Patent Publication Number: US-7594774-B2

Title: Writing instrument with fountain pen configuration

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to writing instruments and, more particularly, to writing instruments that have configurational aspects of, but operating components different than, a fountain pen. 
   2. Background Art 
   Fountain pens have been in existence since the early 1700&#39;s. There are certain configurational aspects of fountain pens that distinguish them from other writing instruments. Most notable of these features is the nib, which directly contacts the surface to which ink is to be applied. In its earliest form, the fountain pen contained a nib that was repeatedly dipped into an ink supply preparatory to usage. In the 1800&#39;s, several different types of reservoirs for the ink were developed. The reservoirs were designed to be refilled through any of myriad different mechanisms. 
   Fountain pens have stood the test of time and remain symbolic of status and prestige. Prominent statesmen from years past are commonly shown in paintings and historical memoirs signing significant documents with fountain pens. Even to this date, to commemorate historically significant events, the President of the United States is frequently shown in ceremonies signing documents, such as significant new legislation, treaties, etc., using a fountain pen. 
   Aside from the historical significance that fountain pens have, they are also desirable in certain respects from a utility standpoint. The nib of a fountain pen is designed so that a single nib construction permits the user thereof to selectively vary the width of the ink line by changing the orientation of the nib and the pressure applied thereto. Still further, the fountain pen is preferred for its ability to smoothly glide against the surface upon which ink is applied. Even moving at a fairly rapid speed, the fountain pen may be able to evenly apply ink to produce homogeneous and intense colors. 
   The nib of the fountain pen is unique in the writing instrument field in that it actually adapts to a particular user by wearing slighting to conform to a surface at a particular user angle. Whereas most writing instruments are designed with a universal shape and size, fountain pens are commonly customized for a particular hand. The barrel of the fountain pen may be customized for each individual by controlling the overall diameter, the shape of the grip region on the barrel, the length of the barrel, etc., to allow an ergonomically appropriate feel for consistent angle of attack and consistent, controlled movement by that individual. 
   Over the course of time, the fountain pen has become more than a functional item. The interest in fountain pens has spawned an ever increasing group of collectors that are seeking out not only historic designs, but new designs incorporating new materials, shapes, ornamentation, etc. True aficionados seek fountain pens from different ages, historically significant fountain pens, and fountain pens that are modern and unique in their design and functionality. 
   There is a large segment of the population that has an interest in the appearance of the fountain pen, but does not want to contend with certain of the problems associated therewith. For example, carrying a fountain pen in an airplane in which the fountain pen will be exposed to a severe environmental pressure change could case ink leakage. Further, refilling may be an inconvenience that certain users of writing instruments do not wish to contend with. 
   Heretofore, those persons that like the physical appearance of fountain pens, but do not wish to deal with certain functional aspects thereof, have tended to use ballpoint or roller ball pen technology. Aside from not having to contend with the above-noted inconveniences, the ballpoint or roller ball type of writing instrument has the advantage that it lends itself to pressing through several forms, as to impress a duplicate on an underlying form. The ballpoint/roller ball technology is preferred in that it also lends itself to the facilitated replacement of spent ink-carrying cartridges. Alternatively, this type of technology is usually inexpensive enough that the writing instruments can be disposed of after the ink supply therein is spent. 
   When making a selection of a writing instrument, one heretofore has had to choose between the elegance and, what some believe to be the incomparable writing characteristics, of a fountain pen, and the more universal ballpoint/roller ball pen technology which offers the above-noted advantages. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one form, the invention is directed to a writing instrument having a barrel and a tip section through which a writing substance is applied by the writing instrument. The barrel has a shape that is graspable in the hand of a user so as to allow the tip section to be moved against a surface to controllably supply a writing substance thereto. The tip section has a tip assembly that one of (a) is a nib of a fountain pen and (b) simulates in appearance a nib of a fountain pen. The tip section has a barrel end and a writing substance applying end. The writing instrument further includes a writing substance applying assembly. The writing substance applying assembly has a surface contacting end and a supply of a writing substance that is applied to a surface by bearing the surface contacting end against the surface. The writing substance applying assembly functions to supply the writing substance to a surface without the tip section performing a normal nib function for a fountain pen. 
