Patent Publication Number: US-2021187995-A1

Title: Writing instrument equipped with a locking device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/606,323, filed Oct. 18, 2019, which is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/FR2018/050977, filed on Apr. 18, 2018, now published as WO/2018/193213 and which claims priority to French Application No. 1753386, filed Apr. 19, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a manual device provided with a locking device moveable in translation from one portion in relation to another based on the relative position of the two portions considered in the direction of gravity. Such a manual device may notably be a writing instrument, though not only. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Manual devices having a first portion moveable in relation to a second portion are known, e.g. the rear portion of a writing instrument having an eraser that is moveable in relation to the front portion of the writing instrument. However, when a user wishes to use the second portion, e.g. to erase, the second portion remains moveable relative to the first portion, which can lead the user to displace the second portion in relation to the first portion inadvertently, which is inconvenient and can make the writing tip retract/protrude, for example, while the user is erasing. Such an operation is not generally desired. There is therefore a need in this sense. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment relates to a manual device, in particular, but not only, a writing instrument, comprising a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being at least partially fitted into the first portion and being moveable in translation in an axial direction relative to the first portion (and conversely), the first portion having a first distal end while the second portion has a second distal end opposite the first distal end in the axial direction, and a locking device designed to prevent the first portion from moving in translation in the axial direction relative to the second portion (and conversely) only when, considered in the direction of gravity, the first distal end is arranged above the second distal end, the locking device comprising a chamber and a ball or equivalent accommodated in the chamber, the chamber being provided only in the second portion. 
     It is understood that the second portion is entirely or partially fitted into the first portion. For example, the fitting direction corresponds to the axial direction. Of course, each part can be designed as one and the same piece or rather multiple pieces assembled together. Furthermore, and unless otherwise indicated, “displacement/movement in translation/sliding of the first portion in relation to the second portion” is quite obviously understood as the relative displacement/movement in translation/sliding of the first portion in relation to the second portion and conversely (i.e. the relative displacement/movement in translation/sliding of the second portion in relation to the first portion). 
     “Direction of gravity” is understood, of course, as the direction of Newtonian gravitational acceleration created by the earth or, more generally, by the body or star on which the manual device is used. 
     “Ball or equivalent” is understand as any solid element with any shape, mobile in the chamber, and able to be displaced in the chamber under the effect of gravity relative to the walls delimiting the chamber cavity. Furthermore, and unless otherwise indicated, “ball” is understood as “ball or equivalent.” Of course, the shape of the chamber may have any shape, and may be simple or complex. 
     Thus, in reference to the direction of gravity, thanks to the ball that is displaced within the chamber, when the first distal end is below the second distal end, the locking device allows relative movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion while, when the first distal end is above the second distal end, the locking device prevents relative movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion. Furthermore, and unless otherwise indicated, the relative position “above” or “below” the first and second distal ends is considered in the direction of gravity. 
     The locking device is understood as a gravity locking device. Thus, in a first state where, considered in the direction of gravity, the first distal end is arranged above the second distal end, the locking device blocks, automatically and only thanks to the effects of gravity, movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion while in a second state where, considered in the direction of gravity, the first distal end is arranged below the second distal end, the locking device allows, automatically and only thanks to the effects of gravity, movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion. 
     Consequently, the manual device has a first configuration where the first portion can be displaced in the axial direction in relation to the second portion, for example, but not necessarily, to activate any mechanism, e.g. a mechanism to make a head retract/protrude from a distal end chosen from among the first distal end and the second distal end. In this first configuration the first distal end is below the second distal end. The manual device also has a second configuration where the first portion cannot be displaced in the axial direction in relation to the second portion thanks to the locking device, for example, but not necessarily, to block said mechanism to make a head retract/protrude. In this second configuration the first distal end is above the second distal end. Of course, the locking performed by the locking device may be a strict locking without axial slack between the first and second portions, locking with axial slack between the first portion and the second portion, or even a limitation of the relative axial path between the first portion and the second portion (i.e. blockage with relatively large slack). 
     It is understood that the chamber is formed of walls belonging only to the second portion ad/or to elements mounted on the second portion. Thus, the ball within the chamber cavity does not engage with the first portion, at least not directly. 
