Patent Publication Number: US-6702495-B1

Title: Orbital marking pencil

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention is in the field of marking score spaces and scratch-off cards. In particular, the present invention relates to an orbital marking pencil used to fill score spaces. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In filling out score spaces on a scholastic test or on a lottery card, a regular soft pencil is typically used to fill the score spaces. Unfortunately, when users fill in a score space with a pencil, there is a tendency to overfill or underfill the particular space so that the spaces are misread because the marks are outside of the boundary. Another issue is the amount of time required to completely and accurately fill in each of the score spaces. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an orbital marking pencil used to fill in score spaces on a scholastic test or a lottery card without making a horizontal motion across the writing surface. There is also a need for an efficient orbital marking pencil that can be used by draftspersons and others in the architectural field to efficiently and accurately create orbital markings on drawings. Furthermore, there is a need for an orbital marking pencil that can be economically manufactured. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of this invention is to provide an orbital marking pencil that includes a body assembly, a rotator assembly and a rotational support. The body assembly includes a plunger, a main spring and a support spring. A convoluted race is formed on an inner surface of the body assembly. The rotator assembly includes a rotator spring and at least two ball bearings. The rotator spring opens a collet that retains a piece of lead. The ball bearings are received in the convoluted race. The depression of the body assembly in a vertical movement actuates the ball bearings within the convoluted race, thereby rotating the lead in an orbital movement. The support spring provides resistance to return the rotational support to a starting position, the main spring provides resistance for and returns the rotator assembly to a starting position, and the rotator spring provides resistance for and returns the plunger to a starting position. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide an orbital marking pencil that includes a body assembly and a rotator assembly. The body assembly includes a plunger, a main spring and a support spring. A convoluted race is formed on an inner surface of the body assembly. The rotator assembly includes a rotator spring and at least two ball bearings. The rotator spring opens a collet that retains a piece of lead. The ball bearings are received in the convoluted race. The depression of the body assembly in a vertical movement actuates the ball bearings within the convoluted race, thereby rotating the lead in an orbital movement. The main spring provides resistance for and returns the rotator assembly to a starting position, and the rotator spring provides resistance for and returns the plunger to a starting position. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide an orbital marking pencil that includes a body assembly and a rotator assembly. The body assembly includes a plunger and a main spring. A convoluted race is formed on an inner surface of the body assembly. The rotator assembly includes a rotator spring and at least two ball bearings. The rotator spring opens a collet that retains a piece of lead. The ball bearings are received in the convoluted race. The depression of the body assembly in a vertical movement actuates the ball bearings within the convoluted race, thereby rotating the lead in an orbital movement. The main spring provides resistance for and returns the rotator assembly to a starting position, and the rotator spring provides resistance for and returns the plunger to a starting position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an end view of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line A—A of FIG. 2 of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a body assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a body assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of an outside body of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line B—B of FIG. 8 of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main spring of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support spring of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a screw cap of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is another perspective view of a screw cap of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of a screw cap of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support member of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lead gripper of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional, view along line C—C of FIG. 16 of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 is a view of a tip of a lead gripper of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cap assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is another perspective view of a cap assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an end cap of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 22 is another perspective view of an end cap of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a plunger of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23B is another perspective view of a plunger of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a finger grip of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a rotator assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 26 is an end view of a rotator assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view along line D—D of FIG. 26 of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a rotator assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 is another cross-sectional view of a rotator assembly of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a rotator of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 31 is an end view of a rotator of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view along line E—E of FIG. 31 of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a rotator of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a rotator spring of an orbital marking pencil according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional vie w of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an end cap of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 39 is a side view of an end cap of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view along line F—F of FIG. 39 of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a finger grip of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a foam/felt tip of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a foam/felt tip holder of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 44 is an end view of a foam/felt tip holder of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 45 is a cross-section view along line G—G of FIG. 44 of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 46 is a side view of a foam/felt tip holder of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a bearing spring of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a foam/felt tip drive assembly of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view along line H—H of FIG. 48 of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a foam/felt tip drive assembly of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a bearing guide of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing guide of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a spring pivot of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a body assembly of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view along line I—I of FIG. 54 of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Orbital Marking Pencil 
     FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an orbital marking pencil  10  including a cap assembly  12 , a body assembly  14 , a rotator assembly  16 , a main spring  18 , a lead  20 , a rotational support  22 , a support spring  24 , a rotator spring  26 , a finger grip  28 , a plunger  30 , a marking collet  32 , and at least a pair of lead gripping fingers  34 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, pencil  10  is approximately 5.659 inches in length and 0.500 inches in diameter. 