   In one form, the tip assembly has one of: (a) a slit that defines first and second elements that simulate the appearance of tines on a nib of a fountain pen and (b) a simulation of a slit that corresponds to a slit that defines spaced tines on a nib of a fountain pen. 
   The tip assembly may further have one of: (a) a hole and (b) a simulation of a hole that is contiguous with one of (i) the slit and (ii) the simulation of a slit. The hole corresponds to a hole that is contiguous with a nib slit on a fountain pen. 
   In one form, the one of the hole or simulation thereof is round. 
   In one form, the one of the slit and simulation of a slit extends along a first line, with the one of the hole and simulation of a hole having a central axis. The central axis is substantially orthogonal to the first line. 
   In one form, the barrel has a length with a central axis and the barrel defines an annular, axially facing shoulder at a juncture between the tip section and barrel corresponding to a juncture between a tip section and barrel on a fountain pen. 
   In one form, the barrel has a diameter that varies to define a contoured surface extending one of (a) axially towards and to adjacent the annular, axially facing shoulder and (b) axially up to the annular, axially facing shoulder to facilitate gripping by a user. 
   The contoured surface may have at least a portion that is concave, opening radially outwardly. 
   In one form, the contoured surface decreases in diameter from a first location axially toward the annular, axially facing surface to a neck and increases in diameter between the neck and the annular, axially facing surface. 
   In one form, the writing substance applying assembly has a ball element and a supply of writing material that is applied by moving the ball element against a surface. 
   In one form, the tip assembly has a free end and the writing substance applying assembly includes an aperture at which the ball element is exposed. The aperture is at the writing substance applying end of the tip section. 
   In one form, the writing substance applying assembly includes a casing having a free end at which the aperture is formed. The free end of the casing extends to beyond the free end of the tip assembly. 
   In one form, the casing has a portion with a diameter that diminishes progressively toward the free end of the casing. 
   In one form, the portion of the casing extends to beyond the free end of the tip assembly. 
   The tip assembly may taper in diameter up to the free end of the tip assembly. 
   In one form, a portion of the tip assembly that simulates a nib decreases in diameter up to the free end of the tip assembly. 
   In one form, the tip section one of (a) is a feed assembly for a writing substance of a fountain pen and (b) simulates an appearance of a feed assembly for a writing substance on a fountain pen. 
   In one form, the writing instrument further includes a cap that is releasably connected to the barrel. 
   In one form, at least a part of the writing substance applying assembly is replaceable to replenish a supply of a writing substance. 
   Alternatively, the writing substance applying assembly may be refillable with a writing substance. 
   The invention is further directed to a writing instrument having a barrel and a tip section through which a writing substance is applied by the writing instrument. The barrel has a shape that is graspable in the hand of a user so as to allow the tip section to be moved against a surface to controllably apply a writing substance thereto. At least one of the barrel and tip section has configurational aspects that give an appearance that the writing instrument is a fountain pen that applies a writing substance through a fountain pen nib. The writing instrument further includes a writing substance applying assembly including a surface contacting end and a supply of a writing substance that is applied to a surface by bearing the surface contacting end against a surface without requiring a functional fountain pen nib. 
   In one form, the surface contacting end is defined by a ball element. 
   In one form, the tip section includes a functional nib. 
   Alternatively, the tip section includes a tip assembly that simulates in appearance a nib on a fountain pen. 
   In one form, the configurational aspects are on each of the barrel and tip section. 
   The tip section may include a functional feed assembly for a writing substance on a fountain pen. 
   Alternatively, the tip section may include a simulation of a feed assembly for a writing substance on a fountain pen. 
   The writing instrument may include a cap that is releasably connected to the barrel. 
