IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS
Year: 1882

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the
County of Middlesex Gentleman for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS Communicated to him from abroad by Joseph
Reckendorfer of the City County and State of New York in the United
States of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th September 1882.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman "IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS" a communication
to me from. abroad by Joseph Reckendorfer of the City County and State of New
York in the United States of America
. The first portion of these improvements relates to means which I will turn a
check or stop-guage whereby the lead when released from control of the lead
clamping or grasping mechanism shall be prevented from dropping from the case
or sheath beyond a definite predetermined distance.
The improvement is applicable to all froms of lead and crayon holders in which
the lead when released is free to drop from the pencil case so as to protrude
therefrom further than is desirable or necessary for writing purposes and it may be
carried into effect in many ways as hereinafter indicated
One arrangement for the purpose consists as follows.
The lead clamp consists of spring expanding jaws carried by a longitudinally
movable tube on the rear end of which is a flange between which and the rear of
the sheath is confined a retracting spring The extent to which the tube can be
retracted is limited by a tip and washer or stop
Within the longitudinally
moving tube is a second sliding tube which extends beyond the rear end of the
first named tube and is surmounted by a cap between which and the aforesaid
flange is confined a second spring The first named spring is considerably stiffer
than second spring in consequence of which the said second spring when the
Price 871

page_text: cap is pressed forward will be fully compressed before the other spring begins to
be compressed-The result being that when the cap is pressed the second or inner
tube will first move forward a certain distance and then the two tubes will move
forward together When pressure is removed from the cap the stiffer spring reacts
first and the tubes move back together until the stop brings up against the washer
or stop and then the reaction of the still compressed lighter spring will draw back
the second or inner tube to its first position To the said inner tube is attached
the check or stop-gauge consisting in this instance of a metallic tongue or strip
which extends through a longitudinal slot in the outer tube and is of such length
that normally its front end reaches out as far as the jaws of the pencil case or
holder The said check or stop-gauge is made of light spring metal bent or curved
inwardly at its outer end and having a set which gives it a tendency at this end
to extend across the path the lead would follow in dropping out from the holder.
The operation is as follows. Suppose the pencil containing a lead to be held in
the air point downwards and that pressure be applied to the cap the first effect
will be to advance the inner tube and consequently the stop gauge the jaws still
clamping the lead Further pressure on the cap compresses the stiffer spring and
now the two tubes and consequently the jaws and stop gauge move forward together
far enough to permit the jaws to release the lead which will drop. until its point
brings up against the stop-gauge Pressure is now removed from the cap The stiff
spring first reacts and draws back both stop gauge and jaws until the jaws are
forced by the tip to close on the lead and then the outer tube being thus rendered
incapable of further rearward movement the lighter spring retracts the stop-gauge
tongue to its original position-The tongue of the stop-gauge being light and flexible
easily rides past the lead.
By a modification the stop-gauge can be given a lateral movement by which
when it moves back after gauging the lead it cau simultaneously move outwardly
so as to be removed from contact with the lead The tongue for this purpose is
provided with a cam-like projection to act in conjunction with a bridge on the
tip or nozzle. The stop gauge projects through a slot in the tip and as it moves
back and forth its cam riding over the said bridge will act to through the gauge
out of contact with the lead
In lieu of one tongue two or more tongues can be employed being carried by
the inner tube The construction of the holder in other respects is the same
The two tongues normally stand apart and are pressed together at or near the
conclusion of their forward movement by swells on them which come in contact
with the contracted part of tip.
In lieu of using a separate tongue or strip as a stop gauge the lead clamp or
grasping device can be made to serve this purpose.
The lead clamp or grasping device in this instance consists of jaws carried by the
lead tube they normally stand apart and when the lead tube is retracted are
caused to close together by the pressure of the tip upon their swells or inclines
Upon the jaws or jaw stems in rear of the first set of swells or inclines is a second
set separated from the first by an interval corresponding to the extent to which the
point of the lead should protrude and the range of movement of the lead tube is
such that it can be pressed forward far enough to bring the second set of swells
against the contracted portion of tip. The result is that when the lead tube is
pushed forward the jaws as soon as their first set of swells quit the tip expand and
thus remain until they are again closed by the bringing up of the second set of
swells against the tip When the parts are in this position the lead can drop from
the sheath until it brings up against the jaws which thus act as a stop-gauge.
When pressure is removed from the cap the retracting spring will draw back the
tube, during this movement the jaws will first expand as the second set of swells
retire from the contracted part of the tip thus having no injurious contact with
the lead during their rearward movement and will then close upon and grasp the
lead when their first set of swells are drawn up against the tip.
