Abstract:
A marker storage accessory includes a main body having marker-engaging structure and writing surface engaging structure. The main body may also include cap-engaging structure or, alternatively, blocking structure. The marker-engaging structure includes a plurality of circumferentially positioned teeth adapted to be conformingly inserted into the complementarily shaped channels defined by the ribs located on the non-writing end of a writing instrument such as a dry-erase marker. The cap-engaging structure can include ribs creating a geometry adapted to conformingly receive the protruding end of a cap for the writing instrument. The blocking structure can be a protrusion adapted to prevent attachment of the marker storage accessory on the nub-end of the writing instrument while permitting attachment of a marker cap. When the marker storage accessory is attached to the writing surface, the marker self-positions to a generally nub-down orientation.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Writing instruments are frequently misplaced. Writing instruments are also often stored in a manner that reduces their effectiveness and overall useful lifespan. As a result, many writing instruments must be replaced before they otherwise should be. This results in increased waste and unnecessary costs. It can also significantly inconvenience a user who is unable to locate or use a writing instrument when needed. 
         [0002]    Markers for dry-erase boards (also known as white boards) are especially susceptible to premature expiration. This is due, in part, to the fact that the writing surface of a dry-erase board is normally mounted vertically on a wall. To accommodate the convenient storage of dry-erase markers, dry-erase boards frequently include a generally horizontal storage surface. Dry-ease markers are then placed on this shelf-like surface and stored horizontally for later use. Due to the way in which most dry-erase markers function, however, horizontal storage tends to diminish their effectiveness. 
         [0003]    In particular, most dry-erase markers include a nub made from a felt-like material. The material generally extends into the interior of a body marker. Inside the marker body, the material is surrounded by a substantially liquid-impermeable material, such as a polymer, thereby creating an ink reservoir. As the dry-erase marker is used and ink is transferred from the nub to a writing surface, gravity and capillary action draw ink toward the nub from the reservoir. While this design is generally functional and low-cost, its effectiveness can be compromised when the dry-erase marker is not stored in a nub-down orientation. 
         [0004]    Storing dry-erase markers on horizontal white-board shelves or on other horizontal surfaces, such as in desk drawers, reduces their effectiveness and useful lifespan by inhibiting the transfer of ink from the ink reservoir to the nub. Although a number of devices exist to facilitate storage of dry-erase markers, they suffer from several drawbacks. Some such storage devices can be used to store dry-erase markers in a vertical, nub-down orientation, but they are prone to user error resulting in the dry-eraser markers being stored horizontally or, worse, in a nub-up orientation. Also, most dry-erase marker storage devices cannot themselves be conveniently stored when not in use. For example, when a dry-erase marker is removed for use, the storage device generally remains in place. If the storage device is affixed to the dry-erase board, this limits or otherwise detracts from the user&#39;s ability to use the entire surface dry-erase board (i.e. it takes up space otherwise usable by the user). Alternatively, if the storage device is stored away from the dry-erase board, using dry-erase markers is more burdensome. In addition, many storage devices accommodate several dry-erase markers simultaneously. If the user only wishes to store a single dry-erase marker, however, the storage accessory occupies unneeded space and can appear obtrusive. 
         [0005]    A marker storage accessory is therefore needed that addresses the aforementioned drawbacks. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the marker storage accessory of the present invention substantially meet the aforementioned needs for storing a writing instrument such as a dry-erase marker. In an embodiment, the marker storage accessory has a main body including marker-engaging structure and writing surface-engaging structure. The main body may also include cap-engaging structure and/or blocking structure. 
