SNAP-CLIP FOR ELONGATED INSTRUMENTS

Abstract: There remains a need for a simple means of attachment of a clip to an elongated instrument. The solution includes a clip assembly (16) comprising a base portion (20), a resilient elongated member (18) extending from the base portion (20); and means (22, 26) extending from the base portion (20) configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least one aperture defined by the body (12) or cap member (14) of the writing instrument (10) for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto, the base portion (20) and resilient elongated member (18) being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of the base portion to the body (12) or cap member (14) of the writing instrument (10) will retain the elongated member (18) in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity to the writing instrument (10) for attachment of the writing instrument to wearing apparel.

Description: -1- \ SNAP-ON CLIP FOR ELONGATED INSTRUMENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION £ 5 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to elongated instruments and preferably writing instruments and the like as well as to a clip assembly therefor which snap-locks onto the cap or body TO of the instrument to provide convenient attachment to wearing apparel or the like. 2. Description of the Prior Art 15 Various elongated instruments such as flashlights, tire gauges, small tools, such as pocket screwdrivers and the like, and, preferably, writing instruments such as pens, mechanical pencils, markers, and the like are well known in the art. Heretofore, the usual practic for constructing 2o clips for such instruments consists of fabricating the clip as an integral part of the cap, either by producing them as a single molded entity or by devising a method whereby a separate clip is manufactured from either plastic or metal and is fixably secured in some manner to the body or cap of 25 the instrument. With' respect to the use of integrally molded parts, the gripping' ; tension in the longitudinal extension or arm of the clip dramatically decreases over time to the point where it 30 can no longer maintain the instrument in a secure position. Furthermore, writing instruments made with both molded caps and bodies are highly energy intensive to produce due to the numerous molding operations necessary to produce the required parts. 35 Various alternate techniques have been utilized to secure the clip to the cap of such writing instruments. One system, disclosed in U.S. Pat No. 2,473,688 relates to a clip associated with a slotted cap for a writing instrument in which the arm of the clip is disposed exteriorly to the cap with two flanges disposed parallel to one another having an S-shaped spring between them and extending through the slot in the cap, which secures the clip within the interior of the cap. The arm of the clip is resilient in order to permit it to flex towards and away from the cap. Another method of attachment is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,594,410 wherein a plate is located at the base of the clip which is provided with two lugs and two hook members which, upon being slid through pre-punched holes in the cap of a writing instrument, are flattened out against the interior of the cap in order to anchor the- assembly in place. As the * arm of the clip Kas a spring nature, the tongue end of the clip bears against the outer surface of the barrel of the writ: 'g instrument due to this tension. U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,154 shows a different procedure for affixing a clip onto the cap of a writing instrument. This clip assembly, consisting of a base and a resilient shank, contains a projection upon the base which is inserted through an opening 4 in the upper end of the cap and secured therein by a resilient retainer ring which is frictionally fitted within the cap.- Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,453,694 to Hechtle relates to still another method of attachment wherein the serrated base plate of the clip is lockingly engaged into a serrated groove on the outer surface of the hollow cap of a writing instrument. -3- In the field of support clips for electrical conductors or tubes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,987 illustrates a clip consisting of two parallel shanks supported by a crosspiece. Each shank terminates in an outwardly facing, downwardly tapering surface for ease of insertion. Each shank also contains a rectangular groove at its midpoint which is open toward the outside and which, when the elastically interconnected shanks of the clip are forced together and pushed through a bore in the support, locks the clip onto the edges of the bore. It is apparent from the foregoing that previous efforts at designing efficient clips for writing instruments suffer from several disadvantages. For example, the inexpensive plastic which is often used in such clips lacks sufficient resiliency. After numerous cycles of flexure toward and away from the body of the writing instrument, clips constructed in this manner fail to return to their' original, unflexed position, thus losing their usefulness. Subsequent attempts to design improved clips require either the insertion of a retaining device inside the cap of the writing instrument to anchor the clip into the cap or some alternate means by which projections upon the base of the clip could be bent back against the interior of the cap to hold the clip in place. The construction of writing devices using clips of this type requires more energy and/or a greater number of manufacturing steps. e have discovered a new clip and system for attachment to elongated instruments such as writing instruments which avoids the aforementioned disadvanta es of the prior art. _4_ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a clip assembly for an elongated instrument which comprises a base portion, a resilient elongated member extending from the base