Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for providing a multi-media writing instrument having locking grips. The grips are locked into position so that they will not rotate around the outer diameter of the pen. In particular, the upper grip of the multi-media writing instrument contains an indicator which denotes to the user the type of writing element being used and acts to lock the grip in position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/248,363 previously filed on Nov. 14, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates in general to multi-media writing instruments and to methods for the manufacture and use of such writing instruments. More particularly, the present invention is directed to multi-media writing instruments having an integrated indicator grip.  
           [0004]    2. General Background and State of the Art  
           [0005]    Writing instruments vary in price, type, and features through technological advancements in material chemistry and improved manufacturing techniques. Given these advancements, writing instruments range from mass-produced plastic pens to fine writing instruments. The wide range of writing instruments vary in characteristics such as materials used, design, features, asethetics, perceived quality, details, utility, prestige, reputation, etc. Further adding to the differentiation amongst various writing instruments is the media used. That is, information may be conveyed by using ink, lead, paint, etc. Today, with the advent of personal data assistants, styluses are also used to input information.  
           [0006]    Given the wide variety of writing instruments that an individual may use, multi-media writing instruments were developed. These writing instruments allowed the user to have one writing instrument that could alternate between different writing elements. A user could switch between different ink colors or switch between ink and pencil lead without having to switch to different writing instruments. This is more efficient to various users because the user does not have to carry a large number of writing instruments or alternate between various types of writing instruments. A user can simply carry and use a single writing instrument having different writing media elements.  
           [0007]    Another feature that distinguishes writing instruments are features that make the writing instrument more comfortable to use. Various enhancements have improved the comfort level of writing instruments. The shape and size of writing instrument has been altered to provide a more comfortable writing position. For instance, various writing instruments have a larger diameter near the writing tip so that the user does not have to hold the device so tightly, thereby emulating a more natural hand position. Writing implements have changed in the materials used to form the shaft of the writing instrument. For instance, rubber and other like materials that provide more cushioning and better tactile feel. Additionally, there are after-market grips that slide onto various writing instruments that provide better hand ergonomics, cushioning, and overall comfort.  
           [0008]    However, there have been many problems with the use of rubber grips. The rubber used to make the grips have different levels of shore hardness. Sure hardness is a measure of the softness of a particular compound. Generally, manufacturer want the grips to made from rubber with lower hardness levels, that is softer rubber. However, rubber with low sure hardness values tend to swell in response to extended contact with naturally-occurring body oils and elevated temperatures. This causes the rubber to grow in size which compromises the fit and finish of the rubber grip. That is, the rubber grip can rotate around the pen body or slide up and down the pen body. A solution has been to use rubber with higher sure hardness levels, but this tends to reduce the comfort level of the grip.  
           [0009]    Writing instruments having multiple writing media elements have different means of switching between the different types of writing media. For instance, a writing instrument can switch between two different media by pushing a button or switching a lever. In particular applications, a portion of the pen housing will rotate relative to another portion of the pen housing wherein the rotation will cause the writing media to change. Usually, when the writing media is changed, there needs to be a way to discern between the different media being used. It is very difficult to discern what writing element you are using by just examining the writing instrument tip. There have been many designs where the writing instruments has various indicators and markings etched on the pen housing wherein when the pen is rotated the user is notified of what writing element is being used. There is a problem, however, when using a rubber grip and a rotating multi-media pen. When the grip swells, the indicator may incorrectly tell the user that they are using a particular media. This is particularly important when the pen contains different colors of ink. Additionally, this is important where a metal tip found on a mechanical pencil or pen may damage the screen of a personal data assistant.  
           [0010]    Moderate improvements have been made when addressing the problem of using a multi-media pen and employing rubber grips. In particular, the indicator is painted on to the pen grip or stamped on to the pen grip, but there have been problems with quality and aesthetics. One solution has been co-molding an indicator with the grip, however, this is a very expensive manufacturing process, which requires expensive machinery. Additionally, time and complexity of manufacturing can not be justified for the retail price of the product. It is not economically feasible to produce such a product. Consequently, cost reduction and improved quality are continued goals when designing any writing instrument. Therefore, there exists a need to provide an improved writing instrument meeting predetermined requirements while meeting or exceeding current efficiencies in cost and production, while maintaining high fit and finish.  
           [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide non-rotating upper and lower grips for a multi-media writing instruments.  
           [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a grip having an integrated indicator grip.  
           [0013]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a multi-media writing instrument that is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, and is cost effective.  
