Patent ID: 7470076
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: B43K

Abstract:
1. A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether, the device comprising: an end of the pen; a collar comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion securedly attached to the pen proximate the end, the second portion defining an internal cavity surrounding the end and an orifice having a diameter; an elastic retainer disposed within the internal cavity, an outer surface of the elastic retainer defining an internal dimension and an external dimension, the external dimension greater than the diameter of the orifice such that the internal cavity retains the elastic retainer; and an anvil securedly attached to the tether, the anvil comprising an angled retention surface having an external diameter, the external diameter of the angled retention surface greater than the internal dimension of the elastic retainer and less than the diameter of the orifice; wherein the internal dimension of the elastic retainer retains the external diameter of the anvil disposed between the pen and the elastic retainer; wherein the internal dimension of the elastic retainer is responsive to an application of force greater than a release force, via the angled retention surface, to deform and thereby release the anvil; and wherein the anvil comprises an axial centerline and a first angle included between the angled retention surface and the axial centerline, and wherein the anvil further comprises an angled insertion surface that includes a second angle between the angled insertion surface and the axial centerline, the first angle being greater than the second angle.