portion, and means extending from said base portion configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least one aperture defined by the elongated instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto. The base portion and resilient elongated member are configured and dimensioned such that attachment of the base portion to the elongated instrument will retain the elongated member in generally parallel relation and sufficiently close proximity with the elongated instrument for attachment of the instrument to wearing apparel or the like. Advantageously, the elongated instrument is a writing instrument, a flashlight, a tire air pressure gage, or a small tool. Typical writing instruments includes pens, mechanical pencils, or indelible marking instruments. Preferably, the clip assembly is constructed of plastic or metal. An alternate embodiment of the invention relates to a clip assembly for a writing instrument which comprises a base portion, ja. resilient elongated member extending from the base portion, ' and means for attachment of the clip assembly to the writing -instrument. The attachment means extending from the base portion are configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least one aperture defined by a wall portion of the writing instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto. The base portion and resilient elongated member are configured and. dimensioned such that attachment of the base portion to the writing instrument will retain the elongated member in generally -5- parallel and sufficiently close proximity with the writing instrument for attachment of the writing instrument to wearing apparel or the like. Preferably, the snap-locking means comprises at least one polygonal member having a medial groove extending along its length from the base portion to the end of the polygonal member. Alternatively, the snap-locking means comprises at least two generally arcuate members each having a medial groove extending from the base portion to the end of the generally arcuate member. The base portion, elongated member, and snap-locking means may be integrally molded of a resilient plastic material, such as polypropylene, acetal, nylon, or polyester, for attachment to a writing instrument such as a pen, mechanical pencil, or indelible marker. The invention also relates to clip assembly for a pen which -comprises, a base portion a resilient elongated member extending from the base " portion, and at least two generally arcuate members each extending from the base portion and having a medial groove extending from the base portion to the end of the arcuate members. The at least two generally arcuate members are configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least two apertures defined by the pen for snap- locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion of the clip thereto. The base portion, resilient elongated' member, and at least two generally arcuate members are integrally molded of a resilient plastic material. The base portion and resilient elongated member are configured and dimensioned such that attachment of the base portion to the pen will retain the elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity to the pen for attachment of the pen to wearing apparel or the like. -6- Advantageously, the at least two generally arcuate members each comprise at least two half-conical protrusions integrally molded to the base portion and elongated member for resilient relative movement toward and away from each other for snap-locking engagement of the corresponding apertures of the pen. Also, the snap-locking means are configured and dimensioned so as to prevent relative rotation of the base portion and elongated member around the longitudinal axis of the pen. Usually, the pen comprises a cap member and a body member and the clip assembly is attached as described above to the cap member. Another aspect of the invention relates to a writing instrument comprising a body member having a reservoir of writing medium and writing tip means, a cap member configured and dimensioned for mating engagement with the body member, and. a clip comprising.a base portion, a resilient elongated member extending from the base portion, and means extending from the base portion configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least one aperture defined by the body or cap member of the writing instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto. The base portion and resilient elongated member are configured and dimensioned such that attachment of the base portion to the body or cap member of the writing instrument will retain the elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity to the writing I- instrument for attachment of the writing instrument to wearing apparel or the like. A preferred aspect of the invention relates to a pen comprising a body member having a reservoir of ink and a ball point tip, a cap member configured and dimensioned for mating engagement with the body member, and a clip comprising -7- a base portion, a resilient elongated member extending from the base portion, and at least two generally arcuate members each extending from the base portion and each having a medial groove extending from the base portion to the end of the arcuate member. The at least two generally arcuate members configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least two apertures defined by the cap member for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto. The base portion, resilient elongated member, and at least two generally arcuate members are integrally molded of a resilient plastic material, with the base portion and resilient elongated member being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of the base portion to the cap member will retain the elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity with the cap for attachment of the pen to wearing apparel or the like. The pen also includes a button on the end. of the pen cap and a second button