Patent ID: 6755584
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: B43K

Abstract:
A writing instrument comprising:a barrel having a channel, an open end, and a side surface; an actuator located for on said side surface of said barrel; and a writing element disposed in said channel and movable along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position; a first engagement member associated with said writing element; and a second engagement member associated with said channel; wherein: said writing element is operatively connected to said actuator; at least a portion of said writing element is resilient; said writing element is deflected in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis upon being moved into said extended position; and the resiliency of said writing element biases said writing element to engage said channel and to retain said writing element in said extended position; said first engagement member engages said second engagement member; and said second engagement member is a ledge formed on said channel.