     It is understood that in the second configuration the ball of the locking device engages with at least one wall of the chamber to block the relative movements in translation in the axial direction between the first portion and the second portion while in the first configuration the ball does not engage with the at least one wall of the chamber to block the relative movements in translation in the axial direction between the first portion and the second portion (i.e. the ball allows the relative movements in relation in the axial direction between the first portion and the second portion). Thus, in the first configuration the ball is in a so-called free position (i.e. position where the locking device frees the first portion in axial movement in translation in relation to the second portion) while in the second configuration the ball is in a so-called locking position (i.e. position where the locking device blocks the first portion in axial movement in translation in relation to the second portion). 
     It is noted that thanks to the structure of the locking device, i.e. thanks to the ball, and notably the ball accommodated in a chamber, and unless otherwise indicated, the locking takes place in the second configuration independently of the configuration of any other possible element/mechanism of the manual device. Thus, for example, if the manual device has a mechanism to make a head of a distal end chosen from among the first and the second distal ends retract/protrude, the locking device blocks the movement in translation of the first portion in relation to the second portion regardless of the position of said head, i.e. whether the head is in a retracted or protruding position (and this, of course, is only when the first distal end is above the second distal end). 
     For example, the head is made of any tool end piece of the manual device, e.g. the end piece of a key, screwdriver, blade, awl, writing body (felt-tip, ballpoint or otherwise, graphite lead, chalk or any medium allowing a substratum to be written on), brush, eraser, friction body, pad for a capacitive screen, cosmetic applicator (brush, pencil, mascara brush, roll-on, lipstick or any cosmetic application medium), etc. 
     Thus, thanks to the locking device, it is possible to avoid manipulating/activating (e.g. retracting/protruding) a first head of the manual device when using a second head opposite the first head in the axial direction of the manual device (the activation of the first head taking place, of course, through relative movement in translation in the axial direction of a first portion in relation to a second portion). Furthermore, the structure of the locking device has the advantage of being compact, particularly thanks to the chamber arranged in the second portion that is fitted into the first portion, which reduces the general volume of the manual device, thanks to which the manual device can have dimensions that can be adapted to the hands of the majority of users. 
     In some embodiments a wall of the chamber forms a catch moveable between a first position and a second position, the ball allowing the catch to come into the first position when, considered in the direction of gravity, the first distal end is arranged below the second distal end whereas the ball moves and locks the catch in the second position when, considered in the direction of gravity, the first distal end is arranged above the second distal end. 
     It is understood that among the different walls of the chamber, a wall forms the catch moveable between the first position and the second position. When the manual device is in the second configuration, the catch is in the second position thanks to the ball, whereas in the first configuration of the manual device, the ball releases the catch and allows it to come into the first position. 
     Such a system allows strong, reliable locking/releasing and does not impact or only slightly impacts the general size of the manual device. 
     In some embodiments, in the first position the catch allows the movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion (and conversely) while in the second position the catch blocks the movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion (and conversely). 
     It is understood that in the second position the catch engages with the first portion to block the movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion while in the first position the catch does not engage with the first portion to block the movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion. In other words, in the first position the catch frees the first portion in relation to the second portion (and conversely). Such a catch allows strong, reliable locking/releasing and does not impact or only slightly impacts the general size of the manual device. 
     In some embodiments, the catch has a locking projection, said locking projection being engaged with a shoulder of the first portion in the second position, thanks to which movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion is blocked. 
     It is understood that in the first position the projection is not engaged with the shoulder whereas in the second position the projection is engaged with the shoulder. Thus, in the second position, being engaged with the shoulder, the projection engages tightly in the axial direction with the shoulder and blocks the movement in translation in the axial direction of the first portion in relation to the second portion. In the first position, the projection being free of the shoulder and not engaging with the shoulder, the first portion and the second portion can be displaced in the axial direction in relation to one another. Such a structure allows strong, reliable locking/releasing and does not impact or only slightly impacts the general size of the manual device. 