on the end of the pen body, wherein the buttons are respectively molded from a resilient _ " ".astic and said pen cap and body are extruded from the same or a . different plastic. In an alternate embodiment, the base portion contains two pairs of medially grooved shanks which are integrally fixed up9n the clip and the members of each pair of shanks are resiliently movable toward and away from their opposite member.' Each pair of shanks is tapered inwardly and possesses a barbed shoulder upon the surface proximal to the base plate of the clip. As the width of the medial groove between each pair of shanks is narrowed by moving its members toward one another, an interference fit is created between the upper barbed surface of each pair of shanks and the interior surface of the hollow cap when the shanks are inserted through parallel bores in the surface of the hollow -8- cap of a writing instrument. Once inserted, the shanks return to their original respective positions and create an interference lock fit with the cap, holding the clip tightly against the surface of the cap. As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention presents several advantages over the prior art. Because it is not manufactured integral with the cap, the clip may be constructed of a sturdier and more resilient material than the body of the writing instrument in order to obtain a greater useful life from the assembly. Also, utilizing the interference snap-lock fit of the clip into the hollow cap of a writing instrument saves time due to the reduced number of steps required for this procedure. Less equipment is required to perform this attachment than was necessary in the prior art. The production of the component parts of the assembly by means of an extrusion process rather than by molding also allows for a simplification of the manufacturing procedure with a concurrent decrease in production cost and time spent manufacturing each assembly. This quick and efficient insertion technique serves to reduce the number of steps previously required for this process and thus lends itself to high speed production techniques with a savings in time and cost. r Accordingly, the present invention provides a clip assembly for writing instruments such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, mechanical pencils, markers, or the like, wherein such an assembly is inexpensive to construct and is designed so that it may be easily and securely attached to the hollow cap or body of the writing instrument. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawing figures which specify and show preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the clip assembly and the body of the writing instrument prior to the assembly of the clip and the cap; FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the assembled clip and writing instrument; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2; FIG. 3A is a -detailed unassembled view illustrating only the clip to writing instrument connection; and * FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a pen J_0 constructed according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the pen J_0 prior to attachment of clip J_6, while FIG. 2 is an illustration of the pen J_p_ after assembly with the clip 16. In these FIGS., the pen __O_ is comprised of a pen body 12 and an upper cap J_4/ configured for attachment of a clip J_6 for use in readily securing the pen JH to articles of clothing, pockets or the like. -10- The plastic molded clip _1 consists of a resilient spring arm J_8_ having a base portion 2_0 formed integral therewith. The base portion includes two sets of resilient shanks 2' _H which are intended to be inserted into two parallel bores j2 , ^ n the hollow cap J_4 of the pen 10. As illustrated by the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, each set of shanks 2, ^6_ is bisected by a medial groove 30, ~ which allows tn e bifurcated portions to move toward and away from one another. The two sets of shanks 2' 1 project perpendicularly from the base portion 2^, of which they are an integral part, and possess tapered ends 3_4, 3_6_ to facilitate insertion into the bores 24, 2Z_ in cap 14. As the transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 clearly shows, each bifurcated portion of both pairs of shanks 2!, J26 possesses a barbed shoulder 3_8_ at its ' lower (i.e. base) end proximal to the base portion ^ which serves to provide an interference fit for snap-lock engagement when the shanks 22, 26 are inserted through the bores 2_4_, 2_8_ in the hollow cap 14. This causes the base 2_0 of the clip J_6_ to be retained snugly against the cap J_4 and substantially prevents any movement from this position. In operation, the clip _ and particularly its resilient spring arm J_8 may be repeatedly moved toward and away from the pen body _1_2 while returning to its original unstressed position when not in use. Materials are selected for construction of the clip J_6_ on the basis of their resiliency, i.e., their ability to return to their original position. Also, such materials must have a sufficient fatigue strength or endurance limit such that it can withstand numerous cycles of use. As previously discussed the preferred embodiment is a plastic molded clip 1 . Polypropylene is the plastic of choice, however acetal, nylon or polyester may also be utilized. Alternate embodiments include the use of metal clips constructed of such metals or steel, brass or gold. Such clips are most often used with metal pen bodies but may, when desired, also be attached to pens constructed of plastic. As stated hereinabove, the normal method of manufacture of plastic prior art pens is to mold all the component parts of the pen but these operations ulitize a great deal of energy. Accordingly, a feature of the present invention is the reduction of the expenditure of energy necessary for the manufacture of this pen by extruding as many of the component parts as possible. This reduces the time and energy necessary