tip portion 102 may be provided with a threaded segment 110 at a predetermined distance from the dependent end thereof to permit removable engagement of said writing tip portion 102 by a protective cap member such as is conventionally employed in present day fountain pens.

As Ibest shown particularly in Figs. 12a and 16, the dependent end of the writing tip portion 102 is provided with an inwardly directed supporting member 112 and supported axially thereby relative to the bore 106 is the upper end of a dependent filling tube 114. The filling tube 114 is thereby positioned so that the dependent end 116 thereof extends a predetermined distance beyond the lower or dependent extremity of the writing tip por Ition 102.

Slidably mounted within the bore 106 of the writing tip portion 102 is a displaceable writing point assembly, generally designated 120. The writing point assembly 120, as illustrated in Figs. 1ll3 and 16 in assembled relationship may be considered as a composite unit formed of a writing point sleeve member 122, a feed member 124 and a writing nib 126 disposed therebetween.

The structure and preferred configuration of the writing point sleeve member is illustrated in Figs. 17a-17e. As there shown, the writing point sleeve member 122 is a tube-like member of generally cylindrical configuration having an external diameter sized to closely fit within the bore 106 and to be Slidably displaceable therewithin. More specifically, the writing point sleeve member 122 is shaped to provide a cylindrical shank portion 130. Spaced a predetermined distance from the rear edge thereof is a rectangular shaped recess 132 in the underside thereof sized to contain the supporting member 112 mounted in the lower end of the writing tip portion 102 as described aforesaid and to thereby limit the downward displacement of said sleeve member relative thereto. Immediately in front of the supporting member receiving recess 132 there is provided an enlarged cutout portion 134 which terminates as at 136, in a generally semi-cy lindrical segment immediately adjacent the dependent point portion 138. The dependent point portion 138 is preferably formed so as to conform to the general shape of the writing nib 126 to be employed.

The structure and presently preferred configuration of the writing point feed member 124 is set forth in Figs. 18a to 18e. As there illustrated the feed member 124 is also of generally cylindrical configuration and has an outside diameter sized to be closely contained within the writing point sleeve member 122 described above, as by a press-fit. The feed member 124 is provided with an axially disposed longitudinal bore 142 sized to contain the fixed dependent filling tube 114 to permit slidable displacement of said feed member 124 relative thereto. Disposed on the underside of the feed member 124 is an elongate rectangular channel 144 sized to permit longitudinal displacement of the feed member 124 relative to the supporting member 112 mounted yat the lower end of tlrebore 106.as :defined by tbe'writing tip portion 102 of the barrel member 100. The :fore portion of the upper surface of the feed member 124 is provided with -a shallow recess 146 shaped to closely contain and position the writing nib 126 in such manner .that the upper surface of the writing nib is disposed substantially flush with the adjacent-unrecessed portions of the outer surface 4of said feed member 124. The side portions of the feed member 124 are, over a portion of its length, Vprovided with a plurality of recesses or cuts 148 forming a capillary comb network adapted to function as an ink suspension or storage area for any excess liuid ink delivered to the Writing nib 126 from the ink reservoir of the pen. Fluid communication intermediate the writing point receiving recess 146 and the longitudinal bore 142 is effected by a narrow radially disposed slit or passage 150. If desired, additional ink ,storage capacity adjacent the writing nib 126 and passage 150 may be provided by means of an elongate narrow recess 152 disposed within the body of the feed member 124 adjacent the upper surface of the bore 142 and having the front end 154 thereof opening into and in fluid communication with the aforementioned ink feed passage 150. The rear or shank portion 156 of the generally cylindrical feed member 124 is provided with a spring member receiving recess 158on-the surface thereof, preferably on the side portion thereof in line with one of the capillary comb networks. The dependent end of said recess 158 is connected to a transversely disposed aperture 160 which extends to and connects with the bore 142.

The structure and shape of the presently preferred form writing nib 126 is shown in detail in Figs. 19a'to 19e. As there illustrated, the writing nib 126 is of generally conventional configuration being of arcuate shape and provided with split writing point section 164. The r1ib126 is sized and shaped to be closely contained Within the nib receiving recess 146 in the upper surface of the fore portion of the ink feed member 124 in such manner that the split in the split writing point 164 is .disposed over and in fluid communication with .the ink passage channel 150 therein. The rear portion of the writing nib 126 may be of a scalloped configuration as illustrated at 166 so Ias to cooperate with a similarly shaped rear portion of the recess 146 to minimize or prevent undesired shifting or displacement thereof relative to the feed member 124.

