Abstract:
A chalk holding device ( 10 ) for use with sidewalk chalk and the like. The inventive device includes an elongate tube ( 20 ) having an attachment grip ( 26 ) for holding a piece of sidewalk chalk at the lower end of the tube. The upper end of said tube has a removable closure ( 24 ) for inserting extra pieces of chalk into said tube for storage. The holding device ( 10 ) is of a predetermined length whereby the human user may write or draw on a ground-level surface from a generally upright position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a holder for writing or drawing materials such as chalk, crayons, or the like. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Large pieces of chalk commonly known as sidewalk chalk, or sidewalk chalk sticks, have been marketed for many years primarily for use by children for writing and drawing on hard surfaces, typically sidewalks, paved driveways or other paved surfaces. The human user, even small children, must assume a bent, squatting, or sitting position to mark on ground-level surfaces with this chalk. Note that references to ground level surfaces in this document are meant to convey any surface upon which a human may stand, and may include floors or elevated surfaces. 
     Sidewalk chalk is commonly available in cylindrical shape, usually tapered, and in a variety of colors. It is also available in a wide variety of shapes. Characteristically, sidewalk chalk differs in size from that of other conventional chalk such as is used for writing on classroom blackboards. Typical sidewalk chalk sticks are approximately one inch in diameter at one end, tapered to ⅞ inch at the other end and are approximately 4 inches in length. The smaller conventional chalk is inherently more prone to accidental breakage. Some of the prior art cited below is inspired by the need to prevent breakage in the smaller chalk. 
     Various types of chalk holding devices have been disclosed in the prior art. Some are designed for use in a conventional manner by grasping the device in one hand held close to the writing surface. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,205,907; 5,048,989; 4,468,146; 2,181,202; 5,779,381; 3,603,693; 332,157; and 354,311. U.S. Pat. No. 389,517 discloses a hand held apparatus that holds three pieces of chalk parallel to one another for drawing lines in triplicate. Other specialized chalk holding devices are disclosed for use in marking livestock as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 332,157. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new chalk holding device. The inventive device includes a generally cylindrical shell of a length and diameter capable of holding large sticks of chalk commonly referred to as sidewalk chalk. Furthermore, the new device permits a human to grasp this device with either or both hands and manipulate the chalk on a ground level surface from a generally upright position. 
     Among the prior art, three devices are known that permit marking with chalk on or near a ground level surface from a generally upright position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,072 discloses an attachment for securing chalk to in-line roller skates, an obviously restricted use. A tire marking device comprising a handle and collet extending at an angle away from the longitudinal axis of the handle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,687,116. A device with an elongated shaft and a lower curved portion for marking automobile tires is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,592. The tire marking devices are designed for marking surfaces roughly parallel to the upright human user. These devices do not lend themselves to easy use on a surface generally perpendicular to the upright human. 
     Another aspect of the inventive device is the inclusion of means for storing extra pieces of chalk stacked in series end to end. There are no known examples in the prior art of writing instruments designed for sidewalk chalk that also provide for storing extra pieces of chalk. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present invention a writing implement comprising a cylindrical tube generally about 1 to 5 feet in length, a grip having an aperture, a spacer and provision for storage of extra pieces of chalk. 
     Objects and Advantages 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are the means to allow a human to write, draw, or make marks on a ground level surface with chalk sticks or other marking implements from a generally upright and comfortable position. Furthermore, an extended reach is provided for the human user which can be used to facilitate marking on a surface removed from the user in any direction. 
     Consequently the user of this invention is allowed coverage of a broad writing, recreational, or artistic design easier and quicker then can be done without the device. A further benefit is the broadened appeal of sidewalk chalk for use with large scale markings such as a quick layout of boundaries for hard court basketball, street hockey and other recreational activities. Along with the new uses readily apparent is the widened consumer appeal. Specifically, older children and adults will be able to use sidewalk chalk more readily. The invention also allows for use while minmizing direct contact with a dusty or messy marking implement. 
     An advantage of my invention is the flexibility provided in use to change the effective reach of the writing implement simply by grasping the holder in a different position anywhere along the longitudinal axis. 
     A further advantage of my invention is the provision for storage of extra chalk pieces that is transportable with the writing instrument. The storage compartment size is also adjustable by simply repositioning the spacer inside the shaft of the chalk holder. 
     This invention also contemplates the use of alternative writing implements such as crayon, charcoal, felt or other composition markers and the like. Other uses of this invention include marking on any surface that an extended reach is required, such as a ceiling or object beyond arms&#39; length of the human user. The holder is simple to manufacture from cheap and plentiful raw materials. It is of durable construction and intended for repetitive use. 
     Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     DRAWING FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 shows a view of the overall invention. 
     FIG. 2 shows a full section perspective of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 shows a perspective of unassembled parts of the invention. 
     FIG. 4 shows a partial section view of the lower end of the invention. 