A detent or retaining device is provided to hold or serve as a check on the lead

page_text: during the movement of the jaws. One convenient form of such a device is a
spring pad or finger attached to the sheath and bearing at its free end upon the
lead through a longitudinal slot in the lead tube This finger or pad bears with
yielding pressure on the lead except when lifted therefrom by the action of a cam
or rise on the lead tube which is so positioned that it will when the tube is pushed
forward be brought in contact with and lift the detent from the lead at the time
the jaws have been closed sufficiently by the second set of swells to intercept the
lead as it drops. The instant the jaws move back the rise recedes from the detent
and the latter at once bears upon and holds the lead in its advanced position
until the jaws can again close on the lead By pushing the lead tube forward far
enough and holding the pencil point uppermost the lead will drop back into the
sheath as in the ordinary "automatic
In lieu of employing a tongue or tongues which protrude beyond the tip of the
ferrule a check ring or clasp encircling the lead can be employed and adapted to
operate in connection with a stop or shoulder on or in the sheath to limit the drop
of the lead from the pencil.
In this case the lead tube has slots formed in it through which the lead can be
reached.
Loosely encircling the tube is a ring provided with spring fingers which enters
the slots in the lead tube and clasp the lead between them with slight pressure.
The ring is free to travel as far as permitted by the fingers which bring up against
one or the other end of the slots when the fingers are at the rear end of the slots
the lead is retracted. When the pencil is being held point downwards--the lead
tube is pushed forward the jaws expand and the check ring together with the lead
drop until the ring brings up against the front end of the slot, in which position
the lead protrudes far enough for writing purposes. As soon as the tube is drawn
back (by the usual retracting spring) the jaws close on the lead and the pencil is
ready for use.
According to a modified arrangement of the check ring or clasp the clasp is
permitted to be readily and conveniently released from the lead and opened so as
to leave a free and unobstructed passage for the lead into or out from the lead tube
thus allowing a lead to be introduced into or withdrawn from the holder without
difficulty.
The check ring is provided with spring fingers for clasping the lead, it is
also provided with a laterally projecting flange or its equivalent, which by
bringing up against a shoulder or stop on the inside of the tip prevents
movement beyond that point of the check ring. The operation of the parts is as
follows. When the lead is wholly inside the sheath the clasp is in the rear part of
the tip.
When the lead tube is pushed forward sufficiently to permit the jaws to open
far enough for the lead to pass, the lead carrying with it the clasp drops, down and
out from the pencil until the flange of the clasp brings up against the shoulder of
the tip. If the lead tube be now permitted to move back its jaws will close on the
lead and the pencil is ready for use. If on the other hand it be desired to expand
the clasp so as to remove it from the lead, the lead tube must be pushed far enough
forward to bring inclines at the rear ends of the slots in the lead tube under and in
contact with the spring fingers which latter will by this means be lifted from the
lead. The lead now is entirely free and can be removed and replaced without
difficulty-Any suitable lifting device for the spring fingers can be used instead
of the devices hereinbefore described this being determined by the particular kind
of lead clamping or grasping contrivance employed and the kind of mechanism
employed to operate that contrivance for the purpose of releasing the lead.
The second portion of these improvements relates to means whereby the lead
which protrudes from the point or tip of the bolder can be covered and protected
when the pencil is not in use. It is characterized by the combination in one
instrument of a pencil, a point protecting sleeve (these two elements being
longitudinally moveable with reference to one another) a spring which tends to

page_text: move them lengthwise in opposite directions and a lock or latch by which they will
be held in the position to which they may be moved by hand against the stress of
the Spring.
A point protecting sleeve is provided surrounding and moveable lengthwise with
reference to the sheath of the pencil or crayon holder.
The said Sleeve contains a comparatively light spring which is confined between
a shoulder on the sleeve and a flange on the sheath, the position in which the point
of the pencil is covered by the sleeve.
To uncover the point, the pencil case is pushed forward against the stress of the
said spring into a protruding position in which it is maintained by a lock or latch
which may consist of a rounded knob or button on the end of a spring strip
attached to the sheath of the case, the said knob engaging in a hole in the sleeve.
The said knob can be depressed like a thumb button whenever it is desired to
unlock the parts from this position. In order to prevent the button from getting
out of line with the hole, a portion of the sleeve is made of a polygonal cross
section, and that portion of the sheath which plays.there-through is made of
corresponding external form. Other means for accomplishing the purpose can be
used. Automatic or other kinds of pencils may be combined with the point
protecting sleeve.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
14th March 1883.