         INVENTION SUMMARY  
         [0014]    The present invention seeks to produce a multi-media writing instrument with a high quality fit and finish. Specifically, the present invention achieves this goal by having upper and lower grips that are locked into position. More particularly, the upper grip has an indicator which is also responsible for locking the grip into position. In achieving a higher fit and finish, the design of the present invention provides maintains a competitive cost and efficient manufacturing process.  
           [0015]    The multi-media writing instrument comprises a first housing and a second housing. The second housing of the multi-media writing instrument is rotatively coupled to the first housing. A first grip is secured to the first housing by locking members that extend along the interior of the first grip. The first housing contains channels wherein these channels correspond to the location and size of the locking members of the first grip. The second housing includes a second grip that is locked into position. That is, the second grip will not slide or rotate around the axis of the second housing. The second grip of the present invention also includes an aperture that receives a locking member from an indicator sleeve. The locking member of this particular embodiment acts as both a locking member for the grip and as an indicator communicating the user the particular media that is selected.  
           [0016]    Using a combination locking member improves the fit and finish of the writing instrument. First, the grip is locked into place with the locking member. This prevents the grip from sliding out of position or rotating about the outer diameter of the writing instrument. Next, it also provides greater aesthetics. A large plastic indicator clearly indicates the selected writing element. This results in consistent manufacturing quality at lower costs. On the other hand, painting an indicator or stamping an indicator in the aperture of the grip leads to varied quality and more expensive machinery.  
           [0017]    To form the integrated indicator grip, an indicator sleeve having a locking member is secured to the housing of the writing instrument. A grip having an aperture is then slipped over the indicator sleeve. Once in position, the locking member of the indicator sleeve protrudes through the aperture of the grip, thereby locking the grip into position. This process yields a product with high fit and finish while providing an efficient and inexpensive manufacturing process. The grip can be easily manufactured by simply sliding different elements over each other and having various lugs or other locking members to affix the grip in the proper position. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1A is a top view of the multi-media writing instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1B is a side view of the multi-media writing instrument according to FIG. 1A;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1C is an exploded top view of the second grip assembly according to FIG. 1A;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 2A through 2D are end view of alternate embodiments of the first grip of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the second grip of the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3B is an end view of the second grip of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 4A through 4D are end views of alternate embodiments of the second grip of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the indicator sleeve of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5B is an alternate embodiment of the indicator sleeve of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5C is another alternate embodiment of the indicator sleeve of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional end view of the completed second grip assembly taken along line  2 - 2  of FIGS. 1A through 1C;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7A and 7B is an exploded perspective view of the second grip assembly of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8A is a top view of another embodiment of the multi-media writing instrument according to the present invention having the lower housing in a first position;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8B is a top view of the multi-media writing instrument according to FIG. 8A having the lower housing in a second position;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8C is a top view of the multi-media writing instrument according to FIG. 8A having the lower housing in a third position;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of the grip assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the grip assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 10A is another embodiment of the grip according to the present invention; and  
         [0036]    FIGS.  10 B- 10 D is a cross-sectional view of the grip according to FIG. 10A illustrating at least one notch. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The section titles and overall organization of the present detailed description are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to limit the present invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1A illustrates the top view of a multi-media writing instrument  10  of the present invention. The writing instrument  10  includes a first housing  15  and a second housing  20 . The first housing and second housing are rotatively coupled to each other. That is, the first housing  15  and second housing  20  are attached so that the housings may rotate relative to one another. The first housing  15  and the second housing  20  are generally cylindrical in shape. The first housing is torpedo-shaped where the proximal portion  16  of the first housing is smaller in size than the distal portion  22  of the first housing.  
         [0039]    The first housing has a first grip  25  secured to the outer surface of the first housing. The first grip substantially encompasses the outer diameter of the first housing. Additionally, the first grip  25  substantially covers the whole length of the first housing. By substantially covering most of the first housing with the grip  25 , the present invention provides a large soft area improving writing comfort.  
         [0040]    The first grip  25  is typically made from rubber, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first grip may be made from a variety of materials that are resilient, flexible, and soft. The grip  25  may also have various designs embossed on the outer surface. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, an oval design is embossed in the grip.  
         [0041]    At the proximal portion  16  of the first housing, writing elements  18  protrude through an opening  17  at the proximal end  16 . The proximal portion  16  of the first housing is made from plastic or other like material. The proximal portion is typically made of plastic so that the glass surface of personal data assistants (PDAs) are not scratched when using the writing instrument of the present invention.  