   In one form, the tip assembly has a free end that is truncated and the surface contacting end of the writing substance applying assembly is exposed past the free end of the tip assembly. 
   In one form, the tip assembly simulates in appearance a nib on a fountain pen with a truncation defining a free end. The surface contacting end of the writing substance applying assembly is exposed beyond the truncated free end. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a fragmentary, plan view of a conventional fountain pen; 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, bottom view of the fountain pen in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of one form of conventional fountain pen; 
       FIG. 4  is a view as in  FIG. 3  of another form of conventional fountain pen; 
       FIG. 5  is a view as in  FIG. 1  of a writing instrument, made according to the present invention, and including a barrel with an associated tip member; 
       FIG. 6  is a view as in  FIG. 5  with the writing instrument rotated through 180° about a lengthwise axis; 
       FIG. 7  is a reduced, exploded, plan view of the writing instrument in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , including a removable cap on the barrel; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of a writing substance applying assembly that can be removably attached to the barrel in  FIG. 5  and defines a surface contacting end through which a writing substance is applied; 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic representation of a barrel and writing substance applying assembly according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of one form of writing instrument, according to the prevent invention; and 
       FIG. 11  is a view as in  FIG. 10  of a modified form of writing instrument, according to the prevent invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one conventional form of fountain pen is shown at  10 . The fountain pen  10  consists of a barrel  11  on which a tip section  12  is provided. The tip section  12  includes a tip assembly in the form of nib  14 , that may be made from any of myriad different metals. The nib  14  has a diamond shape that is truncated at a barrel end  16  and writing end  18 . 
   A slit  20  divides the writing end  18  of the nib  14  into identical tines  22 , 24 . A hole  26  is formed through the nib  14 , mid length relative to a lengthwise axis  28  for the fountain pen  10 . The hole  26  is contiguous with the slit  20 . The hole  26  is circular with a central axis that is transverse to the line of the slit  20 . 
   An ink reservoir  30  is defined in the barrel  11 . Through a feed assembly at  32 , ink from the reservoir  30  is delivered gravitationally to the underside  34  of the nib  14 , adjacent to the writing end  18 . The tines  22 , 24  have projecting ink applying elements  36 , 38 , respectively thereon. The ink applying elements  36 , 38  have exposed, rounded surfaces that directly contact a surface upon which ink is to be applied to cause an appropriate distribution pattern of ink thereon. 
   There are virtually a limitless number of different types of feed assemblies  32  and nibs  14  available in the writing industry. The details of construction thereof are not critical to an understanding of the present invention and will not be described herein. 
   Fountain pens, such as the pen  10 , are readily recognizable primarily by the configuration of the tip section  12 , and principally the nib  14  thereon. Identification can also readily be made by reason of the configuration of the feed assembly  32 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the feed assembly  32 , in addition to the mechanism that resides within the barrel  11 , has an exposed portion  40  defined by a comb-like arrangement of walls  42 . The walls  42  each have flat, oppositely facing surfaces  44 , 46 . The walls  42  are spaced at regular intervals along the axis  28  to produce the general appearance shown in  FIG. 2 . The underside edges  48  of the walls  42  are convex. The feed assembly  32  further has a portion at  49  that converges from the forwardmost wall  42  towards the writing end  18 , producing a truncated triangular shape at the end thereof, as viewed from the underside of the writing instrument  10 . 
   Typically, the fountain pen  10  will include a separable cap  50  ( FIG. 1 ) that is frictionally joined to the barrel  11 , or alternatively joined thereto as through cooperating threaded connecting parts on the barrel  11  and cap  50 . 