61
"
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman 'IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAD AND CRAYON HOLDERS a communication
to me from abroad by Joseph Reckendorfer of the City, County, and State of New
York in the United States of America
The first portion of these improvements relates to means which I will term a
check or stop-gauge whereby the lead when released from control of the lead
clamping or grasping mechanism shall be prevented from dropping from the case
or sheath beyond a definite predetermined distance.
The improvement is applicable to all forms of lead and crayon holders in which
the lead when released is free to drop from the pencil case so as to protrude there-
from further than is desirable or necessary for writing purposes and it may be
carried into effect in many ways as hereinafter indicated.
One arrangement for the purpose is shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive of the
accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a side elevation partly in section of a lead and crayon holder with
the parts in the position which they assume when the stop gauge alone is projected
from the sheath.
Figure 2 is a like view with both the jaws, and the gauge projected from the
sheath.
Figure 3 is a like view with the parts in the position they assume after the jaws
have closed on the lead and before the stop-gauge is withdrawn.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the holder with the parts in the position
they occupy when the lead projects and is ready for use.
Figure 5 is a sectional side elevation of the front part of the holder at right
angles to the plane of section in Figure 4.
g
The pencil shown in the drawing is of the kind known as the "automatic." A
is the sheath and a is its tip. The lead clamp consists of spring expanding jaws b
carried by the longitudinally movable tube B. on the rear end of which is a flange c
between which and the rear of the sheath is confined a retracting spring d. The
extent to which the tube can be retracted is limited by the tip e and washer or
stop f. Within the tube B is a sliding tube C which extends beyond the rear end
of the tube B and is surmounted by a cap D between which and the flange c is
confined a spring g. The spring d is considerably stiffer than the spring 9 in con-
sequence of which the spring g when the cap D is pressed forward will be fully
compressed before the spring d begins to be compressed-the result being that
when the cap is pressed the tube C will first move forward a certain distance and
then the two tubes B. C. will move forward together. When pressure is removed
from the cap D the stiffer spring d reacts first and the tubes B C move back
together until the stop e comes up against the washer or stop f; and then the
reaction of the still compressed lighter spring g will draw back the tube C to its
first position.. To the inner tube C is attached the check or stop gauge consisting
in this instance of a metallic tongue or strip h which extends through a longitu-
dinal slot in the tube B and is of such length that normally its front end reaches
out as far as the jaws b. It is made of light spring metal, bent or curved inwardly
at its outer end and having a set which gives it a tendency at this end to extend.
across the path the lead would follow in dropping out from the holder.
The operation is as follows: Suppose the pencil containing a lead to be held

page_text: in the air point downwards, and that pressure be applied to the cap D. The first
effect will be to advance the tube Cand consequently the stop-gauge to the position
shown in Figure 1 the jaws b still clamping the lead x. Further pressure on the
cap compresses the stiffer spring d, and now the two tubes B C and consequently
the jaws and stop gauge move forward together far enough to permit the jaws to
release the lead which will drop until its point comes up against the stop gauge as
indicated in Figure 2. Pressure is now removed from the cap D. The stiff spring d
first reacts and draws back both stop gauge and jaws until the jaws are forced by
the tip a to close on the lead as shown in Figure 3; and then the tube B being
thus rendered incapable of further rearward movement, the lighter spring 9 retracts
the stop gauge tongue to its original position as indicated in Figure 4. The tongue h
being light and flexible easily rides past the lead.
By the modification illustrated in section Figure 6 the stop gauge can be
given a lateral movement by which when it moves back after gauging the lead,
it can simultaneously move outwardly so as to be removed from contact with
the lead. The tongue for this purpose is provided with a cam-like projection i to
act in conjunction with a bridge on the tip or nozzle a. The stop-gauge projects
through a slot k in the tip and as it moves back and forth its cam i riding over j
will act to throw the gauge out of contact with the lead.
In lieu of one tongue h two or more tongues can be employed. This modifica-
tion is represented in longitudinal section in Figures 7 and 8 and in elevation in
Figure 9. In the holder represented in these Figures the tube C carries two
tongues placed diametrically opposite to one another. The construction of the
holder in other respects is the same the lettered parts in these Figures being
substantially the same as like lettered parts in the figures already described.
The two tongues normally stand apart and are pressed together at or near the
conclusion of their forward movement by swells h¹ on them which come in contact
with the contracted part of the tip a.
