Abstract:
A writing instrument having a shaft, a writing tip, a coating-liquid reservoir and a support that operably cooperate with each other. The writing tip located at one end of the shaft and the support located near an opposite distal end. The support preferably includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly from the shaft in a use configuration so that when the instrument is in a resting position on a horizontal surface, the legs contact the surface and prop the distal end of the writing instrument upward while the writing tip contacts the surface allowing the writing instrument to be more easily grasped by a user and so as to naturally bias the contents of the liquid reservoir toward the writing tip via gravity, thus allowing the writing instrument to be readily useable.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed to a self-supporting writing instrument having a raised resting or stored position for use in various applications utilizing the distribution of a substance such as ink and the like onto a substrate and especially to such a writing instrument adapted to be used during various coating applications having a fluid reservoir with a writing or marking end at one end and self-supporting legs near the other end that extend or pivot from the stored position to a use position for the purpose of holding and stabilizing the instrument on a horizontal surface and positioning the instrument in an angled-upward direction to allow for ease of grasp by a user and to extend an end of the reservoir opposite the writing end above the writing end in order to provide a natural bias of writing fluid toward the writing end of the instrument via gravity.  
         [0002]     Traditional writing instruments, such as pens and other devices with fluid reservoirs, operate by utilizing a writing fluid, such as ink, that is contained within such a reservoir. The reservoir communicates with the writing end so that, during operation, the writing end discharges the ink onto a substrate. These traditional pens are very popular, but tend to suffer from an inherent limitation. Generally, for proper usage and discharge of the ink onto a substrate or writing surface such as paper, the reservoir must be positioned above the writing end so that the ink is urged by gravity into constant flow-contact with the writing end to prevent a tip on the writing end from becoming dry. Often, the pen has to be shaken initially or held in a vertical alignment for awhile to get the flow of ink started and sometimes the pen has to be shaken again and again as use continues. This is true when the reservoir is positioned below or at the same level as to the writing end and particularly when the reservoir is becoming depleted.  
         [0003]     Another disadvantage of traditional pens is that many do not have pen stands, which is especially likely if the pen is disposable. Pen stands are used to support the pen on a horizontal surface, such as a desk, and are typically purchased with relatively expensive writing instruments for positioning and securing the pen in a fixed location and within easy grasp of a user. Some users desire a pen that does not roll across the table and can be secured allowing the user to easily reach for and grasp the pen. Pen stands are especially convenient for users that are handicapped or are required to wear surgical gloves or the like with both user-types having impaired dexterity preventing easy manipulation (e.g. picking up) of the pen in its traditional horizontal resting position.  
         [0004]     Therefore, it is desirable to provide a writing instrument designed to provide a constant flow of writing fluid to the writing end, to provide such a writing instrument that can be positioned and secured on a horizontal surface with a support that prevents the instrument from rolling off the surface and to provide such a writing instrument that is self-supporting and is angled upward from the tip and facilitates easy grasp by a user.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention is directed to a self-supporting coating or writing instrument that comprises a shaft, a writing end, a writing fluid reservoir and a support for the shaft. The writing instrument or pen is attached to the support in a manner such that when the pen and support are placed on a table between uses, the end of the reservoir opposite a writing tip or end thereof is situated above the writing end, ensuring a constant flow of writing fluid via gravity to the writing end even when the pen is resting on a horizontal surface.  
         [0006]     In some embodiments, the support is fixed in position relative to the writing instrument, but in certain embodiments, the support is in the form of a leg having one end hinged to a dorsal and near a rearward end of the pen with an opposite end of the support capable of pivoting away from the pen in order to alternate from a stored configuration to a use configuration. In the use configuration, the support leg extends or pivots away from the shaft to a preselected angle such as ninety degrees in order to form a support structure, especially a tripod configuration with the writing end. The use configuration allows the pen to be placed on a horizontal surface while the dorsal end is propped upward within easy grasp of the user and the reservoir is extended upwardly above the writing end, thus utilizing gravity to bias the fluid contents of the reservoir toward the writing end of the instrument to provide an instrument that is readily graspable and useable. In such an embodiment, when the writing instrument is in the stored position, the leg pivots to extend alongside and generally parallel to the reservoir and shaft in a low profile alignment. In either configuration, the support is designed to be locked or frictionally secured in a selected angular configuration with respect to the shaft. In each case, the selected position can be modified by simple manual manipulation.  