Figs. ll to 13 show the writing point assembly 120 in assembled @relationship and operatively disposed within the 'bore 106 of the Writing tip portion 102. As there illustrated, the writing nib 126 is positioned within the ing receiving recess 146 in the feed member with the split 164 in the writing point being disposed in alignment with an over the ink passage channel 150 therein. With the writing nib being so positioned the feed member 124 and writing nib 126 are disposed ywithin the sleeve member 122 in such mannen that the longitudinal channel 144 on the underside of the feed member 124 is disposed in alignment with the rectangular recess 132 on the underside of the sleeve 122. When operatively positioned within the bore 106 of the Writing tip portion 102, the filling tube 114 is disposed within the bore 142 of the feed member 124 and the supporting member 112 is disposed within the elongate rectangular channel 144 in the underside of said feed member 124. The limit of downward displacement of the writing point assembly 120 relative to the barrel 110 and writing tip portion 102 is effected by engagement of the supporting member 112 by the edge of the recess 132 in the writing point sleeve member 122. When so positioned, the writing point assembly r120 should completely enclose the dependent filling tube 114, as shown in Fig. lla. Displaceably contained within the barrel 100 .is an elongate preferably metallic Writing point assembly displacing member, generally kdesignated 170. As best illustrated in Figs. ll, 12, 14 and 15, the writing point assembly .displacing member is preferably formed -of an elongate relatively narrowstrip of an arcuate cross-section adapted to Yconform to and be disposed against the Wall of barrel member (see Fig. 15) in a channel therefor, defined by the projecting shoulders 171. Thedependent end of the writing point assembly displacing member 170 is adapted to be disposed within the receiving recess therefor 158 and is provided with'a hook-like shank portion 174 sized to be positioned within the transverse aperture 160 and fxedly maintained therein by the voverlaying surface of writing point sleeve member 122. Preferably, the hook portion 174 is of sufficient length to appreciably extend .into the longitudinal bore,142 in said feed member 124, as best shown in Fig. lla for a purpose that will be explained at a later point in this specification.

The upper end of the writing point assembly displacing member is doubled back upon itself as at 176to form a curved end shaped to be contained within'a barrel cap 178. As best .shown in Figs. 11b and 12b, the external surface of the barrel .cap 178 is suitably contoured to merge with the upper extremity of the barrel 10 and thereby form a continuous external configuration of pleasing appearance, when the writing point assembly 120 is disposed in advance position as illustrated in Fig. 11a. The dependent end of the upper portion of the writing point displacing member is `bifurcated as at 177. A secure mounting of the upper end 176 of the writing point assembly displacing member 170 within the barrel cap 178 may be readily effected by a press-fit thereof therewithin in such manner that the end 180 of the downwardly directed bifurcated portion 177 thereof is positioned against a suitable retaining shoulder 182.

The above described mounting of the upper end 176 of the Writing point assembly displacing member 170 within the manually displaceable barrel cap 178 results in permitted manual displacement of the writing point displacing member 170 relative to the barrel 100 in response to longitudinal displacement of the barrel cap 178. As the lower end of the writing point assembly displacing member 170 is secured to the feed member 124 by disposition of the terminal hook portion 174 thereof within the aperture 160,'longitudinal displacement of the writing point assembly displacing member 170 also results in a longitudinal displacement of the entire writing point assembly 120 relative to the barrel 100 and the dependent filling tube 114.

Disposed within the barrel member 100 and extending upwardly into the barrel cap 178 is an ink reservoir formed of readily deformable material such as soft rubber or suitable transparent plastic. The dependent end thereof is molded to form an integral narrow elongate sleeve, the upper portion 192 of which is sized to be closely and compressively contained within the bore 142 of the feed member 124 and the lower portion 194 of which is sized to be closely yet slidably contained within the filling tube 114. Contained within the dependent sleeve is a rigid slotted filling tube 196 of restricted diameter and having the upper end 198 thereof opening into the ink reservoir 190. As best shown in Figs. 11a and 12a, the upper portion 192 of the dependent sleeve portion of the ink reservoir 190 is engaged by the end of the hook member 174 that protrudes into the bore 142 of the vfeed member 124. The engagement of the upper portion 192 of the dependent sleeve by the protruding end of the hook member 174 assures that the writing instrument displacing member 170, the barrel cap 178,'tl1e Writing point assembly 120 and the ink reservoir 190 are longitudinally displaceable as a unit relative to the barrel member 100 and the dependent filling tube 114 mounted on the writing tip portion 102.