.:
In lieu of using a separate tongue or strip as a stop gauge the lead clamp or
grasping device can be made to serve this purpose. This modification is represented
in sectional elevation Figures 10 to 12 inclusive.
A is the sheath and a is its tip. B is the longitudinally moving lead containing
tube. The lead clamp or grasping device in this instance consists of jaws 6 carried
by the tube B; they normally stand apart and when the lead tube is retracted are
caused to close together by the pressure of the tip a upon their swells or inclines b¹.
C is the pressure cap, and D the retracting spring. These parts in so far as they
co-operate for the purpose of grasping and releasing the lead do not differ materially
from the "automatic" pencil. Upon the jaws or jaw stems, in rear of the first set
of swells or inclines b¹ is a second set 62 separated from the first by an interval
corresponding to the extent to which the point of the lead should protrude; and
the range of movement of the tube B is such that it can be pressed forward far
enough to bring the swells 63 against the contracted portion of the tip a. The
result is that when the tube B is pushed forward the jaws as soon as their swells 6'
quit the tip a expand and thus remain until they are again closed by the bringing
up of the second set of swells 63 against the tip as indicated in Figure 11.
When
the parts are in this position the lead can drop from the sheath until it comes up
against the jaws which thus act as a stop-gauge. When pressure is removed from
the cap the retracting spring will draw back the tube; during this movement the
jaws will first expand as the swells 62 retire from the contracted part of the tip,
thus having no injurious contact with the lead during their rearward movement,
and will then close upon and grasp the lead when their swells 6¹ are drawn up
against the tip a indicated in Figure 12.
A detent or retaining device is provided to hold or serve as a check on the lead
during the movement of the jaws. One convenient form of such a device is a
spring detent pad or finger c attached to the sheath and bearing at its free end
upon the lead through a longitudinal slot in the tube B. This finger or pad bears
with yielding pressure on the lead except when lifted therefrom by the action of a

page_text: cam or rise e on the tube B which is so positioned that it will when the tube is
pushed forward be brought in contact with and lift the detent c from the lead at
the time the jaws have been closed sufficiently by the swells 62 to intercept the lead
as it drops as indicated in Figure 11. The instant the jaws move back the rise e
recedes from the detent and the latter at once bears upon and holds the lead in its
advanced position until the jaws can again close on the lead. By pushing the lead
tube forward far enough and holding the pencil point uppermost the lead will drop
back into the sheath as in the ordinary "automatic."
In lieu of employing a tongue or tongues which protrude beyond the tip of the
ferrule a check ring or clasp encircling the lead can be employed and adapted to
operate in connection with a stop or shoulder on or in the sheath to limit the drop
of the lead from the pencil. Such a modification is represented in Figures 13
and 14. Figure 13 being an-elevation of the front portion of the holder with the
tip cut away and Figure 14 a longitudinal section in a plane at right angles to the
plane of elevation.
A a are the sheath and tip and Bb are the longitudinally moveable lead tube and
grasping jaws of an "Automatic" lead or crayon holder. It has not been deemed
necessary to represent the pressure cap and retracting spring which also form part
of such a holder.
The lead tube B has slots c formed in it through which the lead can be
reached.
.
Loosely encircling the tube is a ring d provided with spring fingers e which
enter the slots c and clasp the lead between them with slight pressure. The ring is
free to travel so far as permitted by the fingers which come up against one or the
other end of the slots c; when the fingers are at the rear end of the slots the lead
is retracted as indicated in Figure 13. When the pencil is being held point down-
wards the tube B is pushed forward the jaws b expand and the check ring together
with the lead drop until the ring comes up against the front end of the slot as
indicated in Figure 14 in which position the lead protrudes far enough for writing
purposes. As soon as the tube is drawn back (by the usual retracting spring) the
jaws close on the lead and the pencil is ready for use.
In Figures 15, 16 and 17 is represented a modified arrangement of the check
ring or clasp which permits the clasp to be readily and conveniently released from
the lead and opened so as to leave a free and unobstructed passage for the lead into
or out from the lead tube, thus allowing a lead to be introduced into or withdrawn
from the holder without difficulty. The check ring d is provided with spring
fingers e for clasping the lead; it is also provided with a laterally projecting.
flange for its equivalent which by coming up against a shoulder or stop g on the
inside of the tip a prevents movement beyond that point of the check ring. The
operation of the parts is as follows:-When the lead is wholly inside the sheath
the parts are in the position shown in Figure 15 the clasp being in the rear part of
the tip. When the tube B is pushed forward sufficiently to permit the jaws to
open far enough for the lead to pass, the lead, carrying with it the clasp, drops
down and out from the pencil until the flange f of the clasp comes up against the
shoulder g of the tip as indicated in Figure 16. If the lead tube be now permitted
to move back its jaws b will close on the lead and the pencil is ready for use.