         [0007]     Further in accordance with the present invention, the support in the use configuration secures and stabilizes the instrument on a horizontal surface acting as a pen stand, thus positioning the instrument in an angled-upward direction from the tip to allow for ease of grasp by a user and to extend the reservoir above the writing end in order to provide a natural bias of liquid toward the writing end of the instrument via gravity.  
         [0008]     An additional feature of the self-contained pen stand is that unlike traditional fixed location pen stands that establish a home for the pen requiring the pen to return to the same place after every use, the present invention allows the pen to be placed upon a horizontal or near-horizontal surface irrespective of where the pen was stored immediately prior to the current use. In other words, the pen stand of the invention is integrated with and travels with the pen allowing the user to stand the pen wherever the user chooses to place the pen, thus providing a highly adaptable pen for use in various situations.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Therefore, the objects in the present invention are: to provide a self-supporting coating or writing instrument that comprises a shaft, a writing end, a writing fluid reservoir and a support that operably cooperate with each other to support an upper end of the writing instrument above the writing end thereof; to provide such a writing instrument having a support with at least one leg provided to prop the instrument upward; to provide such a writing instrument wherein the support has an extendable leg that can be operably extended away from the instrument by manual or mechanical manipulation into a use configuration or folded toward the instrument into a low profile storage configuration; to provide such a writing instrument with a support that is comparatively low profile and which is comparatively light in weight; to provide such a writing instrument with a support that is capable of use with and adaptable to multiple different types of writing instruments; to provide such a writing instrument with a support that is locked, especially by frictional engagement, in position relative to the instrument in both the use configuration and where appropriate, the storage configuration; to provide such a writing instrument with a support that is ergonomic and has as little detrimental effect on the user as possible; to provide such a writing instrument with a support that is integrated with a relatively small profile both in height and width; to provide such a writing instrument that is a self-supporting writing instrument that is lightweight, low profile, easy to use and which is configured in such a manner that in both the use configuration and the storage configuration, when appropriate, the writing instrument is ergonomic so that the additional feature of the support is non-intrusive; to provide such a writing instrument with a support that is inexpensive to provide, easy to use, effective for the intended usage thereof and especially adapted for the intended usage thereof.  
         [0010]     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.  
         [0011]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a writing instrument with a support in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side-elevational view illustrating the writing instrument.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top-plan view illustrating the writing instrument.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front-elevational view illustrating the writing instrument.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a rear-elevational view illustrating the writing instrument.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of a writing instrument according to the present invention having a support shown in a use or supporting configuration.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top-plan view illustrating the second embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration with a portion broken away to show a fluid reservoir.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side-elevational view illustrating the second embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side-elevational view illustrating the second embodiment of the writing instrument in a stored configuration in solid lines and in the use configuration in phantom lines.  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a rear-elevational view illustrating the second embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a front-elevational view illustrating the second embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 , illustrating a hinge and keeper of the second embodiment of the writing instrument with the support in the use configuration.  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of a writing instrument according to the present invention in a use configuration.  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is a top-plan view illustrating the third embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a side-elevational view illustrating the third embodiment of the writing instrument in a stored configuration.  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side-elevational view illustrating the third embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a rear-elevational view illustrating the third embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0029]      FIG. 18  is a front-elevational view illustrating the third embodiment of the writing instrument in the use configuration.  
         [0030]      FIG. 19  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along  19 - 19 , of  FIG. 14 , illustrating a rack and pinion gear system of the third embodiment of the writing instrument with the support in a use configuration.  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along  19 - 19  illustrating the rack and pinion gear system of the third embodiment of the writing instrument with the support in a stored configuration.  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along  21 - 21  of  FIG. 15 , illustrating a rear view of the rack and pinion gear system of the third embodiment of the writing instrument with the support in a stored configuration.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
         [0034]     The reference number  1  generally represents a self-supporting coating or writing instrument in accordance with the present invention and as depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 . The writing instrument  1  primarily consists of an elongated body  2  and a detachable support  5  that are assembled after manufacture allowing for the detachable support  5  to be used with a number of different shaped bodies. The detachable support  5  engages the body  2  at one end of a shaft  8  opposite a writing end  9  near a distal or rear end  10 . The support  5  can be used in combination with a traditional pen clip  11 , as shown and which are well-known in the art, so as to not detract from the operation and use of the clip  11 .  