In operation of the above described unit the writing point assembly 120 is normally disposed in extended position .as villustrated in Fig. 11a with Ythe dependent filling `tube .114 .beingcovered `.or shrouded-by tbe `feed member 124. With the component elements so disposed, the lower portion 194 of the Aintegral dependent sleeve of the ink reservoir 190 together with the internal lling tube 196 disposed therewithin is disposed Within said dependent lling tube 114.

In the event the ink reservoir 190 requires replenishment, the barrel cap 178 is manually and longitudinally withdrawn from its position closing the upper end of the barrel 100 as illustrated in Fig. lla to its extended position as generally illustrated in Fig. 12b. The withdrawal of the barrel cap 178 as described aforesaid eiects a concomitant longitudinal displacement of the writing point displacing member 170 relative to the barrel member 100 which, through the engagement of the upper portion 192 of the dependent sleeve of the ink reservoir 190 by the hook member 174 and by the disposition of said hook member 174 in the transverse aperture 160 in the feed member 124, results in a longitudinal displacement and retraction of the entire writing point assembly 120 and the ink reservoir 190 relative to both the barrel member 100 and the dependent filling tube 114 fixedly mounted in the dependent end thereof. The retraction of the barrel cap 178, as described aforesaid, results in exposure of the dependent filling tube 114 and disposition of the component elements as illustrated in Figs. 12a, 12b and 13. The amount of displacement of the barrel cap 178 and other components described above necessary to effect exposure of the dependent filling tube 114 may be conveniently limited by a simple arresting system such as a projecting bead on the surface of the writing point displacing member 170 sized to ride in a suitably located channel or recess on the interior of the barrel 100, or by any other suitable means.

After retraction of the writing point assembly 120 has been effected by withdrawal of the barrel cap 178 as described above, the dependent end 116 of the now exposed dependent filling tube 114 may be immersed in a source of uid ink. In the above described construction it will be noted that the separation Iof the barrel cap 178 from the upper end of the barrel member 100 results in exposure of a portion of the ink reservoir 190. Manual deformation of said ink reservoir 190 by compression thereof against the adjacent surface of the writing point displacing member 170 will result in a volume decrease of said reservoir and in an expulsion of the contents thereof outwardly through the tube 196 and through the lling tube 114. After expulsion of the contents of the ink reservoir 190, las described above, a release of the manual deforming pressure thereon Will permit the atmospheric pressure operating on the surface on the uid ink in the ink supply container to force fluid ink into said reservoir 190 through said dependent iilling tube 114 and tube 196. After replenishment of the ink reservoir 190 a return of the barrel cap 17S to its position adjacent the upper end of the barrel 100 (as illustrated in Fig. 11b) effects a downward displacement of the writing point displacing member 170, the writing point assembly 120, the ink reservoir 190 and the dependent sleeve portion thereof to the positions illustrated in Fig. 11a and in an exposure of the writing nib 126 and in a shrouding of the dependent filling tube 114.

With the writing point assembly disposed in advanced position and with the component elements disposed as illustrated in Fig. lla, `fluid communication between the interior of the ink reservoir 190 and the writing nib 126 is effected through the slotted tube 196, through an aligned slot 210 at the dependent end of the lower portion 194 of the dependent sleeve of the ink reservoir 190, through thhe adjacent aligned slot 118 in the dependent lling tube 114, and through the aligned ink feed channel 150 in the feed member 124 to the split 164 in said writing nib 126 mounted thereon. Any excess ilow of ink to the writing nib 126 may be accommodated in the capillary comb networks 148 mounted on the side portions .of the feed member 124 and disposed in uid com.

munication with the underside of the nib 126 and 'also in' part by the elongate recess 152 disposed adjacent to the bore 142, which recess is closed Vby the adjacent surface of the writing instrument filling tube 114 when said writing point assembly is disposed in advanced position.