     In some embodiments the locking projection and/or the shoulder has (have) a beveled portion configured to disengage the catch from the shoulder upon pushing the second portion in an axial direction in relation to the first portion when, considered in the direction of gravity, the first distal end is arranged below the second distal end, thanks to which the catch is moved into the first position. 
     It is understood that only the projection has a beveled portion, or only the shoulder has a beveled portion, or the projection and the shoulder each have a beveled portion, e.g. complementary beveled portions. 
     It is understood that in the first configuration the latch does not necessarily return to the first position on its own. In this configuration the ball simply releases the catch and leaves it free to return to the first position. However, in the first configuration the catch can also be in the second position, but it is not locked in the second position. Thus, in the first configuration, when the second portion is displaced in relation to the first portion in a first axial direction (e.g. the direction tending to bring the second distal end toward the first distal end)—or when the first portion is displaced in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction in relation to the second portion (e.g. the direction tending to bring the first distal end toward the second distal end)—the beveled portion(s) allow the projection to be disengaged from the shoulder through sliding engagement of the surfaces in contact, thanks to which the catch is moved into the first position. Of course, in the second configuration, the ball locks the catch in the second position so that even if the second portion is displaced in relation to the first portion in the first axial direction (or if the first portion is displaced in the second axial direction in relation to the second portion), the catch remains in the second position. Such a structure allows strong, reliable locking/releasing and does not impact or only slightly impacts the general size of the manual device. 
     In some embodiments the ball or equivalent is metallic. 
     A metallic ball has a certain inertia, which improves its ability to maintain a locking position. 
     In some embodiments the first distal end is provided with a first head while the second distal end is provided with a second head. 
     Such a manual device provided with the ball locking device is particularly suitable for instruments having two heads. 
     In some embodiments the first head is retractable thanks to a retraction mechanism, the retraction mechanism comprising a lateral button coupled with the second portion. 
     It is understood that a lateral button is a button that projects in a transverse direction in relation to the axial direction, and which is placed laterally, in relation to the first and second distal ends. The manual device provided with the ball locking device is particularly suitable for instruments having retraction/advancing mechanisms for a head with a lateral button. This allows, for example, the activation of the mechanism to be locked when the first distal end is above the second distal end, but the mechanism can be activated by the lateral button and/or, if necessary, via the second distal end when the first distal end is below the second distal end. 
     In some embodiments when the retraction mechanism is in a state where the first head is protruding, the locking device is configured to allow the relative displacement of the first portion in relation to the second portion in the direction, regardless of the relative position of the first distal end in relation to the second distal end, considered in the direction of gravity. 
     It is understood that when the retraction mechanism is in a state where the first head is protruding, the locking device cannot block the relative displacement in the axial direction between the first portion and the second portion. This allows greater flexibility of use of the first head. Furthermore, in the case that the manual device is configured such that the second head is not visible when the first head is protruding, and conversely, this allows the relative displacement of the two portions to be blocked only if the second head is protruding, and thus usable. Otherwise, it is useless to block the displacement since the second head is not visible and therefore not usable, even if the first distal end is arranged above the second distal end (considered in the direction of gravity). 
     In some embodiments the manual device forms a writing instrument extending in the axial direction. 
     It is understood that the first distal end and/or the second distal end is provided with a writing tip, e.g. a retractable tip or a fixed tip, e.g. mechanical pencil lead, a graphite tip, a ballpoint, a felt tip, etc. For example, the first head and/or the second head is/are a writing point. 
     Such a manual device provided with a ball locking device is particularly suitable for writing instruments. 
     In some embodiments the first head is a writing tip while the second head is an eraser, a friction body or a pad for a capacitive screen. 
     A friction body is understood as a body arranged to be rubbed on a surface, e.g. to generate heat and cause a change in the color of a thermochromic ink, i.e. an ink that changes color based on the heat to which it is exposed. 
     A pad for a capacitive screen is understood as an end provided to interact with a capacitive screen. The pad is a conductor (thanks to its manufacturing material or thanks to a coating). The shape, flexibility/rigidity and material(s) of a pad are not limited to the extent that this pad is able to interact with a capacitive screen, i.e. its contact with a capacitive screen is detectable by the same. 
     The manual device provided with a ball locking device is particularly suitable for writing instruments having such combinations of heads. 