         [0007]    Markers of many types, including dry-erase markers, highlighters, permanent markers, etc. often include a receiving structure at the non-writing end. One well-accepted configuration includes a number of “fins” or “ribs” extending inwardly within a cylindrical chamber. This structure allows the cap to be inserted/stored when not in use. The marker-engaging structure of the marker storage accessory includes a plurality of circumferentially positioned teeth. The teeth are adapted to be conformingly inserted into the complementary channels located in the non-writing end of a writing instrument such as a dry-erase marker. The teeth then engage the “fins” which exist in most current markers. The surface-engaging structure generally functions by means of a magnet or suction cup and permits the marker storage accessory body to rotate in relation to the writing surface. The cap-engaging structure can include ribs creating a geometry adapted to conformingly receive the protruding end of a cap for the writing instrument. The blocking structure can be a protrusion adapted to prevent attachment of the marker storage accessory on the nub-end of the writing instrument while permitting attachment of a marker cap, thereby inhibiting improper use of the marker storage accessory that could result in a nub-up orientation during storage. 
         [0008]    The marker storage accessory can generally be removably attached to the non-writing end of a writing instrument such as a dry-erase marker. The marker storage accessory can also be removably attached to a writing surface such as a dry-erase board. When the marker storage accessory is attached to a marker and the writing surface, the marker storage accessory positions the marker to a generally nub-down orientation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is perspective view of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory; 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is a plan view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the marker storage accessory illustrated in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a combination of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory and a marker; 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of the combination of the marker storage accessory and the marker of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 25  is a plan view of the combination of the marker storage accessory and the marker of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a combination of an embodiment of a marker storage accessory and a marker with a marker cap in a stowed position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 27  is a plan view of the combination of the marker storage accessory and the marker of  FIG. 26  with the marker cap in the stowed position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 28  is a plan view of the combination of the marker storage accessory and the marker of  FIG. 26  with the marker cap in the stowed position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 29  is an illustration of an embodiment of marker storage accessories in use with writing instruments and a writing instrument; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 30  is a bottom view of a dry-erase marker. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]    A marker storage accessory  10  is depicted generally in  FIGS. 1-22 . Although marker storage accessory  10  can be used for any number of purposes, the illustrated embodiments are especially suitable for removable attachment to a writing instrument, such as marker  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 23-28 . Marker storage accessory  10  may be particularly useful for storing a dry-erase marker  100  in a nub-down orientation, and positioning or attaching to a writing surface  300  such as a dry-erase board, as depicted in  FIG. 29 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 1, 5, 10, 15, and 19 , marker storage accessory  10  includes body  20  having first end  22 , second end  24 , and gripping surface  26 . First end  22  has marker-engaging structure  30 . Second end  24  may include cap-receiving structure  28 . Alternatively, second end  24  may include blocking structure  40 , as depicted in  FIGS. 15-17 . As yet another alternative second end  24  may include cap-receiving structure  28  and blocking structure  40 . Marker storage accessory  10  also include one or more couplers for attachment to writing surface  300 , such as surface-engaging structure  50  partially embedded within or attached to gripping surface  28 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-22 , marker-engaging structure  30  comprises a plurality of teeth  32 . Referring also to  FIG. 30 , teeth  32  are adapted to conformingly fit into spaces  104  formed from ribs  102  of marker  100 . Although any number of teeth  32  are possible, marker-engaging structure  30  will generally include the same number of teeth  32  as there are spaces  104  in second end  114  of marker  100 . In an embodiment, marker storage accessory  10  will include eight teeth  32   a - h , as depicted in  FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 22 . 
         [0042]    Teeth  32  generally have slightly larger widths than the widths of the corresponding spaces  102  of marker  100 . The relatively larger width of teeth  32  ensures a compression fit with second end  114  of marker  100 . The tightness of the fit, as measured by separation strength (defined herein as the force required to separate two objects that are attached to each other), between marker storage accessory  10  and second end  114  of marker  100  can be varied by changing the dimensions of teeth  32  in relation to spaces  104 . 
