Abstract:
Chalk or other messy writing material is coated with wax or another easily applied material to the writing material, preventing the writing material from creating an undesirable mess.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/515,488, filed 29 Oct. 2003, and entitled “Coated Writing Apparatus.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to sidewalk chalk, commonly used by children as a recreational or artistic pastime. Such chalk can create a serious mess on the clothing and skin of the children.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     This invention is a novel method and apparatus for sidewalk writing, or other uses as the user may see fit. The invention comprises chalk coated with wax or another easily applied material to the chalk, which prevents the chalk from creating the aforesaid serious mess. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the writing instrument of the present invention.  
         [0005]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the writing instrument of the present invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0006]     Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.  
         [0007]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an embodiment of a writing instrument  10  is shown. In this embodiment, coating  20 , which is preferably wax, is applied about the chalk or other substance  30 . Application of the wax  30  can be accomplished through any means, such as dipping. This allows the chalk  30  to be held and used without the mess and feeling of chalk residue and stained clothing. For sidewalk chalk, the entire stick may be coated as shown, as the chalk  30  is deteriorated through use, so is the wax exterior  20 . The wax  20  could be scented, but is preferably non-toxic and/or edible if desired for use by children.  
         [0008]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the writing instrument  10  of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, well suited for blackboard chalk, such as in schools, only a portion of the chalk  30  would be coated with wax  20 . This allows for application of the chalk  30  to a surface that is incompatible with wax. Blackboards and wax products would likely not be compatible without a wax removal product/eraser. However, an eraser similar to a shoe polisher sponge containing mineral spirits or WD-40 for wax removal could be provided (not shown).  
         [0009]     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications 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. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.