to manufacture each item, as the body, cap and parts of similar configuration are simply extruded and then cut to the correct size. This creates pen which is capable of being produced rapidly and inexpensively while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Referring once again to FIG. 3, the upper cap 1_4 and lower pen body ]___[ are sealed by means of molded plastic buttons 4_0 , 4_2 which may be colored so as to indicate the color of Ink in the pen. The button j 40 in the pen cap _1_1 provides a seal against the entry of air into the cap which tends to-' 'dry the surface of the writing tip j0, thus causing the pen _1_0 to clog. The buttons 4J), 42 ^ are held in the pen _1_0 by means of cross-pins jl_4, jij which extend through the exterior surface of the pen _1_0 and into the base of each button _4_4, _4_6. This prevents the accidental removal of a button _4_4 or _4_6 from the pen cap _14_ or the pen body 12. In a normal construction of preferred embodiment of the invention, button ^0 is securably attached to pen cap JLji by cross-pin j 44, while button _2 is securably attached to pen body _2 by cross-pin ^6. Pen cap JL4_ also includes the clip assembly _16 attached as described hereinabove. Pen cap 1_4 can also includes optional sealing element i8_, while pen body 12 contains writing tip ^0, and ink reservoir 5 . When not in use, closure of the pen can be made by inserting cap JL4 over the writing tip J5j0 of pen body ^ . in a matter which is well known to those skilled in the art. FIG. 3 also illustrates the optional molded sealing element ^8_ which serves to minimize the amount of air which comes in contact with the writing tip _5j). One embodiment of the invention utilizes a water based ink for writing, and exposure of the writing tip _50 to the atmosphere will, in time, lead to the evaporation of the water in reservoir J32. This causes the writing tip 50'to dry up and leads to difficulties in restoring the flow of ink through the pen _1 . Therefore, the presence of the sealing element 48 prevents this problem from occurring. As illustrated by the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 the clip ϋ anα " cap IΛ_ may easily be assembled without the use of riveting machines or other attachment devices previously required or attaching clips to other commercially available writing instruments. Therefore the assembly may be done with a minimal amount of mechanical equipment, which is an additional advantage of the present invention. An alternative embodiment relating to the use of a separate clip _1_6 and cap 1_4 is the use of an extra tough and resilient plastic for the clip which is not required for the construction of the body or cap of the writing instrument itself. By limiting the use of this stronger plastic -13- possessing a superior fatigue life to the clip jL_6 above, an overall savings in the cost of the plastic is achieved. Two different colored plastics may also be used for the clip _lj and the pen in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing two-tone color combination. Also since the clip 16 is self- locking, this obviates the need for additional parts necessary to retain the clip _lfj , within the pen cap 14. While it is apparent that the invention herein disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the desired results, it will be appreciated that numerous modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and embodiments as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims: -14- THE CLAIMS We Claim; 1. A clip assembly for an elongated instrument which comprises: (a) a base portion; (b) a resilient elongated member extending from the said base portion; and a _. _ •" (c) means extending from said base portion configured and dimensioned for insertion into Λ at least one aperture defined by said elongated instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of said base portion thereto, said base portion and resilient elongated member being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of said base portion to said elongated instrument will retain said elongated member in generally parallel relation and sufficiently close proximity with said elongated instrument for releasable attachment of said instrument to wearing apparel or the like. 2. The clip assembly according to claim 1 wherein said elongated instrument is a writing instrument, a flashlight, a tire air pressure gage, or a small tool. 3. The clip assembly according to claim 1 wherein said eelloonnggaatteedd??'' iinnssttrruummeenntt iiss aa ppeenn, a mechanical pencil, or an indelible marking instrument. 4. The clip assembly according to claim 1 wherein said clip assembly is constructed of plastic or metal. 5. A clip assembly for a writing instrument which comprises: (a) a base portion; (b) a resilient elongated member extending from the said base portion; and (c) means for attachment of said clip assembly to the writing instrument, said means extending from said base portion and being configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least one aperture defined by a wall portion of said writing instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of said base portion thereto, said base portion and resilient elongated member being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of said base portion to said writing instrument will retain said elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity with said writing instrument for attachment of said writing instrument to wearing apparel or the like. 6. The clip assembly according to claim 5 wherein said snap-lock-ing means comprises at least one polygonal member having a medial groove extending along its length from said base portion to the end of said polygonal member. 7. The clip assembly according to claim 5 wherein said snap-locking means omprises at least two generally arcuate members each having a medial groove extending from said base portion to the end of said generally arcuate members. 