         [0035]     In the preferred embodiment, the support  5  is constructed of an elongated wire, but it is foreseen that another like material such as plastic can be utilized providing that the material properties include sufficient resiliency and memory to be able to flex and spring around a shaft of a coating instrument and snap back and return to its original configuration at a central C-shaped region sized and shaped to snugly surround the shaft.  
         [0036]     The detachable support has legs  12  extending outward from the C-shaped region  13 . The legs  12  are spaced in relationship with one another and diverge outwardly away from the body  2  to provide a triangular support system to the writing instrument  1 . The C-shaped region  13  is designed to receive various shafts having a common or conventional width that are found among writing instruments  1 , which is approximately ⅜ inches diameter. The C-shaped region  13  is designed to engage the shaft  8  by flexing outward and then snapping around the shaft  8 .  
         [0037]     It is foreseen that a support could utilize a number of designs such as a single relatively wide leg or a single leg with a relatively wide base having a V or U shape. Also foreseen is a support that is connected to a writing instrument cap, which can be selectively placed on either end of a writing instrument shaft having a support that provides sufficient stability for the intended supporting function of the present invention.  
         [0038]     At the lower or distal end of each leg  12  is an outwardly extending foot  14 . Located on ends of each foot  14  are rubber or plastic balls or pads  15  to provide friction on a non-slip surface upon engagement with a horizontal surface or something of the like and to prevent the support  5  from scratching the horizontal surface. While it is foreseen that a number of other materials could be utilized to form the pads  15 , the pads  15  are ideally manufactured by dipping the tips of the legs  12  into liquid polyurethane.  
         [0039]     The writing instrument  1  is especially advantageous for use in applications requiring a plethora of different liquids of various colors, viscosities and textures, along with different marking tips, etc., which require a user to sporadically switch back and forth between the liquids and tips during operation. While archaic instruments, which are designed to be laid flat on a table or the like, would require the user to shake the instrument to bias the liquid toward the marking end of the instrument when use is desired, the present invention provides the user with writing instruments  1  that are readily useable.  
         [0040]     Furthermore, if the user is operating on a surface that is not horizontal, such as an architect&#39;s desk, the present invention provides the user with coating instruments that can be secured in one position, thus preventing undesired migration of the instrument across the surface.  
         [0041]     In a second embodiment as depicted in  FIGS. 6-12 , a hinged, self-supporting writing instrument  101  has an elongated shaft  108  with a marking or writing tip or end  110  at one extremity of the shaft  108 . Within the shaft  108  is a coating or liquid reservoir  109  that flow-communicates with the writing end  110 .  
         [0042]     Opposite the writing end  110  of the shaft  108  near a distal or rear end  112  is a support  115 . In the present embodiment, the support  115  is integrated with or pivotally joined to the shaft  108  during manufacture of the writing instrument  101 . The support  115  has legs  118  joined by a bar  119  having shaft-engagement surface  120 . At the lower or distal end of each leg  118  is an outwardly extending foot  116 . As depicted in  FIG. 12 , the bar  119  is square in cross section and is attached to the distal end  112  of the shaft  108  via a flexible keeper  122 , having an interior surface  123  that is snugly mateable with the keeper  122  when in a relaxed configuration. The keeper  122  is flexible and can be biased to a stretched configuration by applying manual pressure rotational to the support  115 . In this manner, the bar  119  rotates in the keeper  122  between a first stable position seen in  FIG. 9  in solid lines wherein the support  115  is in a non-extended position and a second stable position seen in  FIG. 9  in phantom lines wherein the support  115  is in an extended and supporting position. The keeper  122  springs or flexes outwardly under pressure to allow the support  115  to move between the position described, but returns to snugly cradle the support  115  in a desired position, once that position is obtained. In particular, the keeper  122  allows the legs  118  to pivot away from and alternatively toward the shaft  108  in order to alternate from a stored configuration to a use configuration. In the use configuration, the support legs  118  extend or pivot away from the shaft  108  to a preselected angle such as ninety degrees in order to form a tripod configuration with the coating end  110 .  
         [0043]     It is foreseen that the keeper  122  forming a hinge with the bar  119  could be constructed with a clip that goes around a shaft so that a leg or legs may pivot relative to the shaft. It is also foreseen that the keeper  122  forming a hinge, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , could be located on the opposite side of a shaft so that when converting from a storage to a use configuration, a leg or legs pivot toward and straddle the shaft as opposed to away from the shaft as depicted in  FIG. 9 . In either instance, the clip and/or legs would flex and spring around a shaft and snap back and return to its original configuration or may be more rigid and slide along the shaft from one end thereof into a desired locator. Where resistence is required, the support may be constructed of a material that is sufficiently resilient and has memory.  