         [0043]    Cap-receiving structure  28  at second end  24  of marker storage accessory  10  can be configured in any number ways. In an embodiment, cap-receiving structure  28  includes blocking structure  40  to define circular channel adapted to receive cap  120  or marker, as shown in  FIG. 19 . In another embodiment, cap-receiving structure  28  is identical or substantially similar to second end  114  of marker  100 . In this sense, cap-receiving structure includes ribs  102  defining spaces  104  and central channel  106 . Ribs  102  can be adapted such that spaces  104  conformingly receive teeth  32  or similar structure. Ribs  102  can similarly be adapted such that central channel  106  conformingly receives protrusion  122  of cap  120 . 
         [0044]    As with teeth  32 , the dimensions of ribs  102  can be varied to alter the tightness of the fit, as measured by separation strength, between marker storage accessory  10  and cap  120 . The separation strength of marker storage accessory  10  and marker  100  can be greater, equal to, or less than the separation strength of marker storage accessory  10  and cap  120 . In an embodiment, teeth  32  and ribs  102  of marker storage accessory  10  are configured such that the separation force required to separate marker storage accessory  10  from second end  114  of marker  100  is greater than the separation force required to separate cap  120  marker storage accessory  10 . This allows a user holding body  110  of marker  100  to detach cap  120  from marker storage accessory  10  without inadvertently detaching marker storage accessory  10  from body  110  of marker  100 . In a further embodiment, the separation strength of marker storage accessory  10  and marker  100  is approximately one to five times (1×-5×) greater than the separation strength of marker storage accessory  10  and cap  120 . 
         [0045]    Surface-engaging structure  50  of marker storage accessory  10  generally has aperture  52 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 10-12 , aperture  52  may be defined by raised housing  54  designed to increase the profile of surface-engaging structure  50 . Marker storage accessory  10  may include one surface-engaging structure  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 . Alternatively, marker storage accessory  10  may include two or more surface-engaging structures  50 , as in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 10-13 . 
         [0046]    In an embodiment, aperture  52  is adapted to receive magnet  200 . In another embodiment, aperture  52  is adapted to receive a suction device (not depicted), such as a suction cup. Marker storage accessory  10  may also include a swivel mount (not shown) and/or a gimbal mechanism (not shown) to facilitate rotation of marker storage accessory  10  in relation to writing surface  300 . In an embodiment, gimbal mechanism is adapted to function in conjunction with an embodiment of surface-engaging structure  50  incorporating a suction cup and swivel mount is adapted to with an embodiment of surface-engaging structure incorporating magnet  200 . 
         [0047]    Embodiments of marker storage accessory  10  having two or more surface-engaging structures  50  may include any combination of magnets  200  or suction devices. As depicted in  FIGS. 10-13 , marker storage accessory includes structures to accommodate both a suction cup and magnet  200 , thus allowing flexibility when contemplating attachment of marker storage accessory  10  to a variety of surfaces. Marker storage accessory  10  can thereby be attached to both metallic and non-metallic surfaces. Both magnet  200  and gimbaled suction cup permit marker storage accessory  10  to pivot around an axis generally defined by aperture  52 . 
         [0048]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 and 8 , gripping surface  26  may be formed from multiple conjoined angled surfaces  40 . Such angled surfaces  40  are generally configured to facilitate grasping of marker storage accessory  10  by a user. This configuration can be useful in removing marker storage accessory  10  from marker  100 . Specifically, angled surfaces  40  provide increased surface area for gripping marker storage accessory  10  and applying the necessary force to separate marker storage accessory  10  from marker  100 . Gripping surface  26 , such as on one of angled surfaces  40 , may include indicia directed as instructing a user how and where to attached marker storage accessory on body  110  of marker  100 . The indicia may include, for example, arrows indicating the direction in which marker  100  should hang to achieve optimal performance. The indicia may also include written instructions, such as the words “HANG DOWN”. 