     In some embodiments the first head is a nib held by a nib-advancing mechanism (i.e. nib and mechanical pencil mechanism), the nib-advancing mechanism comprising a lateral button coupled with the second portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure and its advantages will be understood after reading the detailed description provided below of different embodiments provided as non-limiting examples. This description refers to the annexed figure pages, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of a manual device, 
         FIG. 2  is a partial sectional drawing of the manual device from  FIG. 1 , the first distal end being, considered in the direction of gravity, above the second distal end, 
         FIG. 2A  is a close-up view of IIA from  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 3  is a partial sectional drawing of the manual device from  FIG. 1 , the first distal end being, considered in the direction of gravity, below the second distal end while the catch is in the second position, 
         FIG. 4  is a partial sectional drawing of the manual device from  FIG. 1 , the first distal end being, considered in the direction of gravity, below the second distal end while the catch is in the first position, 
         FIG. 5  is a first variant of the manual device shown in  FIG. 1 , and 
         FIG. 6  is a second variant of the manual device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 4  represent a manual device  10 , in this example a writing instrument, and more particularly a retractable ballpoint pen, comprising a first portion  12  and a second portion  14  fitted into the first portion  12  and being moveable in translation in an axial direction X. The direction X of relative gliding between the first and second portions  12  and  14  corresponds to the direction in which the manual device  10  extends. 
     The first portion  12  has a first distal end  12 A provided with a first head  12 B and having an orifice for the passage of the first head  12 B. The first head  12 B is a writing point, and more particularly a ballpoint that can retract/protrude from the first portion  12 A. In  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  the first head  12 B is fitted in the first portion  12  while in  FIG. 4  the first head  12 B is protruding and projecting from the first distal end  12 A. The first portion  12  is formed of two pieces  12 - 1  and  12 - 2  snap locked to one another (not represented). Of course, according to a variant, the first portion  12  can comprise more than two pieces. The first portion  12  accommodates a retraction mechanism  18  to make the first head  12 B retract/protrude when the button  18 A is displaced. 
     The mechanism  18  is a ratchet mechanism and comprises, as is known moreover, a lateral button  18 A, a piston  18 B, a rotary cam  18 C and a fixed cam  18 D. It is noted that in this example the lateral button  18 A and the piston  18 B form one and the same piece. The button  18 A is snap locked to the second portion  14 , thanks to which the second portion  14  and the button  18 A are coupled in translation in an axial direction X. Of course, as is known moreover, a non-represented spring allows the rotary cam  18 C to be coupled with the body  13 , in this example an ink reservoir having a ballpoint  12 B. 
     The second portion  14  has a second distal end  14 A provided with a second head  14 B, in this example a friction body. The second portion  14  being coupled with the button  18 A, the first portion  12  is displaced in relation to the second portion  14  (or conversely) in movement in translation in the axial direction X by displacing the button  18 A in the action direction A. In  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  the second head  14 B is protruding from the first portion (which has an orifice for the passage of the second head  14 B) while in  FIG. 4  the second head  14 B is fitted in the first portion  12 . 
     A locking device  16  represented in  FIGS. 2 to 4  allows the movement in translation of the first portion  12  in relation to the second portion  14  in the axial direction to be blocked only when, considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is arranged above the second distal end  14 B (position represented in  FIG. 2 ). In other words, when, considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is arranged below the second distal end  14 B (position represented in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the locking mechanism allows the movement in translation of the first portion  12  in relation to the second portion  14  in the axial direction X. 
     The locking device  16  comprises a metallic ball  16 A and a chamber  16 B accommodating the ball  16 A. The chamber  16 B is provided only in the second portion  14 . More particularly, the second portion  14  comprises a first section  14 C forming a hollow annular case extending in the axial direction X and accommodating the ball  16 A. This case  14 C forms a first wall of the chamber  16 B. The case  14 C has a cut receiving a second section  14 D, mounted to pivot around a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X on the case  14 C. This second section  14 D forms a second wall of the chamber  16 B. More particularly, this second section  14 D forms a mobile catch between a first position (see  FIG. 4 ) and a second position (see  FIG. 2 ). This catch  14 D is, of course, part of the locking device  16 . On the side opposite the second distal end  14 B in the axial direction X, the case  14 C has a constriction  14 C 1  arranged to hold the ball  16 A in the chamber  16 B within the second portion  14 . On the side of the second distal end  14 A, the catch  14 D has a bulge  14 D 1  arranged to hold the ball in the chamber  16  within the second portion  14 . According to a variant the catch  14 D does not have a bulge, while the second head  14 B prevents the ball  16 B from leaving the case  14 C. Thus, the chamber  16 B is arranged only in the second portion  14 . 