     FIGS. 5A to  5 E show enlarged views of varied embodiments of the grip. 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
       10  holder 
       20  tube 
       21  bore 
       22  spacer 
       24  closure 
       26  grip 
       26 B grip with partial shaft 
       26 C grip with tapered shaft 
       26 D grip with collet 
       26 E grip with outside flanges 
       27  aperture of grip 
       28  collet 
       28 A tab 
       29  flange 
       30  chalk in grip 
       32  extra chalk in storage 
       34  storage compartment 
       35  tapered shaft 
       36  inside wall of grip 
     DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1 to  5 A—Preferred Embodiment 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, a new chalk holding device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 thereof, there is shown a holder  10  in the form of a cylindrical casing, shaft, or tube  20  that surrounds a chuck, collar, or grip  26 , said grip holding a stick of writing material  30 , such as chalk, crayon, or the like at the lower end of said holder. 
     In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 the holder has a spacer  22  for supporting extra pieces of chalk  32  in a storage area or storage compartment  34  and a removable closure  24  at the handle or upper end of said holder. 
     The chalk holding device  10  is designed for use on ground level surfaces by a human from a generally upright position. References to ground level surfaces in this document are meant to convey any surface upon which a human may stand, and may include floors and/or elevated surfaces. The tube  20  generally has a length greater than one foot but can be made to different lengths to better suit people of varied age and height. Typically, the tube  20  has an internal diameter or bore  21  approximately 1 to 1.5 inches for receiving a grip and pieces of chalk or other writing implement. In an ideal embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the holder comprises a straight tube  20 , approximately 2 to 5 feet in length. Specialized demands may be met with lengths outside the optimum range cited in the ideal embodiment. The tube is a rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride or other plastic, cardboard, metal, wood, etc. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A, in a preferred embodiment, the grip in the lower end of tube  20  has an aperture  27  for receiving and holding a stick of chalk or other writing implement. The grip comprises an inexpensive, resiliently compressible material such as polyethylene or polyurethane foam of semi-rigid density, which can be repeatedly compressed and continues to hold chalk by exerting pressure from an inside wall  36  resisting the compression as illustrated in FIG.  4 . However the grip can consist of any other material that can be flexed such as rubber, cardboard, leather, paper, metal, etc. 
     The grip  26  as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A comprises an overall length of approximately 2.5 inches in the preferred embodiment. Before insertion into tube  20  the grip  26  has an outside diameter approximately matching or slightly larger than the inside diameter of tube  20 . Thus the grip is held in position within tube  20  by pressure and is easily removable by hand or by inserting a rod shaped object such as a common broom handle through opposite end of tube  20  to dislodge the grip. 
     In a preferred embodiment, holder  10  has a spacer  22  located within tube  20 . The spacer may be composed of flexible material similar to those listed above for grip  26  and is held in position within tube  20  by pressure. A rod shaped object such as a common broom handle may be temporarily inserted through either end of tub  20  to position spacer to desired location. The location of the spacer is designed to be varied to allow a quick and easy change in size of storage compartment  34  for extra pieces of chalk  32 . 
     FIGS.  5 B- 5 E—Additional Embodiments 
     Other embodiments of the grip are shown in FIGS. 5B to  5 E. One embodiment of the grip  26 B has a shaft that extends through part of the longitudinal axis of the grip. Another embodiment of the grip  26 C has a tapered shaft that extends through part of the longitudinal axis of the grip. An embodiment of grip  26 D has a collet  28  that resists slippage into the shaft of tube  20 . Yet another embodiment of grip  26 E has multiple tapered flanges  29  along the outside wall which increasingly pinches the writing chalk as said grip is inserted into tube  20 . Flanges  29  end with tab  28 A that resists slippage into the shaft of tube  20 . 
     Operation—FIG. 1 
     In use, a human holds the holder  10  by gripping with either or both hands at any comfortable position along the length of the tube  20 . It is further contemplated that the user may grasp the tube  20  with one hand allowing the upper end of the tube  20  to rest against the body of the user for support while using by walking about the drawing surface. Chalk is simply and easily inserted into grip  26  for use by pushing tapered end of chalk stick into the grip. The user is afforded access to chalk or other marking implements of same or additional color choices to the implement in current use by means of the storage compartment  34 . 
     Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that the chalk holding device of this invention can be used by children and adults of almost any age to comfortably reach surfaces that otherwise require straining, bending or squatting to make marks with large pieces of chalk known as sidewalk chalk. The user is therefore able to conveniently apply markings to a vary large surface while walking, ruining, skating, etc. Therefore, large scale markings such as a quick layout of boundaries for hard court basketball, street hockey and other recreational activities is easily accomplished with this invention In addition, the chalk holder has a readily accessible storage compartment for extra pieces of chalk. Furthermore, the chalk holder has the additional advantages in that 
     It permits the user to reach less accessible surfaces such as a high ceiling or other elevated object. 
     It permits use of a variety of marking implements such as sidewalk or large pieces of chalk, ink or pigmented markers, crayons, and the like. 
     The length of the reach is varied by the user simply by grasping the chalk holder at any position along the longitudinal axis of the tube. 
     The grip  26  allows easy exchange of sidewalk chalk or other writing material in a simple manner that is intuitive to even a small child. 
     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion related to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     With respect to the above description therein, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention Further, since numerous modification and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.