In the operation of the unit as above described defor mation of the ink reservoir 190 was effected by a manual deformation of the exposed portions thereof when the barrel cap 178 was retracted. Also included in the illustrated embodiment is a simple construction for an automatic means of effecting deformation of the ink reservoir 190 in response to the retraction of the barrel cap 178. As illustrated in Figs. lla, 1lb, 12a, 12b, 14 and 15, there may also be provided a narrow strip of spring metal 220 preferably disposed against the outer surface of the ink sac 190 diametrically opposed to the writing point displacing member 170. As best shown in Fig. 12b, the upper end of the metal strip 220 is provided with a downwardly directed latch portion 222, sized so that the dependent end thereof is biased so as to be disposed in engagement with the shoulder 182 in the barrel cap 178 intermediate the lbifurcated end portion 177 of the writing point displacing member 170. In a similar manner the lower end of the metal strip 220 is provided with an upwardly directed latch portion 224 having the end thereof biased into sliding engagement with a recessed channel 226 in the interior surface of the barrel member 100. Upon retraction of the barrel cap 178 the spring metal strip 220 will be displaced in conjunction with the writing point displacing member by the engagement of the dependent end 'of the latch portion 222 and the shoulder 182. Since the lower latch member 224 is biased so as to ride inthe channel 226 in the barrel member 100 it will be displaced relative thereto until said outwardly biased end thereof engages the end thereof which is positioned so as to limit upward displacement when the dependent filling tube 114 is properly exposed. After engagement of the end of the channel 226 by the outwardly biased end of the lower latch portion 224, attempted further retraction of the barrel cap 178 will result in a camming -action and in a substantially horizontal displacement of the spring metal strip 220 as illustrated in Fig. 12b. This substantially horizontal displacement of the spring metal strip 220 will result in compressive deformation of the ink sac or reservoir against the writing instrument displacing member 170 and in an expulsion of the contents thereof as described aforesaid. Upon the return downward displacement of the barrel cap 178 the spring metal strip 220 will initially return to a position against the surface of the barrel 100 and thereby permit reformation lof the ink reservoir 190 and introduction of fluid ink therein through the filling tube 114 in response to atmospheric pressure operating on the surface ink supply as described aforesaid.

By the above construction, there is provided a simple and inexpensive structure for `effecting automatic deformation of the ink reservoir 190 in response to the displacement of the barrel cap 178 necessary to expose the dependent filling tube 114.

Fig. 20 illustrates a slightly modified construction for the dependent sleeve portion of the ink reservoir for the embodiment illustrated in Figs. ll-l9. As illustrated, the deformable ink reservoir 190 terminates in a dependent integral elongate sleeve. The upper portion 192 of the sleeve is, as in the earlier described embodiment, sized to be closely contained within the bore 142 of the feed member 124. In this embodiment, the dependent end thereof 300 is sized to be closely contained Within the filling tube 114 and the portion 302 of the sleeve disposed intermediate the upper portion 192 and the dependent end 300 is of reduced diameter so as to be normally disposed out of engagement with the inner wall of the filling tube 114 as illustrated at 304. Making the intermediate section 302 of reduced diameter as described serves to reduce the frictional resistance encounteredy 1 1 daling: retractionV and advance of; the,n writingpcint, asa sembly relative, to the filling tube 114.

Figs. 21y and 22 illustrate a, simplified structure for a writing, instrumentv employing the principles of this in.` vention. As illustrated, thewriting instrument includes a barrel member S-having a-. dependentfilling tube 312 fixedly mounted so as to extend fromV the lower end thereof.v The simplified structure includes the integral disposition of the Writing point sleeve member 316 (shaped as illustrated in Figs. 17a-Nc) at the lower end of thewriting point displacing member 3M. The upper end 3118 of thewriting point displacing member 314Y is secured tol a displaceable barrel cap 320. The writing point: sleeve member encircles a feed member and a writingnib as described earlier` in conjunction with the em.- bodimentof Figs. ll-l9. Disposed adjacent the writing point displacing member 314; is a deformable link reservoir 322 secured tothe writing point assembly in the samemanner as that described earlier in conjunction with: the embodiments described inl Figs. 11-19.