     The catch  14 D has a locking projection  14 D 2  projecting radially to the outside and being arranged to engage with a shoulder  12 C 1  (i.e. tightly engage in the axial direction with the shoulder  12 C 1 ). The shoulder  12 C 1  is formed by the edge of a window  12 C arranged in the piece  12 - 1  of the first portion  12 . More particularly, the shoulder  12 C 1  is oriented in the axial direction X toward the second distal end  14 B. The portion  14 D 21  of the projection  14 D 2  oriented toward the first distal end  12 B (i.e. toward the shoulder  12 C 1 ) is beveled while the shoulder  12 C extends perpendicularly in the axial direction X (i.e. is not beveled). 
     We will now describe the functioning of the locking mechanism  16  in reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is arranged above the second distal end  14 A. Under the force of gravity G, the ball  16 A is displaced to the lowest possible position (from the side of the second distal end  14 A) within the chamber  16 A. In other words, in this position, the ball  16 A is supported against the bulge  14 D 1 . This results in the catch  14 D being pushed and locked in the second position. In the second position the projection  14 D 2  is engaged in the window  12 C with the shoulder  12 C 1 . Thus, under the combined effect of the ball  16 A that locks the catch  14 D in the second position and of the projection  14 D 2  that tightly engages with the shoulder  12 C 1 , the displacement of the second portion  14  in relation to the first portion  12  in the axial direction X is blocked. The configuration represented in  FIG. 2  corresponds to the second configuration described above. 
     In this example, in the second configuration, since the second head  14 B is held by the second portion  14 , the second head  14 B cannot be displaced in the axial direction X in relation to the first portion  12 . Furthermore, the button  18 A being coupled with the second portion  14 , it is also not possible to activate the retraction mechanism  18  to make the first head retract/protrude. 
     In  FIG. 3 , considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is arranged below the second distal end  14 A. Under the force of gravity G, the ball  16 A is displaced to the lowest possible position (from the side opposite the second distal end  14 A) within the chamber  16 A. In other words, in this position, the ball  16 A is supported against the constriction  14 C 1 . This results in the catch  14 D being freed. However, the catch  14 C does not necessarily shift toward the first position. To do this, the button  18 A must be displaced in an axial direction X 1 , in the direction tending to bring the button  18 A (or the second distal end  14 A) closer toward the first distal end  12 A. The button  18 A being coupled in displacement in the axial direction X with the second portion  14 , the displacement of the button  18 A in this axial direction X 1  drags the second portion  14  in this same axial direction X 1 . The ball  16 A having freed the catch  14 D, thanks to the beveled portion  14 D 21 , this displacement causes the catch  14 D to shift according to the arrow B in  FIG. 3 , thanks to which the catch  14 D is dragged from the second position toward the first position. In  FIG. 3  the catch  14 D is in the second position while in  FIG. 4  the catch  14 D is in the first position. The configuration of the device represented in  FIGS. 3 and 4  corresponds to the first configuration described above. 
     In  FIG. 4 , considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is arranged below the second distal end  14 A and the retraction mechanism of the first head  12 B has been activated (in relation to  FIG. 3 ). The button  18 A being coupled with the second portion  14 , the second portion  14  has been displaced in the axial direction X in relation to the first portion  12 . It is noted that thanks to the dimensions of the different pieces (i.e. pieces of the retraction mechanism  18 , but also of the second portion  14  and of the second head  14 B), when the first head  12 B is protruding, the second head  14 B is not visible, and conversely. Of course, according to a variant, the second head may be protruding while the first head is protruding or not visible (i.e. whatever the state of the retraction mechanism). 