     FIGS. 6-9 illustrate body assembly  14  including finger grip  28 , support spring  24 , rotational support  22 , and a screw cap  36 . FIG. 10 illustrates main spring  18 , and FIG. 11 illustrates support spring  24 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, main spring  18  is 4 inches in free length and 2.75 inches compressed. The outer diameter of spring  18  is 0.370 inches with an inner diameter of 0.300 inches. Support spring  24  is 1 inch in free length and 0.299 inches compressed. The outer diameter of support spring  24  is 0.600 inches with an inner diameter of 0.480 inches. Furthermore, pencil  10  is approximately 5.659 inches in length. 
     FIGS. 12-14 illustrate screw cap  36  of body assembly  14 . Cap  36  includes a thread  38  that is approximately {fraction (11/16)} inches. FIG. 15 illustrates rotational support  22  that is approximately 0.888 inches in length and 0.540 inches in diameter. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, rotational support  22  is retained on body  14  with a snap ring (not shown). Support  22  preferably includes a least three projection feet  40 . Rotational support  22  is fabricated from see-through or clear material to facilitate locating orbital marking pencil IO directly over a score space. 
     FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a lead gripper  42  having a protrusion  44  formed on an outside surface  46 . A tip  48  of gripper  42  forms collet  32  that is configured to firmly retain lead  20 . Serrations may be formed on an inside diameter of gripping fingers  34  to aid in the retention of lead  20 . Lead  20  is inserted into collet  32  by depressing plunger  30  and inserting lead  20  directly into gripper  42 . More than one piece of lead may be inserted into collet  32 . 
     FIGS. 19-20 illustrate cap assembly  12  including an end cap  50  and plunger  30 . FIGS. 21-22 illustrate end cap  50  including leg  52  that is approximately 0.813 inches. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, end cap  50  is approximately 0.498 inches in diameter and 0.358 inches in length. FIGS. 23A-23B further illustrate plunger  30  including cap portion  54 , disk  56  and elongated portion  58 . 
     Plunger  30  is approximately 1.408 includes in length and cap portion  54  is approximately 0.338 inches long. 
     FIG. 24 illustrates finger grip  28  of body assembly  14 . 
     FIGS. 25-29 illustrate rotator assembly  16 , FIGS. 30-33 illustrate a rotator  60 , and FIG. 34 illustrates rotator spring  26 . Assembly  16  includes a pair of ball bearings  62  and corresponding bearing press washer  64 . Rotator assembly  16  is approximately 4.188 inches in length and rotator  60  is approximately 1.337 inches in length with a first portion  66  that is approximately 0.639 inches in length and a second portion  68  that is approximately 0.572 inches in length. Ball bearings  62  are located opposite one another in first portion  66  and rotate within a convoluted race  68  (FIG. 4) in body assembly  14 . Convoluted race  68  is formed in body assembly  14  and is a double helix ½ inch pitch that is 3 inches in length. Rotator spring  26  is approximately 0.710 inches in free length and 0.310 inches compressed, with an outer diameter of 0.306 inches and an inner diameter of 0.190 inches. 
     To score a space, lead  20  is preferably placed directly over a score space using rotational support  22  as a guide for sliding orbital marking pencil  10  over a score sheet. Rotational support  22  also maintains pencil  10  in a vertical position. Pencil  10  may, however, also be used without the aid of rotational support  22 . 