on the other hand, it be desired to expand the clasp so as to remove it from the
lead the lead tube must be pushed far enough forward to bring the inclines c¹ at
the rear ends of the slots c under and in contact with the spring fingers e, which
latter, as indicated in Figure 17 will, by this means, be lifted from the lead. The
lead now is entirely free and can be removed and replaced without difficulty. Any
suitable lifting device for the spring fingers can be used instead of the devices c¹,
this being determined by the particular kind of lead clamping or grasping
contrivance employed and the kind of mechanism employed to operate that con-
trivance for the purpose of releasing the lead.
If
The second portion of these improvements relates to means whereby the lead
which protrudes from the point or tip of the holder can be covered and protected

page_text: when the pencil is not in use. It is characterized by the combination in one
instrument of a pencil, a point protecting sleeve (these two elements being longi-
tudinally moveable with reference to one another) a spring which tends to move
them lengthwise in opposite directions, and a lock or latch by which they will be
held in the position to which they may be moved by hand against the stress of the
spring.
In Figures 18 to 21 is represented an instrument in which the sleeve, spring, and
lock or latch are combined with an automatic lead and crayon holder.
Figure 18 is an elevation representing the point of the pencil projecting from the
sleeve
Figure 19 is a longitudinal central section of the same.
Figure 20 is a like section representing the pencil point covered.
Figure 21 is a tranverse section through the front portion of the protecting
sleeve.
A a are the tubular sheath and tip; B b are the longitudinally moveable lead
tube and jaws; c is the pressure cap and d the retracting spring. These parts
constitute the pencil proper.
C is the point protecting sleeve surrounding and moveable lengthwise with
reference to the sheath A. The said sleeve contains a comparatively light spring e
which is confined between a shoulder f on the sleeve and a flange g on the sheath
and normally holds the parts in the position shown in Figure 20, where the point
of the pencil is covered by the sleeve.
To uncover the point the pencil case is pushed forward against the stress of the
spring e to the position indicated in Figure 19 in which position it is maintained
by a lock or latch consisting in the present instance of a rounded knob or button h
on the end of a spring strip i or attached to the sheath A and engaging in a hole j in
the sleeve C. The knob h can be depressed-like a thumb-button-whenever it is
desired to unlock the parts from this position. In order to prevent the button from
getting out of line with the hole a portion C' of the sleeve is made of a polygonal
cross section, and that portion A¹ of the sheath which plays therethrough is made
of corresponding external form. Other means for accomplishing the purpose can
be used. Instead of an automatic pencil other kinds of pencils may be combined
in a similar way with the point protecting sleeve.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Invention
and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect I would
observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part recited Letters
Patent is :-
First The combination with the case or sheath and lead clamping and releasing
mechanism of a lead or crayon holder of a stop gauge which limits the extent to
which the loose lead can drop from the pencil substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Second :—In a lead or crayon holder a moveable stop gauge adapted to be projected.
beyond the tip of the holder and when thus projected to extend into or across the
path of the lead at a predetermined distance from the tip so as to limit the extent
to which the lead shall protrude therefrom as hereinbefore described with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
Third-The combination with the automatic holder of a spring controlled stop-
gauge connected with and operated by the pressure cap substantially as herein before
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fourth-A stop-gauge composed of two or more oppositely placed strips or
tongues combined with the lead or crayon holder substantially as hereinbefore
described and illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 inclusive of the accompanying
drawings.
Fifth-A lead or crayon-holder in which the lead grasping device is also
arranged and adapted to operate on a stop-gauge substantially as hereinbefore

page_text: described and illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 inclusive of the accompanying
drawings.
Sixth-In a lead or crayon holder a check ring which clasps and moves with
the lead in combination with a stop or shoulder on or in the holder which operates
in connection with the check ring to prevent the lead from dropping beyond a
predetermined distance substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
Figures 13 to 17 inclusive of the accompanying drawings.
Seventh-The lead clasp or check in combination with the lifting or expanding
contrivance substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 15
to 17 inclusive of the accompanying drawings.
Eighth-The longitudinally moveable point-protecting sleeve in combination
with the pencil the retracting spring and the spring latch or lock substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in Figures 18 to 20 inclusive of the
accompanying drawings.
In witness whereof I the said John Henry Johnson have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of February
One thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
J. HENRY JOHNSON (L.S.)