Pivotally mounted on an edge of the writing point displacing member 314 and secured thereto as by an adhesive, strip. 326 or other suitable means is a displaceable pressureplate 324. As best shown in Fig. 21, the displaceable pressure plate 324' is exposed when the writingv point assembly is disposed in retracted position. When` soexposed the plate 324 may be manually displaced so asf to deform the ink reservoir and effect the filling operation. Automatic pivotal displacement of the pressure plate 324 may also be readily effected in respouse to the longitudinal `displacement. of the barrel cap 3).0I and the writing point displacement member 314'. One means for effecting such automatic pivotal displacement is by the addition of a projecting bead or lug 330 fo. the lower portion of the pressure plate 324- adjacent the edge thereof disposed against the Writing point displacing member 314'. The lug 330 preferably rides Within a longitudinal channel 332 disposed on the inner surface ofthe barrel 329, the upper terminus of which is' suitably formed to effect a horizontal displacement oftlielug 330- and consequent pivotal displacement of the plate 324 and compressive `deformation of the reservoir 322.

ln accordance with the provisions of the patent sta-tutes, I have herein described the principles of this invention, together with the elements which l now consider to constitute a workable embodiment thereof, but I* desire to have it understood that the structure disclosed is only illustrative and the invention can be carried out by other means. Also, While it is designed to use the various features and elements in the combinations and relations described, some of these may be altered and modified without interfering with the more general results outlined.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. ln a writing instrument, an elongate barrel member, a filling tube mounted at one end of said barrel member having one end thereof disposed therein and the other end thereof extending therefrom, a displaceable elongate member disposed within said barrel member 4and entendible from the other end thereof, a Writing point asscmbly slidably mounted on said filling tube and connected to` one end of said elongate member for displacement along the length of said filling tube in response todisplacement of said elongate member relative to said barrel member, an ink reservoir secured to said writing point assembly in iiuid communication with the end of said filling' tube disposed Within said barrel member and displaceable in conjunction with said Writing point assembly in response to displacement of said elongate member relative to said barrel member, and means for permitting the effecting of pressure variations Within said reservoir when said writing point assembly is in retracted position relative to the end of, saidy filling` tubev extend.

1,2 ing; from said. barrel member for emptying and filling said reservoir through said tube.

2. In a Writing instrument, anlelongate cylindrical barrel member, a writing tip disposed onl one end of said barrelmember having an inwardly disposed llng tube support-- ing member, a filling tubesecuredy to said supporting member having one end thereof disposed within said barrel, and the other end thereof, extending outwardly from said, writing` tip displacement restraining means mounted adjacent the end of said filling tube disposed Within said barrelmember, a displaceable elongate sleeve disposed within; said barrel member and extendible from the other endA thereof, al writing point assembly slidably mounted on, said filling tube and connected to one end of said elongate:` sleeve for displacement along the length of said filling tube inresponse to displacement of said sleeve memberrelative to said barrel member, thev displacement of said writ ing point being limited in retracted position by said dise placement restraining means mounted on said filling tube an ink reservoir secured to said writing point assembly in.: fluid communication with the end of said filling tube dis-- posed within said barrel member and displaceable inconjunction with said writing point assembly in response to, displacement of said elongate sleeve member relative. to; said barrel member, and means for permitting the effect-v ing of pressure variations within said reservoir When said. Writing point assembly is in retracted position relative to. the end of said filling tube extending from said barrel member for emptying and filling said reservoir through saidl tube.

3. ln a writing instrument, an elongate cylindrical barrel member, a filling tube mounted at one end of said barrel member having one end thereof disposed4 there- Within and the other end thereof extending therefrom, a rotatably and longitudinally displaceable elongate sleeve` member disposed within said barrel member and extend-- ible from the other end thereof, a Writing point assembly slidably mounted on said filling tube and connected to one end of said elongate sleeve for displacement along the length of said filling tube in response to longitudinal displacement of said sleeve member relative to said barrel' member and to permit rotative displacement of said sleeve member relative thereto, a deformable ink reservoir encompassed by said sleeve member secured to said writing point assembly in fluid communication with the end ofk said filling tube disposed within said barrel member and longitudinally displaceable in conjunction with said writing point assembly in response to longitudinal displacement of said sleeve member relative to said barrel mem ber, and means securing a portion of said ink reservoir disposed remote from the end thereof secured to said writing point assembly to said sleeve member for effecting deformation of said ink reservoir in response to rotativey displacementof said sleeve member relative to said writing point assembly and consequent pressure variations within said reservoir when said writing point assembly is` in retracted position relative to the end of said filling tube extending from said barrel member for emptying and filling said reservoir through said tube.

4. In a Writing instrument, an elongate cylindrical barrel member, a filling tube mounted at one end of said' barrel member having one end thereof disposed therewithin and the other end thereof extending therefrom, a writing point assembly displaceably mounted on said filling tube,` an inl: reservoir secured to said Writing point in fluid communication with the end of said filling tubeI disposed within said barrel member and displaceable in conjunction therewith relative to said barrel memberY and to said filling tube, means for longitudinal displacing said writing point assembly and ink reservoir along a portion of the length of said filling tube for exposing the end of: said filling tube extending from said barrel member, and means for permitting the effecting of pressure variations within said ink reservoir-when saidwriting point assembly is; in retractedv position relative to the end of said-.lliu&i

13 tube extending from said barrel member for emptying and filling said reservoir through said tube.