     As discussed above, pencil  10  includes main spring  18  body assembly  14  and support spring  24  and rotator spring  26  in the forward tip of orbital pencil  10 . Main spring  18  provides resistance for and returns rotator assembly  16  back into position. Rotator spring  26  provides resistance for and returns plunger  30  back into position. When plunger  30  is pressed, rotator spring  26  is actuated. Rotator spring  26  opens collet  32  which retains lead  20 . Support spring  24  is also located in the forward tip of orbital pencil  10  and provides resistance to keep rotational support  22  in position and to return support  22  to a starting position after pencil  10  has been actuated. 
     As a user pushes body assembly  14  downward from a vertical position, ball bearings  62  (FIG. 26) seated in inner convoluted race  68  (FIG. 4) of body assembly  14  are actuated, thereby rotating lead  20  in an orbital motion to create the mark. Lead  20  is then returned to a starting position by support spring  22 . 
     Orbital Eraser and Scratch-off Card Remover 
     FIGS. 35-37 illustrate an orbital eraser and scratch-off card remover  70  that includes a body assembly  72 , a finger grip  74 , a drive assembly  76 , an end cap  78 , a main spring  80 , a spring pivot  82 , and a foam/felt tip  84 . Remover  70  is approximately 6.103 inches in length. 
     End cap  78  includes a threaded portion  86  and cap protrusion  88 . Cap  78  is approximately 0.501 inches in length and is received in a first end  90  of remover  70 . Finger grip  74  is located in a middle portion  92  of remover  70 , and is approximately 0.987 inches in length. Main spring  80  is approximately 4.00 inches in free length and 2.75 inches compressed. As illustrated above in orbital marking pencil  10 , a pair of ball bearings  77  are received in a convoluted race  79  formed in body assembly  72 . Ball bearings  77  are approximately 0.060 inches in diameter. Convoluted race  79  is formed in body assembly  72  and is a double helix ½ inch pitch that is 3 inches in length. 
     Foam/felt tip  84  is approximately 1.060 inches in length and is located at a second end  94  of remover  70 . Tip  84  includes a first end  96  and a second end  98 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, tip  84  is a foam tip manufactured from special grade foam. Tip  84  may also be manufactured from felt or any other equivalent material known by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     FIG. 43 illustrates a foam/felt tip holder  100  configured to retain tip  84 . Holder  100  is approximately 1.443 inches in length. A tapered cavity  102  receives end  98  of tip  84 . 
     FIG. 47 illustrates a bearing spring  104  that is approximately 0.438 inches in length. Spring  104  is housed within a bearing guide  106  (FIG.  51 ). FIG. 53 illustrates a spring pivot  82  located in middle portion  92  of remover  70 . 
     Similar in operation to the orbital marking pencil  10 , orbital remover  70  removes the surface of a scratch-off lottery game card and can also erase lead and/or ink marks. Remover  70  is approximately 6.103 inches in length and 0.620 inches in diameter. This width allows for easy gripping and control. A user grasps finger grip  74  and pushes vertically downward on body assembly  72  to provide orbital rotation of tip  84  to remove a surface or mark. 
     The user holds remover  70  in a vertical position and places it over the surface to be removed. If pressed once, remover  70  accurately removes a predefined orbital surface area. If the user repeatedly presses down remover  70 , a larger surface area will be removed. 
     As illustrated above, remover includes main spring  80 . Similar to the operation of marking pencil  10  described above, a user vertically pushes remover  70  to actuate ball bearings  77  housed within convoluted race  79  formed in body assembly  72 . Ball bearings  77  are contained within race  79  between bearing spring  104  and bearing guide  106  (FIG.  49 ), thereby creating revolution of foam/felt tip  84  that is returned to a starting position by main spring  80 . 
     Foam/felt tip holder  100  encapsulates remover tip  84 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, tip  84  is tapered at a 42° angle. 
     Many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of some of these changes has already been discussed in relation to the orbital pencil  10 . For example, orbital marking pencil  10  may be combined into one single unit with orbital remover  70 . The scope of other changes will become apparent from the attached claims.