         [0042]    At the distal portion  22  of the first housing, there are a plurality of markings  40  that correspond to the selected writing element  18 . FIGS. 1A and 1C illustrate the pen having three markings  40 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of markings may vary. Different writing elements may be used with the present invention. It is contemplated that the end user of the present invention may select from at least two different writing elements. In the present invention, a pen, stylus, and pencil are contemplated to be the different writing elements. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations of pen color, pencil lead widths, markers, highlighters may be selected.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the second housing  20  of the present invention. The second housing includes an integrated indicator grip  55  at the proximal end  32  of the second housing  20 . A button  43  is located at the distal end  33  of the second housing  20 . If the mechanical pencil media is selected, depressing the button  43  advances the stored mechanical lead out of the opening  17  of the first housing.  
         [0044]    Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1C, an embodiment of the integrated indicator grip  55  is shown. The integrated indicator grip  55  includes a second grip  30  and an indicator icon  35 . The indicator icon  35  protrudes through an aperture  31  of the second grip as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. The aperture or opening in FIG. 1C is oval-shaped, but it is contemplated that aperture may be shaped in various forms such as a circle, rectangle, or a triangle. As shown in FIG. 1C, the indicator is aligned with markings on the first housing which indicate the selected writing element. The second housing with the second grip may be rotated relative to the first housing and switched between the different markings on the first housing. It is also contemplated that the second grip may include multiple apertures and one marking on the distal portion of the lower housing.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 2 is an end view the first grip  25  of the present invention is illustrated. The first grip  25  is generally cylindrical in shape having an inner surface  27  and an outer surface  26 . The inner surface  27  of the first grip has at least one locking member  45  protruding into the lumen  50  of the first grip. FIGS. 2A through 2C show the first grip having at least two locking members. The locking members  45  are disposed generally in a radial fashion around the inner surface of the first grip, and the locking members tend to extend substantially along the length of the first grip. The first grip is locked into a fixed position by interacting with corresponding locking channels associated with the first housing.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the second grip  30 . The second grip  30  includes an inner surface  33  and an outer surface  32 , wherein the inner surface  33  may contain locking members  34  protruding into a lumen  38  as shown in FIG. 3A. Typically, there is at least one locking member  34  on the second grip. The locking members of the second grip vary in various dimensions. For instance, a locking member may differ from another locking member in width or height. That is, the height of the locking member being amount of the locking member protrudes into the lumen of the grip.  
         [0047]    The second grip  30  also has an aperture  31  or opening where an indicator  35  may protrude through the aperture. The aperture in FIG. 3A is oval, but it is also contemplated that the aperture may be shaped as a circle, triangle, rectangle, arrow, or the like. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a grip having one aperture, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the grip may be provided with more than one aperture.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 3B shows an end view of the second grip. In FIG. 3, the locking members  34  are on opposite poles and are of different widths. FIGS.  4 A- 4 D illustrate various alternate embodiments of the second housing having a plurality of locking members of differing sizes. However, it is also contemplated that the locking members may be similar in size and in different locations.  
         [0049]    Referring to FIG. 5A, the indicator sleeve  60  of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5A, the indicator sleeve  60  is generally cylindrical in shape having an indicator icon  35  extending from the outer surface of the indicator sleeve. The indicator icon  35  of the present invention is shaped so that the locking icon member  35  will fit snugly in the aperture  31  of the second grip  25 . In this particular embodiment, the indicator icon  35  is a combination indicator and locking member. That is, the indicator icon performs a dual function. The indicator icon holds the grip  25  in a fixed position while indicating what writing media was selected.  
         [0050]    The indicator sleeve is generally made from polyethylene, but it is also contemplated that other plastics and polymers may be used to form the indicator sleeve. The indicator sleeve is generally of a different color than the second grip, but it is contemplated that the indicator can be the same color as the second grip.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 5B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the indicator sleeve  60 ′. The indicator sleeve  60 ′ includes various locking channels  65  that will accept the locking members  34  from the second grip  25 . The interaction between the sides of the locking channels and the corresponding locking member of the grip hold the grip in a fixed position. In FIG. 5B, there is also an indicator icon that provides an additional locking point between the grip and the indicator sleeve. However, it is also contemplated that another embodiment of the indicator sleeve  60 ″ does not include an indicator icon as illustrated in FIG. 5C.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 6 refers to a cross-sectional end view of the integrated indicator grip  55  taken along line  2 - 2  of FIGS. 1A through 1C. The indicator sleeve  60  is coupled to the second housing  20  by simple mechanical interaction. In particular, the ends of the indicator sleeve engage a brace  70  that extends from the surface of the second housing. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the indicator sleeve  60  may be attached to the second housing  20  by gluing or using other fastening means to attach the indicator sleeve  60  to the second housing  20 . The second grip  25  surrounds the combined second housing  20  and the indicator sleeve  60  to form the completed integrated indicator grip  55 . The indicator icon  35  protrudes through an aperture  31  on the second grip  30 . Note that in this embodiment, the inner surface of the second grip is smooth and the indicator icon  35  protruding from the aperture  31  prevents the second grip from rotating relative to the second housing.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 7A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the components comprising the integrated indicator grip  55 . The indicator sleeve  60  is coupled to the proximal portion of the second housing  20  as shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the indicator sleeve is attached to the middle area of the spool-shaped proximal portion of the second housing. Generally, the proximal portion of the second housing is spool-shaped. That is, the outer rims or ridges of the proximal end second housing is larger in diameter than the area bounded by the outer rims or ridges. The second grip is then slid over the combined indicator sleeve and second housing. By providing a spool-shaped proximal area, the overall diameter of the assembled integrated indicator grip does not greatly exceed the overall diameter of the upper housing.  