8. The ςlip assembly according to claim 5 wherein said base portion, Elongated member, and snap-locking means are integrally molded of a resilient plastic material. 9. The clip assembly according to claim 8 wherein said resilient plastic material is polypropylene, acetal, nylon, or polyester. -16- 10. The clip assembly according to claim 5 wherein said writing instrument is a pen, mechanical pencil, or indelible marker. 11. A clip assembly for a pen which comprises: (a) a base portion; (b) a resilient elongated member extending from said base portion; and (c) at least two generally arcuate members each extending from said base portion and having a medial groove extending from the base portion to the end of said arcuate members, said at least two generally arcuate members being configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least two apertures defined by said pen for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of said base portion thereto, said base portion, resilient elongated member, and at least two generally-arcuate members being integrally molded of a resilient plastic material and said base portion and resilient elongated member being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of said base portion to said pen will retain said elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity with said pen for attachment of said pen to wearing apparel or the like. 12. The clip assembly according to claim 11 wherein said at least two'generally arcuate members each comprise at least t two half-conical protrusions integrally molded to said base portion and said elongated member for resilient relative movement toward and away from each other for snap-locking engagement of said corresponding apertures of said pen. ^ 13. The clip assembly according to claim 11 wherein said snap-locking means are configured and dimensioned so as to prevent relative rotation of said base portion and said elongated member around the longitudinal axis of said pen. -17- 14. The clip assembly according to claim 11 wherein said pen comprises a cap member and a body member and wherein said clip assembly is attached as described above to said cap member. 15. A writing instrument comprising: (a) a body member having a reservoir of writing medium and writing tip means; (b) a cap member configured and dimensioned for mating engagement with said body member; and (c) a clip comprising: (i) a base portion; (ii) a resilient elongated member extending from said base portion; and (iii) means extending from said base portion configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least one aperture -defined by said body or cap member of said writing instrument for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of the base portion thereto, said base portion and resilient elongated member being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of said base portion to said body or cap member of said writing instrument wili retain said elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity with said writing instrument for attachment of said writing instrument to wearing apparel or the like. r 16. The "writing instrument according to claim 15 wherein said wri'ting instrument is a pen, mechanical pencil, or an indelible marker. 17. The writing instrument according to claim 15 wherein said snap-locking means of said clip comprises at least one polygonal member having a medial groove extending along its length from said base portion to the end of said polygonal member. CT/US86/0156 -18- 18. The writing instrument according to claim 15 wherein said snap-locking means of said clip comprises at least two generally arcuate members each having a medial groove extending from said base portion to the end of said arcuate members. 19. A pen comprising: (a) a body member aving a reservoir of ink and a ball point tip; (b) a cap member configured and dimensioned for mating engagement with said body member; and (c) a clip comprising (i) a base portion; (ii) a resilient elongated member extending from said base portion; and (iii) at least two generally arcuate members each extending from said base portion and each having a medial groove, extending from the base portion to the end of said arcuate member, said at least two generally arcuate members being configured and dimensioned for insertion into at least two apertures defined by said cap member for snap-locking engagement therewith and attachment of said b se portion thereto, said base portion, resilient elongated member, and at least two generally arcuate members being integrally molded of a resiient plastic material, and said base portion and resilient elongated member being configured and dimensioned such that attachment of said base portion to said cap member will retain said elongated member in generally parallel and sufficiently close proximity with said cap for attachment of said pen to wearing apparel or the like, 20. The pen according to claim 19 wherein said at least two generally arcuate members of said clip each comprise two half conical protrusions, each of which is integrally molded to -19- said base portion and said elongated member for resilient relative movement toward and away from each other for engagement of said corresponding apertures of said pen. 21. The pen according to claim 19 wherein said extension means of said clip are configured and dimensioned so as to prevent relative rotation of said base portion and said elongated member around the longitudinal axis of said pen. 22. The pen according to claim 19 further comprising a button on the end of the pen cap and a second button on the end of the pen body. 23. The pen according to claim 22 wherein said clip and buttons are molded from a resilient plastic and said pen cap and body are extruded from the same or a different plastic.

Inventors: BEESON THOMAS T, MARYNISSEN WILLIAM E, SNELL THOMAS G, BEESON, THOMAS, T., MARYNISSEN, WILLIAM, E., SNELL, THOMAS, G.
Applicants: BIC CORP, BIC CORPORATION
Application year: 1986
Main classification: B43K25
IPC codes: B43K23, B43K25