5. In a writing instrument, an elongate barrel member, a filling tube mounted at the dependent end of said barrel member and extending therefrom, a writing point assembly disposed at the dependent end of said barrel member and displaceable relative thereto and to said filling tube, an ink reservoir disposed in fluid communication with said filling tube and displaceable in conjunction with said writing point assembly relative to said filling tube and to said barrel member and means for effecting displacement of said Writing point assembly and ink reservoir relative to said lling tube and barrel member to expose the end of said filling tube extending from said barrel member, whereby filling of said reservoir through said exposed filling tube may be effected in response to pressure variations eifected within said reservoir.

6. In a writing instrument, a barrel member, a filling tube mounted at the dependent end of said barrel and extending therefrom, a Writing point assembly slidably mounted on said filling tube and displaceable relative thereto and to said barrel member, an ink reservoir disposed in uid communication with said filling tube and displaceable in conjunction with said writing point assembly relative to said filling tube and to said barrel member and means for permitting manual displacement of said writing point assembly and said reservoir relative to said filling tube to expose said tube and permit said reservoir to be filled therethrough.

7. In a Writing instrument, a barrel member, a filling tube mounted at one end of said barrel member and eX- tending therefrom, writing point means mounted on said tube and displaceable relative thereto and to said barrel member, an ink reservoir disposed in fiuid communication with said Writing point and filling tube and displace` able in conjunction with said writing point relative to said filling tube, and means for permitting manual displacement of said writing point means and ink reservoir relative to said filling tube to expose said tube and permit said reservoir to be filled therethrough.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein said writing point assembly includes a feed member slidably mounted on said tube and a Writing nib mounted on said feed member disposed in fluid communication with said reservoir.

9. The combination as set forth in claim 6 including a barrel cap displaceably engageable with the end of said barrel remote from said filling tube and wherein said last mentioned means includes a longitudinally rigid connecting member connecting said barrel cap and said writing point assembly for effecting displacement of said writing point assembly in response to displacement of said barrel cap.

10. In a writing instrument, a barrel member, a barrel cap displaceably mounted at one end of said barrel member, a filling tube mounted at the other end of said barrel and dependent therefrom, writing point means slidably mounted on said filling tube and displaceable relative thereto and to said barrel member, an ink reservoir disposed in fluid communication with said filling tube and writing point means and displaceable in conjunction with said writing point means relative to said filling tube and barrel member, and means connecting said barrel cap with said writing point means for effecting displacement of said writing point means in response to displacement of said barrel cap to expose said filling tube and permit filling of said reservoir therethrough.

11. The combination as set forth in claim 10 including means for deformiug said reservoir in response to displacement of said barrel cap relative to said barrel member.

12. A writing instrument comprising an elongate cylindrical barrel member, a barrel cap removably engaging one end of said barrel member, a filling tube mounted at the other end of said barrel member and extending therefrom, a writing point assembly slidably mounted on said filling tube and displaceable relative thereto and to said barrel member, a deformable ink reservoir disposed within said barrel member in fluid communication with said filling tube and writing point assembly and displaceable in conjunction with said writing point assembly relative to said filling tube and barrel member and means connecting said barrel cap and writing point assembly for effecting displacement of said writing point assembly in response to displacement of said barrel cap relative to said barrel member to expose said filling tube and permit said reservoir to be filled therethrough.

13. The combination as set forth in claim 12 including means for effecting deformation of said ink reservoir in response to displacement of said barrel cap relative to said barrel member.

14. In a writing instrument, a barrel member, a filling tube dependent from one end of said barrel member, writing point means displaceably mounted on said lling tube, and an ink reservoir disposed in fluid communication with said Writing point means and filling tube and displaceable in conjunction with said writing point means relative to said lling tube, whereby retraction of said writing point and ink reservoir exposes said filling tube and permits filling of said ink reservoir therethrough.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 23,683 Segre July 7, 1953 1,548,502 Attula Aug. 4, 1925 1,870,853 Lassagne Aug. 9, 1932 2,784,699 Sheafer Mar. 12, 1957

Images