         [0054]    In an alternate embodiment, the second grip is locked into a fixed position by interacting with locking channels located on the second housing. More particularly, the locking members from the second grip engage the locking channels of the second housing thereby forming a tongue and groove arrangement so that the second grip will not rotate about the axis of the second housing.  
         [0055]    FIGS.  8 A- 8 C illustrate by way of example a window  100  formed in the second grip in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the descriptions of the writing media are printed on the distal end of the first housing  15 ′ so that they may be seen through the window  100  on the second housing  20 ′. That is, the window  100  is formed all the way through the second housing  20 ′. In particular, FIG. 8A illustrates the first housing  15 ′ in the first position relative to the second housing  20 ′ showing the description “stylus”  102  through the window  100 ; likewise, FIG. 8B illustrates the first housing  15 ′ in the second position relative to the second housing  20 ′ showing the description “pencil”  104  through the window  100 ; and FIG. 8C illustrates the first housing  15 ′ in the third position relative to the second housing  20 ′ showing the description “pen”  106  through the window  100 . This way, when a user rotates the second housing  20 ′ relative to the first housing  15 ′ in any of the three positions, the window  100  aligns with the corresponding description to indicate to the user which writing element has been selected, i.e., stylus, pencil, or pen in this example.  
         [0056]    Moreover, the first housing  15 ′ may rotate partially or rotate completely around, i.e., 360°, relative to the second housing  20 ′. In this particular example, if the first housing  15 ′ rotates completely around the second housing  20 ′, and there are three positions, then each position may be equally apart, i.e., 120° apart from one another.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 9A illustrates by way of example the formation of the window  100  that includes the aperture  31  in the second grip  30 , aperture  31 ″ in the sleeve  60 ′, and aperture  31 ′″ in the second housing  20 ′, all aligning together. This way the three descriptions on the distal portion of the first housing may be seen through the window  100 . Moreover, as shown in FIGS.  10 A- 10 D, at least one notch  90  may be formed within the interior surface of the grip  30 , and a corresponding tab on the sleeve  60 ′ so that the they do not rotate relative to each other.  
         [0058]    Alternatively, the aperture  31  in the second grip  30  may covered with a transparent material, such as glass and plastic to protect the description and to prevent dust from getting into the window  100 . Moreover, the multi-media writing instrument  10  is not limited to three positions, i.e., the writing instrument  10  may have two positions or more than three positions.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 9B illustrates yet another exemplary window  100  where the sleeve  60 ′ includes a transparent icon  35 ′ protruding through the aperture  31  in the second grip  30 , and aligns with the aperture  31 ′″ in the second housing. This way, the description in the first housing may be seen through the transparent icon  35 ′; and at the same time, the icon  35 ′ holds the second grip  30  in place. Still further, the second housing may be made of transparent material so that no aperture  31 ′″ needs to be formed in order to see the description in the second housing through the icon  35 ′. Alternatively, the transparent material over the window  100  and the icon  35 ′ may magnify the description in the second housing for easy viewing. Still further, the printed descriptions may be printed in different colors to further assist the operator in determining the engaged writing media.  
         [0060]    The completed pen provides a high quality, multi-media pen having a dual grip system whereby the grips are locked into a fixed position. The grips are locked in position by locking members and their corresponding locking channels. By locking these grips into position, the embossed designs on the upper and lower grips can be aligned resulting in an aesthetically pleasing product with an appearance of high quality. The indicator provides two-fold function, locking the second grip into position and acting as a pointer. That is, the indicator directs the user to particular markings on the pen housing which indicate which writing element is being used.  
         [0061]    Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central attributes thereof. In that, the foregoing description of the present invention discloses only exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that other variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. According, the present invention is not limited in the particular embodiments which have been describe in detail therein. Rather, reference should be made to the appended claims as indicative of the scope and content of the present invention.  
         [0062]    While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present invention without departing from the inventive concept.