Abstract:
A writing instrument carrying system includes: a number of writing instruments and a carrying component with a flexible base to be adorned about a human torso and sequential, elongated receiving quivers, for holding a plurality of writing instruments, one in each. The quivers have a central axis along its elongated dimension and a largest cross section measured at a right angle to the central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application has no related applications at this time. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    a. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to a system for carrying writing instruments, and particularly writing instruments wherein they are in sets, such as having different colors or features, e. g., crayons, chalks, markers and the like. The system includes a carrying component and a plurality of writing instruments wherein each one is individually secured and separated from the others. Further, the carrying component is preferably worn, as a belt or sash, especially as a sash, to create three disparate objectives simultaneously- first, the system is a playful item, like a superhero cape or a cowboy hat, and can be integrated with the use of a costume or other attire, as desired; second, the system presents a logical organized fashion of storing and carrying a plurality of writing instruments wherein any one may be removed, used and returned without disturbing , removing or changing the order of the other writing instruments on the carrying component; and, third, the system offers a hands free means for transporting the writing instruments on the person, i.e., worn by the user. 
         [0004]    b. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention: 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,960 B1 describes a writing implement holder apparatus that includes a flexible planar base which includes a top base end and a bottom base end. A plurality of writing implement receivers is attached to the bottom base end, wherein each of the writing implement receivers includes a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the base. A flexible flap is connected to the top base end. A first lock member is connected to the flap, and a second lock member is connected to the base. The first lock member is a snap, and the second lock member is a snap receiver. The writing implement is a felt tip marker. With a second embodiment of the invention, a first base attachment connector is connected to a front base surface at a first base side end, and a second base attachment connector is connected to a rear base surface at a second base side end. The first base attachment connector is a first hook-and-loop connector, and the second base attachment connector is a second hoop-and-loop connector. When the first hook-and-loop connector and the second hoop-and-loop connector are connected together, the second embodiment of the invention stands vertically on a horizontal surface. Each of the writing implement receivers includes an implement reception well which is complimentary to a tip portion of a writing implement. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,584 describes a belt for storing elongated articles and a method for forming the same. The belt attaches to a planar surface or to a power tool, and includes a pad sewn to a strap. The pad includes a two-ply hook-and-loop fastener and an elastic member. The elastic member urges the two hook-and-loop plies into engagement, and the elongated article can be stored between the two hook-and-loop plies. The elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply are gathered relative to the second hook-and-loop ply. The method includes laterally sewing the elastic member to the first hook-and-loop ply, cutting the first hook-and-loop ply, stretching the elastic member, longitudinally sewing the elastic member to the first hook-and-loop ply while the former is stretched, laterally sewing the elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply to the second hook-and-loop ply to form the pad, and sewing the pad to the strap to form the belt. The longitudinal sewing gathers the elastic member and the first hook-and-loop ply into a plurality of sleeves, which store elongated items. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,811 teaches embodiments of a crayon organizer that may be used to store, organize, and dispense crayons, chalks, or similar articles. The crayon organizer has a cylindrical cover with an open slot through which one crayon, chalk, or similar article may be removed at a time from the organizer. The crayons, chalks, or similar articles are placed inside vertical holes in a base which fits inside the cover. The crayon organizer has a lock out mechanism which prevents another crayon, chalk, or similar item from being withdrawn from the organizer until the first one removed is returned. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,374 shows an air operated apparatus for successively launching a plurality of projectiles. The apparatus employ novel constructions for multi-projectile magazines wherein projectiles may be launched from either the inner passageways of a plurality of barrels, or from the exteriors of the barrels. The magazines are designed for economical production as a molded unit. The apparatus are adapted so that an air pump may be cocked and the magazine advanced in a single operation through the use of a hand drawn slide mechanism. The invention further provides novel mechanisms for intermittent sealing of an air pump discharge port with successively selected projectile launching barrels on the magazine. An ammo belt is mentioned in the disclosure. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,156 describes an air operated toy gun for successively launching a plurality of projectiles. Said gun utilizes a movable air nozzle for successive engagement with a plurality of projectile launching barrels. The gun may be used with darts or other projectiles adapted to form a seal with the launching barrels. An ammo belt is mentioned in the disclosure. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,707 teaches a book-like receptacle having a plurality of clear cylinders for holding crayons on opposing book surfaces. Opposing cylinders are aligned in registry to lock the book in the closed position. A sleeve in the rear cover of the book enables the user to secure a coloring book to the receptacle. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,446 shows a color marker container that has a wall with holes separated by twice the marker diameter, into which the markers may be inserted, the wall around each hole being colored the same as one of the markers, the names of the colors being imprinted on the wall near the openings. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. Des. 298,264 shows a design for a crayon holder. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. Des. 290,854 shows a design for a crayon holder. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. Des. 290,853 shows a design for a crayon holder. 