   Fountain pens are also readily identifiable by other configurational aspects thereof. Typically, the diameter D of the barrel  11  is greater than that for other conventional instruments, such as pencils and ballpoint/roller ball pens. This larger diameter produces a dominant transition step between the barrel  11  and tip section  12 . The smaller diameter tip section  12  causes a prominent annular, axially facing shoulder  52  to be formed at this transition location. Due to the larger diameter of the barrel  11 , compared to other writing instruments, typically the gripping portion  54  of the barrel  11  will be contoured to accommodate the fingertips of the user that is gripping the barrel  11 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the barrel  11  may have an integrally formed reservoir  30  which communicates with the tip section  12 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the reservoir may be defined by a cartridge  56 , which is carried by a corresponding barrel  11 ′. The cartridge  56  communicates ink to the tip section  12 ′, corresponding to the tip section  12 . 
   As noted above, while the configuration of the tip section  12 , including the nib  14  and feed assembly  32 , and barrel  11  may vary significantly from what is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , these components have the same general configurational aspects which identify the writing instrument as a fountain pen to those viewing the same. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the invention contemplates a writing instrument, as shown at  110 , with a barrel  111  and tip section  112 , having configurational aspects that give the appearance to an observer that the writing instrument  110  is a fountain pen. In actuality, a writing substance  113 , contained either partially or entirely within the barrel  111 , is caused to be applied through the writing instrument  110  through a mechanism other than through the depicted fountain pen components, i.e. a tip assembly in the form of a nib  114  and having axially spaced barrel and writing substance applying ends. 
   In this embodiment, with one minor exception, the writing instrument  110  has, in appearance, the same components as the fountain pen  10 ; those being, in addition to others described below, a similarly-shaped barrel  111  and nib  114 . In this case, the nib  114  is truncated to define a forwardmost free end  116 . Of course, the configuration of the writing instrument  110  need not be as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The writing instrument  110  may have any configurational aspects that are typical of fountain pens. 
   The most prominent configurational aspect that identifies a fountain pen is the shape of the nib  114 , including its overall shape, and the provision of a slit  120 , to define spaced tines  122 ,  124 , and circular hole  126  therein that is contiguous with the slit  120 . The shape of the barrel  111  is also a dominant feature, as are the feed assembly  132 , the stepped transition at the juncture between the tip section  112  and barrel  111  and the axially facing shoulder  152  defined thereat. 
   In this embodiment, as shown more specifically in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a writing substance applying assembly  160  is self-contained and releasably attachable to the barrel  111 . The writing instrument applying assembly  160  consists of a mounting end  162  and an opposite surface contacting end  164  defining part of the tip section  112 . A conduit/case  166  retains a supply of the writing substance  113  ( FIG. 6 ) and communicates the same to the surface contacting end  164  without requiring contact between the writing substance and fountain pen components i.e. the nib, for operation. As seen also in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the conduit/case  166  has an aperture  168  at its surface contacting end  164  through which a ball element  170  is exposed. The diameter of the aperture  168  is less than that of the ball element  170  so that a portion of the writing ball  170  can be exposed without allowing the entire ball element  170  to pass therethrough. 
   The use of a writing ball element  170  is common to ballpoint and roller ball technology. In each, a layer of the writing substance  113  is adhered to the writing ball  170  and applied to a surface as the ball element  170  is advanced against that surface. Further detail of the writing substance applying assembly  160  is not critical to the present invention. 
   It is preferred that the surface contacting end  164  have a part  172  that projects to slightly beyond the truncated free end  116  of the nib  114  so as to be engageable with a surface without interference from the nib  114 . At the same time, the degree of projection is preferably minimized to the point that the projecting part  172  of the surface contacting end  164  is generally close in appearance to the corresponding end of an actual fountain pen, without the nib truncation. In this embodiment, the projecting part  172  tapers towards the aperture  168  to follow generally the contour of the nib, which is defined by two curved edges  174 , 176  which converge towards the free end  116 . The free end  116  of the nib  114  has a width that is greater than the width/diameter of the projecting part  172  at the free end  116 . The projecting part  172  tapers progressively in width/diameter from the free end  116  to the surface contacting free end on the projecting part  172 . 
