Compact tool combining vacuum/blower, pencil sharpener, rubbery eraser, and storage space

A handheld device of compact size combining a mini electric vacuum/blower, a pencil sharpener, a rubbery eraser, and a storage unit. The inventive device has one or more containers that house a motor and rotary fan for the vacuum/blower, a battery that powers the vacuum/blower, a pencil sharpener, a rubbery eraser, and a storage unit. The vacuum is used to clean the crumbs from the rubbery eraser or other small objects on a surface, and the vacuum easily converts to a blower that will generate air steam. The storage unit can house certain sized school supplies such as crayons, pens, pencils, or other small items. The inventive of the device is compact enough so that it can be operated single handedly and it can be carried in pockets or small bags.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of handheld writing instruments and in particular, a compact tool combining a writing implement, a vacuum/blower, a pencil sharpener, an eraser and a storage space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Even with the development of computer based learning, many schools around the world, especially elementary and middle schools, still require students to bring handwriting supplies to work in classrooms, as handwriting is one of the most essential skills for younger students. Typical supplies related to handwriting include writing instruments such as pencils and pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, etc.

Commonly these supplies can be acquired separately and they are usually stored in a pencil box or a pouch. However, occasionally some of the items are misplaced or lost.

The present invention relates generally to a combination of pencil sharpening, mark erasing, vacuuming/blowing, and storage. More specifically the device fits all of the above in a compact size that can be carried in pocket or small bags and it can be operated with just one hand. It eliminates the needs to buy and carry the above items separately.

Rubbery eraser is a great tool to remove unwanted marks on paper or other surface written by pencils. However, a common complaint is about the crumbs from the erasers. Not only do they result in untidy working environment, but also they tend to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. One of the most effective ways to remove eraser crumbs is vacuuming or blowing. The vacuum/blow function from the present invention can help create and maintain a clean working environment.

There are numerous patents related to suction devices, pencil sharpening, and other related apparatus.

LG Electronics Inc. (U.S. Ser. No. 10/582,821) describes a cleaner of simple structure that includes a suction motor and sufficient air passage width that generates suction force, a dust separation unit, a motor housing, and flow guide.

Hilti Aktiengesellschaft (U.S. Ser. No. 09/656,361) describes a dust removal system handheld power tool that includes fan, a suction hose, and a collecting container, and a filter with consecutive fins that are slanted to reduce the adhesion of the dust to the fin.

John Lee Love (U.S. Pat. No. 594,114) patent describes a simple, light-weight, crank-powered pencil sharpener that catches the shavings

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose they address, none of the above is suitable for providing a single apparatus that combines the function of pencil sharpener, eraser, vacuum/blower, and storage.

Further, the present invention can be constructed in a compact size for anyone including youth to carry and operate easily. In these respects, the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concept and design of the prior arts, and in so providing an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of eliminating the need to acquire and carry each device separately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of supplies related to handwriting and cleaning now present in the prior arts, the present invention provides a new design to combine multiple functions in a compact size.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a combination of functions including but not limited to: erasing unwanted surface pencil marks, vacuuming/blowing crumbs/small objects, sharpening pencils, and storing small items.

Another object is to provide a compact size tool that can be carried and operated with ease.

An additional object is to provide a tool that keeps the working environment clean by vacuuming/blowing the crumbs from the erasing or other small objects.

Another object of the invention is to save time by eliminating the need to purchase each item separately.

A further object is to reduce the likelihood of misplacing each item.

An additional object is to provide personalizing options with decorative exterior designs such as shape, color, labels, etc.

The main body of the device can advantageously be manufactured in a 3D printer.

Another advantage of the invention is that a cost of the unit can be less expensive than purchasing each item separately.

Yet another advantage is an option to power the vacuum through batteries or USB charging.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pictures. However, the drawing and pictures are for illustrative purpose only, and changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

DRAWINGS REFERENCE NUMERALS/LETTERS

1Electric switch2Small objects such as crumbs from rubbery eraser3Hose4Foldable joint5Screw-on cap6Writing instrument such as crayon7Writing instrument such as pencil8a Removable cap from one end8bRemovable cap from the other end9Rubbery eraser10Battery11Pencil sharpener12Motor13Rotary fan14Cylinder shape of one of the containers

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings:

FIG.1illustrates an operational view when the inventive device is used to vacuum or blow small objects2such as crumbs from the rubbery eraser9. The air stream flows through the hose3that can be folded at the joint4. The switch1can shift the rotary fan13between sucking in air and pushing air through the hose3into a compressed air stream.FIG.1also shows an internal view of the container that houses the battery10and rubbery eraser9, and an additional container that functions as a storage space for school suppliers such as pencils7or crayons6.

FIG.2Aillustrates the side view of the container that houses the pencil sharpener11, the motor12and the rotary fan13. When the apparatus is not in use, caps8aand8binserted at both ends of the device can be closed to safely house the internal components.

FIG.2Billustrates the side view of the container that houses the battery10and rubbery eraser9. The battery10can be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The curved side of the container can be opened when the battery10is to be removed or recharged. The wires that connect the battery10to the motor12and switch1are not shown here.

FIG.2Cillustrates the side view of the container that functions as a storage unit that a user can place small items into such as short pencils7or crayons6. These items can be retrieved by opening either cap8aor cap8bfrom one end.

FIG.3illustrates the cylinder shape14of the internal containers and how each container fits well with one another.

In use, when the cap8ais opened from one end, the user will see the vacuum/blower hose attached to a screw-on cap5, the switch1to turn on/off the vacuum/blower, and the closed bottom of the storage container, as shown inFIG.1.

When the cap8bis opened from the other end, the user will see the pencil sharpener11fixed to the inner sider of the container, a chamber for the rubbery eraser9, and screw-on cap (not shown) of the storage unit.

With respect to the above descriptions, they may contain certain specificities. However, it is to be realized that they should not be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments, but as merely providing illustrations of the principle of the invention. The optimum construction of the invention may include variation in size, material, shape, assembly, function and manner of operation whichever are deemed obvious to one skilled in art.

Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims in this application and their legal equivalent, rather than by the examples shown above.