         [0016]    United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0018480 A1 discloses a utility pouch and attachments to carry school supplies or to a work place around the waist. The art of this new invention will minimize looking in back packs for certain school supplies or not enough storage spaces at work to place them when these supplies are ready and available in separate attachments around the waist. 
         [0017]    United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0083796 A1 teaches wearable tool carrying systems. A main body is configured for mounting thereupon one or more items and includes a first attachment medium for attaching to a first location along a human body. A second attachment medium attaches to a second location which corresponds to at least a portion of a human leg. The main body, first attachment medium and second attachment medium are configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement. 
         [0018]    United States Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0222258 A1 shows a container apparatus is including a body and a receptacle having a hard shell or wall designed to protect objects placed inside the receptacle from contact with other objects. The apparatus are especially will suited for holding paintball refills or reloaders. 
         [0019]    Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0020]    The present invention is a writing instrument carrying system that includes a flexible base that may be a continuous loop or a non-continuous loop with opposing attachable/detachable ends. 
         [0021]    In some preferred embodiments, the present invention writing instrument carrying system includes: a) a carrying component, the carrying component including a continuous loop flexible base adapted to be adorned about a human torso, and a plurality of sequential, elongated receiving quivers, being at least eight receiving quivers, adapted to receive a plurality of writing instruments, each of the plurality of receiving quivers having a central axis along its elongated dimension and having a largest cross section measured at a right angle to the central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein; and b) the plurality of writing instruments, each having a predetermined maximum width, one of each being inserted into and secured in one of the plurality of receiving quivers of the carrying component. 
         [0022]    In some other preferred embodiments, the present invention writing instrument carrying system includes: a) a carrying component, the carrying component including a non-continuous loop flexible base having a first end and a second end and having an attachment mechanism connected to at least one of the first end and the second end for attachment of the first end to the second end, the flexible base being adapted to be adorned about a human torso, and a plurality of sequential, elongated receiving quivers, being at least eight receiving quivers, adapted to receive a plurality of writing instruments, each of the plurality of receiving quivers having a central axis along its elongated dimension and having a largest cross section measured at a right angle to the central axis that is at least 20% greater than a maximum width of a writing instrument contained therein; and b) the plurality of writing instruments, each having a predetermined maximum width, one of each being inserted into and secured in one of the plurality of receiving quivers of the carrying component. 
         [0023]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the flexible base is selected from the group consisting of flexible woven synthetic material, flexible unwoven material, flexible cloth and combinations thereof. More preferred flexible bases are flexible cloths selected from the group consisting of cotton and cotton blends. 
         [0024]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the plurality of receiving quivers have open tops and one of closed bottoms and open bottoms. Each type of quiver has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, the open bottom quiver is easier to fabricate, whereas the closed bottom quiver prevents accidental push through or over extension of the writing instrument. The optimal snugness for the instruments has surprisingly been found to be when the quiver is at least 20% larger than the writing instrument, partly because the flexible materials of construction do not form perfect circles and the flattened fabric creates something like an oval from a top view. 