   The writing substance applying assembly  160  is shown to be removably attached to the barrel  111  by incorporating a threaded connecting part  178 , which can be engaged with cooperating threads around a bore (not shown) in the barrel  111 . This arrangement facilitates assembly and disassembly of the writing substance applying assembly  160  in the event that replacement is desired, as when the writing substance  113  is exhausted therefrom. The conduit/case  166  may be removable from the mounting end  162  for replacement, or may be permanently attached thereto, whereby the entire structure shown in  FIG. 8  must be removed and replaced as a unit. 
   Since the barrel  111  shown has a substantial girth, typical of fountain pens, to facilitate grasping thereof in the hand of a user, the barrel  111  may be contoured at a finger gripping portion  180 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the barrel diameter varies to define a contoured surface extending either axially towards and to adjacent the annular, axially facing shoulder  52 , or axially up to the annular, axially facing shoulder  52 . 
   In the depicted embodiment, the finger gripping portion  180  has an annular surface at  182  that is concave, opening radially outwardly. This surface  182  is spaced from the shoulder  52 , thereby defining a neck between two larger diameter barrel portions  184 , 186 , on axially opposite sides thereof. From the neck  182 , the barrel  111  increases and then decreases in diameter toward the shoulder  152 . 
   A cap  188  is releasably attached over the tip section  112  and is secured to the barrel  111  through appropriate frictionally or threadably engaging structure. A clip  190  on the cap  188  facilitates mounting, as on the edge of a user&#39;s pocket. 
   With the structure as described above, the writing instrument  110  has the appearance of a fountain pen, but incorporates the functional aspects of ballpoint/roller ball technology. It should be understood that the components of the writing instrument  110  that give it the appearance of a fountain pen could be a) actual functioning fountain pen components, b) functioning fountain pen components that have been disabled, or c) simply simulated fountain pen components. In the first case, for example, it is possible to take an existing fountain pen and retrofit the same with an appropriate writing substance applying assembly  160 . With simulated components, the only critical aspect is the functionality of the writing substance supplying assembly  160 , with the remainder of the structure serving primarily as ornamentation. 
   It is not necessary that the writing substance applying assembly  160  use either ballpoint or roller ball technology. In  FIG. 9 , the writing substance applying assembly is shown generically at  160 ′ to be any type of applicator, alternatively in the nature of a felt wicking system, lead, etc., associated with a barrel  111 ′, with the barrel  111 ′ and/or tip section  112 ′ preferably having the visual aspects of a fountain pen. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , the generic showing of the barrel  111 ′ and tip section  112 ′, contemplated by the invention, may take virtually any configuration appropriate to a fountain pen and that serves to identify the writing instrument as a fountain pen. A suitable cap  188 ′ is provided on the barrel  111 ′. The barrel  111 ′ is shown to have an integral reservoir in the form of a receptacle for a cartridge, or the like, as shown at  130 ′. In this embodiment, the tip section  112 ′ is shown as an integral part of the barrel  111 ′. 
   In  FIG. 11 , a modified form of writing instrument is shown, according to the present invention, wherein the tip section  112 ″ is shown as a section that is separate, and potentially separable, from the barrel  111 ″. Connecting parts  192 , 194  on the barrel  111 ″ and tip section  112 ″ cooperate to unite the barrel  111 ″ and tip section  112 ″. A separate writing substance applying assembly  160 ″ is integrated with the barrel  111 ″ through cooperating connecting parts  196 , 198  on the writing substance applying assembly  160 ″ and barrel  111 ″, respectively. An optional cap  200  is incorporated. 
   The various different structures are shown schematically in  FIGS. 8-10  to encompass different combinations of components contemplated by the invention. For example, the various components may be permanently joined as during an assembly operation. Alternatively, the various parts can be separately formed and joined either permanently or releasably. Further, the generic showing is intended to encompass all different types of operating mechanisms as well as configurations for the inventive writing instrument. The specific components, and their shapes shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , are intended to be illustrative only. Any configurational component that is identified with a fountain pen construction can be utilized and is contemplated by the present invention. 
   While the invention has been described with particular reference to the drawings, it should be understood that various modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.