         [0049]    Marker storage accessory  10  can be manufactured from any number of materials. Generally, marker storage accessory  10  will be manufactured from a low-cost, lightweight material exhibiting semi-elastic characteristics while maintaining rigidity. In an embodiment, body of  20  is made from a polymer. Materials for surface-engaging structure  50  will depend on the selected design (i.e., magnet or swivel-suction), and can include a combination thereof. 
         [0050]    The length and width of marker storage accessory  10  can be varied to accommodate any number of different types and configurations of writing instruments. Generally speaking, the dimensions will be consistent with the writing instrument involved. The width of marker storage accessory may be between approximately 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. In an embodiment, the width of second end  24  of marker storage accessory  10  is approximately 0.78 inches. One skilled in the art will recognize that the width of marker storage accessory  10  may be consistent or vary along the length of body  20 . In an embodiment, the width of body  20  increases from second end  24  toward first end  22 . 
         [0051]    The length of marker storage accessory  10  can be in the range of approximately 0.40 inches to approximately 5.0 inches, including a body  20  having a length in the range of approximately 0.2 inches to approximately 4.75 inches, and the length of teeth can be in the range of approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.50 inches. In an embodiment, the length of marker storage accessory  10  is approximately 1.15 inches, the length of body is approximately 0.90 inches, and the length of teeth is approximately 0.25 inches. In another embodiment, the length of the length of marker storage accessory  10  is approximately 0.67 inches, the length of body is approximately 0.42 inches, and the length of teeth is approximately 0.25 inches. Each of the aforementioned embodiments may also include blocking structure  40 . The length of blocking structure  40  can be between approximately, 0.20 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or approximately 0.59 inches. One skilled in the art will recognize that the aforementioned dimensions of body  20  may either include the length of blocking structure  40  or may necessarily be increased based on the length of blocking structure  40 . 
         [0052]    The dimensions of surface-engaging structure  50  may also be varied to accommodate different types and sizes of components for attaching marker storage accessory  10  to writing surface  300 . The diameter of aperture  52  may be in the range of approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.6 inches. In an embodiment, the diameter of aperture  52  is approximately 0.32 inches to 0.40 inches, or approximately 0.37 inches. 
         [0053]    In use, marker storage accessory  10  is attached to second end  114  of body  110  of marker  100 . Specifically, teeth  32  at first end  22  of marker storage accessory  10  engage spaces  104  in second end  114  of marker  100 . In an embodiment, blocking structure  40  prevents marker storage accessory  10  from being attached to first end  112  of body  110  of marker  100 . 
         [0054]    Cap  120  is removed from first end  112  of marker  100 , thereby exposing nub  130 , or writing tip, of marker  100 . Cap  120  can then be stored on marker storage accessory  10  by inserting projection  122  into central channel  106  at second end  22  of marker storage device  10 . With nub  130  exposed and cap  120  safely secured, user can use marker  100  as desired. 
         [0055]    When use of marker  100  is completed, user can grip gripping surface  26  of cap  100  and exert a separation force. In embodiments of maker storage accessory  10  wherein the separation force required to separate marker storage accessory  10  from second end  114  of marker  100  is greater than the separation force required to separate marker storage accessory  10  from cap  120 , cap  120  will separate from marker storage accessory  10  while marker storage accessory  10  remains attached to second end  114  of marker  100 . Cap  120  can then be reattached to first end  112  of marker  100 . 
         [0056]    Marker storage accessory  10  is then configured to be attached to writing surface  300  using surface-engaging structure  50 . As surface-engaging structure is located distal to the center of gravity of marker  100  (including when marker storage accessory  10  is attached marker  100 ), marker will rotate about the axis defined by the location of aperture  52  of surface-engaging structure  50  such that marker  100  is positioned in a substantially nub-down orientation when attached to writing surface  300 , as depicted in  FIG. 29 . As previously described, blocking structure  40  can inhibit or prevent a user from attaching marker storage accessory  10  to first end  112  of marker  100 . 
         [0057]    Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment(s) are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.