         [0044]     In the use configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the writing instrument  101  can be placed on a horizontal surface while the distal end  112  is propped upward within easy grasp of a user and an interior reservoir  109 , located within the shaft  108  as depicted in  FIG. 7 , is extended upwardly above the writing end  110 , thus utilizing gravity to bias the fluid contents of the reservoir  109  toward the marking end  110  of the instrument  101  to provide an instrument  101  that is readily graspable and useable. In the stored position, as depicted in solid lines in  FIG. 9 , the legs  118  pivot to extend alongside and generally parallel to the reservoir  109  and shaft  108  at a preselected angle, such as zero degrees. The present embodiment provides space between the shaft  108  and the legs  118  in order to allow the legs  118  to act as a traditional pen clip. However, it is foreseen that in some embodiments, that a support could be provided that is flush mounted to a shaft with the shaft having an outer surface that corresponds to the support with the support designed to fold outward.  
         [0045]     In either configuration, the writing instrument  101  is designed to provide two stabilized positions at a selected angular configuration with respect to the shaft  108 . While it is foreseen that stabilization can be achieved with a number of designs, the present embodiment utilizes a spring-loaded outward C-shaped member  126  with the interior surface  123  that engages the shaft-engagement surface  119  and is located within the keeper  122 , as depicted in  FIG. 12 . The shaft-engagement surface  119  has a rectangular surface  129  that matingly engages and aligns with a corresponding mating surface  130  of the keeper interior surface  126 . The surfaces  129  and  130  have sufficient resiliency so that the support surface  129  can rotate within the mating surface  130  with the application of force. Specifically, the application of pressure overcomes and biases out the keeper  126  allowing rotation of the shaft-engagement surface  119  and pivoting of the legs  118 . A flex channel  132  is located within the keeper  122 . The bar  119  is initially inserted in the keeper  122  by forcibly spreading opposites sides thereof at the flex channel  132  and urging the bar  119  therethrough.  
         [0046]     A third embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 13-21 , consists of an integrated, writing instrument  201  which is a push-button actuated pen having an elongated shaft  204  and a marking or writing end  205  that is opposite a distal or rear end  206 . The present embodiment has a support  212  near the distal end  206  with legs  213  and a cross bar  214  spacing and connecting the legs  213 . Each of the legs  213  is bent at an elbow  216 , so as to operably space the lower portion of the legs  213  near and parallel but away from the shaft  204  in a stored configuration such as is seen in solid lines in  FIG. 15 . The bar  214  is integrated into and operates cooperatively with a push-button mechanism  215  for the instrument  201 . Specifically, the instrument  201  operates by depressing a button  217  to either extend or retract a writing or marking tip  205 . The present embodiment adds a pinion gear  220  with a center axis  221  within the shaft  204  near the distal end  206 , as depicted in  FIGS. 19-21 , that cooperatively engages the bar  214  of the support  212 . The bar  214  passes through the center axis  221  of the pinion gear  220 . The pinion gear  220  has a toothed outer rim  222  that engages and a rack  225  that is operably located between the push button  217  and a fluid reservoir  226 . As the push button  217  is operated, the rack  225  jogs back and forth toward rear and front within the shaft  204 , which causes the pinion gear  220  to spin. The pinion gear  220  causes the bar  214  to rotate, which causes the legs  213  to pivot back and forth between the stored configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 15 , and a use configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 16 .  
         [0047]     In the use configuration, the writing instrument  201  can be placed on a horizontal surface while the distal end  206  is propped upward within easy grasp of a user and the reservoir  226 , which is located within the shaft  204 , as depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , is located above the writing end  205 , thus utilizing gravity to bias the fluid contents of the reservoir  226  toward the writing end  205  of the instrument  201  so that the instrument  201  is both readily graspable and immediately useable.  
         [0048]     In the stored position, as depicted in  FIG. 15 , the legs  213  pivot so as to extend alongside and parallel to the shaft  204  so that the legs  213  of the support  212  may be used as a traditional pen clip for holding in a pocket or the like. Further, the legs  213  are swept backwards at an angle to provide a traditional pen clip function when the support  212  is in the stored configuration.  
         [0049]     In either configuration, the self-supporting writing instrument  201  is designed to provide two stabilized positions at selected angular locations relative to the shaft  204 .  
         [0050]     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.