     It is also noted in  FIG. 4  that when the retraction mechanism  18  is in a state where the first head  12 B is protruding, the catch  14 D is locked in the second position and can no longer return to the first position. More particularly, in this example, when the retraction mechanism  18  is in a state where the first head is protruding, the projection  14 D 2  is no longer opposite the window  12 C, such that the catch  14 D is locked in the second position. Thus, generally, in this example, if the retraction mechanism  18  (or more generally, the actuation mechanism of the first head) is in a state where the first head  12 B is protruding, the locking device  16  is arranged to allow the relative displacement of the first portion  12  in relation to the second portion  14  in the direction X regardless of the relative position of the first distal end  12 A in relation to the second distal end (considered, of course, in the direction of gravity G). Thus, for the locking device  16  to block the relative displacement of the first portion  12  in relation to the second portion  14  in the direction X, the retraction mechanism  18  must be in a state where the first head  12 B is not visible. In this example, this allows the displacement of the first portion  12  in relation to the second portion  14  to be blocked when, considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is above the second distal extremity  14 A, only if the second head  14 B is protruding. Actually, it is only if the second head  14 B is protruding that it is usable, and its use risks inadvertently activating the retraction mechanism  18 , which is prevented thanks to the locking device  16 . Of course, if the retraction mechanism  18  is in a state where the first head  12 B is protruding and, considered in the direction of gravity G, the first distal end  12 A is above the second distal end  14 A, the retraction mechanism  18  can be actuated such that the first head  12 B is not visible and the second head  14 B protrudes, the locking device  16  then blocking, thanks to the displacement of the ball  16 A by gravity, the relative displacement in the axial direction X between the first portion  12  and the second portion  14  when the retraction mechanism  18  moves into a state where the first head  12 B is not visible (and thus where the second head  14 B is protruding). 
       FIG. 5  represents a first variant  10 ′ of the manual device  10 . In this manual device  10 ′, the shapes of the first portion  12 ′, of the second portion  14 ′, and of the button  18 A′ are different from the first and second portions  12  and  14  and of the button  18 A of the manual device  10 . However, from a functional standpoint, these modifications have only a limited impact. In fact, the primary difference from the manual device  10  is that the shoulder  12 C 1 ′ of the device  10 ′ is formed by an edge of the distal end  12 D′ of the first portion  12 ′ opposite the first distal end  12 ′ in the axial direction X, and not by an edge of a window as in manual device  10 . This allows, for example, the projection  14 D 2  to be manually disengaged from the shoulder  12 C 1 ′. Furthermore, the shoulder  12 C 1 ′ has a beveled section complementary to the beveled section  14 D 21  of the catch  14 D. Moreover, it is noted that the retraction mechanism  18 ′ comprises a piston  18 B′ that is distinct from the button  18 A′. Of course, the device  10 ′ works in a way absolutely similar to the device  10 . 
       FIG. 6  represents a second variant  10 ″ of the manual device  10  from  FIG. 1 . The manual device  10 ″ is similar to the manual device  10  from  FIG. 2  and notably has the same locking device  16 . The manual device  10 ″ only differs from the manual device  10  in that the first head  12 B″ is a nib held by a nib-advancing mechanism  15  rather than a ballpoint that can be hidden. Thus, the second portion  14  of the manual device  10 ″ engages axially with a nib reservoir  15 B that extends axially up to the clamps  15 A of the nib-advancing mechanism  15 . In this example, the second portion  14  engages axially with the nib reservoir  15 B by means of a lateral button  18 A″. This lateral button  18 A″ is coupled with the second portion through a snapping mechanism and serves to activate the nib-advancing mechanism  15 . Of course, nib-advancing mechanism  15  can also be activated via the second head  14 B″, in this example a pencil eraser. According to a non-represented variant, the lateral button  18 A″ and the second portion  14  form one and the same piece. According to yet another non-represented variant, the first variant  10 ′ is provided with a nib held by a nib-advancing mechanism similar to the one from the second variant  10 ″. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes can be made on these examples without transcending the general scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. In particular, individual characteristics of the different embodiments illustrated/mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Consequently, the description and the drawings should be considered in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive one.