         [0025]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the receiving quivers are connected to one another have front portions that are sequential segments of a flexible strip having a first end and a second end and attached to the flexible base in a fixed pattern. In some of these embodiments, the flexible strip and the flexible base are attached to one another with a fixed pattern of stitching. 
         [0026]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the writing instruments are selected from the group consisting of crayons, chalk and markers. 
         [0027]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the system further includes at least one pouch connected to the flexible base. This pouch or pocket may be used to carry a small pad, coloring or drawing templates and other items that may be useful to the user. 
         [0028]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the flexible base is a sash with a top perimeter and a bottom perimeter, wherein the bottom perimeter has a greater length than the top perimeter, thereby establishing a horizontal shoulder rest and a vertical side rest when worn on a torso. This applies to both open ended and closed loop flexible bases. 
         [0029]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention writing instrument carrying system, the flexible base is open ended and the attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of clasp, button, buckle, snap and hook and loop. In some of the preferred embodiments of the open ended flexible base, the attachment mechanism has a plurality of connection locations to permit adjustment of length of the flexible base. 
         [0030]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention writing instrument carrying system utilizing a continuous loop flexible base; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the present invention writing instrument carrying system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a different embodiment present invention open-ended (non-continuous loop) writing instrument carrying system with a hook and loop attachment mechanism; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system of type shown in  FIG. 1 , except that it has ends at specified angles to create a more comfortable, sash-like configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a back, partial view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with an adjustable length buckle attachment mechanism, shown buckled; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with a hook and loop attachment mechanism, shown open (unattached); 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with an adjustable button and button hole attachment mechanism, shown unbuttoned; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the open loop type with an adjustable snap attachment mechanism, shown open (unsnapped); 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a front, view of a partial human upper portion and another present invention writing instrument carrying system of the  FIG. 4  type continuous loop sash, but with vertical quivers (instead of angled when worn) and with a pocket for storage of other items (e.g., small pad of paper or coloring templates); 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is an oblique view of a present invention closed bottom quiver; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is an oblique view of a present invention open bottom quiver. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    The present invention is a system for carrying writing instruments, and particularly writing instruments wherein they are in sets, such as having different colors or features, e.g., crayons, chalks, markers and the like. The system includes a carrying component and a plurality of writing instruments wherein each one is individually secured and separated from the others. Further, the carrying component is preferably worn, as a sling, belt or sash, especially as a sash, and may be used by people of all ages. Further, it is a playful item that may be particularly enjoyed by children. 
         [0044]    Additionally, the present invention system is a device with writing instruments that presents a logical organized fashion of storing and carrying the plurality of writing instruments wherein any one may be removed, used and returned without disturbing, removing or changing the order of the other writing instruments on the carrying component. Also, the system offers a hands free means for transporting the writing instruments on the person, i.e., worn by the user. It is easily adorned and removed, even for relatively young children and, in some embodiments, may be laundered or sterilized to reduce germs. It also a great way to roll up the writing instruments and to protect them, such as for vacation or camping travels. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the main base may be numbered, alphabetized or otherwise coded, e.g., color coded, as a teaching device to train young children to put things back in their proper place. This installs organization abilities in children. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention writing instrument carrying system  10 . It includes a continuous loop flexible base  3 , the flexible base  3  having a front  5  and a back  7 . Located on front  5  is a continuous series of quivers, such as quivers  9  and  11 , which may have open or closed bottoms, but in this embodiment have open bottoms. Crayons or other writing instruments, such as crayons  13  and  15  are individually inserted into the quivers for storage, and may be extended through the quivers, as shown, or not. The quivers are pre-formed and attached to the flexible base  3 , as with heat glue or stitching, or are formed in place. For example the quivers  9 ,  11 , etc. may be made from a strip of cloth and sequentially gathered into arc of the desired size and affixed. They may be affixed by glue, rivet, stitching or any other technique. For example, in  FIG. 1 , threads  17  and  19  represent attachment by stitching between each quiver, i.e., in a fixed pattern. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the present invention writing instrument carrying system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Identical parts are identically numbered and are not repeated individually here. As can be seen from the top view, this smooth inside continuous loop flexible base may be comfortably worn over a shoulder, across a torso (shoulder to opposite hip), over a back pack or otherwise and may be rolled for packing in a suitcase or other travel device. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a different embodiment present invention open-ended (non-continuous loop) writing instrument carrying system  20 . It has an open ended flexible base  23  with a front  25  and back  27 . It has a first end  35  and a second end  37 , which have complementary aspects of a hook and loop attachment mechanism  39 . The hook and loop attachment mechanism  39  may have an extended strip of either hooks or loops to allow for different attachment positions to create a longer or shorter loop when closed to accommodate larger and smaller users, e.g., younger children and older children. As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , there is a sequence of quivers, such as quiver  29 , that receive writing instruments such as marker  33 . The quivers may be individual tubes, a series of unistructurally formed tubes, or half tubes formed by attaching a flexible or formed strip (flexible, molded plastic) material to the base. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system  40  of type shown in  FIG. 1 , except that it has ends at specified angles to create a more comfortable, sash-like configuration. Thus, the flexible base  45  has a top edge  47  and a bottom edge  49  such that the bottom edge  49  is longer than the top edge  47  such that ends  57  and  59  are at approximately right angles to one another so that one may rest upon a shoulder horizontally and the other on an opposing side or hip vertically. As a result, ends  57  and  59  form acute angles such as angles y1 and y2, which may be the same or different and may total about 70 to 110 degrees, rendering the present invention more accommodating to the human torso than if the ends  57  and  59  were at right angles to edges  47  and  49 . This preferred arrangement angled ends may be used with continuous loop bases and open ended bases. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a back, partial view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system  60  of the open loop type with an adjustable length buckle attachment mechanism, shown buckled. It includes belt buckle holes such as hole  67  on first end  63  of open ended flexible base  61 , and with latch  69  and guide  71  on opposite end  65 . It may include 5 or 6 or more buckle holes to afford sufficient adjustability for most users. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a back, partial view of a present invention writing instrument carrying system  80  of the open loop type with a hook and loop attachment mechanism, shown open. It includes a flexible base  81  with a first end  83  and a second end  85 , having loops  89  and hooks  87 , respectively, for a Velcro type attachment. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system  90  of the open loop type with an adjustable buttons, such as button  97  and button holes, such as button hole  93 , located on flexible base opposing ends  91  and  95 , respectively. It is shown unbuttoned and has different lengths at which to make the attachment. 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is a back, partial view of another present invention writing instrument carrying system  100  of the open loop type with an adjustable snap attachment mechanism, shown open (unsnapped). The flexible base ends  101  and  105  have male and female snap components  103  and  107 , respectively. 
         [0054]    It is understood that the preceding  FIGS. 5 through 8  are partial views, which are back views of the present invention carrier system and the sequential quivers are on a section of the flexible bases that are cut or removed from these Figures. 
         [0055]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a partial human upper portion  210 , such as a child, and a carrying system  200  present invention writing instrument carrying system of the  FIG. 4  type sash, but with vertical quivers, e. g., quivers  207  and  209  (instead of angled when worn) and with a pocket  213  for storage of other items (e. g., small pad of paper or coloring templates). Thus, carrying system  200  has a flexible base  201  with angled ends or folds  203  and  205  and vertical quivers  207  and  209 , etc. as shown. The quivers contain individual writing instruments that may be pens, pencils, crayons, chalk, markers, or others, or combinations thereof. 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  is an oblique view of a present invention closed bottom quiver  230  that has a sidewall  231 , an open top  233  and an open bottom  235 . This is a stylized presentation of the quiver and it should be understood that in many embodiments the sidewall may be, in part, comprised of the flexible base material. This likewise applies to  FIG. 11  below. 
         [0057]      FIG. 11  is an oblique view of a present invention open bottom quiver  240 , with a sidewall  241 , an open top  243  and a closed bottom  235 . 
         [0058]    Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.